favorite music for little ones?

[VeganCupcake]

What are your favorite artists/albums/songs for little ones? So far, I'm only really familiar with Raffi and Charlotte Diamond. Can you recommend others? (We're not really into music that ties into TV/movie characters, though.)

[gypsyhips26]

We really enjoy the Putumayo Kids series of CDs. They all have styles/genres of music and we jump & dance around all day long to them (DS is 16 months).

Here's a link to their site:
http://www.putumayo.com/en/putumayo_kids.php


HTH!

[amcal]

My kids love Imagination Movers. They did just get a TV show but, the music was around before the show.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ypv51B8nc84

They also love Laurie Berkner - her songs are so fun! She does sing occasionally on Noggin but, she's not super commercialized.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zc3oc_x8VO8

[karen ann]

Dirty Sock Funtime Band
Laurie Berkner
Justin Roberts
Elizabeth Mitchell
Dan Zanes
Father Goose

[messy mama]

We love Putumayo Kids!! I also want to get the first Lisa Loeb children's CD, I forget what it's called.

For lullaby music we are looking into getting a couple of these:

http://www.rockabyebabymusic.com/web/page.asp

I just can't decide which ones I want, or if I want to make mixes on itunes. When we listen to the samples, DD is mesmerized.

[snazzy_mom]

Originally Posted by messy mama

We love Putumayo Kids!! I also want to get the first Lisa Loeb children's CD, I forget what it's called.

For lullaby music we are looking into getting a couple of these:

http://www.rockabyebabymusic.com/web/page.asp

I just can't decide which ones I want, or if I want to make mixes on itunes. When we listen to the samples, DD is mesmerized.

Wow!! How have I never heard of this??? How incredible!!

I looked it up on Amazon so I could listen to samples and I'm amazed.

[TEAK's Mom]

Peter Alsop, Sandra Boynton, and a lot of showtunes were all big hits around here.

[Daffodil]

We like Elizabeth Mitchell and Dan Zanes. Some of DD's favorite songs are from our Elizabeth Mitchell CD's, and I like listening to them just as much as she does. She also loves (and I like) Peter, Paul and Mommy (by Peter Paul and Mary.)

[woodchick]

We don't do a whole lot of specifically kids music around here, mainly since DH and I listen to mostly family friendly music anyway (They Might be Giants, Showtunes, classical, jazz, etc)

But I did just come across Francis England and really love her album Fascinating Creatures. I haven't heard her second album yet...

[annethcz]

My kids listen to the music I listen to. It's been a great springboard for discussion about MANY topics

[merpk]

Jerry Garcia & David Grisman, "Not For Kids Only."



Buy it now. Play it daily. Nothin' left to do but dance, dance, dance.

[Think of Winter]

Our favorites are Elizabeth Mitchell (especially You are my Little Bird), Celebration of Song 2, Cellabration, and Tom Chapin's Some Assembly Required.

[TearyCloud]

Thanks for starting this thread. I really want kids music, but I can't stand regular kids music. Jack Johnson has a kids CD, but I haven't checked it out yet.

[ms.shell]

there's a great kids album by Trout Fishing In America.

and I second Not For Kids Only; it's a must have

[leximom]

My kids love dan zanes and I can listen to it too

[Keeta]

Elizabeth Mitchell is our #1 absolute fave, but we also LOVE Justin Roberts and Dan Zanes. And all of Putumayo, but especially Sing Along with Putumayo and Folk Playground. DS is also a big fan of Kimya Dawson's kids' album Alphabutt. My DH calls it "pedestrian" but if you're into lo-fi at all, it's pretty hilarious.

[AustinAmber]

Ditto on Putumayo Kids.

I also like Snacktime by Bare Naked Ladies.

[Keeta]

Originally Posted by AustinAmber

I also like Snacktime by Bare Naked Ladies.

Of course! How could I forget Snacktime?! The only bad thing is that the songs are so dang catchy that I can't get them out of my head! 7 ate 9 and the ninjas are the main culprits.

[plantmama]

you can usually sample things online, but you can also see if your library has kids' music cds. It's a good way to see if you really like something. My ds seems to prefer adult music but when he's not requesting the Rolling Stones (or Black Sabbath, his fave, ack!!!) we've enjoyed the Putomayo stuff a lot.
I'm enjoying these suggestions as well.

[AuntNi]

We liked Laurie Berkner a lot. Other than her, I have to say The Wiggles were pretty much the only kids music that didn't make me want to claw my ears off.

One thing my DD has always been fascinated by is coloratura sopranos. If you're interested in introducing classical music, her favorite songs were Olympia's aria from Tales of Hoffmann, the Queen of the Night arias from Magic Flute, "Glitter and Be Gay" from Candide, and "Popular" from Wicked.