Frances England's third album, Mind of My Own, is a darling little CD, full of sweet songs. The award-winning independent children's recording artist scores big points for its acoustic, indie-folk feel that is happy, joyful and kind.
The entire CD paints portraits of different parts of childhood that is relatable to both kids and their parents. We loved the track "Bicycle" and "Cookies and Milk." There's even a tune for the great Jacques Cousteau.
It's the kind of music you'd want as the soundtrack to your childhood.
Click below to hear Frances sing "Daddy-O." You'll be hooked.
Singer Bylli Crayone has teamed up with 80's Pop Princess Tiffany for a fab new song called "It's Okay Boy." Says Bylli:
"The song was catered to the gay youth of today who have to go day by day suffering through the bullying and heartache of being disowned by family who are not accepting of gays.
"So,TIFFANY and I have decided to record a song that would help spread the word that it's okay to be gay, hence the song 'It's Okay Boy'."
Click on the link to hear the tune in iTunes. Our pick: Track 4, (the FTB Pride Anthem version) is sure to get you grooving.
With his first-ever album for kids and families, Keller Williams has graciously and intelligently crossed over into the kids' music world arena. Kids is a fun album, with a cool musical style that is an eclectic mix of country waltz, speak-singing and rhythmic dance music.
Inspired by his own children, Williams said: "I've always felt, even before I had kids, that all my music was simple and playful enough to connect with kids; that it was naturally kid-friendly. It's been a long time goal of mine to make music especially with children in mind."
And that Williams did. The lyrics are a cute, wink and nod for parents and older kids. In "Good Advice," Williams sings:
"Never pick your toes and then pick your nose.
Because then your nose
Smells like your toes
And that's not good.
That's bad."
Wiser words have never been sung ($11.99, amazon.com).
Full of holiday cheer, Ben Rudnick & Friends' latest release It's Santa Claus is a fun, feel-good CD. Featuring timeless classics such as "Jingle Bells", "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree" and "Here Comes Santa Claus," Ben and the band have found a cool way to stay true to the original classics but still put their signature musical stamp on the songs. (After all, who doesn't love the sound of the mandolin?) Young and old will be decking the halls to these tunes for years to come ($9.95, benrudnick.com).
With bullying such a hot button topic lately for both kids AND adults, it makes sense that a music CD covering the subject would come out. Big Bully, a compilation of anti-bullying, "I love myself" songs from Recess Music is a great CD to help kids remember that they're cool...just the way they are. We totally loved "One and Only Me" by Janet's Planet and "Enemies" by Milkshake.
The songs deliver their message in a subtle way, wrapped up in great lyrics and awesome melodies. It's a perfect gift for kids who might be dealing with a big jerk bully, or who just simply want to hear good music with a fantastic message ($14, amazon.com).
Chuck Panozzo is rocking out for a cause. Literally. The founder of the internationally acclaimed rock band Styx has joined the HIV/AIDS cause in a public awareness campaign as an advocate for GeoVax’s Labs. Celebrity Parents spoke exclusively with Chuck today, on World AIDS Day, about cures, hope and good music.
Our friend and recent cover celeb Joanie Leeds has a new song out, just in time for Thanksgiving. The title is, appropriately enough, "Tofurky Song." Says Joanie:
"Like Adam Sandler's 'Chanukah Song' made in jest for those who don't celebrate Christmas, I wrote the 'Tofurky Song' especially for those vegetarian and vegan kids who don't eat turkey on Thanksgiving. Though even carnivores will be shaking their "turkey tushies" after watching the new video for 'Tofurky Song'!"
To Boo or not to Boo? This fall, KIDZ BOP answers this haunting question with the release of KIDZ BOP Halloween Party! The best-selling series, sung by kids for kids, is back and ready to scare up some fun with 15 re-mastered spooktacular Halloween hits, plus some seriously spooky sounds ($9.99, amazon.com).
Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights' latest CD, What a Zoo!, is one of those albums that you can listen to over and over again and find something new to appreciate each time. Whether it's a quirky lyric, like on her "Tofurky Song", or her abilty to hit high notes with ease, Leeds takes the song where it should go. We loved "My Butterfly" with its sweet yet sincere lyrics. And while kids' songs about animals has been done ad nauseum, Leeds brings her own spin to both the original tracks on the CD as well as the covers. We were happily surprised to find the last song was "Wimoweh", which perfectly rounded out this charming CD that you and your munchkins will love listening to ($15, joanieleeds.com).
