Asian Dreamland (by Various Artists, Children's Music)

The mellow sounds of ASIAN DREAMLAND, a collection of lullabies from Putumayo Kids, might bring to mind spa waiting rooms and meditation gardens -- not bad places to imagine yourself while trying to get your fussy baby or tantrum-prone toddler to sleep. Interestingly, most of the artists are women, like Zulya (a Tatar star) and acclaimed Tibetan folksinger Kelsan Chukie Tethong, a cultural nod to the tradition of mothers soothing their children with song. Notable exceptions to the female lineup are Ali Akbar Khan, the legendary classical Indian musician, and the Yoshida Brothers, veritable rock stars in their native Japan.

The 10 tracks on this languid CD are far from generic New Age background noise. These traditional bedtime songs from China, Japan, India, and even the Siberian Republic of Tatarstan are performed by world-class musicians who also sing on about half of the tracks. The downside of any album geared toward lulling little ones to sleep is that the music itself can be a real snore. But in this case, the dreamy songs are a welcome chance to slow down and catch a few winks alongside baby.

Released on: December 5, 2006
Label: Putumayo World Music
Genre: Children's Music