Clare writes:
I'm hoping you can throw this out to the peanut gallery. My one year old loves to dance, and he got an iTunes gift card for his birthday. I'd love suggestions of good songs/albums/artists to download. My only criteria for kids' music is that I have to be able to listen to it without the kids around (ie, not really kiddie-music a la Barney or even Raffi, but music that appeals to kids). So, right now, I've got lots of folk (we love Pete Seeger and Arlo Guthrie), bluegrass, Zydeco (for parents of the train-obsessed, Buckwheat Zydeco's Choo Choo Bugaloo is fantastic), Irish/Scottish traditional. I love the Putumayo albums, but they don't appear to be available on iTunes. Any and all suggestions welcome. Thanks!
Ideas? My kids are currently into AC/DC and Heart (from the 70s and 80s), but they're also 6 and 3 instead of 1.
We also listen to lots of Earth, Wind, and Fire, ABBA, Aaron Shust, and anything with either a beat or lots of guitar. Sometimes we just watch Jack's Big Music Show if we're looking for something new and silly.
What do you guys recommend?
Also, iTunes gift card as a present for a one-year-old: Excellent.
The Weepies! My 20-month-old daughter can sing along with just about every song on their CD Hideaway. It's not kids' music at all, but totally kid-appropriate. Folky, sing-along-in-the-car summer music. And it's been a neat little bonding thing with my daughter and I, that we have a favorite band together--we're always listening on our way to the park or the grocery store.
(Though if you ask her, "What's your favorite band?" she says "headband" every time.)
Posted by: Rachel | August 08, 2008 at 07:01 AM
What a great gift! My brain is terrible for music (can't remember the names of artists), but hopefully ep will pop in later and give you a list of the faves. I can do a kind of spotty list only. Bad brain.
One word: Motown. Any of the old choreography-friendly numbers (Stop in the Name of Love!) are favorites of the youngers.
Car Wash, also.
R&B.
ABBA. Blondie. Richard Thompson, a bit. Weird Al Yankovich.
G loves Beatles covers. B loves bluegrass. M loves Thula Sizwe (a Zulu group that stops near us on tours regularly, http://www.thulasizwe.com/Samples_Music.html for samples, though I don't think they're on iTunes, well worth buying the CDs), R loves Motown best (we saw a Motown/R&B singer recently and R tried to suck her in through her eyeballs, I think. She forgot to blink.)
Have fun choosing!
Posted by: hedra | August 08, 2008 at 07:02 AM
We (me, my husband and our 20 month old) love They Might Be Giants (they have albums specifically for kids, though their non-kid stuff is fantastic too - surreal, with lots of funk), and jazz - we have a couple of Jazz For Kids albums (think Ella singing Old MacDonald, and Louis Prima's Yes We Have No Bananas, rather than anything cheesey made just for kids) but I also play a lot of 1930s Big Band jazz, and my little boy dances around like crazy. He loved it when my mum played him Rufus Wainwright, but I'm thinking you might need to vet some lyrics there (or maybe that's just Martha). Doris Day, Frank Sinatra et al. if you can cope with them (I love em, but I know they're not everyone's bag). Oh and Barenaked Ladies' Gordon - lots of bounce, very musical, often quite silly. Hmm, looking at all that I'm thinking the theme is probably anything with a good beat and/or lots of over the top melodies, with bonus points for zaniness.
Posted by: Cassie | August 08, 2008 at 07:09 AM
They might be giants, they have some kids albums (here come the abc's, here come the 123's) but really any old album would be fun kid listening... though you might not like it if you don't like TMBG.
As kids music, I have Elizabeth Mitchell, little bird... Which is folk music played by mitchell her husband and their young daughter. I frankly LOVE that CD and we keep it in the Car to stop the screaming of my 20 month old if he should start. he's loved it since he was 12. I could listen to her voice sing just about anything.
Posted by: Nutmeg | August 08, 2008 at 07:14 AM
OH! My 20 month old is all about the beat. And it HAS to be adult music for him. His latest favorite? One he literally bangs his head to? One he demands the second we get into the car?
