These reviews by Fred Koch appeared in the November, 2001 issue of “Chicago Parent Magazine.” Reviewed in this column:
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| The gift-giving season is approaching quickly (yikes!) and the children's
music market is exploding with wonderful, high-quality offerings. This is
great news for parents and grandparents who have young ones in their lives
who would enjoy receiving the gift of music. These three recommendations
will bring smiles to their faces, and have them singing and dancing along
in no time.
Because I have a 5-year-old, I am especially tuned in to the music that accompanies children's television programs aimed at this age group. Dance And Sing! The Best Of Nick Jr. (Kid Rhino, 2001) is a fun collection of songs from "Blue's Clues," "Little Bill," "Dora The Explorer," "Little Bear," "Franklin" and other children's shows on Nickelodeon. As this CD demonstrates, these songs are strong enough to stand alone without the visuals. There are some wonderful songs here that are educational as well as entertaining. For example, in the "Nick Jr. Sings" section, the song "Colors" has a cute and memorable little melody. It is sweetly sung by a young child and is a repetitive without being annoying. "The Planet Song" in the "Blue's Clues" section features Steve and the crew having fun as they try to remember the planets and a characteristic of each one ("Saturn has the icy rings"). Some fun movement activities are included, too. "Funky Jelly Monster" (which has a young Michael Jackson feel), "Down, Down, Baby" (from "Gullah, Gullah Island") and "The Buddy Boogie" (from "Blue's Clues") provide danceable beats. There are 64 cuts in all. Face, the character that you always see on Nick Jr., acts as emcee. His songs ("Frere Jacques" and "The Alphabet Song") and little vignettes ("Spelling FACE," "Humming") connect the various sections, which are organized by show. If you have a preschooler or kindergartener who is fan of Nick Jr. programs, this CD is certain to be a hit. Go Back to Top Arthur and Friends have a new release out, too. Arthur's Really Rockin' Music Mix (Rounder Kids, 2001) includes all the characters from the award-winning PBS show and features a great mix of musical styles. It opens with a new, hip-hoppin' dance remix version of the Arthur theme "Believe In Yourself," followed by a very soulful rhythm-and-blues number, "I Don't Want To Wake Up," sung convincingly by Francine. "Pop Quiz from Ratburn" takes the traditional children's song, "Pop! Goes The Weasel," and rewrites it with a school theme. Here's the first verse (remember to sing it to the tune of "Pop! Goes The Weasel"): "Every morning right before lunch/ My brain's had all it can learn/ Then it happens, like it or not/ Pop quiz from Ratburn." Fans of the rock group Chrissie Hynde and The Pretenders will laugh out loud when they hear D.W. sing their classic hit, "Brass in Pocket." I can't wait to play "Fly, Butterfly, Fly" for my students at school. It's a wonderful song to use as a discussion starter. This up-tempo, swinging jazz number features Binky imploring a butterfly to stay away from his net, even though it would look so good in his collection. It's filled with lots of humor ("You used to be such a square cat . . . a-pillar") and references to metamorphosis ("How did you get to look this way, anyhow?"). In the end, Binky does catch it, only to let it go. In typical Binky form, he reacts to the kids who are watching with, "Yeah, well you gonna do something about it?" I could go on and on about the variety of music styles and the clever, creativity of the songs on this CD. Be sure to check it out. And while you're at it, look for Arthur and Friends' first release, The First Almost Real Not Live CD (or Tape). Go Back to Top I am also excited to see that "world music" continues to make its way into the children's market. World Playground 2 (Putumayo, 2001) is new from Putumayo Music, a recognized leader in the world music field. This is Putumayo's second compilation for children, and it follows the same format as the the critically acclaimed 1999 recording, World Playground. The music on the new release comes from Trinidad, Colombia, Spain, India, South Africa and many other countries. Most of the pieces feature strong percussion that will appeal to children and adults. Highlights include a very modern and rhythmic French Acadian fiddle tune, "La Marmotteuse," played by Barachois from Canada; a Caribbean "Music Farm" that incorporates a little of "Old MacDonald;" and Toots and the Maytals' reggae version of "Freedom Train." Claudia Martinez sings a native Mexican song, and a hybrid group of musicians from England, France and West Africa (they call themselves Baka Beyond), combine their musical heritages into something truly unique. Mirium Makeba is probably the most famous of all the contributing artists. She's featured performing her remixed "Pata Pata 2000," which was a hit 30 years ago. The sheer diversity of musical styles keeps this CD interesting and exciting. As with other Putumayo CDs, the liner notes are exceptional. They include all the lyrics as well as interesting background information about the artists, their music and the songs. Go Back to Top These new releases should be easy to find in retail outlets. As always, I welcome your input. You can write to me in care of Chicago Parent or send e-mail to fred@bestchildrensmusic.com. 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 |
