Three Cool Kids CDs

We've been listening to quite a few new kids CDs this summer. Some good, some not so good. Here are three of the better ones. You can't go wrong buying these discs for your children:

Mariana Iranzi - Aventura Collage

Iranzi's style of music can be best described as Argentinian Folk Rock for children. Most of the songs are in Spanish, which is ideal for my own kids as they begin to learn that language. But it's the music that transcends cultures. Iranzi moves from acoustic folk to blues to reggae, creating quite a collage of sounds as she sings about simple things like food, animals, and playing games. This disc is a joy for all ages. Unless you speak Spanish, you won't even realize it's a children's album.

Song samples from Aventura Collage can be found here.


The Sippy Cups - The Time Machine

If I had to choose one style of music as a favorite, I'd say "Beatlesque Power Pop," which basically means clever lyrics, twisty melodies, jangly guitars, and bouncy bass lines. That's what The Sippy Cups bring to their latest release, a concept album about growing up ("The time machine is you!"). Songs like "One Day Soon" and "My Angry Voice" deliver a message without getting preachy. Coupled with several fun skits, this is a disc your kids, maybe even your teens, will be asking to hear again.

Song samples from The Time Machine can be found here.


Mr. Leebot - Robot Dance

If Devo made an album of children's music, this is what it might sound like. Mr. Leebot does his best Mark Mothersbaugh impression and, with quirky lyrics over synthesized dance beats, actually makes the whole thing work. A good sense of humor runs through these songs, like the kid in "It Wasn't Me" who compiles a list of all the various offenses he swears he didn't do. This album is just pure fun, perfect for everyone from toddlers to pre-teens. Parents will also get a kick out of the new wave 80's sound.

Song samples from Robot Dance can be found here.

You can also purchase all of these discs at iTunes, or from the artists' websites:

Mariana Iranzi
The Sippy Cups
Mr. Leebot