The Best of Shel Silverstein (by Shel Silverstein, Compilation)

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.

Included in this album are some of Silverstein's previous recordings with great musicians like Johnny Cash, Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show, Willie Nelson, Bobby Bare, and Kris Kristofferson, offering wildly funny and musically engaging tracks. The album also includes 12 recordings of his most popular children's poems: "Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout/Would Not Take the Garbage Out," "The Homework Machine," "The Generals," and more. If you like poems with a laugh, check out Silverstein's kid-friendly website, shelsilverstein.com, which contains a full list of his works, music, a biography, and hands-on activities for children.

Released on: August 2, 2005
Label: Sony Music
Genre: Compilation