Affectionately known as “The Grateful Dead for kids,” Ben Rudnick & Friends have hit the mark with their soon-to-be-released CD Live in Lexington: Under the Copper Beech. As a bit of a closet dead head myself, I love the sound of these guys (and my kids did too, but whatever.) These are some mega-musically-talented dudes, and their style is really their own. It’s a fabulous addition to your kiddie music collection for sure.

The CD will be released on August 30th and you’ll find it at our affiliate, Amazon.

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I have another new-to-me treasure to share with you.

In The Nick of Time (by Nick Deysher) is about to release the new CD “Making Silly Faces.” Geared toward kids aged 2-8, Making Silly Faces is an eclectic mix of fabulous creations like my son’s fave “Pirates Never Say Please,” my daughter’s fave “The Sun Is Up (And So Am I) and mine “You’ve Got To Have Patience.” You know your kids will love this one, because Nick is a preschool music specialst 5 days a week, and an after school music teacher too. Suddenly I feel the need to take music lessons!

Check it out at In The Nick of Time Music.

Win it! Win a copy of this CD! Just comment here before noon mst on August 25, 2011 to enter!

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In just four days, Sing Along!, the new CD by Caspar Babypants, will be released. It’s as fantastic as his previous CDs and follows the same modus operandi – keep it simple, silly! Old favourites like Ring Around the Rosie and Ba Ba Black Sheep get a new twist, and many amazing guests artists that we have grown to love join Caspar to help out. Weird Al? Got him. Frances England? Yep. Eclectic, much? It’s pretty awesome.

Caspar says he makes music “to help families sing together and relax and open up and endure stressful times with humor and grace.” That, he does.

Pick it up on August 16th at our affiliate, Amazon.

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I haven’t hear any of the previous tunes from the “Celebrate Earth” series, but this one is as unique as they come. I had no idea what to expect when I popped “Wild Child” into the stereo, but I didn’t expect what came booming out. It opens with ‘Earth Lullaby,’ a very calming piece with earthy undertones (well, duh). It brought my family to the living room from all around the house with it’s soothing beats, and they stayed for an African dance party for the next 13 tracks. It gave us a jumping off point for a great discussion about African animals and the at-risk environments in Africa and around the world. If ever a CD screamed African culture, this was it.

Check out Recess Music for this CD and more.

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I’m a new Ted Jacobs fan, and a big one at that. He uses his tender voice to turn some of the world’s most beloved poetry into beautiful acoustic songs. Available at House At The Corner, Back to the Garden is a showcase of Ted Jacobs’ talent featuring some very cool pipes, the pennywhistle, accordion, and dulcimer among others. It’s a CD that I find hard to describe, but you won’t be sorry if you pick this one up. It would make a great baby gift with his soft Cat-Stevens-like voice that the parents will love, too.

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The Mama Doni Band’s new CD Shabbat Shaboom delivers a fun, schmaltzy, toe-tapping good time for all. It’s a great Challah-Day celebration!

The CD focuses on Jewish shabbat themes, and is sure to entertain a broad audience with its universal song topics, like Mishpocha which is about a wonderful and quirky extended family. Who can’t relate to that?!

The award winning Mama Doni Band has a huge following and this CD is sure to be another of her hits. The songs are a fun mix of rock, pop, disco, bluegrass (or “Jewgrass” as Mama Doni calls it), klezmer, and tango. They are filled with zany and silly lyrics in songs such as A Grape Juice Break Dance, Synagoguersize, and Chicken A La Tango. The CD is also sprinkled with a few beautiful moments in songs like The Friday Night Blessings.

Shabbat Shaboom is sure to give parents a giggle and make their little ones wiggle!

The CD is available to order or download here.

-By Samara (TOP Guest Writer)

Win it! We are giving away a copy of Shabbat Shaboom!. To enter, leave a comment on this post before noon mst on May 31, 2011.

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There are three of Putamayo’s latest that we are really loving both in my home and in my classroom.

Putamayo South Africa is a collection that celebrates the rich musical diversity of this unique country at the southern tip of Africa. With the soccer World Cup taking place for the first time on African soil last year, international attention was focused on South Africa and its postapartheid status as a democracy and economic powerhouse. What a great way to introduce your family to the wonder of Africa!

Putumayo Latin Party is perhaps their most diverse Latin release yet. The mesmerizing grooves and tantalizing rhythms of Latin music have been leading people to the dance floor for decades and this CD is no exception. You can’t help but start to move your hips when the music starts to play! It includes a mix of boogaloo, funk, cumbia, son, salsa, ska and dancehall.

Putumayo Yoga is Putumayo’s first CD release featuring songs selected to accompany yoga practice and serve as a relaxing soundtrack for daily life. It’s a perfect combination of relaxing and energizing.

Win it! Enter to win one of ALL THREE of these great Putumayo offerings! Just comment here before noon mst on Feb. 26, 2011 to enter!

