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Children's Music
NEWSLETTER
Children's Music
NEWSLETTER
POSTED 28 AUGUST 2001
From Princess Diaries to Jungle Book
"The Princess Diaries [SOUNDTRACK]"
Various Artists
...available here.
*Disney Music
...available here.
NEW AND NOTABLE
"Circle Game: Folk Music for Kids"
Various Artists
...available here.
The Music for Little People formula of having a bevy of kids tackle
classics weaves gold on "Circle Game: Folk Music for Kids." From
"Puff the Magic Dragon" to "Shower the People" and "If I Had a
Hammer," the tunes are snappy, hummable, and sweetly sung.
"Oh Aaron"
Aaron Carter
...available here.
Catch Aaron Carter now, before he grows up--which he is doing quite
politely, indeed. On his second release, Carter duets with his
Backstreet Boy brother, Nick, and delivers a raft of additional
danceable, glitzy teen pop.
"Inside Out!"
Jessica Harper
...available here.
On "Inside Out," Jessica Harper trains her big voice on three
musical styles--reggae, jazz, and Calypso--just as she aims at the
family's heart. Her songs are lighthearted, fun pieces that delve
into the family household, which is alternately bustling
(shoe-chewing, jazzy dogs) and downright entertaining (a daughter
impatient with mother putting the snacks on high shelves).
A CLASSIC TO REMEMBER
"Free To Be ... You And Me (1972 Television Cast) [CAST RECORDING]"
Marlo Thomas
...available here.
You might've seen "Free to Be ... You and Me" profiled in a recent
"TV Guide." Rest assured, the album's a timeless classic for kids of
all ages.
Read more
...available here.
KID FOLK
"Newborn"
Sara Hickman
...available here.
Folk singer Sara Hickman's "Newborn" is a mother's song cycle
devoted to her just-born child. Full of sweetness and light, it's an
adorable glimpse into babyness.
"Toddler"
Sara Hickman
...available here.
Hickman's "Toddler" continues the singer's journey into a child's
heart. This time around, the menu varies from songs to stories and
back. Little tykes will love the variety, and all of it fits the
safe-for-parents bill.
"Ralph's World"
Ralph's World
...available here.
Rollicking, ageless, and rustic, "Ralph's World" will scoot boots
with its folky, bluegrassy, and fun-loving country heart and soul.
There's something here for all ages!
TOON IT UP
"Toon Tunes: Funny Bone Favorites"
Various Artists
...available here.
George Jetson, Fred Flintstone, Johnny Bravo, and Casper the
Friendly Ghost rub elbows on the 36-song "Toon Tunes: Funny-Bone
Favorites." These toon themes capture the spirit of the originals
with their witty, vivid themes.
"Toon Tunes: Action-Packed Anthems"
Various Artists
...available here.
Here's 36 more toon themes in their original form, except these are
all action-packed favorites, from shows such as "Scooby-Doo" to
"Speed Racer" and "Underdog" to "Superman."
From Princess Diaries to Jungle Book
"The Princess Diaries [SOUNDTRACK]"
Various Artists
...available here.
*Disney Music
...available here.
NEW AND NOTABLE
"Circle Game: Folk Music for Kids"
Various Artists
...available here.
The Music for Little People formula of having a bevy of kids tackle
classics weaves gold on "Circle Game: Folk Music for Kids." From
"Puff the Magic Dragon" to "Shower the People" and "If I Had a
Hammer," the tunes are snappy, hummable, and sweetly sung.
"Oh Aaron"
Aaron Carter
...available here.
Catch Aaron Carter now, before he grows up--which he is doing quite
politely, indeed. On his second release, Carter duets with his
Backstreet Boy brother, Nick, and delivers a raft of additional
danceable, glitzy teen pop.
"Inside Out!"
Jessica Harper
...available here.
On "Inside Out," Jessica Harper trains her big voice on three
musical styles--reggae, jazz, and Calypso--just as she aims at the
family's heart. Her songs are lighthearted, fun pieces that delve
into the family household, which is alternately bustling
(shoe-chewing, jazzy dogs) and downright entertaining (a daughter
impatient with mother putting the snacks on high shelves).
A CLASSIC TO REMEMBER
"Free To Be ... You And Me (1972 Television Cast) [CAST RECORDING]"
Marlo Thomas
...available here.
You might've seen "Free to Be ... You and Me" profiled in a recent
"TV Guide." Rest assured, the album's a timeless classic for kids of
all ages.
