Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this fine collection of quirky, delightful songs might require just a bit of discussion or explanation at times. Luckily, Gunnar Madsen has thoughtfully provided a couple of paragraphs of commentary next to the lyrics for each song.
Families can talk about "Cutest Little Guy," sung by proud parents about their baby. What would your parents say if they wrote a song about you? "There's a Bowl of Milk in the Moonlight" is written from the point of view of a cat. It might be fun to think of other animals and write songs or poems from their points of view.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Gunnar Madsen is a member of the famed San Francisco a capella group The Bobs, and Bobs fans will recognize the close harmonies, infectious spirit, and even some of the backup singing on this spirited, quirky children's CD. A collection of 14 mostly-original songs, accompanied by delightful pictures and enlightening commentary, I'M GROWING explores some of the hidden corners of life as a kid with quirky poetry and a wide variety of musical themes and styles.
Nitpickers will find some inconsistency in age-appropriateness from one song to another, with some tracks ("I'm Growing" and "Cutest Little Guy") apparently meant for toddlers while others are clearly geared toward school-aged children ("Mozart's at the Window," "Walkin' Back to Texas," and "Library Party"). But all the songs are so much fun, and so well performed, that this hardly matters. Even the silliest songs have some depth ("Always on the Bottom" pokes gentle fun at intense, controlling parents), just as the "message" and sentimental songs ("Simple" and "Raise Your Voices") are still loads of fun.
For some other fresh-sounding, original children's music check out Class of 3000: Music Volume One, They Might Be Giants' Here Come the 123s, Have You Never Been Yellow?, and Medeski, Martin, and Wood.
Rate It!
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Violence |
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Social BehaviorPositive messages about self-esteem, friendship, music, libraries, pets, and family fun. |
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Commercialism |
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Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco"Here he is, I found him swinging from the chandelier/drinking papa's beer." |
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