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The folks at Cradle Rock sent me three CDs to review – the only three currently available in their collection. Cradle Rock is a series of children’s lullaby albums produced and created by Brash Music and Tree Top Records, which hit stores and digital distribution channels last October. Cradle Rock uses vibraphones, glockenspiels and mellotrons to turn iconic songs and albums by famous artists into naptime-friendly listening material. Sadly, the only three they have so far are from artists I can’t stand.

If you have a baby and are into country music or bad eighties pop, though, these may be for you: Michael Jackson, Kenny Chesney and Johnny Cash.

They’ve got plans for Black Eyed Peas, U2, Pink Floyd and more, which I’d be all over. Until then, I’ll leave the country twang for those who don’t feel like clawing their ears off when they hear it.

Check our Cradle Rock’s website for information about the upcoming releases.

Uncle Rock’s fourth and newest CD, The Big Picture features twelve original songs (and two covers, including Carol Burnett’s theme song) is a tribute to his favourite artists – David Bowie, The Ramones, Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash and more. To create the huge picture that is The Big Picture, Uncle Rock (AKA singer-songwriter, author & bassist Robert Burke Warren) collaborated with Dean Jones, the man behind another band we love – Dog On Fleas. They’ve created this fantastic collection of singalong songs that you’re going to want to add to your music collection asap.

Before he was fondly named Uncle Rock by his nephew, Robert Burke Warren performed as a bass player in some big rock and roll bands and spent a year portraying Buddy Holly in Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story in London’s West End. He has also co-written songs for multi-Grammy winner Rosanne Cash and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Wanda Jackson. That’s some talent, right there.

Buy The Big Picture from Amazon.

Win it! Enter to win one of THREE copies of The Big Picture! Just comment here before noon mst on Feb. 26, 2011 to enter!

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With a song called “Mama Tooted” it should be obvious that I’d like this CD.

Keller Williams sings bluegrass, and after fifteen albums this is his first kids’ CD. He sings with his daughter on a few tracks, which my kids really enjoyed. They lyrics are catchy and simple to sing along to, and Oh! The goats on the cover – soooo cute! Kids. Ha!

Though it’s definitely G-rated, there are some great lyrics that will make the adults crack a smile. A great CD for a family with children under 10.

Win it! Enter to win a copy of Kids! Just comment here before noon mst on Feb. 26, 2011 to enter!

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The sound of Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem is pure joy; family style. I’ve been listening to their newest CD, Ranky Tanky, with my kids today, and we’re all diggin’ it. This groovy set from the New England-based quartet is the first I’ve heard of them but they’re certainly not new to the music scene. Their folksy style has been heard all around, but this is their first CD aimed directly at families. It is, in my opinion, best for the younger set…maybe 18 mos-5 years. It’s a bit childish for the older kids, but if they were feeling ultra silly I’m sure they’d enjoy it too.

Buy it from Amazon.

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All I Want, pictured at right, is David Weinstone’s thirteenth ‘Music for Aardvarks’ production but the first I’ve ever heard of him. Apparently I’ve been living under a rock because in doing my research I see that he’s on tv all the time. Even before I listened to the CD, I read the press release. In it, David Weinstone says, “In a world where children are bombarded with external stimuli from screens of all sizes and classes of all manner at an increasingly younger age (baby yoga meditation class! — Is that even possible?), and parents are busier than ever just trying to make ends meet, the core needs of our children remain the same. What kids need and really want from parents is simple: time and attention.”

Thank goodness people like this are on tv, even if I missed him. That’s a message I want my children and people of all ages around the world receiving, and what better way to deliver it than through music.

I did listen to the CD though, and once the kids caught wind of it we listened to it a lot more than once. It’s pretty fabulous – quirky and a whole lot of fun.

Buy it from the Music for Aardvark shop after the March 8, 2011 release date.

Win it! Enter to win a copy of All I Want! Just comment here before noon mst on Feb. 26, 2011 to enter!

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When we reviewed Justin Roberts’ CD, Pop Fly we knew he’d continue to be a favourite for a while, but you have no idea how glad I was to receive a copy of Jungle Gym and switch it out. I love Justin’s music, but the same songs day in and day out can get to a mama so it’s great to be able to enjoy his sound with a bit more variety!

Jungle Gym was nominated for a 2011 Grammy, and it’s certainly worthy. It takes you through some great memories from your childhood – the parachute in gym class, snow days, and the fun of trick or treating – and encourages some great conversations with your kids about how childhood has changed between then and now.

Love this one!

Win it! Enter to win a copy of Jungle Gym! Just comment here before noon mst on Feb. 26, 2011 to enter!

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Again with the two-months-late-ten-months-early thing. It’s Santa Claus!, the holiday CD from Ben Rudnick & Friends, is a super high spirited CD that we loved for our Christmas parties this past Christmas season. My son actually still has it in his bedroom and rotates it into his CD player occasionally. Yes, even in February. I suppose that’s how you know it’s a great CD for kids, but the whole family enjoyed this one. I’m still a Kenny G fan, but Ben Rudnick & Friends are much more fun, if fun is what you’re looking for!