Read more
...available here.
KID FOLK
"Newborn"
Sara Hickman
...available here.
Folk singer Sara Hickman's "Newborn" is a mother's song cycle
devoted to her just-born child. Full of sweetness and light, it's an
adorable glimpse into babyness.
"Toddler"
Sara Hickman
...available here.
Hickman's "Toddler" continues the singer's journey into a child's
heart. This time around, the menu varies from songs to stories and
back. Little tykes will love the variety, and all of it fits the
safe-for-parents bill.
"Ralph's World"
Ralph's World
...available here.
Rollicking, ageless, and rustic, "Ralph's World" will scoot boots
with its folky, bluegrassy, and fun-loving country heart and soul.
There's something here for all ages!
TOON IT UP
"Toon Tunes: Funny Bone Favorites"
Various Artists
...available here.
George Jetson, Fred Flintstone, Johnny Bravo, and Casper the
Friendly Ghost rub elbows on the 36-song "Toon Tunes: Funny-Bone
Favorites." These toon themes capture the spirit of the originals
with their witty, vivid themes.
"Toon Tunes: Action-Packed Anthems"
Various Artists
...available here.
Here's 36 more toon themes in their original form, except these are
all action-packed favorites, from shows such as "Scooby-Doo" to
"Speed Racer" and "Underdog" to "Superman."
Andrew Bartlett,editor ©, 2001 amazon.com and ncdn-associates of amazon.com,bn,tower,cdnow
Home Page
PREVIOUS REVIEWS
POSTED 6 AUGUST 2001
"The Princess Diaries [SOUNDTRACK]"
Various Artists
...available here.
It's every kid's dream to be transported suddenly to another life,
and "Princess Diaries" captures the dream with humor, sweetness, and
a great teen-pop laden soundtrack. Myra, BBMak, Backstreet Boys,
Aaron Carter, and Mandy Moore make this set a delight.
"Lil' Romeo"
Lil' Romeo
...available here.
Making hip-hop safe for the kids is a mission that thus far has
been undertaken in earnest only once (on the Sugarhill Gang's "Jump
on It"), but Lil' Romeo's made a great, kid-friendly set on his
debut. It's a lesson in rhyming and linguistic skill as well as an
often cheery, absurdly fun collection.
"Wonderful Wizard of Oz: A Centennial Edition"
Various Artists
...available here.
If your family loved "The Wizard of Oz," then you'll love the
star-studded four-CD reenactment of the L. Frank Baum classic on
"The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: A Centennial Edition." A Children's
Museum of Los Angeles production, the set features Annette Bening as
Glinda, Phyllis Diller as the Wicked Witch, and John Goodman as the
Guardian of the Gates.
"Animal Rock"
Disney
...available here.
If you're looking for an affordable collection that will pique the
kids' interest in the animal kingdom (and pure fun), Disney's
"Animal Rock" is a 12-song treasure trove. Who could resist jamming
with the likes of "Great! Grand! Gargantuan Gorillas!" or "Never
Smile at a Crocodile?"
"Myra"
Myra
...available here.
Sure, Myra is a pop singer in a crowded field. But this singer has
bold chops at the microphone, tackling "Dancing in the Streets" with
gusto and hugging some sweet ballads tightly. If your kids are on
the Britney and Mandy and Christina trip, you ought to spin Myra's
debut for something fresh.
TWANG THE KIDS WILL LOVE
"Celebration of Country"
Daniels, et al
...available here.
The good folks at Music for Little People are onto their 14th
Celebration title with the new, 11-song "Celebration of Country."
The collection boasts Charlie Daniels, Crystal Gayle, Tracy Byrd,
the late Chet Atkins, and more twangy stars--all playing
boot-scooting gems for the youngsters.
Read more
...available here.
RHINO'S GREAT COLLECTIONS
"Rhino Instant Party: We Are Family"
Tokens, et al
...available here.
How could anyone live without a collection that opens with the
Tokens' "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," moves on to Katrina and the
Waves' "Walking on Sunshine," and hosts the Everly Brothers, Sister
Sledge, and Wilson Pickett? You don't have to any longer. Just pick
up "Instant Party: We Are Family."
"Instant Party: Summer Sizzle"
Ventures, et al
...available here.
