These reviews by Fred Koch appeared in the May, 2000 issue of “Chicago Parent Magazine.” Reviewed in this column:
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When was the last time you sat down and just listened to some music, either curled up on the couch or, better yet, at a live concert? If you're lucky, you may get some brief moments here and there, but most of us (even me, and I work with music daily) rarely give our full attention to a piece of music for the sheer pleasure it brings. So I urge you to indulge in the luxury of really listening to the three outstanding titles I've chosen for this month. They're worth it. Tom Chapin's new release, This Pretty Planet (Sony Wonder, 2000), is a delight from beginning to end. Writing an entire album on an environmental theme is challenging. It's been done by many others, and it's a tough theme to handle with musical variety and lyrical humor--and without sliding into a collection of cliche-driven, sappy and preachy-teachy songs. But Chapin pulls it off. This Pretty Planet is a collection of new and previously released songs about the care and feeding of Mother Earth. There are two versions of the song "This Pretty Planet." One is the original classic round that Chapin sings with Judy Collins and his young daughters, and the other's a newer incarnation: a gospel-flavored version featuring Cissy Houston (Whitney's mom). "Happy Earth Day," Chapin's timeless, unofficial anthem for the environmental movement, is here, along with one of my students' favorites, "Someone's Gonna Use It After You." I especially like the duet Chapin sings with Dr. Ruth Westheimer--a new version of the wonderfully witty "Two Kinds of Seagulls." Some of Chapin's new songs, which I really enjoy, include "The Year 3000," a funky/bluesy question-and-answer game about why should we keep the Earth healthy for the next 1000 years; and "Come Blow Your Horn," the catchy opening tune, celebrating "the miracle of leaf and thistle and thorn." This Pretty Planet is another superb family recording from one of the best in the business. Go Back to Top Princess Bean's Messy World (BeanStar Entertainment, 2000) is a modern rock 'n' roll fairy tale full of catchy songs. The heroine, Princess Bean, is not your typical princess. She dresses in tie-dyed clothes, has an electric guitar strapped around her back and lives inside a book at the library with her two friends, Dragon and Prince. And she's not standing around waiting for Prince Charming to save her. The story revolves around her desire to become a princess "of the highest order," but she runs into trouble at the Prettiest Primping Princess Pageant. Her jealous competitors try to foil her, but Princess Bean prevails, reaffirming her confidence in herself. Though the story is aimed primarily at girls, 6- to 8-year-old boys are sure to enjoy the songs, the story line and Princess Bean's outgoing, tom-boyish, in-your-face personality. The catchy pop/rock songs will help keep kids following the story, and the empowering themes should stay with the listeners long after this rock 'n' roll fairy tale comes to a conclusion. Go Back to Top If you've got a preschooler around your house, you'll certainly enjoy A Playdate With Blue (Kid Rhino/Nickelodeon, 2000), the latest CD based on the hugely popular Blue's Clues television show. Celebrating friendship, this interactive musical adventure introduces Blue's best friend Magenta in an audio story with clues and songs that aim to help preschoolers learn valuable social skills, including compromising and sharing. A Playdate With Blue, stars Steve Burns, the popular live-action host of the Blue's Clues television program, and features 30 minutes of original music and stories, plus an enhanced CD-ROM track that includes Blue's Clues games. If you've got a Blue's Clues fan and haven't experienced any of the four Blue's Clues CDs yet, you're in for a treat. They're all wonderful. Steve creates an intimate relationship with his audience, supported by great characters, preschool-appropriate themes and outstanding music. Go Back to Top This Pretty Planet and A Playdate With Blue should be easy to find wherever children's music is sold. For information on how to order Princess Bean's Messy World, contact BeanStar Entertainment at 800.246.9225. And a special thank you to those who take time to drop me a line. Keep those comments and recommendations coming. My e-mail address is fred@bestchildrensmusic.com or write to me in care of Chicago Parent. Fred Koch is an award-winning music educator and a nationally recognized children's musician. His new children's music website, www.BestChildrensMusic.com, provides recommendations and information about selecting quality children's music, as well as access to past Chicago Parent reviews. Koch lives in Lake Bluff with his wife and son. Go Back to Top |