Elvis' "A Little Less Conversation". You Tube clip here if you haven't heard it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvxjTStdy48&feature=related
He also really like's "Hey Ya!" by Outcast, but I need to remember when he starts being able to sing lyrics like "Just wanna make you c**", they're not exactly age appropriate and will need to weed it out of his collection.
When mellow, he's all about Jack Johnson, specifically "Upside Down" and the other songs from the Curious George movie. Oh, and from the time he was in utero, anything by Allison Krause has been able to lull him.
Speaking of Allison, her new album with Robert Plant is a big hit with him as well. Especially "Gone, Gone, Gone". See You Tube clip here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8x78Fm4CMWQ
Yeah, we watch/listen to a lot of music on You Tube. I could list 30 different favorites of his, from Johnny Cash singing with the Muppets to U2 singing "Heads Shoulders Knees and Toes". (All searchable.)
Anyway, boy did I go on and on. I love this question though and will be stalking the comments for ideas for my bug.
Emme Bea
Posted by: Emme Bea | August 08, 2008 at 07:25 AM
The Barenaked Ladies, Snack Time!. You can read my review of it here: http://theclevermom.com/?p=37
We have three kids music cds that we listen to fairly regularly that I love to sing along to: The Barenaked Ladies Snack Time!, They Might Be Giants Here Come The ABCs (DVD and CD, we have both and love the videos) and Laurie Berkener We Are The Laurie Berkner Band (actally a DVD w/ bonus CD). Laurie Berkner is the most kiddified, but it's infectious and not dumbed down.
Of course, we also listen to heavy metal, punk, twee, alt.country, indie, etc. And my son seems to love it all. He particiularly likes The Beatles, The Pixies, The Ramones and Belle and Sebastian (possibly because his mama does).
Posted by: theclevermom | August 08, 2008 at 07:28 AM
I second Folk, Big Band & Swing, and R&B. My little guy has always loved John Legend. And the Jazz for Kids cd is awesome. The Beatles aren't on iTunes, unfortunately. And speaking of the Wainwrights, Loudon Wainwright (dad of Rufus and Martha) has some great, silly folk songs. Johnny Cash has a wonderful kids album. And John Denver was played in my house growing up, everyone loved him, but definitely one of those musicians you either love or love to hate. Some great folk: Devendra Banhart, Vashti Bunyan, Sibylle Baier, Meg Baird. Seu Jorge's album "Cru". Malvina Reynolds is a good fun folkie. Django Reinhardt is always fun. Edith Piaf. Paul Simon's "Graceland" and "Rhythm of the Saints". Ladysmith Black Mambazo. I could go on and on, really...
Posted by: jessica star | August 08, 2008 at 07:31 AM
Soundtracks from Broadway musicals have been a real hit with my DS -- Sound of Music, Peter Pan, Cats, Annie, etc. All of these are on iTunes.....
Posted by: professor mama | August 08, 2008 at 07:49 AM
I have to agree with the commenter who suggested Elizabeth Mitchell. Her albums are wonderful!
Posted by: Amy E. | August 08, 2008 at 07:54 AM
They were already mentioned, but I have a 14-month-old, and she loves Barenaked Ladies "Snack Time," Elizabeth Mitchell, and the Jack's Big Music Show CD with Grumpy on it.
Posted by: Tara @ Feels like home | August 08, 2008 at 08:03 AM
Check out www.zooglobble.com which is a kids music review site.
Check out Elizabeth Mitchell. www.youaremyflower.org You can also find her on iTunes.
We also fall in the Jack Johnson, Bare Naked Ladies and Laurie Berkner fan club.
Posted by: EmJay | August 08, 2008 at 08:05 AM
It's already been suggested, but I have a suggestion with a warning. My daughter (4) and I also love They Might Be Giants, but I've loved them since 1988, so I might have been biased in encouraging her to listen to them.
