These reviews by Fred Koch appeared in the November, 2002 issue of “Chicago Parent Magazine.” Reviewed in this column:
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If you have read past columns, you will know that I am a fan of compilation CDs--recordings that feature a collection of songs with a thematic thread running throughout. Often these are hastily gathered and then quickly released to jump on some sort of marketing bandwagon (as in the Mozart Effect frenzy), but the following recommendations are shining examples of this trend in family music marketing: This Land Is Your Land, Songs Of Unity, Various Artists, Music For Little People, $15.98, ages 6 and up. Once in a great while an important album is released--one that educates on a deep and meaningful level and also entertains with passionate and heartfelt performances. I was immediately drawn in by the first track, "The Kids In School With Me," a Langston Hughes poem read by Danny Glover with the melody of "America, The Beautiful" as its musical landscape. Next came an outstanding version of the Woody Guthrie anthem, "This Land Is Your Land," produced by John McCutcheon. I didn't stop listening and reading the liner notes until the last dreamy stanzas of the final song, "Dreams of Harmony." In addition to a host of thoughtfully chosen songs, there are insightful and reflective spoken-word pieces including "Ballad of The Underground Railroad," again read by Danny Glover, which serves a historical and ethical lead-in for the song "Follow The Drinking Gourd." There is also "The Story of Claudette Colvin," a high school junior who, shortly before Rosa Parks rose to national attention, was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on the bus to a white person. This is followed by a song I play every year for my students during Black History Month, "Sister Rosa," written and performed by The Neville Brothers. And Danny Glover's recitation of the Maya Angelou poem "Human Family," with the theme of "in minor ways we differ, in major we're the same" and "we are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike," leads beautifully into one of Raffi's signature songs, "Like Me And You." Though this CD is loaded with outstanding versions of great songs, my favorite might be the updated version of "If I Had A Hammer," spotlighting the voice of Brian Johnson of the band AC/DC, who really belts out the vocals and hammers home the powerful message with excerpts from The Declaration of Independence and the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Eleanor Roosevelt serving as thought-provoking interludes. In addition to these powerful songs and narratives, "This Land Is Your Land" features Taj Mahal's previously released version of the Sly Stone classic, "Everyday People," Ted Danson reading excerpts from the writings of Woody Guthrie, "Reflections of Woody Guthrie," Sweet Honey in the Rock's "Calypso Freedom" and John McCutcheon's exquisite "Somos El Barco." "This Land Is Your Land" producer and Music For Little People founder Leib Ostrow believes in his heart that music can change the world and feels that "in these challenging times, raising children who grow up educated and aware of the need to respect and love the differences that make us all unique in the world, is a critical part of keeping the best of who we are as a people alive." We should all be grateful for people like Ostrow, who are reaching out to make a difference for our children. The Muppet Show: Music, Mayhem And More! The 25th Year Collection, by The Muppets, Rhino Records, $17.98, all ages. I was surprised to find that this is the first Muppets soundtrack compilation ever released. With many hard-to-find tracks, this special collection gathers 27 songs and sound bites from both "The Muppet Show" and "The Muppet Movie" soundtracks. As some of you may recall, "The Muppet Show" was created by master puppet pioneer Jim Henson and hosted by a charming showbiz-savvy frog named Kermit. Their weekly comedy-variety TV show debuted in September 1976 and was an instant hit with kids, college students and even adults. It featured Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear and their fellow Muppets in skits and bits with special "human" guests including some of the biggest pop stars of the day. The Muppets then ventured into movies with some of their biggest hits being "The Muppet Movie," "The Great Muppet Caper" and "Muppets From Space." Chances are lots of Muppet images will immediately come to mind when you hear the opening track, "The Muppet Show Theme." Other favorites of mine include "Mahna Mahna," Scooter's rendition of "There's A New Sound," Kermit's endearing ode to "Bein' Green," the Randy Newman tune "Simon Smith and his Amazing Dancing Bear" featuring Fozzie Bear, "Rainbow Connection," "Movin' Right Along" from "The Muppet Movie" and Gonzo's tender "I'm Going To Go Back There Someday" from "Muppets In Space." Because the comedy routines create such good visuals in your mind, I think they are as funny today as they were when they debuted. Good humor is timeless. So if you have fond memories of the Muppets and would like to share some of their zaniness with your children, this anniversary collection should be in your CD collection. It is as ageless as the Muppets themselves. Martha Stewart Kids: Playtime--Lively Songs For Parents and Kids, Various Artists, Rhino Records, $11.98, all ages. The promotional materials state that this CD "was compiled under the supervision of Martha Stewart." Whether that is true is irrelevant to me because, again, I simply enjoy the choices made for this collection and you might, too. One of the strengths of this CD is it is musically eclectic and stylistically diverse--both important components for great kids' music. Songs range from classics such as Harry Belafonte's "Jamaica Farewell," Paul Simon's "59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)" performed by Harpers Bizarre and "Mockingbird" by Carly Simon and James Taylor to newer releases including "Jump Up" by Dan Zanes and Nickel Creek's bluegrass romp "The Fox." Other modern musical stars spotlighted are Elvis Costello and The Attractions ("From Head To Toe"), Keb' Mo' ("Love Train"), The Rembrandts ("Rollin' Down The Hill") and Jane Siberry ("Everything Reminds Me of My Dog"). You can always count on Martha Stewart to include some tips in the liner notes. Here you will find--no joke--recipes for a variety of kid-friendly, home-made tortilla chips, step-by-step instructions for making a button bracelet and paper tops. Maybe you will enjoy the recipe for cinnamon chips, but even if you don't, I am sure you will find the music enjoyable and a perfect CD to play when making cookies with your kids. 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 |
