They might be genius

By Lori

I'm proud to say I solved the horrible music problem, at least for now.

I bought Emma They Might Be Giants' kids' offering, No, on Friday, and she adores it. We haven't had anything else in her CD player since. If you haven't heard it, you should. It's not just for 3-year-olds. (It's billed as a family CD, but almost any song on it could be on an "adult" album. There is one that's a sort of weird choice for kids, and another mentions coffee and beer. We suspect those were leftovers used to round out the collection.) But it's hilarious to listen to her sing "No means no" and "I'm not your broom." We're all about Fibber Island and Robot Parade, too. Plus, it's plenty long for her to fall asleep before it's over (knock on wood), so she doesn't need to call us back at bedtime.

I'm not saying she's forgotten all about Tunes for Tots; I'm sure they'll be back in rotation at some point. But possibly not before a few can get lost ...

Comments

[andrea]

Hindsight being 20/20 and all, I think the secret is to NEVER introduce the annoying/mind numbing kiddie CDs in the first place.

We have one that sounds like it's being sung by a choir of junior zombies. It's horrible, akin to listening to someone running their fingernails down a chalkboard. *shudder*

One of our family favourites is the latest Barenaked Ladies CD. Everyone likes it. And it cracks me up to hear my daughter singing along: "What's so maybe about, what's so maybe about, what's so maybe about Kaaaaa-tie."

[Jo]

This one might make your head spin; or at least, you will never get the songs out of your head, but they are too cute: Wiggleworms. Check it out - the CD includes some original music for kids as well as some different renditions of old classics like "Row, Row, Row your Boat" and "The Wheels on the Bus."

[Lori]

I'm putting all of these in my Emma gift list on my Palm. Can't wait to try them out! Thanks, all.

[jilbur]

We were already big TMBG fans, and were delighted when 'No' came out ... and personally, I kind of like it that one of the songs mentions coffee and beer--just 'cause they're not supposed to be drinking it, doesn't mean they shouldn't hear it mentioned! What's the other one that you thought was an odd choice for kids, I wonder?

We are also big Dan Zanes and Friends fans. *sigh*. Of course every time I mention that, I have The Wabash Cannonball running through my head for the rest of the day ... not that there's anything wrong with that!

[Lani]

My husband and I also lament the state of most toddler music but have found a couple of options that don't leave us wanting to scream or pull our our hair. One is a CD called "El Elefante" by Leo and Ben Sidran. They are a father and son team. Some of the lyrics are in Spanish and some are in English. Most of the songs are catchy without being ridiculous. Our girls, ages 20 months and 3.5 years really enjoy it. Plus, the last song is an awesome lullaby. The current favorite in our house though is pretty much anything by Lauri Berkner. I find myself singing "We are the Dinosaurs" and "The Doodlebugs" even when the kids aren't around.

[rachel]

Another children's album that's not too noxious for adults: "Big Trouble" by Trout Fishing in America.

[sinda]

NO has been a perennial favorite at our house. Thatnks to the Giants, we now have a collection of robots, and sing many words to the tune of "Violin."

I was going to recommend For The Kids as well - it's great, my 3 1/2 and 21 month old both love it.

We also like anything by Sara Hickman (Newborn for the younger set, Toddler, and now Big Kid), and Joe McDermott.

[Susan]

A friend made my children a mix CD of They Might Be Giants and the children love it. They love it so much it's all scratched up. My friend said he'd send another so I'm anxiously awaiting...

The soundtrack to Rugrats in Paris and The Powerpuff Girls are also both great. They are mostly pop songs so Ted and I enjoy listening to them as well. They are great car CDs.

[annie]

if you like the folkier stuff:

lisa loeb has a great new children's album that is sold w/ a children's book called "catch the moon" - http://www.lisaloeb.com

elizabeth mitchell, lead singer of the well known indie rock band ida - has two great children's records out that are grownup-worthy - http://www.youaremyflower.org

[ME1]

We have "for the kids" Which is a compilation. It has Sarah McLachlan (it's her music outreach program) and Barenaked Ladies among others.

My daughter really loved it.

[Mary]

I should have thought of that one - my kids *love* that CD - esp. my son! I agree - good for everyone in the family - catchy, but not so annoying that you are looking for a sharp object ... or aspirin!