At the time of posting, -it’s less than $12 at Amazon! I guess that’s the benefit of shopping for Christmas music at the end of February.

Listen and buy it here. (affiliate link)

Win it! Enter to win a copy of It’s Santa Claus! Just comment here before noon mst on Feb. 26, 2011 to enter!

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Billy Kelly’s upcoming CD, his third, The Family Garden, (due to be released April 5, 2011) is the first of his I’ve heard and my family is happy to add him to our ever- growing collection of tunes. It’s incredibly upbeat and peppy, and features a wide array of musical stylings – country (not my fave) to ragtime to rock. Though country music is like nails on a chalkboard for me, the country-ish tunes on this CD are good enough to make me forget they’re country and I find myself singing along with the kids. For a family with a range of tastes, this CD would be a great addition to your collection. There’s something for all y’all.

It will be available from Billy’s store for $12 as of April 5.

Win it! Enter to win a copy of The Family Garden! Just comment here before noon mst on Feb. 26, 2011 to enter!

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When Didi Pop (Deborah Poppink) first visited Hawaii as a child, her family stayed at the Polynesian Cultural Center where she learned about Hawaiian culture. With DidiPop Goes to Hawaii, she shares what she has learned “in the Hawaiian way—through stories and song.” Going to Hawaii is crazy expensive, and now you and your whole family can go without leaving the comfort of your own home!

The 13 original tracks on DidiPop Goes to Hawaii will take your family to Maui (Wowie Gazowie!), encourage you to try mango, remind you not to sit under a coconut tree and so much more.

The CD plus the digital album is only $15 at her shop, or you can get any of her MP3s FREE! Yes, you read that right – totally and absolutely free!

Check out the video for “I Like Pigs” on YouTube – so cute!

Win it! Enter to win a copy of Didi Pop goes to Hawaii! Just comment here before noon mst on Feb. 26, 2011 to enter!

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This is our second Joanie Leeds CD and I’m thrilled to share with you that the kids love it as much as the first one (I’m a Rock Star!). It’s got a distinctly different sound than the last one did, but that’s not a bad thing. What I really love about Joanie’s music is that the adults don’t feel like they need to leave the room and let the kids enjoy it alone. It’s great for the whole family.

This CD has ten Joanie originals and four covers, each with their own style. She and her band, the Nightlights, share thought provoking and educational lyrics while still making the CD a ton of fun to listen to. “My Butterfly” teaches all about metamorphosis, “Sea Cow” and “Big Blue Whale” explore endangered species, and “Tofurky” emphasizes responsible eating. Other songs are just plain fun, but the cover of the Phish song “Possum” does let kids know what happens when you don’t look both ways when crossing the street!

01) All The Animals
02) Mosquitoes
03) Froggie Went A Courtin’ (Featuring Secret Agent 23 Skidoo)
04) Big Blue Whale
05) Happy As a Clam
06) Hummingbird
07) Sea Cow
08) Possum
09) Tofurky Song
10) If You Go
11) Animals in Concert
12) My Butterfly
13) Pony Boy
14) Wimoweh

The CD will be released April 12th (a great addition to your child’s Easter basket!) so be sure to pick up a copy as soon as you can. Or you can try to…

Win it! Enter to win a copy of of What A Zoo! Just comment here before noon mst on Feb. 26, 2011 to enter!

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Journey rocks.

Being able to listen to the music of your youth while soothing a newborn to sleep ROCKS!

Rocking is what Rockabye Baby! does best. They’ve remixed many of the bands from the good old rockin’ eighties (and more, but I’m an eighties girl so that’s what really matters to me) – punk, metal and classic rock – and made them soft enough to rock your babe to.

As they say, “making an album that’s gentle enough for sleeping babies but won’t bore Mom and Dad is trickier than it sounds.” They’ve done a heck of a good job.

I love that you can get a download card for less than $15 for any CD in their shop, and the new parents in question can pick whatever band reminds them of their youth – babified. The download card comes housed in a beautiful, eco-friendly package containing a digital download card good for one Rockabye Baby! album, an exclusive download code, and clear instructions for downloading, along with a healthy baby food recipe, paper dolls, a mini baby book , and Rockabye Baby! temporary tattoos.

Win it! Enter to win a Rockabye Baby! download card! Just comment here before noon mst on Feb. 26, 2011 to enter!

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Many Hands – Family Music for Haiti is a CD you’ll buy for the cause, but play over and over again because it’s awesome.

It’s not “Kids Music.” It’s “Family Music.”

Yes, there’s a difference.

Even you, the one who can already read this post fluently, will like it!

It’s a compilation that raises awareness of, and funds for, the continuing needs of the Haitian people after last year’s earthquake. It features tracks from Jonathan Coulton, They Might Be Giants, Dan Zanes, Elizabeth Mitchell, Lunch Money, Frances England, Secret Agent 23 Skiddoo, and many, many more.

