 | 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. |
Philadelphia Chickens
- By Various Artists
- Genre: Children's Music
Common Sense Media says
All-star cast sings jazzy show tunes.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this is squarely aimed at the preschool set, but will prompt adults to sing along as well.
What's the story?
While the subject matter is awfully goofy -- and awfully fun -- there's far worse things for young children to hear than a collection of 19 songs about belly buttons, cows, islands full of pigs and taking naps. What's really fun is the record's latent ability to introduce kids to real 20th century American forms of music.
Is it any good?
Whether it's a chorus line of cows, Meryl Streep doing cabaret jazz, or the Bacon Brothers swinging with chickens, it's all upbeat (even the ode to grumpiness "I Like to Fuss"). All the original tunes were penned by Sandra Boynton and musical collaborator Michael Ford. This is by no means a complicated record. Who can't relate to the heartfelt longing for chocolate chip cookies that stay just out of reach for little hands, aptly described in the piano ballad "Faraway Cookies?"
Though PHILADELPHIA CHICKENS is a family record, it's mostly for preschool-age kids. You wouldn't want to "insult" most elementary and middle school children by buying them this album. Ironically, the record can skip a generation and appeal in a wry way to the adults in the house.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about their favorite sing-along songs on this album, and could even try writing their own.
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Kid, 10 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
Big crowd pleaser!
We give this as a gift to all of our friends with kids between the ages of 2 and 7 (don't know whether older kids would like it , also). Most of this music is a take off on songs from musicals of all different genres (from "A Chorus Line" to Gilbert and Sullivan), but the kids don't need to know that! Also, for those adults who are not lovers of musicals, this still is very fun!
Also, popular is the sequel Dog Train, which is more in the rock style, including the title track by Blues Traveller. Even has a Frank Sinatra-type song (definitely NOT rockish!!!), but called Boring. My kids think the song is, yes, boring, but we like the irony...
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AGE
"for all ages except 43"
This is such a fun CD and book. My preschooler loves it! She listens to it in the car and follows along with the book. It is also quite fun for any adult that likes singing (silly) show tunes. A great introduction to different types of music. A good music compromise while traveling in the car or listening at home. Enjoy.
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AGE
Enjoyed by Adults & Kids!
Fresh, fun & you'll sing along! Enjoyed by the entire family (preschoolers on up!) This was voted as one of the "Must Haves" for Preschool Teachers in 2004!
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AGE
Great fun!
A fun for the family album -- definitely a hit with my preschooler!! My husband even loves to sing along.
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AGE
Great fun! My only complaint is that the songs stick in adults' heads, as well. Can be a bit embarrassing to end up singing the Cows cabaret at a dinner party ...
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AGE
Fun songs for kids, spot-on musical style parodies for adults
So much
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| Artist: | Various Artists |
| Release date: | February 10, 2004 |
| Label: | Rounder |
| Genre: | Children's Music |
| Parental advisory: | No |
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