Here's the warning: when you decide to introduce the older stuff (i.e., the regular adult albums), listen first. Occasionally there will be a swear word, and with the Johns, they are always clearly enunciated.
Specifically, TMBG's 1990 album _Flood_ is a good one for kids, and clean too.
My daughter also likes the newer 311. Her favorite album of theirs is _Don't Tread on Me_ (also clean, unlike their earlier albums). And, weirdly enough, she's digging DEVO right now, but those songs also need vetting before you let a little one listen.
Posted by: amy | August 08, 2008 at 08:12 AM
I have to concur with everyone who suggested They Might Be Giants. Of course, they have been a favorite of mine since high school so maybe it's just that I play them for her.
My 2 1/2 year old's favorite song is Punk Rock Girl by the Dead Milkman. Her dad started singing it to her when she was a baby and now she can't get enough and knows most of the words. I'm not sure how appropriate it is but there is nothing quite as funny as seeing a little kid sing "so we jumped up on the table and shouted anarchy". Also, we like to play it for her because after every listening she grins this huge grin and says "I'm daddy's punk rock girl".
I'm looking forward to hearing the other suggestions.
Posted by: dee | August 08, 2008 at 08:17 AM
Free to Be You and Me and Alphabet Rock--yes, it was made for kids, but for us as kids, so it's a win-win--nostalgic and catchy. I have been blasting "Mommies are People" all week and my neighbors must think I have lost it. My son also loved the Thelonius Monk recording of "This Old Man," which is oh so easy on the ears.
Posted by: Colleen | August 08, 2008 at 08:36 AM
One of my favorite bands is The Red Stick Ramblers. It's part zydeco, part jazz, all fun. My girls (1 and 3) love it, and get very excited and dance like maniacs when I put it on.
As far as "kids" music goes, we really like They Might Be Giants 1 2 3's album. They like it, and truthfully, so do I.
Posted by: Erica | August 08, 2008 at 08:39 AM
One more--Peter and the Wolf--is this Stravinsky? Anyways, my dear friend's 2 year old must hear it every day.
Posted by: Colleen | August 08, 2008 at 08:39 AM
My daughter is only 5 mos old, but she likes 50's and 60's music and musical soundtracks. Specifically Rock around the Clock and songs from Rent! (but that has something to do with the fact that both her parents sing lots of Rent! around the house, I'm sure). We also play her namesake song to her an awful lot.
For fun, folky music try Christine Kane, I think she's on iTunes. We also know a couple of folk artists that have fun beats to some of their songs - Rod Piccott's music is a lot of fun. Again, I think some of it is on iTunes, but I know you can get his albums on Amazon.
Posted by: Christiana | August 08, 2008 at 08:42 AM
My two-year old LOVES the Cha-Cha Slide (that cheesy song they play at every wedding)! It teaches him left and right ("slide to the left") and body parts ("hands on your knees"). Plus people are really impressed when he starts singing it :)
Also a big hit, the country song called I Got a Brand New Girlfriend and the Taylor Swift song about a stupid old pick-up truck (Picture to Burn). And any song from the movie Cars.
You can download TV show episodes or movies on Itunes too - we have Dora and Blues Clues and they come in handy in doctors' offices or when we have to wait and there is nothing to do.
Posted by: Ellen | August 08, 2008 at 08:43 AM
Long time lurker, first time commenter. Here is a playlist I made on itunes that my 4YO and 16MO love and it isn't hard on my grown-up ears either.
Dan Zanes & Sandra Bernhard - Thrift shop
Barenaked Ladies - I don't like
Angelique Kidjo - Naima
The Be Good Tanyas - The littlest birds
Elizabeth Mitchell - Little bird
Hot Peas & Butter - Number one
Laurie Berkner - The cat came back
Medeski, Martin, & Wood - Where's the music?
