[.ca] For The Kids

From Amazon.com:
An all-star cast has joined forces to produce a wonderful CD and, if that weren't exciting enough, a portion of the proceeds will help restore music education in the U.S. public school system through the VHI Save the Music Foundation. Clever new renditions of familiar Muppets and Sesame Street tunes abound, but Semisonic's Dan Wilson, ex-Del Fuego artist Dan Zanes, Toad the Wet Sprocket's Glen Phillips, and Bleu wrote songs for this album, and Tom Waits's lullaby "Bend Down the Branches," originally recorded for a short film, makes its debut on this CD. No offense, Kermit, but the frog's 1979-vintage "The Rainbow Connection" never sounded so sultry as Sarah McLachlan's version here. Another favorite is "The Hoppity Song," a rock & roll ode to Five for Fighting frontman John Ondrasik's son Johnny. Make no mistake--this isn't one of those CDs that is more for adults than kids--songs about hygiene, the alphabet, and crying ("It's All Right to Cry" originally from Marlo Thomas's Free to Be You and Me) are truly "for the kids." That said, adults will enjoy hearing their favorite artists switch gears in this gentle (mostly, not Bleu's energetic "Snow Day!"), upbeat compilation, which combines just the right blend of familiar sing-along songs and exciting new material. The booklet doubles as a foldout coloring book, with illustrations for each song. A fun and noble effort for a fun and noble cause. --Karin Snelson

Not really "for the kids":
If you really want something for your children (2-7 y.o.) then I would look elsewhere (anything by Raffi for example). There are too many styles and tempos on this CD to hold my children's attention - from lullabies (Rainbow Connection) to the albeit fun but completely meaningless (Mahna Mahna). Most of the songs seem like a middle-aged rocker's version of what a children's song should sound like. Which may please the parent, but is not so much fun for my children aged 3 and 6. I would not recommend this CD to anyone who wants to buy music for their kids.

One of the best "family" CD's I've found:
I work at a daycare, so I am inundated with different kinds of "children's" music day-in and day-out. This CD is the one I reach for on the weekend! My 2-year old loves it, and the babies that I work with at school do too. It is fantastic!

Great for adults who are tired of "kiddie music":
This CD is a good antidote for those of us who are sick of hearing the Sesame Street "I've Got a New Way to Walk" song for the millionth time. My 14-month-old loves certain songs on this CD (especially "Hippity Hop" and "Snow Day"), enjoys some of the other songs, and doesn't show much reaction to a few of the songs. The greatest benefit of this CD is that its tolerable to adults, even after repeated listenings. I can't say that about many kiddie CDs (except Ralph's World -- check those out, too!) Good stuff. Recommended.

Fun for everyone!:
This cd brought memories back to both my husband and I, especially with "Over the Rainbow", and it is an absolute hit with our now year and a half old son. The songs are catchy and fun and great to dance to. My only complaint is the "Snowday" song which I feel is a bit too heavy for young children. My husband likes it though.

Best yet for rocking out with a toddler!:
At our house, we run round and round the living room table with Hippity Hop playing at high volumes. This CD is a blast for both kids and parents. It is musically interesting, full of humor and sincerity, and is just plain fun. It makes us all smile - and we have yet to grow tired of it.

• Mahna Mahna- Cake
• La La La La Lemon - Barenaked Ladies
• The Rainbow Connection - Sara McLachlan
• I've Got To Be Clean - Guster
• Wonderwheel - Dan Zanes
• Have a Little Fun - Glen Phillips
• The Hoppity Song - Five For Fighting
• My Flying Saucer - Billy Bragg & Wilco
• It's All Right To Cry - Darius Rucker
• Sing - Ivy
• Bright Eyes - Remy Zero
• Willie The King - Dan Wilson
• Snow Day - Bleu
• Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" - Chantal/Raine Maida
• Good Night Children Everywhere - Sixpence None The Richer
• Bend Down The Branches - Tom Waits