Preview songs and buy it from our affiliate, Amazon for less than thirteen bucks!

Win it! Enter to win a copy of Family Music for Haiti! Just comment here before noon mst on Feb. 26, 2011 to enter!

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Recess Monkey rocks – we’ve never listened to one of their songs that we didn’t like, and the new release The Final Funktier is no different. They’re a group of teachers from Seattle who must be even more fun in the classroom than I am! The teachers, Jack Forman, Daron Henry, and Drew Holloway, have three distinct voices that melt together like good chocolate in a way that’s super entertaining for kids but not annoying in the least for parents.

This CD brings you Recess Monkey in outer space, which was a big hit in the mind of my almost-five year old who currently aspires to be an astronaut. Or a dentist in outer space who designs stuff. Whatever.

Jack notes: “We like to wordsmith and are big-time pun fans. On The Final Funktier there’s a song about how a booster seat is like a booster rocket, another song about what space elevator music might sound like, and even one about a ukulele-playing alien called Ukulalien. Laughter permeates our experiences with kids, in the classroom and out!” (~Amazon)

Listen and buy it from Amazon.

Win it! Enter to win a copy of The Final Funktier. Just comment here before noon mst on Feb. 26, 2011 to enter!

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Princess Katie & Racer Steve have long been a favourite around our home – so much so that their faces adorn my son’s wall in poster format – and we’re always excited to receive a new CD of awesome.

Tiny Cool makes Princess Katie & Racer Steve three for three in the cool department. In fact, I’d like to suggest a renaming of this CD to “Super Hugely Fantastically Awesome.”

Is there something akin to the Grammy awards for kids’ tunes? Because I nominate this.

P.S. Fear not. There’s nothing princess-y about Princess Katie. She rocks, and hard.

Check out their YouTube channel.

Win it! Enter to win a copy of Tiny Cool! Just comment here before noon mst on Feb. 26, 2011 to enter!

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Jamie Broza’s soon to be released kids’ CD, I Want a Dog, is a fun addition to any child’s music collection. The CD has a Latin flair, and my son was thrilled to hear his friend’s language in one of the songs.

Both my children agree that the best song on the CD is “The No Game” and my husband and I are coerced into playing it (the game, and the song) daily now. They especially love the conversations between parent and child interspersed between the songs, and often mimic those conversations in their pretend play.

I Want A Dog! will be released March 15, 2011 and you’re going to want to pick up a copy. Check out Jamie’s website for more information.

Jamie credits his family’s rescue dog, Dusty, adopted from North Shore Animal League America, as his muse for I Want a Dog! Jamie will donate 20 percent of the profits from this album to North Shore Animal League America. Buy the CD, and then go adopt a dog!

Win it! Enter to win a copy of I Want A Dog! Just comment here before noon mst on Feb. 26, 2011 to enter!

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We love The Boogers.

Punk rock for kids? There’s truly nothing like it!

The Boogers’ newest CD, Let’s Go!, is just as awesome as their first, and my children just love it! I can’t imagine the punk folks I know listening to a classic version of Old Macdonald Had a Farm on repeat for three days straight, but they’d all certainly be able to tolerate and even learn to love the song if The Boogers performed it.

If you’re the kind of parent who yearns for their mosh pit days, The Boogers are for you! And if you’re not, they’re still for you. Trust me on this one. Everyone who is in our house when we play this CD comments on what a great alternative it is to traditional tunes for kids. Whether you’re punk or not (and I? am sooooo not.) you’ll dig it.

Pick it up from our affiliate, Amazon.

Win it! Enter to win one of THREE copies of Let’s Go! Just comment here before noon mst on Feb. 26, 2011 to enter!

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You could call me two months late, but I’d rather call myself ten months early!

Putumayo World Christmas Party (Amazon affiliate link) is a festive collection of Christmas favorites recorded by artists from around the globe. It was a big favourite around our home about, oh…two months ago, and we’ll be keeping it in our Christmas play list for many years to come.

Whether you’re seeking a fresh spin on Christmas classics or want to know what rhythms are a part of holiday celebrations around the world, World Christmas Party is a fabulous addition to your own collection. Next year, deck the halls with African, Latin, reggae, and other global interpretations of classic Christmas carols. You won’t regret it.

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I’ve reviewed a Monkey Monkey Music CD before (What Are The Odds?) and our children loved it, so imagine their excitement when they released a new DVD!

This is Merideth LeVande’s first DVD and, though the occasional lip syncing is a little, um…lip sync-y for me, the kids didn’t notice and simply loved the entire thing.

At $20, Monkey Monkey Music – The Videos is a great addition to your DVD collection for your littles. There’s great movement opportunities and some built-in learning that the kids have no idea is happening. I’d recommend it for the 18 month-5 year old set.