Michelle Shocked - Got no strings
The Quiet Ones - Polar bear
Sweet Honey in the Rock - I like it that way
Toots and the Maytalls - Take me home (country road)
Posted by: Alliemama | August 08, 2008 at 08:49 AM
Ralph's World
Gunnar Madsen
The Beach Boys
Little Willie John's version of "Fever"
The "soundtrack" to Finding Nemo
Posted by: Slim | August 08, 2008 at 08:55 AM
Frances England, Randy Kaplan, Astrograss, Captain Bogg & Salty, Central Services Board of Education, David Tobocman, The Deedle Deedle Dees, Eric Herman, Gustafer Yellowgold, The Hipwaders, The Jellydots, The Jimmies, Milkshake, Ralph's World, Recess Monkey, Renee & Jeremy, The Sippy Cups, The Terrible Twos, Uncle Rock.
No idea if these will appeal to you personally, nor if they're on iTunes. But my kids love a lots of their songs. These are musicians geared toward kids, but the songs are often catchy to my ears too. That's my rule for any song I purchase and put on the kids' media player - since the music plays in my car, it can't annoy me!
Posted by: Jill | August 08, 2008 at 08:59 AM
David Grover & the Big Bear Band (www.davidgrover.com). I hope it's ok to tout them, since I've worked with them for years, but it really is great kids music that adults love too…
Posted by: Maria Wood | August 08, 2008 at 09:04 AM
Slim, I misread that as Gunnar Nelson.
Posted by: Moxie | August 08, 2008 at 09:10 AM
Jack Johnson (He did teh soundtrack for Curious George) has really nice, laid back music that appeals to kids but it is great for adults too.
Posted by: Chabelamarie | August 08, 2008 at 09:15 AM
Also a huge fan of They Might Be Giants. My kids also like Elvis. They also have a Pete Seeger album: Birds, Beasts, Bugs, & Fishes that they like, but I get tired of the folk music after awhile. The Singing Kettle is defintely kids music, but I don't mind it. They're a Scottish group.
Posted by: Jenn | August 08, 2008 at 09:19 AM
Harry Belafonte (the 2cd collection on Itunes has a number of kid-friendly songs--Zombie Jamboree, Coconut Woman, Day-O, Turn the World Around, Hole in the Bucket)
Bhangra music--we have a bunch of collections, though we don't speak the language they sing in, so they may be less kid-appropriate than I know. But I hope not.
Also, I second the Raising Sand recommendation, and the Paul Simon one, too--even his earlier solo work, and the S &G stuff, too, of course. Dan Zanes' "Nighttime" is an album for kids that I listen to on my own, too. Jean Ritchie might be fun, too, if you like that Zanes album.
Posted by: eta | August 08, 2008 at 09:22 AM
Nicklecreek.
great post once again.
Posted by: peaceinyourcrib | August 08, 2008 at 09:28 AM
When the 14 year old was 5, he listened to Queen, the Talking Heads, and we had a compilation that was Saturday morning cartoon themes done over by "modern" musicians (this was in the mid to late 90's so, not so modern anymore) Boy was he disapointed at age 5-6 when he saw the Behind the Music episode for Queen and found out they had already broken up. I don't know that he made it to the part where Fredie Mercury died.
La likes "For the Kids" (because it features the Barenaked Ladies cover of La La La and has Mana manah) She has since moved on to Hannah Montana and High School Musical and Radio Disney. Oh, and she always has liked Jimmy Eat World. And we used to listen to a lot of U2 (the one that starts with Beautiful Day) and Joni Mitchell (great for colicky days) when she was a baby. Sadly, she never liked They Might Be Giants. But the older one does.
Ellie likes the Police greatest hits album (do do do, da da da, it's all I have to say to you. They're speaking her language.)
I tuned the iPod to the Temptations and La asked, "Is this kids music?" I answered, "yes" and there was no more questioning from the back seat.
Posted by: Cathy | August 08, 2008 at 09:29 AM
Sandra Boyntons songs - love em!
Posted by: D | August 08, 2008 at 09:29 AM
Hmmm, our favourites are Dan Zanes, Jack Johnson and we just bought Johnny Cash's album for Kids - awesome!
