Traditional Songs

Pop Goes the Weasel. Traditional. Illustrated by Sophie Casson. Performed by Sin and Swoon. Unp. The Secret Mountain, 2018. $7.95. 978-2-924774-25-0.

She’ll Be Coming ‘Round the Mountain. Traditional. Illustrated by Sophie Casson. Performed by Sin and Swoon. Unp. The Secret Mountain, 2018. $7.95. 978-2-924774-23-6.

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. Traditional. Illustrated by Sophie Casson. Performed by Sin and Swoon. Unp. The Secret Mountain, 2018. $7.95. 978-2-924774-24-3.

Pre-School—Kindergarten

            Each of these picture books is illustrated with brightly colored stylized illustrations. Each page contains a verse or a phrase from the song. The print is large, so that beginning readers would be able to read the words while listening to the music. At the back of each book, all of the lyrics are printed, and there is a brief note about the history of the song, alternate verses, and other interesting facts. The publisher has provided a free video of each song at the website:

www.thesecretmountain.com/pop-goes-the-weasel

www.thesecretmountain.com/coming-round-the-mountain

www.thesecretmountain.com/twinkle-twinkle-little-star

            Each of the songs is in a musical style suited to the song; i.e., “Pop Goes the Weasel,” is an upbeat, fast accordion folk piece; “She’ll Be Coming ‘Round the Mountain” is a toe-tapping bluegrass song accompanied by banjo, upright bass, and tight harmonies; and “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” is a soft folk song accompanied by a quiet acoustic guitar, and light, clear female vocals. These books and songs are great resources for passing along traditional songs to the next generation.  

Monster's Ball

Monster’s Ball. Performed by Michael & the Rockness Monsters. CD. Approx. 35 min. Produced by Dean Jones. 2018. Download: $9.49.
K-Gr 4—

Michael Napolitano, the brains behind the Rockness Monsters, has also created albums with and designed instruments for the Blue Man Group. On this album, he and the band perform 12 original, energetic dance tunes in Motown, pop, country, and rock musical styles. All of the musicians give great vocal and instrumental performances on guitar, upright bass, bass, keyboards, sax, flute, clarinet, trombone, harmonica, accordion, drums, and percussion. Some very enthusiastic children join in on several of the songs. Did you bring your “SMILE” to school or to work? Everybody gets down on the “Party Train.” One can hear a “Woodpecker” pecking wood (with sound FX). “People Places Dancing” mentions people and dances from different countries. “A Fish Named Dog” is based on a true story in the Napolitano family—his daughter wanted a dog, but when Mom refused, she got a fish instead, which she promptly named Dog. Music makes one smile like the “Mona Lisa.” A child imagines that he is transforming into a tree and is “Growing Bigger.” The “Robot Song” encourages listeners to follow along and dance like robots. “Truck Day” celebrates different trucks, including Mac trucks, ice cream trucks, fire trucks, etc. “When I’m Jumpin’” I feel all right. It’s a “Beautiful Day” when the sun comes out to play. “Les Lumières De Paris” is a beautiful French folk tune, accompanied by accordion, reminiscing about the Napolitano family’s trip to Paris, sung in French and English. This fun, toe-tapping album will have the whole family dancing along.

Here is a link to "A Fish Named Dog:"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUoaG8omuGg&feature=youtu.be

Inside I Shine

Inside I Shine. Performed by Danny Weinkauf. CD. Approx. 31 min. Label: Red Pants Music. 2018. CD: $10.00; Download: $9.49. 

Pre-S-Gr 1—

Grammy award-winning Danny Weinkauf is known for writing songs for television shows such as Sesame Street and being the longtime bassist for They Might Be Giants. He and his Red Pants Band perform 16 songs in pop, various styles of rock, Dixieland jazz, and Motown musical styles on this 4^th album for children. The only instruments credited are ukulele, horns, and drums. These are upbeat and lively songs, which have helped teachers in the classroom to complement early learning language and science concepts. We are “Going to the Library” because it’s our favorite place and there are many fun stories in the books. There are a “Dozen Good Reasons” that I’m in love with you. “B is for Body” explains what different body parts do. “I Don’t Want to Live on the Moon” is the theme song from Sesame Street. “Over and Under” teaches those directional words, such as over a log and under the table. Although it is raining outside, “Inside I Shine.” A child loves to take his “Teddy Bear” everywhere. “We Love to Verb,” including running, jumping, spilling, etc. Learning to ride a “Tricycle” is fun. “Hey Mr. Bus Driver,” can you give someone a ride to school, the park, or the zoo? “Pumpkins (Are My Favorite Fruit)” because I love pumpkin pancakes and pumpkin seeds. “Grilled Cheese” makes me happy because it is tasty and delicious. A child gets out of bed, brushes his teeth, combs his hair, and says “Good Morning to You.” A child believes “The Moon is Made of Cheese” in spite of news reports about Apollo 11 and the moon landing. “Wiggle Wiggle” invites participatory movement. The final brief piece is a lovely jazz “Library Piano.” This album will have youngsters bouncing and bopping all around.

