Milk and Cookies
with Linda and Kristen
Milk and Cookies is a savory web venue for cool products, useful tips, and idea-sharing, prepared especially for busy moms like you. From the must-haves to avoid-at-all-costs, we're dishing out tools for a delicious life balance.
Visit Linda's fitness site at Bodies in Motivation and check out Kristen's blog at Swistle.blogspot.com
My 2-year-old has never been particularly interested in music, unless you count his current interest in telling me to turn the radio OFF, Mommy, it’s TOO LOUD. (Note: it is NOT too loud, kid, I save the eardrum-bleeding stuff for when you’re not around.)
I do have a number of playlists on my iPod dedicated to kids’ tunes, though, just in case he stops being such a wet blanket about music sometime soon. Some of my favorites:
The Johnny Cash Children’s Album. It’s Johnny Cash! Singing children’s music! What’s not to like, unless of course you don’t like Johnny Cash, in which case the answer would be “everything”. I’m a Cash fan, so pretty much the whole album sounds good to me.
No: They Might Be Giants. This is one album I think I bought before I even had kids. It is, of course, awesome, as all things They Might Be Giants are. My favorite song is “Robot Parade”, if you’ve never heard it you really should get yourself a copy RIGHT NOW.
Catch the Moon: Lisa Loeb and Elizabeth Mitchell. Remember Lisa Loeb? She had that song “Stay” that was kinda popular for a while? On this album she’s teamed up with the ethereal-voiced Elizabeth Mitchell and the result is a lovely collection of sweet, traditional children’s songs. Really pretty stuff, particularly charming for playing in a nursery.
What kind of music does your kid listen to? Do you like it too, or are you gritting your teeth while it plays?
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My little one seems fond the Dixie Chicks and a lot of swing music. We’ve got some Dan Zanes and Tom Paxton kids albums, as well as a Jerry Garcia and David Grisman CD of kids music that I really like. And the Putamayo “playground” CDs are a lot of fun. So far I haven’t gotten her any kids music that makes me grit my teeth. But I like folk music, so maybe my tolerance for that kind of thing is pretty high? We don’t have any of the ones you mentioned, but I’m about to go add them to our wishlist–especially TMBG.
Elizabeth | April 1st, 2008 at 11:02 pm
thank you for this
my kids love music in the car their favorite, is a ridiculous cd my MOTHER bought them that has the most obnoxious kids singing songs like:
the ants go marchin one by one ha-rah ha-rah! (they march all the way to 10 then BEGIN AGAIN) which immediately gets glued in the soft matter of my brain and repeats itself over and over and over and over yeah you get it
if your happy and you know it drive mommy crazy by clapping your hands, shouting ha-ray, and kicking the back of her seat.
sara | April 1st, 2008 at 11:27 pm
My son has never really been into kid’s music, he listens to what I listen to, from Tori Amos to Pantera. He loves Johnny Cash and would love that children’s album!
I am a TMBG fan and I like their kid’s stuff too.
Eric's Mommy | April 1st, 2008 at 11:32 pm
We have both TMBG kid’s albums and I’m anxiously awaiting the new Barenaked Ladies’ kid’s album that comes out in May. They’re two of my favorite bands, so I’m looking forward to sharing them with my daughter.
Erica | April 1st, 2008 at 11:46 pm
We’ve got all three “The Backyardigan’s” CDs on constant rotation — since every song is from a different genre, it’s actually pretty interesting (and even my older kids listen to it). We also listen to a lot of non-kid music, thanks to the older 3 kids. This afternoon, my 17-month old baby was singing along to “Psycho Killer” by The Talking Heads. Bizarre, but funny.
Lylah | April 2nd, 2008 at 1:21 am
i dont have any kids, but i work in pediatrics so im kinda up on a fair amount of “kid things.” i introduced some of the families that i work with to the barenaked ladies (BNL) albums and they LOVE them. their songs are both kid and adult friendly, in the vein of TMBG, for the most part. no bad language, however some occasional more adult topics you might want to “screen” for. i was unaware that they were coming out with a childrens album, but im sure itll be awesome…
deannagabriel | April 2nd, 2008 at 1:32 am
Oooh, TOTALLY going to grab that Lisa Loeb disc. And I’ve heard awesome things about TMBG too, so I’ll probably have to get that as well. Thanks! Great topic!
samantha jo campen | April 2nd, 2008 at 1:44 am
we have all 3 tmbg and I’m mildly curious about the upcoming bnl. I just downloaded the backyardigans from itunes and actually it’s not bad at all.
but we do have these cheesy little people/fisher price cds that drive me insane but totally quiet them down on long car rides.
jen | April 2nd, 2008 at 2:35 am
We like everything that you listed, too. My boy also listens to pretty much anything we listen to- he loves it all. Something new you may want to try is the “Juno” movie soundtrack. My son loves it and I don’t mind listening to it over and over again.
Michelle | April 2nd, 2008 at 2:47 am
Oh, we have a huge list. Right now my son (3.75) is way into the Curious George soundtrack (Jack Johnson) and Sesame Street Platinum Hits I and II. (He begs me to play “Upside Down” over and over.) He also likes Laurie Berkner and Music for Aardvarks (which we got into from watching Jack’s Big Music Show on Noggin - AWESOME show.) Stuff of MINE that he likes includes Jimmy Buffett and the aforementioned Juno soundtrack. I had no idea BNL was doing a kid’s album and will totally be downloading that the day it comes out!
jenn | April 2nd, 2008 at 7:35 am
I didn’t know TMBG had a kids album! I let my almost 2 year old listen to the regular albums all the time. The Shins also works for bedtime music, even the songs with the garbled lyrics.
kirida | April 2nd, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Well, my 6 month old dosent have any imput right now but my fav is Renee and Jeremy, Its a big world! It is so sweet. I swear he likes the Cold War Kids, he dances a little. HA!
I didnt know about Lisa’s ! Im going to order that today!
Thanks.
Christina | April 2nd, 2008 at 2:16 pm
My 2 year old doesn’t like kids music, either. She prefers to listen to regular old dance music, or hip hop, or R&B from a local radio station. It’s not exactly my taste, but it’s a good middle ground. I’d rather listen to that then The Wheels On The Bus seventy sillion times.
Jen O. | April 2nd, 2008 at 2:45 pm
I have been playing Explosions in the Sky and Sigur Ros for my son since he was tiny. Both are mellow and good for bedtime or when he just needs to settle down. Neither is designed for kids specifically, but he likes them and it helps counteract the continous loop of the annoying song from the Fisher Price animal train that is constantly playing in my head!
Buckeye Mommy | April 2nd, 2008 at 2:49 pm
My son listens to whatever I play(for now). But he really likes Choo Choo Soul. ans I like some Ralph’s World, Dan Zanes and Lauri Berkner. Some of it is not too bad or too kidsy. gotta love ipod playlists
bea | April 2nd, 2008 at 3:40 pm
I’m always looking for good kids’ music. Gotta love the Johnny Cash song about the dog that dies! Current favorites are Jack Johnson’s Curious George, and Songs for Wiggleworms put out by the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago.
Anonymous | April 2nd, 2008 at 5:35 pm
“Philadelphia Chickens” and any of Sandra Boynton’s albums. Funny for grownups, my nieces and nephews love them, and I sure am hoping the baby we’re expecting this fall will, too! Lots of unexpected and famous performers. Completely G-rated as well.
For the subversive laugh, and only for kids too young to sing along and repeat decidedly NOT G-rated lyrics…um, the Avenue Q original cast recording has also been a big hit. And a fun snarky shower gift, for someone with just the right sense of humor to appreciate it.
Gretchen | April 2nd, 2008 at 5:41 pm
We love Dan Zanes here. My two-year-old likes a lot of his sister’s music now, so we’re talking High School Musical, Hannah Montana, etc. He also likes the CARS soundtrack. XM Kids (if you get XM) is a great way to find new kids music. I find that most of it isn’t cloying and is actually kind of fun. That is, until they play Laurie Berkner and I want to shoot myself.
foodmomiac | April 2nd, 2008 at 9:30 pm
We love the Jellydots and the Jason Faulkner album where he does Beatle’s songs but in lullabies. My husband actually writes a blog about kids music http://www.childrensmusicthatrocks.blogspot.com and we get to go see TMBG next month for free I’m SO excited!
Tracy | April 2nd, 2008 at 9:51 pm
oops http://www.kidsmusicthatrocks.blogspot.com sorry!
Tracy | April 2nd, 2008 at 9:52 pm
My 4 year old son loves Dan Zanes and Laurie Berkner. We also listen to songs from disney movies.
Valeta | April 3rd, 2008 at 12:29 am
http://www.thatbabydvd.com
There is a DVD and music CD. Just check it out… I can’t explain. The couple that created this grassroots music/DVD franchise is from Mercer Island, WA
Jacob (2) is obsessed.
MotherGooseAmy | April 3rd, 2008 at 1:27 am
Check out the “Classical Baby” series on the HBO Family channel. As an infant, my daughter loved listening to the real classical music as opposed to that awful “pinging” Baby Einstein faux music. Now that she’s 2, we both enjoy listening to the Beatles “Love” CD. When we all want to dance, it’s Sir Mix A Alot’s “Jump On It”!
Tammy | April 3rd, 2008 at 1:43 am
I have 2 absolute favorites. First is The Point by Harry Nilsson, oh my god it is so good. And second is anything by Johnette Downing. Both of these I actually listen to when the kids aren’t even around, that has to say something.