Also 'Charlie Davidson's Tricycle Club' an album by Parker Bent.
I'm not sure if they are on itunes, though.
Also, the 'Rockabye Baby' collection is great mellow music. Its Coldplay, U2, No Doubt and Bob Marley instrumentals, and that is on itunes.
Posted by: linda | August 08, 2008 at 09:31 AM
They Might be Giants "No," is really a hoot. And both my kids adore it.
Non-kiddie music ideas that my kids like? In addition to Paul Simon etc, we really enjoy Great Big Sea - any of that is good.
The Dan Zanes recc above reminds me of a compilation - the Old Town School of Folk Songbook (I may not have the title right and my ipod is not here). He's on it doing a kind of ska-ish "Drunken Sailor," which my 5 year old adores. And while you're doing folkie stuff, our whole family really likes the Bruce Springsteen album "the Seeger Sessions."
Posted by: Sara | August 08, 2008 at 09:32 AM
We really love the They Might Be Giants kids albums. I find myself singing the songs in my head, and looking forward to hearing them in the car.
I also like Captain Bogg and Salty's Pegleg Tango CD.
Laurie Berkner's not bad, though some of her songs are irritating.
My husband plays instrumental soundtracks (Lord of the Rings, Legend of Zelda, Halo) for our son and points out the different instruments.
Posted by: SarraJK | August 08, 2008 at 09:33 AM
ABBA! Yes!
Also; Gloria Estefan, Stevie Wonder's Sir Duke, Chumbawamba (lots of drinking lyrics, though), and (also very parent- influenced) my kids love Bon Jovi's You Give Love a Bad Name and Bounce, among many other Bon Jovi tunes.
My brown- eyed girl also really loves Jackson Browne's tune by the same name.
Posted by: Joy | August 08, 2008 at 09:36 AM
-Rusted Root is fun, (like Send Me On My Way)
- Also, Blue Moo, the Sandra Boynton CD - these are for kids, but they're done by grown-up artists and are a lot of fun for adults too. BB King, Brian Wilson, Patti LuPone, etc.
Posted by: EB | August 08, 2008 at 09:49 AM
Well, we're a little guilty of letting the 4yo listen to some inappropriate stuff. (Actually, I'll blame my husband here...here's really the only one that thinks it's charming that our son knows the lyrics to "Welcome to the Jungle.") As for what I *let* him listen to, we love Dan Zanes and Laurie Berkner. I've been caught listening to DZ when my son's not in the car. Right now he's also into the "Mamma Mia" soundtrack, and ABBA in general. I'd say pop in anything you like, provided the lyrics aren't inappropriate.
I also have to add that my Hubby likes TV theme songs, and often sings "Gilligan's Island" and "Love Boat" to the boys. For his recent birthday, I have the boys give him a CD of the top 100 TV theme songs, and all three of them now rock out to those, plus the Brady Bunch, the Muppet Show, Greatest American, Green Acres, Happy Days, etc. It's nostalgic and fun for us, and age-appropriate as well.
Posted by: Simone | August 08, 2008 at 09:52 AM
I haven't read all of the other comments, but some of my my kids' favorites:
Natasha Bedingfield - Pocketful of Sunshine
Prince & the Revolution - Let's go Crazy
Bob Marley - Three Little Birds
John Mayer -Say (My daughter calls this Samwiches need to say)
Gnarls Barkley - Crazy
Both love Norah Jones immensely. My daughter has gone to sleep to her first album every night since she was an infant (she's almost 3 1/2) and my son goes to sleep to it as well.
Nelly Furtado - Say it Right
Nelly Furtado - I'm like a bird
Outkast - Hey ya (clean version)
Ryan Shaw - We got love
Sean Paul - Temperature
Wham - Wake me up before you go-go (I know.)
