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What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Cedric M. Speyer & Ruth Saphir Schwarcz

We catch a glimpse of Raffi's award-winning talent on BANANAPHONE. The title track and "The Gorilla Song" are musically infectious and lyrically ingenious while remaining simple enough for all to appreciate. "The World We Love" and "The Changing Garden of Mr. Bell" are sweet and gentle, and both inspire respect for the world in which we live. At a few points, though, the album loses a bit of its sparkle. Two instrumental cuts, "Spring Flowers" and "Dee Myth," seem out of place, and adaptations of such folk tunes as "Michael Row Your Boat Ashore" and "Down by the Riverside" are somewhat sluggish.

Is It Any Good?

4

Raffi's gift for soothing children was in evidence when one very active 4-year-old listener hit the brakes and decided it was time for a spontaneous rest. Raffi's warm, gentle tone is prevalent throughout BANANAPHONE.

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