Check out one of my kids’ favourite songs:

Order your own from the MMM site.

Win it! Win a copy of the DVD for your best little peeps! Just comment here before noon mst on Feb. 26, 2011 to enter!

Multiple entries are available for every TOP giveaway!

1. Readers get one entry for commenting or emailing their answer to the question posed in the post.

2. Blog about the contest using one of the top three images found here. Leave a comment with the direct link to your post (not to your main page, and in a separate comment from your other entry).

3.

Enter your email address:

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Maximum five entries total per person in any contest.

EACH entry must leave a separate comment…one comment = one number for the random integer generator.

Disclaimer

When there’s a lot of time-outs happening at your place, I suggest an alternative to losing your patience.

Take Time Out To Rock!

The Not Its are an up-tempo power-pop kiddie band out of Seattle and their new CD “Time Out To Rock” is perfect for the preschool & early school years set (aka, the kids I live with and the kids I teach, so yay!) It’s the type of CD that both the kids and I loved right away, and the kids at home and at school all start tapping their feet & hands just waiting for a chance to dance when they hear it.

Remember, a time out to rock is a time out for everyone – even the overworked, underpaid parents!

Win it! Leave a comment below before noon mst on October 31, 2010 to enter to win your own Time Out To Rock!

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

It’s been a singy & dancy kind of week in the Opinionated household! We tore open the packages on a whole pile of CD’s that have been sitting on our counter for an embarrassingly long time, and we hit on some real winners. The Flannery Brothers: The New Explorers Club is one that we’ve added to our regular rotation. They are two real life brothers – Flannery brothers, actually – who create tunes that are absolutely ridiculously awesome. They’re hilarious, up beat and kids love them – sounds like a perfect CD to me! Check out the track listing to see what I’m talking about – what kid can’t related to these titles?

1. Big Kite
2. Swallowed a Bug
3. Hi 5 Dance
4. In The Middle
5. Pirate or Parrot?
6. Green Submarine
7. Sea Glass
8. Quiet Place
9. Kitchen Floor
10. Boots
11.Let’s Go!
12. The Elements
13. Best Adventures

The CD is due to be released mid-October and you can listen and pre-order it from their website.

Win it! Want a copy? Comment below before noon mst on October 31, 2010 to enter.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

Frances England may have a mind of her own, but she’s got a heck of a lot of musical talent behind her in the production of her new album, Mind of My Own. She’s backed by a full band and a bunch of guest musicians make an appearance, including Doug Snyder from the Jellydots and the Mates of State. Even with all of that, the music still much resembles her individual sound from her first album and I love that it’s its still her own hand-cut artwork on the cover. Cute.

Mind of My Own is set to be released November 9th. You and your kids will love it.

Win it! We’ve got a copy ready to ship to one lucky T.O.P. reader. To enter, comment below before noon mst on October 31, 2010.

Matt Clark of Matt Clark Music recently sent our family his new CD, Funnier Little Fellas. It arrived just a few short days ago and I have the song “Tickle Bees” memorized word for word because my kids made me put it on repeat for a three hour drive. While my husband wanted to shoot himself after the fifth time (he’s not a kiddie tunes fan) I still like the song and played tickle bee with my kids after the trip

All of the songs are really good, though. Each one is like a little snippet of life with kids, and whether it deals with current dilemmas (to swing or to slide?) or things of the past like learning to use utensils & explore solid food, parents and children both can relate to each one.

A band-aid solves everything.
When nothing else works, tantrum.
All truths of childhood. And if you can sing along to them, it makes everything – including the tantrums – less painful.

Win it! We’ve got THREE copies of Funnier Little Fellas to give away! Comment below before noon mst on October 31, 2010 to enter.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNERs EMAILED

Monkey Monkey Music, lead by NYC based musician & educator Meredith LeVande, recently released its second children’s CD, What Are The Odds?. It’s a super fun collection of songs for the 2-7 set that the littles in your life are sure to love. Merideth’s voice & style are totally built for the young child to love, and the children who live in my home are no exception. Neither are their friends, actually. A living room full of kids grooving to “Air Guitar” is enough to make any mama’s heart swell, and now that they know that their air guitars are always with them they pull them out at the most hilarious of times!

Yet another great addition to our regular musical rotation!

Win it! We’re giving away a copy of this fabulous CD. To enter, comment before noon mst on 9/25/10.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

Caspar Babypants, also known as Chris Ballew (thank goodness) is the lead singer for The Presidents of the United States of America. As his alter ego, however, he’s a really super duper awesome storyteller songwriter and entertainer for the 0-5 set. Caspar Babypants’ new album, THIS IS FUN!, will be released on November 2nd and I am here to tell you to buy it that very day if you have little people in your life. My children immediately began dancing like the lunatics they are as soon as the music started, and didn’t stop until it was over. Well, except for when they stopped to listen to the lyrics more closely a few times – the story never stops. In fact, by the second time through Babypants had our whole family singing & dancing!