And of course Jack Johnson
Posted by: Mandy | August 08, 2008 at 10:00 AM
A favorite with my two girls is Laughing Pizza, a local band now going national:
http://www.laughingpizza.com/
They are a big hit with the 3-8 year olds but the littles like them too. So do I.
Posted by: Mary | August 08, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Oh! and Temptations, motown, things like that!
Posted by: Mandy | August 08, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Dance party days at our house are They Might Be Giants' greatest hits album. I love Pete Seeger (more than my kids do) and we also have a Burl Ives record in heavy rotation. For geeky moms, I recommend Jonathan Coulton (Code Monkey, Re: Your Brains; see his website or youtube). Nothing better than your 3 year old singing about being a zombie now.
Unfortunately since we are Bad Parents my daughter also knows some lyrics to "Baby Got Back". And my just-two year old son was singing the Penis Song in the car this morning. I looked at mr. flea and said, "Where did he learn that?" and he said, "He's been talking nonstop about his penis anyway; I couldn't help it!"
Posted by: flea | August 08, 2008 at 10:09 AM
The Beatles!! By far a favorite around here and we've even passed it on to my daughter's daycare.
We also listen to Lisa Loeb/Elizabeth Mitchell, Dan Zanes, Jack's Big Music Show stuff, folk, Bob Dylan, ABBA, motown, Feist, etc.
Older recordings of folk songs by people like Mike, Peggy & Pete Seeger are great... I'm a music history grad student and former preschool music teacher, and I believe that Ruth Crawford Seeger was right on with her ideas about educating children with folk songs. Her family carried on that tradition, definitely.
And we watch lots of vintage Sesame Street "music videos" - most songs are by Joe Raposo from the late 70s, early 80s period when I was watching SS - on youtube, and my daughter loves those. "It's a rainy day, it's a rainy day..."
Posted by: ACJ | August 08, 2008 at 10:16 AM
For kids music that is mama-friendly, I'll third the Elizabeth Mitchell and They Might Be Giants suggestions, as well as soundtracks--esp. Free to Be You and Me and Annie. And Duplex!
But for fun music that's kid-friendly, almost any 'oldies' is great. Beatles, Johnny Cash, Neil Young, Motown, ABBA, disco.
But one word of warning--we've never played really kiddie music at home (Raffi, Barney) and I can see now that there is a small drawback to that. My eldest is almost 2.5 years and he's really at the age that he wants to sing along. He tries with all his might to keep up/sing along with TMBG. Almost impossible! I think he finds it frustrating. To make up for this, we sing a lot of regular kid songs at home now, but I wonder if I've let him down in that way. Oh well.
Posted by: m | August 08, 2008 at 10:16 AM
Another vote for They Might Be Giants. Bed Bed Bed is a great one, and my son (now over two) has been a big TMBG fan since he was about 9 months old. Everytime he got fussy, we would pop in Mink Car (non-kid album) and he would calm instantly. He also loves the Beatles. We played a lot of Rubber Soul back then. It's quite amusing to watch a 1 year old giggling and bouncing to "Drive My Car" and it's easy on our ears. Yellow Submarine is also another favorite in our house. We also played a lot of Arlo Guthrie and Beck.
Finally, if the kids like rock, and TMBG, can I make a HUGE recommendation for a Boston-area band, Honest Bob and the Factory to Dealer Incentives? They are a local band and have a great sound. Kids love the guitar, the parents love the wordplay.
Another Boston-band, Jim's Big Ego, might be on iTunes, too.
Posted by: Fahmi | August 08, 2008 at 10:22 AM
A pattern occurs to me, here. Strong, straightforward tempos plus clear vocals seem to be a theme in the suggestions. This is true for my daughter, who is very verbal. She wants to be able to understand the words so she can sing along, and she has always preferred music where the vocals are clear.
I saw the Dead Milkman suggestion and laughed heartily - I love DMM, and I think my daughter will too! I think I'll dig into my cds and see if I can find any Ramones while I'm at it. "Sheena is a Punk Rocker", "Rock and Roll High School", and "Breakaway Beach" are on my scavenger hunt today.
