Not long after we launched the What We’re Reading Series feature, SK reader Jennifer emailed to suggest a monthly feature on music that would inspire and delight the SK audience. I thoroughly agreed that a feature like this would be wonderful, and so I am excited to launch the newest regular SK feature today: What We’re Listening To Monthly!
When I saw Megan’s recent call for book reviewers for “What We’re Reading Wednesdays” I was inspired to share our family’s love of good quality music through a monthly music review. In our house, we are passionate about finding music the whole family can enjoy! I’m always on the hunt for exceptional children’s music that won’t drive parents crazy. Through my search we’ve managed to also expand our repertoire of what we’re listening to, and I wanted to do the same for you. So with that, I would like to welcome you all to “What We’re Listening to Monthly.”
For my first month’s selection, I’m going to tempt your ears with some ABCs and 123s compliments of They Might Be Giants. Some of you may remember this band from their success in the 80s and 90s on the alternative scene. Since then, they have gained a whole new generation of fans with their entrance into the world of children’s music in 2002. One of those fans happens to ride in the backseat of my car; singing along with catchy tunes like “Go for G!,” “The Vowel Family” and “Seven Days of the Week.” Parents will enjoy the witty play on words and creative learning techniques for introducing letter and number concepts. My personal favorite is “Alphabet Lost and Found” (and yes I can be found singing it without a child nearby). I honestly never tire of listening to either of these albums; they’re fun, original, easy to listen to and well produced. They also pass the extended family test—parents, children and grandparents can and will enjoy these songs together.
I also want to note that “Here Come the 123s” has a companion DVD, as well Friday Family Night Podcast by They Might Be Giants is listed on iTunes (it however only contains three episodes). In fairness to my review, I wanted to disclose that we received “Here Come the 123s” as a gift and the companion videos were included. While our family loves the music, I don’t particularly care for the video animation and would encourage anyone thinking of buying them to preview first to see if it suits your taste.
“Here Come the ABCs” and “Here Come the 123s” by They Might Be Giants are two award winning albums your family’s music collection shouldn’t be without. Visit their “kid friendly” website GiantKid.net for a listening sample and to learn more.
Our monthly music reviewer, Jennifer, is a stay at home mom to a energetic, fun loving 2 1/2 year old boy who fancies finding music that connects her to the past & keeps her grounded in the present. She can often be found dancing the 5 pm hour away in her living room.
image courtesy of shankar, shiv
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
I have to say I am a HUGE TMBG fan. I wore out their Flood album in the 90s.
We have listened to Here Come the ABCs and Here Come the 123s numerous times since becoming parents. I tend to agree with Jennifer on the DVD – I wasn’t a big fan of it, and it seemed to scare my daughter when she was younger. The music is TONS of fun, though, and always makes for some great dancing and singing fun.
We’ve really been enjoying Calgary native Tasha Platt’s recent album “Big Bad Bantam Rooster”. It’s absolutely brilliant children’s music folksy and fun, smart and sweet. It kept us all smiling on a recent road trip. I’ve given copies to all my nieces and nephews!
@Aimee, folksy and fun? I am all over that! Thanks for the recommendation!
You seem to be reading my mind. I was just asking a friend if she knew of any fun educational songs for my kids. This sounds like just what we need. Thanks Megan!
@Stacie, this group is really a LOT of fun. Even their non-kid albums are fun and kids love them, too.
I’m a huge TMBG fan, and thankfully my husband and daughter caught the bug as well and we are all very much looking forward to Here Comes Science, which should be released next month, I believe. I’ve already caught a video on playhouse disney. We also enjoy No! which was released a few years back, but it often falls by the wayside since it does not have a companion DVD. Of course, a generous selection of their catalogue is also fairly kid-friendly, as well.
My husband and I met working in a record store, and so we’re happy to share our love of music with our daughter. It’s amazing how many fantastic “grown up” bands have been putting out children’s music lately. (Chris from the Presidents has Caspar Babypants; Matt from The Get Up Kids and The New Amsterdams has The Terrible Twos, and so on.) I really look forward to more on this topic.
@Amy, Here Comes Science? Sounds great! I’ll be looking for its release.
Megan,
I will have to check out some of the music, i guess we are focusing too much on reading. got to balance things out. typing with one hand witn an infant, so bear my writing,
zengirl
My girls have those CD’s and love them.
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