Win it! We’re giving away a copy of this CD, two months before it’s even released for purchase! Comment below before noon mst on September 18, 2010 to enter.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

Music for Little People recently sent us a couple of discs to check out, and they made the cut for sharing here with you.

Pickin’ & Grinnin’: Great Folk Songs for Kids is full of spirited performances of some of the greatest American folk singers singing their favorite tunes especially for children.

Love & Peace is full of music that parents and children can enjoy together. It includes some of the most magical musical moments from Music for Little People’s rich musical history with unique performances such as Brian Johnson (AC/DC) performing “If I had a Hammer” with award winning kids singers, Faith Hill singing a heartfelt ballad to her daughter and Willie Nelson joining a bunch of friends to cover Woody Guthrie’s “This Land is Your Land”. It begins with a classic from my own childhood, “Baby Beluga” by Raffi, followed by one of my personal faves “On The Good Ship Lollipop” by Maria Muldaur. “The diversity and spirit in this historical tribute to the wonderful world of children’s music contribute to a musical experience that your family won’t want to miss!”

These are the first two of a selection of CD’s that will be released throughout 2010 to celebrate their 25th anniversary. They’re awesome, but you know what else is awesome? They’re only nine bucks right now!

Win them! Enter to win a copy of each of these fab CD’s with a comment on this post before noon mst on Friday, May 7, 2010.

I’m thrilled to introduce you to Funky Mama‘s new album, “Sing!” We reviewed her Moo Juice album (glowingly) a year and a half ago-ish, and this one is just as fantastic. Check out the title track on YouTube. I’ll wait.

See? Awesome, no?

Krista always gets my kids rockin’ – even when they’re strapped in to 5 point harnesses, which is saying something.

Take a little sneak listen to more of the CD here.

Win it! Enter to win a copy of Sing! by commenting on this post before noon mst on Friday, May 7, 2010.

This CD, Flute Sweet & Tickletoon in Green Golly & Her Golden Flute is truly like nothing I’ve shared with you before. It’s intended for ages 4-10, and is 57 minutes of awesome.

Flute Sweet & Tickletoon introduces kids to the wonder of classical music using an embellishment of the classic fairy tale Rapunzel called “Green Golly & Her Golden Flute.” It’s in two parts – the first a narrative graced with flute and flute-guitar renditions of several classical selections, and the second flute recital by Barbara Siesel accompanied by pianist Jessica Krash which allows children to enjoy in greater depth the selections performed during the narration.

This CD will be release on May 11, but you can win it sooner!

Win it! Comment by noon on Friday, May 7, 2010 to enter.

GIVEAWAY CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

Another newcomer to the fabulous Putumayo Kids Playground series, Jazz Playground is a collection of international jazz songs for children. “From bebop and swing to Latin and African jazz, this multicultural CD celebrates the vibrant diversity and global influence of jazz and will get the whole family grooving!”

I am a big jazz lover (with absolutely no knowledge…just a simple love of listening) so I was thrilled to share this with my own children and more thrilled to see how much they loved it. Check out a couple of videos with your kids…and then buy it!

or…Win it! Comment here before noon on Friday, May 7, 2010 to be entered to win a copy.

NYC-based singer/songwriter Joanie Leeds’ new CD, I’m a Rock Star, was released just a month ago and it’s already entered “van rotation.” Joanie has a voice that is very appealing to adults.

According to her publicist, “Joanie’s soulful, “rock solid” voice – plus a remarkable ability to connect with kids through her songwriting – won her a 2008 Parents’ Choice Award for her debut children’s album, City Kid. Parents’ Choice reviewer Lynne Heffley praised Joanie’s “vivacious soprano and gentle rock ‘n roll approach.” Joanie’s music dances across a constellation of musical genres, ranging from indie & classic rock to hip-hop, from folk to jazz, from R & B to cartoon.”

“I’m a Rock Star” has catchy lyrics and songs that are short enough to keep even my 2 year old interested until the end. Joanie’s voice is awesome – not what many people expect from a children’s performer.

Win it! Comment here before noon on Friday, May 7, 2010 to be entered to win a copy.

Gray Matter Matters. Trust me on that one.

Parents’ Choice® Gold winning kids’ musician Roger Day’s “brainy” new CD, Why Does Gray Matter? … And Other Brainy Songs for Kids! is one of the newest albums in what we lovingly refer to as “van rotation” right now. If a CD leaves the kids’ rooms and makes it to the van, it’s good. It’s about the wonders and mysteries of the human brain, and is geared to kids ages 5 – 11.

As I’ve mentioned many times, I am not a music reviewer and don’t consider myself necessarily very good at it, but I am certainly opinionated, as are my children. I feel qualified to tell you that this is a great CD that my kids love. The music PR people in my virtual life are much better at actually writing about the tunes. So let’s let them do it, right?