When I Grow Up

When I Grow Up. Performed by Tony Pete. CD. Approx. 26 min. Produced by Tony Pete Music. 2018. CD: $9.99; Download: $9.99 or lower.

PS-Gr 2—

Multi-award winning Tony Halchak (aka Tony Pete) performs ten songs on this first album for children.

The upbeat tunes are in bluegrass, folk, folk pop, and pop musical styles. With the exception of the drums on one track, there are no credits for the instrumentalists, but I detected the following instruments at least: guitar, banjo, harmonica, and drums. The vocals and background instrumental performances are excellent and professional. Come sing with me and “Sing La La La.” In “Why How Now,” the song asks why do animals make the sounds that they make. “When I Grow Up,” I can be anything I wanna be. “My Shadow” always has my back. Tony sings alphabet backwards several times in “The Backwards Alphabet Song.” The “Kazoo Crew” performs a short kazoo concert. “Make a Silly Sound” when you are feeling sad. “I Love to Explore” the many things I’ve never seen before. The best time of day is when it is “Time To Put Our Toys Away.” The final song is a sweet lullaby—“Sleep Loved”—in which angels are asked to watch sleeping children from the heavens above. This upbeat album will appeal to the whole family. 

If You Want To Be a PIrate

If You Want to Be a Pirate. Performed by Tom Mason and the Blue Buccaneers. CD. Approx. 38 min. 2018. $15.00.

K-Gr 5—

            Tom Mason performs 10 original songs in pop, pop rock and folk musical styles. Tom and the Blue Buccaneers make beautiful music on guitar, dobro, mandolin, banjo, violin, bouzouki, bass, trombone, accordion, drums, and percussion. “If You Want to Be a Pirate” tie a scarf around your head, draw a pirate flag, and talk like a pirate. It’s “A Lot of Work to Be a Pirate” because you will have to swab decks, bail water, raise sails, and hoist flags. “Kristofer the Kindly Kraken” has the biggest heart in the sea. “My Invisible Crew” includes a first mate, a quartermaster, a surgeon and others. One can’t see the “Treasure through the Trash,” because there is a plethora of detritus in the sea (also, a vocabulary building song!). When they bought a parrot, they realized that it must have been the “Parrot of a Pirate” by its speech. “Treasure the Sea” entreats listeners to take care of the ocean. “Talk Like a Pirate” encourages listeners to copy a pirate’s speech. When one catches the wind, then one is “Sailing On.” The other song is “In The Drink.” Pirate-loving kids will love this upbeat album with its catchy tunes and toe-tapping rhythms. 

Building Blocks

Building Blocks. Performed by Tim Kubart. CD. Approx. 37 min. Produced by Dominic Fallacaro. 2018. Price.

K-Gr 3—

Grammy award winning singer/songwriter Tim Kubart performs 12 original songs in pop rock, techno pop, and rap musical styles. In addition to creating six albums for children, he has been the host/writer/producer of the twice Emmy-nominated Sunny Side Up live TV show for children; the music director for Emmy-nominated Sprout House; and a songwriter for Sesame Street. Tim is joined by guest artists Steve Burns, Sara Niemietz, Little Kruta, Genevieve Goings, Carly Ciarrocchi, Drue Davis, and the Woodward Parkway Junior Chorus. Everyone is growing “Bigger” inside and out. A new swimmer is working up the courage to “Jump Right In” at the swimming pool. One must “Hold On” when learning to ride a bike. “Day One” is the first day at a brand new school. The class is lining up at the bus for a “Field Trip.” Everyone makes mistakes, and many say “Oopsie-Do” when they err. “A Good Friend’s Hard to Find” but it’s nice to share life with one. On passing a construction site, the observer says, “It’s Going Up!” A child, having proved he can take care of himself, shows he’s “Ready For You” when getting a new dog.  “Sand + Imagination” is what is needed to create awesome sand castles. Each new birthday shows that “We Are Growing.” Everyone, including new neighbors, are invited to the “Block Party.” These upbeat, lively tunes will have toes tapping and feet dancing. 

Here is a link to the song "Ready For You:"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkZv9Y5KCX0