If it's not hot enough for the kids, crank up the hip, fun musical
heat with "Instant Party: Summer Sizzle." The original versions of
"Hawaii Five-O," "Good Vibrations," and "Summertime Blues" are just
three highlights among the 14 here.
DISNEY
,p.* Classic Disney soundtracks
...available here.
* Customers' favorite Disney CDs
...available here.
* Radio Disney!
...available here.
* More awesome Disney CDs
...available here.
"The Princess Diaries [SOUNDTRACK]"
Various Artists
...available here.
It's every kid's dream to be transported suddenly to another life,
and "Princess Diaries" captures the dream with humor, sweetness, and
a great teen-pop laden soundtrack. Myra, BBMak, Backstreet Boys,
Aaron Carter, and Mandy Moore make this set a delight.
"Lil' Romeo"
Lil' Romeo
...available here.
Making hip-hop safe for the kids is a mission that thus far has
been undertaken in earnest only once (on the Sugarhill Gang's "Jump
on It"), but Lil' Romeo's made a great, kid-friendly set on his
debut. It's a lesson in rhyming and linguistic skill as well as an
often cheery, absurdly fun collection.
"Wonderful Wizard of Oz: A Centennial Edition"
Various Artists
...available here.
If your family loved "The Wizard of Oz," then you'll love the
star-studded four-CD reenactment of the L. Frank Baum classic on
"The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: A Centennial Edition." A Children's
Museum of Los Angeles production, the set features Annette Bening as
Glinda, Phyllis Diller as the Wicked Witch, and John Goodman as the
Guardian of the Gates.
"Animal Rock"
Disney
...available here.
If you're looking for an affordable collection that will pique the
kids' interest in the animal kingdom (and pure fun), Disney's
"Animal Rock" is a 12-song treasure trove. Who could resist jamming
with the likes of "Great! Grand! Gargantuan Gorillas!" or "Never
Smile at a Crocodile?"
"Myra"
Myra
...available here.
Sure, Myra is a pop singer in a crowded field. But this singer has
bold chops at the microphone, tackling "Dancing in the Streets" with
gusto and hugging some sweet ballads tightly. If your kids are on
the Britney and Mandy and Christina trip, you ought to spin Myra's
debut for something fresh.
TWANG THE KIDS WILL LOVE
"Celebration of Country"
Daniels, et al
...available here.
The good folks at Music for Little People are onto their 14th
Celebration title with the new, 11-song "Celebration of Country."
The collection boasts Charlie Daniels, Crystal Gayle, Tracy Byrd,
the late Chet Atkins, and more twangy stars--all playing
boot-scooting gems for the youngsters.
Read more
...available here.
RHINO'S GREAT COLLECTIONS
"Rhino Instant Party: We Are Family"
Tokens, et al
...available here.
How could anyone live without a collection that opens with the
Tokens' "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," moves on to Katrina and the
Waves' "Walking on Sunshine," and hosts the Everly Brothers, Sister
Sledge, and Wilson Pickett? You don't have to any longer. Just pick
up "Instant Party: We Are Family."
"Instant Party: Summer Sizzle"
Ventures, et al
...available here.
If it's not hot enough for the kids, crank up the hip, fun musical
heat with "Instant Party: Summer Sizzle." The original versions of
"Hawaii Five-O," "Good Vibrations," and "Summertime Blues" are just
three highlights among the 14 here.
DISNEY
,p.* Classic Disney soundtracks
...available here.
* Customers' favorite Disney CDs
...available here.
* Radio Disney!
...available here.
* More awesome Disney CDs
...available here.
POSTED 2 JULY 2001
"Big Wide Grin"
Keb Mo'
...available here
With his "Big Wide Grin," folk-blues star Keb' Mo' sings his soul
out for the younger set on tunes such as "Isn't She Lovely" and
"America the Beautiful." Though it may be a distinct departure from
form, it's one that'll charm kids and delight parents.
"Atlantis-The Lost Empire"
James Newton Howard
...available here
Those kids who might not love the subtle score for "Atlantis" will
certainly love the sugar-sweet pop Mya lays down on "Where the Dream
Takes You." Take them to see the film and then echo their experience
with this now symphonic, now quiet choral set from James Newton
Howard.
"Soundtrack"
Deep Space Bass-Toonami
...available here
Space is the place on the animation show "Toonami," and the
electronic-tinged themes here come from "Dragonball Z," "Gundam
Wing," "The Powerpuff Girls," "Tenchi Muyo," "Sailor Moon," and
"Intruder." Hip? You bet. Sleek? Absolutely. Your Cartoon Network
fan will be infatuated.