In the spirit of Schoolhouse Rock and Bill Nye, the Science Guy, Why Does Gray Matter? includes “Brain Food – Eat it Up!” which uses omega 3, lypocene and green tea in a B-52s inspired rocker about the best foods for brain health. The “Left Brain/Right Brain” song illustrates the different functions of each side of the brain: the left brain is a Bach-inspired baroque string quartet and the right brain – naturally – is a bad British punk rock band. Roger Day co-wrote “The Brain Train” with Dr. John Paul Bouffard, Chief Neuropathologist at Overlook Hospital in New Jersey; the song takes a peek inside Ringo Starr’s brain during that nanosecond from Ringo’s first thought about playing the drums to showtime at Shea Stadium. Roger says, “I’m confident this is the first – and probably last — children’s song that uses words like ‘corpus callosum’ and ‘deep basal ganglia’ in the lyrics.”

There wasn’t a song on this CD that I didn’t like. My son has actually learned a lot about the brain by listening to it and it’s spurred some awesome discussions & teachable moments. My daughter just boogies along as we chat because the music is as good as the content. It’s good stuff – particularly if you’re a science buff.

Win it! Comment here before noon on Friday, May 7, 2010 to be entered to win a copy.

It’s music week again here at T.O.P. and each day we’ll be featuring a new CD we’ve been sent to review that has made it into regular rotation in our homes and vehicles. Each one will be accompanied by the usual giveaway, with all of them closing at noon mst on Friday.

Enjoy, and happy dancing!

Rockabye Baby is a record label that has released a line of CDs which turn popular rock bands into lullaby music for babies and parents. They have lullaby renditions of 25 artists including The Beatles, Nirvana and a new release of Lullaby Renditions of Aerosmith which features liner notes by Steven Tyler. Most recently they’re launched a Journey album, which is just as awesome as every Journey album is, but totally safe for the nursery. They also have a new download card available which is a super cool baby gift for someone whose musical tastes you’re unsure of.

You can hear clips, find more info and purchase at Rockabye Baby

Save 20% until 5/9/10 with the code MOMDAY2010

Win it! Want to win a download card? Comment on this post before noon mst on April 26, 2010.

Next week = Music week!

Remember Sade?

I barely did. Soldier of Love is only the sixth studio album the band Sade have released during their 25 year career, and the first since Lovers Rock in 2000. For Sade herself, as the lynchpin of the group’s songwriting effort, it’s a simple matter of integrity and authenticity. “I only make records when I feel I have something to say. I’m not interested in releasing music just for the sake of selling something. Sade is not a brand.”

Soldier of Love was released last week, just in time for Valentine’s Day. It contains ten tracks that all flow together seamlessly. It’s beautiful music through and though, carrying the theme that love can and does conquer all. You can listen to a couple of tracks that are streaming at inmusic.ca.

Buy it in the USA or Canada
from Amazon.

Win it! We’re giving away two copies of Sade’s Soldier of Love. To enter, leave a comment on this post before noon mst on February 22, 2010.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNERS EMAILED

NYC-based singer/songwriter Bari Koral’s new CD, Rock and Roll Garden gets top ratings from my children. It’s taken top spot in our musical rotation since it’s arrival and the kids have even been taking it to their dayhome for their dance parties.

My husband and I have been heard calling to each other with “Hey duckies!” and replying “Hey, What?”

Get the CD and you’ll start too – you won’t be able to help it.

Dubbed the “Sheryl Crow for kids” by the NY Post, Bari Koral is just the perfect mix of kiddie & folksy that makes everyone want to sing along. For days and days after they last hear the CD.

This CD’s getting played so much here that I’m going to rip it to my iTunes before it gets wrecked – if that happens there will be two very unhappy campers.

Win it! Comment here before noon mst on Feb. 8/10 to enter to win a copy of this super CD!

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

Joe Rothstein, a speech-language pathologist trained in early childhood education, has recently released his groundbreaking CD Power Tunes. Normally we’re excited to tell you about CD’s that are perfect for the whole family, but this CD is definitely just for the kids. Power Tunes meets children’s most simple language needs with ten upbeat, original tracks.

Tracks include School Song, Train Song, Food Song and Red Light, Green Light pick kids up and get their bodies and brainwaves moving together while empowering them with important language tools. They’re educational and address many language learning skills but are so fun that kids will never realize they’re learning. That’s my goal as an early childhood educator – to make learning so fun and engaging that kids don’t realize what’s happening. I have several students with speech issues in my room this year and was thrilled with the results of playing this CD for my class. Whether your children have speech concerns or not, it’s a great CD for all children and is particularly great for toddlers who are in the early stages of developing language.

I give it a ten out of ten – even if I wouldn’t listen to it without my kids around.

The Hipwaders new Christmas album, A Kindie Christmas, is a treat like no other. With ten all original songs, none of which are what I expected, it’s a family friendly calorie-free dish for the holidays!

You can get some free downloads here. Add them to your iTunes and get those kids dancin’!

