Kids Music Review

I've decided to start reviewing some of the music our kids have been listening to. My hope is that I can help some of you parents out their avoid the pitfalls that we have made in some of our music choices. Since I don't have the time to review every album my kids have, I'll just review four albums that my kids have been listening to the most.

They Might Be Giants - Here Come the ABCs

My Favorite Song: Alphabet of Nations
Wife's Favorite Song: Alphabet Lost and Found
Son's Favorite Song: C is for Conifers
Daughter's Favorite Song: Go for G!
Review: An excellent addition to the family collection. They Might be Giants have always been a quirky band. Most people are familiar with their work with tunes like Istanbul (Not Constantinople) and Partical Man Twisting from their Flood LP. I especially like how they have incorporated this aspect of their music into this kids CD. You can truly tell that their is some genuine artistry in the songs they have created. Our kids seem to enjoy the album.

BareNaked Ladies = Snack Time
My Favorite Song: Pollywog in a Bog
Wife's Favorite Song: Wishing
Son's Favorite Song: What a Wild Tune
Daughter's Favorite Song: Popcorn
Review: I'll be the first to admit that I've never been a BareNaked Ladies fan. Having said that, I have to say that this kids album is pretty good. A lot of the songs are catchy and the wife and I really like the melodies they have created. Our daughter is always asking for the repeat on Popcorn. She is ruthless about it, and eventually we crack!

Alvin and the Chipmunks [Soundtrack]
Son's Favorite Song: The Chipmunk Song
Daughter's Favorite Song: Bad Day
Review: The Magical Kingdom has sunk to a new low with the rehash of this classic. With the all new Alvin and the Chipmunks, the songs sound as if they have been over produced and over digitized giving the impression that the whole album is just over the top. What's worse is that the chipmunks synthesized voices are paired up with modern day hits. I'd rather take my kids to a Rage Against the Machine concert! I'm not even providing a link to buy this album, no one in their right mind should want to subject a child to this crap.

Choo Choo Soul
Son's Favorite Song: Bullet Train
Daughter's Favorit Song: Bad Day
Review: The juggernaut that is Disney must like torturing parents. Like the pulsating lights of a nightclub, the songs on this album never seem to end. Maybe it's just that they all sound alike? Whatever the reason, the songs just don't offer much artistry. ***WARNING*** Do not listen to this album for more than 1 hour at a time, serious side effects may occur. Our latest trip to the beach included about 3 hours of music imposed torture listening to this CD over and over again. It took me well over a week to recover from that overdose.