Very Helpful Songs
Christmas is coming, and I'd like to plead the case for getting your young kids some new tunes as gifts and stocking stuffers.
Most parents I know don't give children's music much thought. They're missing out on introducing a whole world of rhythm, melody, and poetry to their kids.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Music is important in the development of creative minds.
Over the next month, I'm going to highlight some of our favorite CDs from the past year. Mostly children's music, but also some grown-up discs for the moms and dads to check out.
First up, David Tobocman's I Count To Ten and Other Very Helpful Songs, a heartfelt collection of smooth pop songs, with a Vince Guaraldi jazz piano sheen. Tobocman has one of those lovably plain voices, like a cross between James Taylor and Ralph's World, that sounds like a guy who really means what he's singing.
And what's he singing about? Stuff that kids as young as three will immediately nod their heads about, like getting ready for bed. Simple lyrics like, "Brush your teeth, you and me; Brush your teeth and go to sleep; Try your best to keep them clean," set to clever sound effects and a bopping tuba beat will become a new nighttime ritual song for you and your kids.
Every song is a gem, but there's one in particular that makes David Tobocman stand out from the crowded kids music field. "Home" is a perfect little ode to the place that gives us comfort and security. Accompanied by a lilting piano and a plaintiff clarinet, this is a timeless song that should catch the ears of Disney executives for their next big Pixar film (check out the video for "Home" below).
Tobocman says that he wrote the songs on this CD to teach his own children about the important things in life: washing your hands, admiring rainbows, making friends, and wearing comfy pajamas. He's done that and more with this memorable disc.
My family gives it our highest recommendation.
Visit his website for more information. The CD is available there, and for download through iTunes and Amazon.
Watch the video for "Home" by David Tobocman:
Most parents I know don't give children's music much thought. They're missing out on introducing a whole world of rhythm, melody, and poetry to their kids.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Music is important in the development of creative minds.
Over the next month, I'm going to highlight some of our favorite CDs from the past year. Mostly children's music, but also some grown-up discs for the moms and dads to check out.
First up, David Tobocman's I Count To Ten and Other Very Helpful Songs, a heartfelt collection of smooth pop songs, with a Vince Guaraldi jazz piano sheen. Tobocman has one of those lovably plain voices, like a cross between James Taylor and Ralph's World, that sounds like a guy who really means what he's singing.And what's he singing about? Stuff that kids as young as three will immediately nod their heads about, like getting ready for bed. Simple lyrics like, "Brush your teeth, you and me; Brush your teeth and go to sleep; Try your best to keep them clean," set to clever sound effects and a bopping tuba beat will become a new nighttime ritual song for you and your kids.
Every song is a gem, but there's one in particular that makes David Tobocman stand out from the crowded kids music field. "Home" is a perfect little ode to the place that gives us comfort and security. Accompanied by a lilting piano and a plaintiff clarinet, this is a timeless song that should catch the ears of Disney executives for their next big Pixar film (check out the video for "Home" below).
Tobocman says that he wrote the songs on this CD to teach his own children about the important things in life: washing your hands, admiring rainbows, making friends, and wearing comfy pajamas. He's done that and more with this memorable disc.
My family gives it our highest recommendation.
Visit his website for more information. The CD is available there, and for download through iTunes and Amazon.
Watch the video for "Home" by David Tobocman:
Permalink posted by Idaho Dad at 2:05 AM
10 Comments:
That's good stuff- going to iTunes now.
I think kid's music is important too. I've been wanting to go and dig up some records from my parents house. Would be kind of fun to listen to.
Music is such a big part of our lives, and our kids lives, I can't imagine life without it. Each year the girls get some new CD's. They all enjoy a wide variety of music, and love to sing and play a variety of musical instruments.
Music is king in our household. Wife is an opera singer, Music Together teacher, and also a music teacher for the City of Portland's Preschool.
One suggestion, don't "dumb down" the music. Sure, the educational stuff is fine, but also look for music that teaches music. You'd be surprised at how much kids can retain.
Our five-year-old, Fae, constantly does tonal, modal, and rhythm patterns just to pass the time (without taking any Music Together classes). Plus, the newborn finds them hilarious.
Also, don't be afraid of modern music. Our kids love Bob Dylan (ok, more the 60's Dylan than anything), Phil Ochs, Royksopp, The Shins, The Killers, Feist, Duffy... pretty much anything the grownups listen to.
One of the mothers at my wife's preschool made a compilation that her own daughter liked... included Scorpions, Led Zepplin, Brian Eno, etc. It was a big hit in our house for about 3 months.
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Brett Holmes has some very fun Kids CD's out.. I picked up his cow tunes CD last summer and even my 13 yr. Old enjoys it in the car.
That was a great song. Not sure if it is too advanced for Lukas right now, but I sure liked it and I know he will soon enough. We will have to pick that one up. Thanks for the recommendation Phil.
Any soundtrack by Danny Elfman is big in our house right now.
David Tobocman is new to me and this song is really great. Thanks for sharing!
Couldn't agree more Phil. I reviewed this one in the Spring and still love it. "Home" is one of the best kid's songs released this year. "I will always love you" is another Tobocman gem on this record.
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