Win it! FIVE winners will get a signed copy! Comment here before noon mst on December 30, 2009 to be entered, and don’t forget to get yourself some extra entries too.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNERS EMAILED

Our newest CD “Rock Paper Scissors” just oozes heart and soul. It entered our van CD player a couple of weeks ago and hasn’t left. And it’s December, and it’s not a Christmas album – so that’s sayin’ something. It’s the latest album from Dean Jones, member of the awesome Dog On Fleas.

Rock Paper Scissors features Dean playing a bunch of instruments, including the car-horn o-phone, which honestly? Is freaking awesome.

SUCH a great CD. Get it.

Track Listing:

1 Hail! Hail! the Gang’s All Here!
2 Rock Paper Scissors
3 Butterfingers
4 Sing Like a Sparrow
5 Mama Said No
6 Surprise
7 Roncando (w/ Uncle Rock)
8 Throw on the Charm
9 Poison Ivy
10 Isthmus be the Pirate Waltz
11 Lucky (w/ Amy Poux)
12 Flat Tire
13 Frenzy
14 Miss Mary Jane
15 Baby in My Pocket
16 Lefty Loosey/Righty Tighty
17 Tomorrow
18 The Littlest Song

I recently received a copy of the new Milkshake CD, Great Day. I have loved everything I’ve ever listened to from Milkshake in the past, so was excited to listen to this one.

Here’s what the band has to say about this fabulous disc:

In keeping with the Milkshake belief that one never stops evolving/growing, we present Great Day.

This is the first Milkshake album that is actually Milkshake the Band. It’s not just Lisa and Mikel and a bunch of studio musicians. Play! featured the guys singing, but we still used outside musicians, and we all played our parts at different times. On Great Day, it’s the band playing in one big room at the same time, except for vocal and guitar overdubs. And we have a few special guests — our friends Grammy-Award winners Cathy Fink, Marcy Marxer and Rodney Henry of the Glenmont Popes.

We tracked Great Day in six twelve-hour days, and it was a lot of fun. Lots of different musical styles here, as on past albums, but the subjects are a little deeper, the guys are singing a little sweeter and everyone was trying new things, thanks in part to Tor Hyams’ intense, encouraging production style, and in part to everyone really being…well…a band, which is a lot like a family. Enjoy…and have a great day!

Here’s what my kids have to say about it:

“Let’s put Milkshake in again, Mommy!”

Don’t forget to bring Milkshake in the van!”

And because, in the usual Milkshake style, it’s actually really good music that’s easily enjoyed by kids and parents alike, I always oblige.

Win it! One commenter will win a copy of Great Day. To enter, comment before noon mst on September 28th.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

Let’s just say that we’re HUGE music fans around here. Whether that means me trying to play “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” on the piano with four little hands banging on the keys, or whether it means listening to a new CD…whatever it is, if it’s music we’ll most likely love it! Our most recent find is the Dreyer Family Band CD. The story behind this CD is great – twin brothers with their wives and kids having a dream and coming up with a fabulous kid-friendly and family friendly set of songs. All the songs are original and are composed by the family themselves. And of course they are all sung and accompanied by the moms, dads, or kids. Family time is so important so what a great way smack together two of the most important things – family and music! Although the style of music wasn’t exactly my favorite…my kids still loved it though! However, I loved all the lyrics and the fact that the songs were so fun and so family oriented. That outweighs the style of music for me by far. And there’s no doubt about it that the Dreyer Family Band knows how to have fun (just check out the photos on their website).The Dreyer Family Band’s first CD – Family Photograph is great for a road trip or for listening to at home. Check it out here. – by Andrea

Win it! We’re giving away a copy to one randomly selected reader. Just comment on this post before noon mst on Friday, September 11, 2009 and you’re entered.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

Another newcomer to the fabulous Putumayo Kids Playground series, European Playground is a collection of 15 songs that takes the listener on a musical tour through Europe. With the rich cultural variety of this expansive continent, (almost 50 countries, each with its own unique culture, history, traditions, food and music), the range of music on this CD is not-surprisingly pretty awesome. The songs are multi-genre and multilingual songs, easy to sing and dance along to, and just a whole lot of fun.

From Putumayo: “The song themes speak to children’s interests and spark their imaginations. The Swiss tune by Roland Zoss is about a magical land where teddy bears come to life. Sås & Kopp sing in Swedish about jumping on a trampoline with friends in the backyard, and German favorite Alex Schmeisser celebrates the friendship between a big cow and a little mouse. Alain Le Lait highlights the French love of good food while London-based Herbie Treehead explores a universal theme in a fresh new way with his “Change Song,” noting, “We all have to change sometimes!””

Nothing less than what I’ve come to expect from Putumayo & Putumayo Kids.

Win it! Want it? Leave a comment on this post before noon mst on Friday, August 14, 2009. All giveaways held during this “TOP Music Week” will end on Friday at noon.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED