1999 music reviews (January-June) “THE FLIP SIDE”

album by Teletubbies, reviewed January 1999

Where have I been — I thought a Teletubby was a couch potato. Then I was in a hotel room in San Francisco and a little Tinky-Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po, and hey, they got my attention! Call this album the audio home companion to the popular PBS hit. "Puddle Dance," "Twisty Dance," "Running Away Dance," "Up and Down Dance," "Jumping for Fun," "Lullaby," and the number one smash hit "Teletubbies Say 'Eh-Oh' " are all here. Those Brits — first the Spice Girls, now this. If the Teletubbies make for a kinder, gentler world, I'm all for them.

Teletubbies: The Album, Kid Rhino; $16.98 CD, $10.98 cassette. Phone (310) 474-4778.

album by 2, 3 and 4 year-olds, reviewed January 1999

Just out: a unique collection of classic kids' songs sung by — kids! Kids love to hear other kids sing, and there are some splendid performances by 2, 3 and 4 year olds on this 22-song collection. Must have been fun wranglin' them young'uns in the studio. "Who put the gum in the grand piano?"

Name a song — it's on here, including "I'm A Little Teapot," "Itsy Bitsy Spider," "1, 2 Buckle My Shoe," "Ring Around The Rosie," "Alphabet Song," "Wheels On The Bus,"  "Frere Jacques," "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star," and "Happy Birthday." In a clever new approach, Music for Little People has found another avenue to bring the joy and wonder of music to the next millennium's parents. Now there's a thought. Catch you on the flip side.

Toddlers Sing, Music For Little People; $11.98 CD, $7.98 cassette. Phone (800)346-4445.

album by Paige O'Hara, reviewed February 1999

Paige O'Hara, best known as the voice of Belle in Beauty and the Beast, delivers a solid set of lullabies for "children of all ages" on her new album, "Dream With Me." Included among these 11 classic family jewels are Paige singing a beautiful rendition of "Beauty and the Beast" on record for the first time (done with that Celine?); a wistful version of "When You Wish Upon A Star" with Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel; a duet with husband Michael Piontek on "Somewhere Out There"; and a take on "Tomorrow" from Annie that makes you like the song again. There are a couple of medleys about rainbows and goodnights that seem musically forced at times but O'Hara's voice is so strong, distinctive, and easy on the ears, that you make the jump with her. Familiar songs. Familiar voice. Hand in hand with the Sandman to the Land of Nod we go.

Dream With Me, Paige O'Hara, Intersound;  $16.98 CD, $10.98 cassette. Phone (770) 664-9262.

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album by Linda Arnold, reviewed February 1999

Now, turning the page. Linda Arnold's, "Circus Magic — Under the Big Top" is like. . .going to the circus in your own home! Most of the tunes are original, but you'll find Lennon and McCartney's "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite," the perennial "Teddy Bear's Picnic," and "When I See an Elephant Fly" from Disney's Dumbo tucked in the mix.

As singing ringmaster and producer, Linda has done a marvelous job of replicating the excitement and sounds of a real day at the Big Top- you know, the roar of the greasepaint and smell of the crowd. There are also some tips in the liner notes to help kids create their own circus at home. Don't fear, the poodle won't turn into a lion with a few snips of the scissors. Think I'll get some popcorn and grab a seat. Catch you on the flip side.

Circus Magic, Linda Arnold,  Youngheart Music;  $13.98 CD,  $10.98 cassette. Phone (800)444-4287.

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album by Jack Grunsky, reviewed March 1999

Following in the tracks of other talented performers from the Great White North, Jack Grunsky throws his charango (keep reading) into the mix with the excellent Jumpin' Jack, his sixth release. Most of the 21 songs are originals, combining multi-ethnic instrumentation with more traditional sounds in a seamless blend—a little caf, a little decaf. Whoa, lost a couple of brain cells with that analogy!

All the tunes are surgical strength length, ranging from 1:35 to 1:55 minutes long. Some of the highlights include the classic "iko Iko" (with some new lyrics by Jack), "With My Own Two Hands" (featuring his daughter Cosima), and "Charango, Charango" with its distinctive Andes feel. OK, what is a charango? Slowly your reviewer turns, a knowing look on his handsome, well-worn face, and says, "A charango is a South American stringed instrument made from the shell of an armadillo—but Jack's is made of wood." Armadillos are big fans of Jack's album. And just like them, you'll dig it.

Jumpin' Jack, Youngheart Music; $13.98 CD, $10.98 cassette. Phone (800)444-4287. 

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video by Anchor Bay Entertainment, reviewed March 1999

Now, if I were a toddler (and sometimes I am), the award-winning Baby Songs video series would have all the basic elements I'd like, plus I could chew on the plastic case. All the songs in each of the 30-minute videos (Baby Songs, More Baby Songs, Baby Songs: Good Night) are written and performed by experienced songsmith Hap Palmer. Some of the gentle messages included are security, sharing, graduating from diapers (yea!), and easing into sleep. Your little ones will love them, and the price is right. Catch you on the flip side.

Baby Songs, More Baby Songs, Baby Songs: Good Night, Anchor Bay Entertainment, $12.98 each. Phone (800)745-1145. 

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album by John Lithgow, reviewed April 1999

Oscar-nominated, Tony-and Emmy Award-winning actor John Lithgow explains, "When we got together to do this album, one of our notions was to record the kinds of songs that I remember loving as a kid." 

Therein friends, romaines and countrypersons, lies the truth and magic of Singin' In The Bathtub, Sony Wonder's Family Artist Series' newest release. This album is way too much fun for just kids, so parents, loiter around a kid-friendly music store and see if you can get a kid to buy you a copy.

Probably best known for his comic turn as High Commander Dick Solomon on NBC's hit series 3rd Rock From The Sun, Lithgow's foray into children's music began in the early 1970's when his first son was born. John Lithgow learned to play guitar (no one ever learns tuba or accordion for these events) and sang for his baby which rocketed him to classrooms, benefits and festivals (And I thought he was just in it for the money.) John Lithgow's Kid-Size Concert, a 30-minute music video of children's classics and originals was released in 1990.

On this outing, rock producer/musical director Jai Winding creates a big band feel with the talents of Bill Elliott's Swing Orchestra. The arrangements are reminiscent of the original versions, particularly in "At The Codfish Ball," "The Gnu Song," "Swingin' On A Star" and the hilarious "From The Indies To The Andes In His Undies." Other favorites among the 14 entries are, "Everybody Eats When They Come To My House," "A-You're Adorable," "You Gotta Have Skin," "Triplets," "M-O-Double M-Y," "I Had A Rooster," "The Hippopotamus Song," "The Inchworm," and the title song. The lone original is called "Big Kids" and stems from Lithgow's fear of bigger kids. I think he's outgrown that now. It certainly hits a nerve with anyone who has traveled the Food Chain and Pecking Order highways of life.

"I've had a wonderful time making this record," states Lithgow. "It's like fantasy camp for a sitcom actor."  The ebullient vocal stylings and spot-on arrangements make this entry into the wading pool a welcome addition.

Singin' In The Bathtub, John Lithgow, Sony Wonder; $13.98 CD, $9.98 cassette. Phone (212) 833-5358. Website: http://www.sonywonder.com/. See also my interview with John Lithgow.

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album by Walt Disney Records, reviewed April 1999

Okay, where does a 7-foot orange bear sleep? All together now: Anywhere he wants to.

Actually he sleeps, plays, dances and generally has a good time in the Big Blue House, located by the otter pond at the end of road deep in the woods.

Haven't been initiated? Well, check-out Bear and his pals: Tutter the busy mouse; Pip & Pop, the mischievous otters; Treelo, the caffeinated lemur; Ojo, the clever little girl bear; and Luna, the wise moon- all starring on the Disney Channel's Bear in the Big Blue House.