"Best of Pooh & Tigger Too"
Disney
...available here
"The Wonderful Thing About Tiggers," "Rumbly in My Tumbly," and
"Heffalumps and Woozles" are just three of the Pooh staples on this
19-song set. And don't forget "Little Black Rain Cloud," which
languidly charms.
"Rainbow Connection"
Willie Nelson
...available here
If you've got a brood (or even just one junior partner bounding
about), you will love Willie Nelson's "Rainbow Connection," with its
"Playmates" and "I'm My Own Grandpa," and its folksy family feeling.
A DAD'S GOODNIGHT
"Papa's Lullaby"
...available here
This 15-song collection boasts fathers from around the world
singing and playing their little ones to sleep. Not only will
"Papa's Lullaby" be a constant source of musical discovery, but
it'll also have you spinning the globe.
STORIES UNDER THE SEA
"Atlantis-The Lost Empire"
Read-Along
...available here
If it's only partially the music and partially the story that amaze
and wow your family, this latest Disney "read along" will keep the
memory of "Atlantis" fresh.
GO SUGAR BEATS, GO!
Sweet Hits and Sugar Beats
The Sugar Beats are experts at melding yesterday's pop with today's
kid-friendly approach to recording, packaging, and arranging--all
the while entertaining listeners of any age range. The music is
smart enough to entertain adults, which shouldn't surprise anyone
familiar with the Sugar Beats--that is, parents who've decided
children can handle cooler music than the standard kiddie fare.
Here's a guide to their recordings.
Peruse our list
...available here
"Big Wide Grin"
Keb Mo'
...available here
With his "Big Wide Grin," folk-blues star Keb' Mo' sings his soul
out for the younger set on tunes such as "Isn't She Lovely" and
"America the Beautiful." Though it may be a distinct departure from
form, it's one that'll charm kids and delight parents.
"Atlantis-The Lost Empire"
James Newton Howard
...available here
Those kids who might not love the subtle score for "Atlantis" will
certainly love the sugar-sweet pop Mya lays down on "Where the Dream
Takes You." Take them to see the film and then echo their experience
with this now symphonic, now quiet choral set from James Newton
Howard.
"Soundtrack"
Deep Space Bass-Toonami
...available here
Space is the place on the animation show "Toonami," and the
electronic-tinged themes here come from "Dragonball Z," "Gundam
Wing," "The Powerpuff Girls," "Tenchi Muyo," "Sailor Moon," and
"Intruder." Hip? You bet. Sleek? Absolutely. Your Cartoon Network
fan will be infatuated.
"Best of Pooh & Tigger Too"
Disney
...available here
"The Wonderful Thing About Tiggers," "Rumbly in My Tumbly," and
"Heffalumps and Woozles" are just three of the Pooh staples on this
19-song set. And don't forget "Little Black Rain Cloud," which
languidly charms.
"Rainbow Connection"
Willie Nelson
...available here
If you've got a brood (or even just one junior partner bounding
about), you will love Willie Nelson's "Rainbow Connection," with its
"Playmates" and "I'm My Own Grandpa," and its folksy family feeling.
A DAD'S GOODNIGHT
"Papa's Lullaby"
...available here
This 15-song collection boasts fathers from around the world
singing and playing their little ones to sleep. Not only will
"Papa's Lullaby" be a constant source of musical discovery, but
it'll also have you spinning the globe.
STORIES UNDER THE SEA
"Atlantis-The Lost Empire"
Read-Along
...available here
If it's only partially the music and partially the story that amaze
and wow your family, this latest Disney "read along" will keep the
memory of "Atlantis" fresh.
GO SUGAR BEATS, GO!
Sweet Hits and Sugar Beats
The Sugar Beats are experts at melding yesterday's pop with today's
kid-friendly approach to recording, packaging, and arranging--all
the while entertaining listeners of any age range. The music is
smart enough to entertain adults, which shouldn't surprise anyone
familiar with the Sugar Beats--that is, parents who've decided
children can handle cooler music than the standard kiddie fare.
Here's a guide to their recordings.
Peruse our list
...available here
Editor, Andrew Bartlett
reviews excerpted are copyright © 2001 amazon.com & associate ncdn and CDnow, TowerRecords, Barnes & Nobel associates