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 | Title : For The Kids
Author : Various Artists
Release Date : 20021105
Binding : Audio CD
Regular Price : $14.98
Amazon.com Price : $12.88
(14
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Editorial Reviews :
An all-star cast has joined forces to produce a wonderful CD and, if that weren't exciting enough, a portion of the proceeds will help restore music education in the U.S. public school system through the VHI Save the Music Foundation. Clever new renditions of familiar Muppets and Sesame Street tunes abound, but Semisonic's Dan Wilson, ex-Del Fuego artist Dan Zanes, Toad the Wet Sprocket's Glen Phillips, and Bleu wrote songs for this album, and Tom Waits's lullaby 'Bend Down the Branches,' originally recorded for a short film, makes its debut on this CD. No offense, Kermit, but the frog's 1979-vintage 'The Rainbow Connection' never sounded so sultry as Sarah McLachlan's version here. Another favorite is 'The Hoppity Song,' a rock & roll ode to Five for Fighting frontman John Ondrasik's son Johnny. Make no mistake--this isn't one of those CDs that is more for adults than kids--songs about hygiene, the alphabet, and crying ('It's All Right to Cry' originally from Marlo Thomas's Free to Be You and Me) are truly 'for the kids.' That said, adults will enjoy hearing their favorite artists switch gears in this gentle (mostly, not Bleu's energetic 'Snow Day!'), upbeat compilation, which combines just the right blend of familiar sing-along songs and exciting new material. The booklet doubles as a foldout coloring book, with illustrations for each song. A fun and noble effort for a fun and noble cause.
Buyer Reviews :
Frankly, there isn't a bad track here, all are really good. Contrary to the title, it's not just 'for the kids', adults will also have a good time listening to these delightful songs covered/penned by some of today's successful contemporary folk rock/pop artists.
The album begins with Cake's 'Mahna Mahna' which, save for some groovy guitar work, is slightly repetitive but has a feel-good vibe to it. You'll definitely remember the Mahna Mahna character. Then comes my favorite track, BNL's 'La La La La Lemon'; Steven Page and Ed Robertson are natural comedians, bringing a humorous take on the Bert and Ernie classic. Then comes the transcendence: Sarah McLachlan is able to take any song and imbue it with such beauty and earthy passion that it takes your breath away. Playing the piano, electric guitar and bass, Sarah sings a version of 'The Rainbow Connection' worthy of her froggy predecessor.
Another favorite is Guster's melodic 'I've Got To Be Clean'; even kids' hygiene is covered in song here. Former Del Fuegos singer-turned-kids' artist Dan Zanes then takes the album to a folky turn with the utterly charming 'Wonderwheel', followed by the even more charming 'Have A Little Fun With Me' by Glen Phillips. 'The Hoppity Song' by Five For Fighting's John Ondrasik deserves to be a classic sing-a-long song for both kids and parents, it even features a child's vocals (possibly his son's). Billy Bragg and Wilco's interpretation of Woody Guthrie's 'My Flying Saucer' is also very good, as is Darius Rucker's poignant piano ballad 'It's All Right To Cry'.
Ivy's 'Sing' has a refreshing Bossa Nova retro feel to it while Remy Zero's take on Garfunkel's 'Bright Eyes' is a calm soother. I particularly liked Dan Wilson's 'Willie The King' for its poignant lyrics on childhood innocence. Bleu then takes it into a rock mode with the infectious 'Snow Day'; you can just imagine you kids singing along to the chorus. While I don't care much for OLP's Raine Maida's singing, his duet (with wife Chantal Kreviazuk) of 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' is servicable though just a tad droll. They did manage to add a few lyrics, turning the simple ditty into a traveller-gazing-at-the-stars sort of song.
Sixpence None The Richer's contribution 'Goodnight Children Everywhere', a World War II composition originally sung by British crooner Vera Lynne, is especially affecting, with haunting rock guitars weaving the melodies around Leigh Nash's angelic vocals. Who better to close this outstanding compilation than the great Tom Waits? His gruff yet melodic voice on 'Bend Down The Branches' is a graceful goodnight lullaby for all kids to go to sleep.
Overall, I highly recommend getting this album. Even if you don't have kids, it's an album for rekindling fond memories of your childhood, whether it's Bert & Ernie or just a good old-fashioned song that first got you hooked to music. The great thing about this album is that it retains just the right balance; never too sweet or cutesy to turn off the adults, and never too serious to turn off the kids.
(by zashburn)
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