| 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 Zanes' album is more than just a CD. The music comes packaged in a mini-book of drawings, many of which refer back to the album's theme of night. The drawings are engaging and sweet, full of animals playing instruments, smiling moons, and friends and neighbors gathering on the slope.
Dan Zanes found fame in the 1980s as a member of New York City punk band the Del Fuegos. But you'd never guess that listening to this incredibly gentle compilation of folk songs. It's clear that Zanes spends a lot of time with his children and that they are the primary inspirations for his music. In NIGHT TIME, Zanes covers American classics such as "What a Wonderful World" (with Lou Reed), "Down by the Riverside," and "So Long It's Been Good to Know You." It's a good opportunity to introduce kids to musicians like Woody Guthrie and Leadbelly as well as traditional songs from around the world. As an added bonus, one of the tracks, "Que Fortunidad," is in Spanish.
Zanes is aiming for an unqualified 100 percent positive message -- and he hits his mark without ever verging off course into sappy territory. His songs are joyous, infectious, nappable, and hand-clappable.
Families can talk about the history of folk music and create some music of their own.
| Artist: | Dan Zanes |
| Release date: | October 15, 2002 |
| Label: | Festival Five Records |
| Genre: | Folk |
| Parental advisory: | No |