Whaddaya Think of That?

This is where it all began for Laurie Berkner. Her debut album “Whaddaya Think of That?” features the infamous “We are the Dinosaurs,” as well as many children’s classics such as “She’ll Be Comin’ Round the Mountain.” Each song is sung with such vigor that you automatically want to get up and dance. That is what my daughter and I like to do, anyway. “We are the Dinosaurs” is of course one of the best songs on the CD. After all, the CD was named for this song. The descriptions given about the dinosaurs allows children to follow along. Your … Continue reading →

Night Time

See the shadows as they creep like vines. The sun is sinkin’ and I love this time. I guess I’m just — hoo hoo — a night owl. The stars are winkin’ and the hillside glows. The moon’s invitin’ us out so let’s go. I guess we’re just — hoo hoo — night owls. Dan Zanes and Friends have one more great CD under their belts. Well-known songs as well as originals grace this CD, just like Dan’s others. “Night Time” is not just for bedtime and it is definitely a CD to listen to while chilling out and spending … Continue reading →

Rocket Ship Beach

Dan Zanes is well-known for creating music that is family friendly and fun for all. The first CD recorded by Dan Zanes and Friends, “Rocket Ship Beach,” is no exception whatsoever. With guest musicians such as Sheryl Crow, Suzanne Vega, and Barbara Brousal, “Rocket Ship Beach” is a collection of bouncy songs that are sure to be enjoyed and remembered by the entire family. “Rocket Ship Beach” contains many familiar songs. The CD begins with the recognizable “Polly Wolly Doodle.” Dan is joined by singer Sheryl Crow on this number. The song “Bushel and a Peck” from the musical “Guys … Continue reading →

Family Dance

Jump up, day is breakin’. Jump up, let’s get shakin’. I know you’re lyin’ down, but jump up and we’ll dance ’round. So begins “Jump Up” by Dan Zanes, featured on the CD “Family Dance.” This CD is once again a great combination of children’s classic songs along with original compositions by Dan Zanes and Friends. This CD is even more fun for the entire family from Dan Zanes and Friends. A cute rendition of “The Hokey Pokey” features Father Goose (A.K.A. Rankin’ Don) and the Dandelion Chorus accompanying Dan. This version is slow and jazzy with notable accordion playing. … Continue reading →

Children’s Music Boom

As a separate genre from the so-called popular music scene, you would never think that children’s music would become so prevalent so suddenly. Well, apparently children’s music is making a name for itself lately. As of March 2, 2006, the top three albums on the Billboard chart were considered music aimed at the younger crowds. The soundtrack to the recent Disney hit television movie “High School Musical” reached No. 1 in its seventh week. According to “The New York Times” “High School Musical” is the first TV soundtrack to reach a top rating since “Miami Vice” in the mid-1980’s. “Kidz … Continue reading →

Victor Vito

We all know Laurie Berkner as the bouncy, curly-haired singer of NOGGIN fame. Did you know that she has four CD releases? One of her CD’s is entitled “Victor Vito” and was released in 1999. Many songs were inspired by some of Laurie’s preschool students. I recently bought this CD because my daughter and I were going on a four-hour trip and I needed to buy some music for her. I already knew of Laurie Berkner from NOGGIN and her new DVD “We Are…The Laurie Berkner Band,” and her music was already becoming a favorite of my daughter. I knew … Continue reading →

Kidz Bop 9

Every once in a while we have to be served a slice of humble pie. I had heard of the CD series “Kidz Bop,” but I never bought them because I had this idea in my head of what it was. I thought that it was a collection of poorly remade popular songs with a bunch of kids just shouting the lyrics in the background. Well, today I received a copy of “Kidz Bop 9” and I had to eat my dessert before dinner. I popped the CD into my CD player and pressed play. The first song on “Kidz … Continue reading →