Fans of this Emmy-nominated preschool series are way ahead of the curve and will appreciate this 24-song compilation, complete with colorful character voices, teachable tunes and loveable mayhem. From "Welcome to the Blue House" to "The Goodbye Song," Bear and his buddies insure a rollicking good time. The nose gets a snifty workout in "What's That Smell?" and Tutter's grandma gets well-deserved appreciation for all the things grandmas do in "Dear Grandma."

"You Go, Ojo" gently reinforces the I-am-girl-hear-me-roar mantra. "Oops! I goofed again," seeks forgiveness, "Quiet Times," just that and "Oh, Boy" follows the I-am-boy-hear-me-roar-very-loudly tradition. The songs and patter are a lot of fun and again, Big Blue House fans will be singing and cha-cha-ing along in no time.

This would be a good choice for a 24-song road trip. Don't be offended, kids, if only the rear speakers are on after the third go-round. I like animal voices as good as the next guy, but hey. . . By the by if you do not have a TV or are holding out for hi-def, On the Road with Bear in the Big Blue House stage show could be appearing at a mall near you. All Bear all the time.

Songs From Jim Henson's Bear In The Big Blue House, Walt Disney Records; Not on CD, $9.98 cassette. Phone (888) WDR-SING or disney.go.com/disneyrecords.

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album by Kid Rhino, reviewed April 1999

Now on a different channel in cyberspace, we have Blue's Clues, Nickelodeon's number-one-rated preschool series and the most-watched preschool television show in the United States. I don't really know that for sure but it did say that in the press release so who cares, the proof's in the pudding, right? Right. So let's take it out for a spin.

Kid Rhino and Nickelodeon's first audio release is called Blue's Big Treasure: A Musical Adventure. Steve Burns is the live-action host along with Blue, the curious girl puppy and a bevy of inanimate characters such as Mr. Salt & Mrs. Pepper and their spice baby Paprika (Whoa, shouldn't they have the same last name? And is spice baby replacing Ginger? I'm so confused!) You've got your Tickety Tock the alarm clock; the brother-and-sister-act Shovel and Pail, who live in the garden (thank goodness); Slippery Soap (hopefully not on a rope); and the wisecracking Mailbox (how'd they come up with these names Thelma?); and my personal favorite, Felicia Felt Friend.

The CD's packaging is quite elaborate and gives preschoolers a chance to play along with Colorforms play pieces and a laminated game board. With this interactive ears-on approach, children learn while playing with Blue and friends, hearing the audio clues and following the adventure.

In this particular audio release, however, I think a familiarity with the TV show and characters would be helpful in hanging with the story and keeping the characters straight. I do like the participatory approach and positive reinforcement. The musical arrangements are simple and refreshing.

Did you know that two studies conducted by the University of Alabama and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst suggest that regular viewing of the popular think-along, play-along series teaches preschoolers a new way to watch television and fosters cognitive development and concept mastery? Guess who wrote that? Did you know that a glass of red wine a day. . .

So there you have it, from soup to nuts. My trifecta. A veritable audio ménage a trois or in layman's terms, my three picks for this month. Hope you enjoy them as much as I did. Catch you on the flip side.

Blue's Big Treasure: A Musical Adventure, Kid Rhino; $13.98 CD, $9.98 cassette. Phone (800) 432-0020; website at http://www.rhino.com/.

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album by Lead Belly, reviewed May 1999

Download MP3 audio sample of "John Henry" song (213KB)

Huddie Ledbetter, better known as Lead Belly, was born in Mooringsport, Louisiana in 1888 and died in New York City in 1949. A few lifetimes were packed into those 60 years.

The son of a sharecropper, young Huddie got more than his share of back-breaking work. In school, his musical talent emerged. He was proficient on a number of instruments but began a lifelong love affair with the 12-string guitar. As a teenager, he ran with a bad crowd and spent much of his young adulthood in jail. Finally, he was convicted of both attempted murder and murder, spending hard time time in Sugarland Prison in Texas and the notorious Angola Prison in Louisiana.

Despite all this, songs gravitated to Lead Belly like a magnet. On every stop along life's highway, he assimilated tunes from legends like Blind Lemon Jefferson, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee. Icons such as Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie sought him out to learn his tunes and sing with him.

