 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Catch That Train
- By Dan Zanes
- Genre: Children's Music
Common Sense Media says
All aboard for train-loving fun!
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Dan Zanes has a thing about trains. If your kids do, too, they'll love this folksy CD.
What's the story?
Dan Zanes brings his unique style to 18 folksy songs; enough of them are about trains to call this a theme album. With a troupe of talented friends and imaginative instrumentation, he delivers tracks (get it?) that are a cut above most children's folk music albums. For those who think that Dan Zanes is their little alternative-kids-music secret, it may come as a surprise to see this CD at Starbucks. But you will be relieved to know that CATCH THAT TRAIN is as quirky as any of Zanes' previous efforts. Highlights include "Mariposa Ole" (in Spanish, and including a beautiful vocal by Barbara Brousal), a very odd cover of the Rufus Thomas R&B classic "Walkin' the Dog," and the Children of Agape singing "Pigoo."
Is it any good?
Multilingual, multicultural, and multi-talented, this ragtag band of minstrels takes us on a lighthearted journey through a variety of musical styles with happy songs about locomotion, nature, and friendship, performed and produced with attentive care. Most of the album lopes along at a comfortable, easy, and interesting pace. The wide variety of instruments used will make the tunes more interesting to parents, and appealing and fun for kids. The lyrics and chords to all the songs are thoughtfully included, in case you want to play and sing them at home.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about why trains seem to have become part of this country's folk legends. Also, families can try to identify the wide variety of instruments played on these otherwise simple songs.
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AGE
Amazing Music for the Whole Family
Musically, this album is diverse and inspired. And thematically, it's packed with populist thought and community building. It's a socially-conscious album that we can all dance to. This is true family music, for all ages to enjoy together.
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AGE
I listened to this for a month straight and didn't share it with my kids.
To me, this album captures the magic of the seasons, singing about summer trips, and live music. Zanes blends traditional world music with his own sense of acoustic funk that is pleasant to the ears. And then he brings in some heavy weight guest musicians like Natalie Merchant (10,000 Maniacs), The Blind Boys of Alabama, and the great Nick Cave. Seriously, Nick Cave! After growing up hearing his brooding and dark music in the 90's, he some how seamlessly fit onto this album.
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| Artist: | Dan Zanes |
| Release date: | May 16, 2006 |
| Label: | Festival Five Records |
| Genre: | Children's Music |
| Parental advisory: | No |
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