Ashley | April 3rd, 2008 at 5:43 am
OMG, I must get that Johnny Cash CD! I didn’t know he even had one. My 3 year old is into Ralph’s World, Dan Zan and Choo,Choo Soul. I need a new music selection….
Kym | April 3rd, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Captain Bogg and Salty. They are from Portland, but I believe come to the Seattle area for a concert “tour” every summer. Three CDs to date, all available on Amazon, great bunch of guys, will not make you want to jump off the roof, Riley will love eat. Great live, great CDs, great to hear in an adult setting, great to hear with a bunch of little kids.
http://www.eatalime.com
Sheryl | April 3rd, 2008 at 4:24 pm
We have all 3 TMBG kids’ cds & love them. We also love Sandra Boyton’s Philadelphia Chickens & Dog Train.
Before I had my son, we went to a tmbg concert & I was shocked at how many children were there. At a night concert? I don’t think we made it home (okay, out of the venue) until 11. And Afroman opened for them! Oh well…
Amy M | April 3rd, 2008 at 9:00 pm
I have heard great things about Recess Monkey - from Seattle! http://www.recessmonkeytown.com
Jamie | April 3rd, 2008 at 9:55 pm
My 4-year old likes to listen to the Backyardigans, I think more for familiarity than anything else, because she’s known most of the songs for about 2 years. I don’t mind them either for the most part. She has also gotten to like some regular music as long as it’s kinda boppy (early Beatles, Jack Johnson, Abba, the Go-Go’s, etc.). I have a couple of Elizabeth Mitchell albums that I’ve tried to turn her onto but they are a bit mellow for her taste. I also have a cool album called “Mary Had a Little Amp” which has some nice kids’ tunes done by pop/rock artists.
ShannonJ | April 3rd, 2008 at 9:58 pm
My 17 month old son asks for his favorite song when we get in the car. He calls it Play. It is a Signing Time song and it is really called Beautiful Day. The other song we have right now is the Zoo Train. You can download the MP3s from her website http://www.signingtime.com. I can’t wait to get a full CD so that those aren’t the only two songs we get to listen to over and over. I have the Philadelphia Chicken’s cd too, but so far not even close to the same reaction. We also listen to a couple of the Parent’s cds. They carry those in Target. They used to put him to sleep the second we’d turn them on. That was when he was about 7-9 months old.
Thanks for the suggestions, I have already requested TMBG from the library. Hopefully we can find some new songs we will all enjoy!
Tracey | April 4th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
My kid’s favorite band at the moment is Pink Martini. Definitely not children’s music, but I’m so glad he likes them!
(Also, he’ll enjoy just about any TMBG, and baroque classical music, and… whatever I’m playing, really. I totally lucked out, this way.)
Amy | April 4th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
In my experience, pretty much all toddlers like Madness and Queen!
Hollylynne | April 4th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Yep - we also have “No!” and love it. We have ‘Here Come the ABCs’ too, and it’s pretty good. Haven’t heard the ‘123s’ yet.
Thanks for this - gives me some more ideas!
Sarah | April 7th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
We lso like They Might Be Giants. IMO Here Come The ABC’s better than the No album. My fave songs: E eats Everything, Clap Your Hands and Alphabet of Nations.
I have not heard the new Numbers album yet.
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Vaine Loera | April 11th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
Non parent, but I love and I give as gifts to all my parent friends- Trout Fishing in America! THey are great. Brave Combo is also good.
My nephew loves Trout Fishing!
Connie | April 21st, 2008 at 11:51 pm
I highly recommend DADDIES SING GOODNIGHT (you can get it on Amazon). It is lullaby music all sung by men to their children. My T H I R T E E N year old son has listened to this EVERY SINGLE NIGHT of his life since he was 10 months old. My 8 year old daughter also listens to it each night. We have dueling iPod docking stations!
Heather | April 22nd, 2008 at 12:54 am
Oh, also a lesser known but oh, so worth it children’s artist….Graham Clarke! You can see his stuff at http://www.grahamclarke.com. He is primarily known in my area but his CDs are fabulous and funny and are loved by parents as much as by kids.
Heather | April 22nd, 2008 at 12:56 am
My children always had very eclectic tastes. Joni Mitchell had a children’s bedtime album that both kids loved. Tom Pease, a Midwestern singer/entertainer, has several excellent albums out. He’s even better live.
Daisy | April 27th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Funky Mama is our favorite children’s music by far. We have all of her CDs, and we all know every word. I may or may not be known to listen to her when the kids aren’t in the car….
Maggie | May 4th, 2008 at 11:01 am
There’s the For the Kids album, it has a lot of different people (Cake, Wilco, Sarah McLachlan) doing Mahna Mahna, and Rainbow Connection and the like.
Then there’s the School House Rock! Rocks with Ween, the Lemonheads, and Biz Markie doing Three is the Magic Number, and My Hero, Zero and such.
janet | May 6th, 2008 at 3:53 pm