Speaking of the Radio

So on the way home from capoeira class today I was flipping through the radio stations, and heard this catchy tune my friend had been humming over the weekend. Next thing I know I'm singing along... and than realize that my 3 year old in the back was singing along too!

Warning: Will be humming for days.

Pumped Up Kicks

Not Just the Radio...

The quality of the music you can tune in to on most stations of public radio is dismal at best. I don't even have every programable button saved to a particular station, as there just aren't that many that I have any interest in being able to instantly access! However, there is one notable exception: JAZZ 91.1 KCSM. I would have to say that 90% of the time spent listening to music in my car, with or without my son, is spent listening to jazz on the radio. We have from day one. My son loves jazz, and has developed an ear for the different instruments typically played. Trumpet, sax, piano, bass, and so on. Classical American Music.
It's just all a part of his early music education.

Yo!

While the show Yo Gabba Gabba may be ridiculous, and I do mean ridiculous fun of course, their music is seriously good. They have everyone from The Roots to The Aggrolites to Weezer doing kid friendly songs on the show. And some of the songs that go along their little cartoon skits are brilliant! Get their CDs, or search for free downloads. Either way, Yo Gabba Gabba!

I compiled a collection of a few family favorites.

Gotta Get It

Elizabeth Mitchell, of Brooklyn indie rock fame Ida, has produced 3 amazing children's albums. Her music makes you wish you were 3 again. I've only just ordered You Are My Flower, so I haven't anything yet to toss up for a taster. However go to the website to hear samples from all of her albums and to order.

I haven't been this excited about a kid's album since... well, I'll think about that and put it up for my next blogpost.

Baby Loves Jazz

Baby Loves Jazz is one of our favorite collections of CDs for kids. They come with board books, which aren't anything worth blogging about, but the music is great! A bunch of New York cats have put together a series of animal theme jazz cds with names like "Duck Ellington", "Ella Elephant", "Miles Crocodile", "Mingus Mouse", and so on.

Some of the albums are solos, and a few are compilations of all the characters. I've posted the website link below where you can check out the numerous albums they carry (also home of the Baby Loves Salsa, Baby Loves Disco, and the awesome Baby Loves Hip Hop album Dino 5). I usually just keep my eye out for them in my favorite (used) bookstores to get them a bit cheaper.

In the meantime, here are a few songs to give you a taste.

(downloads)
Hey Diddle Diddle
Good Night Jazz
The Nursery Jam
Kangaroo Bop

www.babylovesmusic.com

Passover etc.

My kid loves Jewish music. Despite the vast array of musical genres he is exposed to, Isaac has instinctively embraced the Tribes contribution to our collection.

This is one of his favorite albums to listen to, period. It is put out by Oy Baby. I believe this is the first of two albums available. Whether you're Jewish or not, this is a highly enjoyable mix of songs for any child.

http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=d6a04a212cc005c090a82c7bb0fad7adab3781a382accd40f0a154af670496da

B is for Bob

And Bob is for the kids.

Ziggy Marley (Bob's son) produced the kid-lite album "B is for Bob". An enjoyable album, it's produced with the little ones in mind. Perfect for families who's only reggae album in their entire collection is "Legend". It's also produced in a way that allows the lyrics and basic rhythm to shine through. So this is also perfect for someone like my son, who loves to sing along. Isaac's a big fan of Bob Marley.

Personally, I'd rather play the originals. Or even better, Bob's old stuff, back when he was churning out early Jamaican ska (the precursor to Jamaican reggae). Kids love the upbeat that makes ska music ska. Gets them dancing. I'll post a few of my early Bob favorites for you to put in the mix.

B is for Bob, or ska favorites. You can't go wrong either way.