If you're a parent, you probably know Shel Silverstein's absolute classic books like The Giving Tree, Where the Sidewalk Ends and A Light in the Attic. However, you may not be familiar with an alternate Silverstein, who appeals more to Playboy audiences than playhouse ones. The 21-track BEST OF SHEL SILVERSTEIN reflects both versions equally. Once you get over the surprise of hearing your favorite children's writer sing about topics much more grown-up, you'll delightfully find that his songs sound like big-kid versions of his children's work; simply replace all the "icky things" with sex and drugs, put it over folk sounds and sweet harmonies, add classic Silverstein wit and humor, and you've got an album that's not just full of great music and poems, but hilarious too.