 | 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. |
Go Waggaloo
- By Sarah Lee Guthrie
- Genre: Children's Music
Common Sense Media says
Charming folk album from Woody Guthrie's granddaughter.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that most of the songs are sweet and sound for little ones, but there are a few minor mentions of death. Of course, many kids won't notice, but it's worth noting if your child is sensitive.
What's the story?
Whether you are a fan of folk music or not, chances are you've heard the name Guthrie. As in Woody, Arlo, and now Sarah Lee. On her first children's album, with husband Johnny Irion, their two young daughters, and others of the Guthrie clan, this singer-songwriter shows that her charm and obvious knack for composing simple folk songs about family and everyday life make for a great combination. There are 3 songs with Woody Guthrie lyrics put to music for the first
time, and some traditional tunes that everyone loves to sing, such as
"She'll Be Coming 'Round the Mountain."
Is it any good?
The 13 tracks that make up GO WAGGALOO are just what you might expect from Woody Guthrie's granddaughter, and that's a good thing. Blending traditional folk music with more contemporary lyrics and interesting arrangements, Sarah Lee leaves out all the fuss and frills that can sometimes make children's music feel more like a big circus. The lyrics are a little repetitive, which might be annoying to parents, but will delight little listeners who love to learn lyrics. "Brush Your Teeth Blues #57" is a soothing tune with an enchanting melody, and all-too-relatable lyrics, "This is your last Dixie cup of water, but I must confess that you look so cute, and if you wanna sleep in a pirate suit, who am I to argue?" "Onie's Ponies" is a catchy collaboration that started with a cell phone recording and a family trip. Whether it's singing about Mom's extra hands or sidewalk cracks, Go Waggaloo introduces kids to folk music and provides a nice, mellow soundtrack to the playfulness of family life.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about why we buy music. Do you think the fact that this artist comes from a successful family tree makes consumers more likely to buy her music? Do you think it raises fan expectations when the name on the album is already a well-known one? Is this fair? Are there other media outlets that have these same discriminations?
It's obvious that this artist is close to her family by her songs and her inclusion of them on this album. What are some ways that your family can spend time together in relation to media? Should parents watch TV with their kids?
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| Artist: | Sarah Lee Guthrie |
| Release date: | October 27, 2009 |
| Label: | Smithsonian Folkways |
| Genre: | Children's Music |
| Parental advisory: | No |
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