I have a baby almost 7 months old. She likes music and of course will listen to whatever I have but I’d like to learn about children’s music. I don’t want to listen to Barney. I checked out a few tapes from the library but nothing is turning me on. Is Raffi any good? Anyone else I should know about?
Jessica Harper is the best “children’s” music out there.
The music that the 6 year old and the 1 year old I live with like best are ethnic beats: Kinky is a favorite, and any funky latin music. They also LOVE the Propellerheads.
Also Victoria Williams.
I absolutely love Peter Paul and Mary’s “Peter Paul and Mommy.”
I strongly suggest not buying “children’s” CD’s. I think that the music is dorky to the upteenth power. When my son was about your child’s age, he listened to classical music at bedtime. Then we alternated between that and a light rock CD. If you get her used to what you like, you won’t have to hear that kiddie crap when she is 4 or 5. My son and I currently love to listen to “my” (which to him is ours) music. And I don’t go insane listening to the dumb kids songs. Just a thought.
The Bottle Let Me Down (Songs for Bumpy Wagon Rides) on Bloodshot Records is really good.
Mind you, your child will probably play any music he/she like enough times to make you sick of pretty much anything.
At the risk of sounding like a transparent schill for a particular record company…
There is an awesome series of compilations put out by Music for Little People, featuring great artists doing songs which have coincidental appeal for children. They’re called A Child’s Celebration of… which sounds a lot cornier than it really is.
My favourite is A Child’s Celebration of Folk Music, which features some great tunes, like Jerry Garcia doing There Ain’t No Bugs On Me!
(Never too young to introduce 'em to Swiftian humour!)
From the same series:*
A Child’s Celebration of Song
A Child’s Celebration of Rock 'n Roll
A Child’s Celebration of Showtunes
A Child’s Celebration of Dance Music*
There are a ton of other CD’s in the same series. All the ones I’ve heard are pretty solid.
Also from Music For Little People, You might like the children’s releases by Sweet Honey in the Rock— All For Freedom, Still the Same Me and I Got Shoes.
They’re a large all-female acapella group with a long and storied history. I’m partial to their earlier work-- the lineup has changed quite a bit over the years, although a remarkable woman by the name of Bernice Reagan has remained at the core since the early seventies.
Many of their recordings for adults even have something of a lullabye about them, (although their lyrical content is often a way too heavy for kids,) and they often use very interesting non-verbal vocalizations, so they seem like a natural for kids.
Their kids’ music is a nice balance between what it is interesting to a child and while is euphonious to an adult… For example, they have counting songs that really rock ya!
One caveat, though, they have strong gospel influences, and that is sometimes reflected in their lyrics. They sound awesome though.
Our kid (now 5) likes just about any music: simply expose your kid to good music, is probably the best thing. Her real enthusiasm is actually for books on tape or CD: in the car she wants to listen to a story or the like. Current faves are Shel Silverstein’s Where the Sidewalk Ends (Shel sounds like a wigged-out Grover; there’s a little guitar on here too), & unabridged recordings of Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, The Cricket in Times Square, The BFG, &c. Obviously that’s a little way off yet for your little one but it’s worth keeping in mind as another kind of audio entertainment.
They Might be Giants came out with a kiddie album called “NO!” recently. I’m not a particular fan of the band, but I heard a few songs off “NO!” that I liked. Very catchy and fun to sing along with, and even somewhat educational. In other words, standard TMBG, but guaranteed to be kid-appropriate.
Folk singer Tom Paxton has several children’s CDS. His website is www.tompaxton.com
Joe Scruggs.
My 18 month old is mesmorized by this guy. It isn’t too bad either - some songs way better than others of course - but won’t shred your nerves if they play it ten times a day. And they will.
Tom Chapin (Harry’s more talented brother) has a series of first-class children’s albums that are just as much fun for parents as they are for kids. Well worth seeking out.
Thanks for all your suggestions 
I’ll continue to play her my music, at this age it’s not going to matter. But in the future I like the idea of her being able to sing lyrics that she understands.
I loved Free to Be You and Me when I was a kid. I don’t even know if this is in print anymore. It’s got a lot of Shel Silverstien poems set to music and some funny stories with morals.
Raffi is one of the most fun ones exept when you find yourself singing * Baby Beluga* at work. He has a nice gentle voice and some fun songs.
oh oh now its stuck again
“Baby Beluga in the deep blue sea…”
My daughter’s favorite CDs are the Blue’s Clues CDs. It’s basically an audio version of the Blue’s Clues show, with the regular Blue’s Clues songs and also some original songs as well. She’s 6, so she doesn’t watch the show very much anymore, but she still listens to these CDs.
We’ve also got a CD called “Reggae for Kids”. Very cool. It’s reggae versions of classic children’s songs. I think I like it more than my kid does, though.
The Persuasions have great acapella CD for children; should still be available. Sung in gospel & doowop style, mostly.