| 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. |
Parents need to know that this CD delivers lessons in fun ways. "Readers of the Open Range" promotes books; "Tall Short Texans" acknowledges the differences between people and encourages self-respect. The wide range of country styles and truly funny jokes provide adults with almost as much fun as the kids.
As one of only two musical styles that are truly of American origin (jazz is the other), country music is a rich tradition to introduce your kids to. And here's the perfect vehicle to do so, while also having a knee-slapping good time. In fact for some, real (grownup) country music can be intolerable, but ELMO'S LOWDOWN HOEDOWN is thoroughly entertaining for all. One 70-year-old grandfather routinely played this when his 3-year-old granddaughter visited. From Cookie Monster's slow mournful "Handful of Crumbs" waltz, to the "Frog Struggle Song" ("It's a long hard road, but I'm gonna get there"), the country-flavored jokes do not stop.
The lessons on Elmo's Lowdown Hoedown are abundant. Listeners can practice a tongue twister while learning the letter T. In "Lonesome Joan," Bert and Ernie discuss friendship and the importance of letting others help. "The Dirtiest Town in the West" instructs us not to litter. Bottom line: This CD sheds a new and refreshing light on country music.
Families can talk about country music and what makes it sound American --lyrics, instruments, voice style? Use the songs on the CD to try to identify the different styles of country: cowboy songs, fiddle and banjo pickin' songs, square dance music, slow twangy waltzes, woe-is-me ballads, and even zydeco.
| Artist: | Sesame Street |
| Release date: | June 16, 1998 |
| Label: | Sony Wonder |
| Genre: | Children's Music |
| Parental advisory: | No |