Kids/Family music you will love

Editor's Picks (see more)

HERE WE GO: Here We Go
At last, some upbeat and friendly kid-rock songs (No, not THAT Kid Rock!) from an artist that understands that children are a lot smarter than we normally give them credit for. These guys makes family-oriented music in the vein of They Might Be Giants or Dan Zanes, heavy on the humor, giddy on the groove, mischievous with melody, and without a trace of condescension. Their expertly produced sound is an intelligent blend of futuristic jams and retro pop with a healthy helping of silliness, joy, and suspense sprinkled on top for good measure. Parents who are fans of Beck, The Shins, or the Flaming Lips will certainly share their child’s enthusiasm for Here We Go!
CD price: $12.97
BEETHOVEN'S WIG: Beethoven's Wig: Sing Along Symphonies
Music made for children is often cursed by its limitations. It needs to be fun AND educational, but most writers can’t seem to strike the proper balance. Thankfully for us, Richard Perlmutter found what has been called “the perfect blend of inspired silliness and serious music.” SING ALONG SYMPHONIES, the first Grammy-nominated volume in the brilliant Beethoven’s Wig series, is a raucous and hilarious ride through music history. He chose some of the most memorable masterpieces from the Classical and Romantic periods and then set smart, witty words to those melodies. Penning lyrics to fit the fast and furious compositions (many of which were never conceived as vocal pieces) was no small feat. Each song’s subject matter is self-referential, illuminating something about either the composer, the tune, or the inspiration behind it. But Perlmutter reveals his true talents as an educator by delivering this heady material in a fun and catchy form that kids will love. The music is bouncy and bombastic. The cast gives lift to the lyrics with their dramatic, theatrical singing style, while also carefully avoiding condescension at every turn. It’s no wonder this zany collection is getting praised by everyone from NPR to U.S. News & World Report.
CD price: $12.98
NINNY COW TEA: 58 Really Short Songs with Lyrics by 3 to 5 Year Old Children
The songs may be short, but there's 58 of 'em and they each feature lyrics penned by different 3-5 year old little songwriter. A magnificently conceived project born out of their school's music program, this fully realized album really gives the kids a voice, not only in the writing, but in the singing as well. The songs are upbeat and fun, lending themselves well to the zany and riled up background vocals that the young ones provide. While the songs are lighthearted musically and melodically, the lyrics are surprisingly poignant, reflecting childhood experience with an innocence and simplicity that an adult couldn't possibly replicate: "I had a dream that a monster ate me/ I was sliding down the tongue/ I came back out but I felt great/ And not in pieces/ I felt great." These small bits of poetry are intriguing in their frankness, containing a one of a kind perspective that manages to be both funny and artistically admirable at the same time. And, it's worth mentioning that proceeds from the sale of the CD go right back to the school where it came from!
CD price: $20.00 / MP3 price: $12.00
MR. DAVID: Jump in the Jumpy House
If Jonathan Richman were to make an album for kids, I imagine it would sound something like this. With a lyrical approach that is sharply stream-of-consciousness and keeps tongue planted firmly in cheek, these songs are bizarrely appealing, unassumingly witty, and never dull. With a loose and jangly (in the best way) approach to songwriting, these tracks are rooted in both new wave pop and the uncompromising ethos of punk. The melodies are sly and catchy, feigning non-existence until they creep into your subconscious and become buried in your head. On the surface, this could be perceived as a fun-time train of non sequiturs, but upon closer inspection, you'll see these songs are as calculated as they are nutty, only straying off track when it makes perfect sense. With a voice that is able to righteously pull off high pitched squeals (the title track) and a passable version of Johnny Cash ("Them Devils"), there's ample variations of wackiness on this one for the kids, and plenty of hummable tunes to keep the grown ups locked in and listening.
CD price: $14.95 / MP3 price: $9.99
TWO OF A KIND: Family Album
This husband/wife duo have been making family oriented and kid-friendly music together for almost two decades, and their experience shows. These poppy tunes are certainly fun, but they're also well played, intelligent, and crafty in their originality. With the aid of a large group of their equally talented friends, they have put together a group of songs filled with harmony, endlessly catchy melodies, and songs that can't help but appeal to a wide audience. "Are You Listening" is a journey into the mind's eye of a child, a sincere and empathetic look at a certain frustration that everyone goes through while growing up. "I Have 2 Stomachs" is a comical take on the eating habits of growing boys, while "We Share The Earth" is a hip, a cappella tune that harmonizes through some sensibly eco-friendly messages. Making this a true family effort, their children provide vocals on this track, and on a few others as well. Managing to be both educational and sharply witty, this album maintains a pragmatism that is both refreshing and appealing, allowing the songs to lend something to both child and parent.
CD price: $15.00 / MP3 price: $15.00

Top Sellers (see more)

DAN ZANES AND FRIENDS: Rocket Ship Beach
children's music with the raw spontaneity of early rock and roll, the handmade traditions of american folk and the breezy soulfulness of old time west indian music, all on a scale for little and big ears.
CD price: $15.00
OPERATION ENSURING CHRISTMAS: A lil' Heroes Christmas
Christmas and Patriotic songs featuring 'voices of the children' of Fallen American Troops.
CD price: $15.00 / MP3 price: $15.00
DAN ZANES AND FRIENDS: Family Dance
Contains the songs "all around the kitchen" and "jump up" as heard on noggin and sesame street.
CD price: $15.00
CHILDREN OF AGAPE CHOIR: We Are Together Soundtrack
The Children of Agape choir is the African children's group featured in the film We Are Together
CD price: $20.00 / MP3 price: $20.00
DE-U RECORDS: Multiplication Hip Hop
This is the Original Multiplication Hip Hop. As seen in "The Washington Post" also featured. NPR, BET, Black Enterprise, BusinessWeek and over 150 newspapers across the country. Education meets Hip Hop - Kids love it. Times table set to Hip Hop music.
MP3 price: $15.99
DAN ZANES AND FRIENDS: Night Time!
PARENTS CHOICE GOLD AWARD WINNER. Night time. is relaxed, handmade, all-ages, 21st century folk music for the entire family.
CD price: $15.00
DAN ZANES AND FRIENDS: House Party
Contains the song "house party time" as heard on noggin. This hour long collection includes guest performances by Philip Glass, Deborah Harry, David Jones, Angelique Kidjo
CD price: $15.00
BILLY JONAS: What Kind Of Cat Are You?
Sing-alongs, bang-alongs, and funky folk music for the whole family. Everybody's in the band...
CD price: $15.00 / MP3 price: $12.00
ELIZABETH MITCHELL: You Are My Sunshine
A new kind of children's music- one where you can imagine the carter family and mississippi john hurt dancing to bo diddley and the b-52s, more of the quiet acoustic feeling of "you are my flower" with some early rock and roll, gospel and more.
CD price: $14.00
OLD TOWN SCHOOL OF FOLK MUSIC: Songs for Wiggleworms
Truly an album for the whole family, this Parent's Choice recommended CD features fresh, fun, folky renditions of childhood favorites performed by some of Chicago's best acoustic artists, including Ralph Covert (Ralph's World).