BEETHOVEN'S WIG 3: MANY MORE SING ALONG SYMPHONIES, Richard Perlmutter, Rounder Records, www.beethovenswig.com; ages 7-10.

I love each of the three Beethoven's Wig recordings and BW3 is as creative and hilarious as its predecessors. Here's the premise: lyrics (some pure fun, others with an educational thread) are set to some of the greatest hits of classical music. On BW3 the focus is on individual instruments. One of my favorites, "Elephant from Carnival of the Animals," which spotlights the double bass, is adorned with lyrics and becomes "A Manly Man." (It is also important to point out that 'instrumental only' performances of each musical piece are included.)

Some might say that adding lyrics to these classics marginalizes classical music, but as a parent and music educator, I do not agree. I am always on the lookout for ways to hook young kids on to the great classics.

Fred's take: Certainly has all the Grammy qualities. Be sure to check out all three of Beethoven's Wigs.

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CATCH THAT TRAIN, by Dan Zanes, Festival Five Records, www.festivalfive.com; ages 5-10.

Dan Zanes is one of the most recognized artists in children's and family music. Zanes produces some of the most authentic, homemade music you will find anywhere. Zanes always brings in a host of other artists to sing and play along and this time his friends include The Blind Boys of Alabama, Natalie Merchant (on a wonderful version of "Loch Lomond") and even the neo-classical group The Knonos Quartet. You can always count on Zanes to bring great songs and great music to the ears of our kids.

Fred's take: Though my favorite Dan Zanes CDs are still "House Party" and "Night Time!" Zanes has a good chance of riding out of town with the Grammy.

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THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET, by John Lithgow, Razor & Tie, www.razorandtie.com; ages 5-10.

If it were anybody else doing the exact same thing that John Lithgow does, I would say it probably would not be a Grammy finalist. I also want to be clear that I love what Lithgow does on this recording.

These are old songs from vaudeville and from musicals of the '20s and '30s. Though maybe not for everyone, this recording is certainly very well produced and I like Lithgow's spirit.

Fred's take: Don't let his celebrity status fool you. Lithgow is committed to creating quality family music, though his star power may be exactly what gets him this year's Grammy.

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BABY EINSTEIN MEET THE ORCHESTRA, by Various Artists, Walt Disney Records, www.babyeinstein.com; ages 2-5.

There should be a disclaimer on this CD that states "although the title refers to the instruments of the orchestra, very few, if any, real orchestra instruments were used in this recording." Call me fastidious, but if your purpose is to introduce very young children to the sounds and textures of the orchestra, use real instruments instead of synthesized sound samples. With all the outstanding music available for our kids, how is this recording a Grammy finalist?

Fred's take: Don't feed your kids this non-nutritious musical meal.

Thanks for reading and remember to keep singing and dancing with your kids.

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Fred Koch lives in Lake Bluff with his wife and son and is an award-winning music educator, children's musician and producer. His Web site, www.BestChildrensMusic.com, helps parents, teachers and librarians select quality children's music. The Web site also includes an archive of all Koch's past reviews published in Chicago Parent. Please e-mail notes and comments to fred@bestchildrensmusic.com.