Smithsonian Folkways Recordings has assembled the definitive Lead Belly compilation of 24 songs specifically for kids: Lead Belly Sings for Children, incorporating the entire recording Negro Folk Songs for Young People (1960) and selections from Play Parties in Song and Dance (1941). Some additional tracks were included from Folkways' founder Moses Asch's recordings, made during 1941 to 1948 and called the "Lead Belly Legacy", and a previously unreleased radio version of  "Take This Hammer."

Sparkling liner notes give an in-depth history of the man, the myth and the music, with anecdotes illuminating the adventures of early folk music recording pioneers such as John and Alan Lomax who spearheaded the formation of the Library of Congress Archives of Folk Song during the 30's.

The Lomaxs criss-crossed the country with their Stone Age recording equipment, capturing indigenous folk music, and braved the prison system to find singers of unadulterated older folk songs.

“And when you sing, you swing as you sing. . .it’s a feelin’.” — Lead Belly (Huddie Ledbetter)

During their visit to Angola Prison in 1933, they happened upon our hero, Lead Belly, who by this time was a walking, talking, picking and singing encyclopedia of folk songs. After his release from prison for either good behavior or, legend says, writing a song for the warden, Lead Belly traveled with the Lomax brothers as their driver, recording assistant and song sponge. He settled in New York, married, and performed mostly on radio shows since his music was considered too old-fashioned for live performance by the hip Harlem clubs of the 40's. Many of his songs became American folk and children's songbook standards.

The songs in this Folkways retrospective teach children about African American life in the rural South in times not so long ago, with themes such as playing, farming, courting, religion, the blues, and even prison life. A highlight is the charm of Lead Belly's song introductions— informative and frequently in rhyme, helping kids to understand the messages in a non-intrusive way. For example, he says this about "John Henry":  "A work song is when you sing, that gives you a feelin' and keeps you from gettin' tired... And when you sing, you swing as you sing, and that's what you call a work song— it's a feelin'. John Henry was a steel-drivin' man. Well, that's mighty fine. He was a double-jointed man, I don't guess you knew that, did you? That's what made him drive so much steel. He drove steel from Newport News to Cincinnati, Ohio, and he drove all by himself. So I'll tell you a story about it."

Boom! And he goes into the song with rapt attention from his enthusiastic audience. Most of the songs are sung solo but occasionally he is joined by a children's chorus, a Creole jazz band, a gospel quartet, or his old friend, Sonny Terry. Included in the two dozen classics and originals are "Skip to My Lou," "How Old Are You?," "Cotton Fields," "Ha Ha This A-Way," "Sally Walker," "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," "Boll Weevil," and "Midnight Special." Smithsonian Folkways Recordings has done a remarkable job in compiling and preserving a national treasure for future generations.

Lead Belly Sings for Children, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings; $13.00 CD, $8.50 cassette. Phone (800) 410-9815. Website at www.si.edu/folkways.

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album by Coco Kallis, reviewed May 1999

A tandem offering from the same source (Smithsonian Folkways Recordings) is by Vermont recording artist/teacher Coco Kallis. She's renowned in her neck of the woods for educating children on environmental issues. On this release, Environmental Songs for Kids, familiar subjects are given a new take. I love liner notes and this recording comes with 24 pages of them! Included are not only the lyrics, but guitar keys, discussion questions, and activities related to the 12 songs. A variety of styles and folk-based instrumentation enliven the proceedings. Sprinkled amidst the original songs are three timeless Malvina Reynolds tunes, "God Bless the Grass," extolling the hardy grass fighting its way through the concrete, "What Have They Done to the Rain?", originally about atomic fall-out but still relevant to acid rain, and "Let it Be," not the Beatles classic but a lesson about leaving things as you find them.

Other songs use recycling, conserving water and disposing of trash wisely as themes. A practical tool for teachers, Environmental Songs should give you material for a lesson plan or three. Catch you on the flip side.

Environmental Songs for Kids, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings; $13.00 CD, $8.50 cassette. Phone (800) 410-9815. Website at www.si.edu/folkways.

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