Thanks for all the great ideas!
Posted by: amy | August 08, 2008 at 10:39 AM
We do TMBG and Barenaked Ladies, both of whom I loved in high school. My daughter is also really found of "New Soul" by Yael Naim.
We also like Gemini (but that is pure kids music) and The Chenille Sisters (kid friendly adult music). These last two are bands I listened to as a kid and a regional thing I think.
Posted by: Brooke | August 08, 2008 at 10:40 AM
All of our favorites have been mentioned above except for one I must make a plug for-- polka. We have a couple of bouncy polka albums and it invariably leads to dancing in our house. It also is a nice multi-generational appeal when the grandparents visit. But that is probably due to the fact that its in our blood.
DD's daycare provider also swears by some gentle country to calm a toddler down and from what I've seen I believe her. But I don't have a lot of country in my music collection so I can't recommend anything but the mellower country station on the radio.
Posted by: Nicke | August 08, 2008 at 10:47 AM
My son is 18 months old and we just made a CD of his favorite tunes for his playgroup pals. My tastes lean toward eighties pop, a bit of disco, and even some classic country. Here's the playlist (all available on iTunes):
If I Had $1,000,000 Barenaked Ladies
And She Was Talking Heads
Modern Love David Bowie
(Reach Up For The) Sunrise Duran Duran
Bamboleo Gipsy Kings
Working on the Highway Bruce Springsteen
King of the Road Roger Miller
I've Been Everywhere Johnny Cash
Walk Like an Egyptian The Bangles
Upside Down Diana Ross
Diamonds On the Soles of Her Shoes Paul Simon
JCB Nizlopi
So Glad I'm Here Elizabeth Mitchell
Mahna Mahna Cake
Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
If I Had Words James Cromwell (Babe Soundtrack)
The Rainbow Connection Sarah McLachlan
Posted by: Blythe | August 08, 2008 at 10:59 AM
@amy My 4 YO son absolutely loves the Ramones! He also likes Me First and the Gimmie Gimmies, older Green Day stuff, and Simon and Garfunkle. We have to be careful with the Gimmie Gimmies and Green Day as they are definitely not age appropriate.
I'll put in yet another vote for TMBG, especially NO! and Here Come the 123s. Both the 4 YO and my almost 2 YO daughter can't get enough. We also listen to Jack Johnson, Laurie Berckner, Johnny Cash, Billy Bragg and Wilco, and Lisa Loeb. When we REALLY need to mellow out, we listen to a little James Taylor. Occasionally I'll throw something classical into the mix. The kids like anything from Mozart, The Four Seasons by Vivaldi, and Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saens.
Posted by: jlg | August 08, 2008 at 11:03 AM
For music intended for kids, Laurie Berkner.
My 2 1/2 year old has loved James Brown for a long time.
Also, especially since you like Pete Seeger, I recommend anything by the Jerry Garcia/David Grisman duo - it's great old folk songs with beautiful guitar and mandolin stuff, and not at all like the stoner Dead music. My son now falls asleep to "Shady Grove" and "Hobo's Lullaby."
Finally, if he loves music and dancing, you might enjoy a Music Together class. My son absolutely loves his, and has since he was under a year. See if there is one in your neighborhood.
Posted by: emily | August 08, 2008 at 11:26 AM
My 18 month old loves Father Goose and the Sippy Cups, who I don't think have been mentioned yet. We also would add to the chorus of support for Dan Zanes and Elizabeth Mitchell.
Posted by: Tracy | August 08, 2008 at 11:32 AM
Tom Chapin: Great Big Fun for the Very Little One. This one is for kids, but I actually like it too. It is not totally annoying. Another Tom Chapin: In My Hometown. He has adult albums also, if you just can't handle the kiddie stuff.
But my kids LOVE LOVE LOVE his stuff. I don't know if it's on iTunes though.
I can't wait to try some of the other suggestions!
Posted by: Julieta | August 08, 2008 at 11:36 AM