Music for the Mini-Masses

Wednesday, August 29th, 2007 | WANT | bettijo hirschi

PARENTAL ADVISORY: This story contains music that will be pleasing to adults and children alike.

Everybody loves good music, but the thought of kid’s music is normally enough to send us searching for the ear plugs. So we set out on a mission to prove that kid’s music doesn’t have to be synonymous with parental torture. After hours of listening to the good, bad and tone deaf, here are our picks:

	They Might Be Giants: Here Come the ABCs. This long-time loved alternative rock band has always had a childish side, and now you and your kiddies can rock out to original, new favorites like “E Eats Everything” or the “Alphabet Lost & Found.” The album includes a 50-minute DVD — a music video for kids that’s actually cool. Each song on the album is truly educational, although your kids would never know it. $13 at amazon.com.
	Daddy-O Daddy: Rare Family Songs of Woodie Guthrie. Although best known for writing “This Land is Your Land,” folk singer Woodie Guthrie also composed numerous songs for his own children. This tribute album makes many of these Guthrie family favorites available to your family. We love “Little Sack O Sugar” and “Want to See Me Grow.” $17 at amazon.com.
	Nicky’s Jazz for Kids. A compilation of old favorites including hits by Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole and Louis Armstrong. Not specifically intended for kids, but they’re the perfect way to introduce junior to one of America’s greatest musical creations — jazz. $15 at amazon.com.
	Putumayo Presents: French Playground. You probably won’t understand a single word on this album done entirely in French, but we couldn’t get enough of the groovy beat and catchy tunes, which will certainly enhance your child’s musical vocabulary. Plus, we’ve heard that early childhood exposure to foreign languages is a good thing. $15 at babesta.com.
	The Bottle Let Me Down: Songs for Bumpy Wagon Rides. Make fun with this eclectic showcase of upbeat, silly tunes. You’ve got to listen to “Sad & Dreamy (The Big 1-0)” and “Don’t Wipe Your Face on Your Shirt.” $15 at amazon.com.
	Dan Zanes and Friends House Party. This album is filled with foot-tapping folksy music — the perfect soundtrack for a playgroup or Saturday morning chores. Our favorite songs: “House Party Time” and “Washington at Valley Forge.” $14 at amazon.com.
	Innocence Mission: Now the Day is Over. This collection of peaceful lullabies is the perfect bedtime send off. Karen Peris’s soothing vocals are almost angelic. We love her rendition of “Over The Rainbow.” $14 at landofnod.com.