Even though this activity bombed for my own family, I still think it’s a very fun idea. We got All-American Car-i-oke for a long trip. I had visions of us all singing along happily as we cruised down the highway. The idea behind this kit is just that, it provides everything you need for family sing-alongs.
The book comes with a 21 track CD, three lyric books for the “backseat singers”. The main book has really interesting information about the songs, how they came to written and recorded, and the history of the singers. There’s even a harmonica lesson, and a hand jive explanation! Plus learn how to make the backseat into a drum set. It’s spiral bound which makes it great for traveling.
Songs include a wide variety like “When the Saints Go Marching In”, “Proud Mary”, “Day-O (the Banana Boat Song)”, “Rise and Shine”, “Danny Boy”, and “The Star-Spangled Banner”. The book has lyrics from additional songs like “Take Me Out to Ball Game” and “ “Go Tell it on The Mountain”, but these aren’t included on the CD. You’ll have to sing without musical accompaniment on the extra songs. I also really liked how the book gives a bit of musical and entertainment business education. It explains what syncopation is, and blue notes, and how Broadway got started.
If you have young children I think this would be great fun. It’s a fun mix of American musical history, and the songs are really fun to sing aloud.
For us though, I think we tried this too late. We just got very “could Mom and Dad be any more uncool” looks as we belted out “Big Rock Candy Mountain”. And our children didn’t care about the history of Creedence Clearwater Revival as my husband and I sang “Proud Mary”. There is a Christmas version that we might try. Even teenagers don’t have to quite so “cool” at Christmas time.
Also See:
Keeping the Kids Busy in the Car and on the Plane