Happy Friday! Over at Crasstalk we often spend Fridays sharing music with each other to get the weekend started right. Today I thought we would do the same here. This week let’s dust off something really cool. If you haven’t introduced your kids to Schoolhouse Rock yet, you should. The songs are fun and energetic, and the cartoons still look pretty good 35 years later. Most of all, it is a great learning tool. (more…)
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Music
A Little Romance and Music
Since it’s Valentine’s Day, I feel compelled to do something romantic, which is almost totally against my nature. So, let’s talk romantic songs. Do you and your partner have one? What did you play at your wedding? My favorite wedding was one where the bride and groom decided to dance to “Crash” by Dave Matthews, which I have always privately referred to as the orgasm song. (more…)
Why I Can’t Play Guitar
Once upon a time, specifically the early 1980s, I decided I wanted to learn to play guitar. I was surprised when my parents supported this decision. I was afraid they’d make me play something more traditional, like the violin. However, they supported the guitar, probably because we had gotten a great new guitarist at church. (more…)
When Is It Okay to Introduce Children to Courtney Love?
So last year when I was back home visiting, I was driving my sister and her kids someplace and a Miley Cyrus song came on the radio. You would have thought that all holy hell was breaking loose in the scramble to change the station. When things finally settled down, I was able to ask her, ”So why no Miley?” (more…)
Romantic Songs for This Phase of Life
When I was younger, all the love songs that I thought were romantic were high on angst and drama. I absolutely adored “Crazy for You” by Madonna, which is a great song for slow-dancing to when you are hoping to get some nookie. I absolutely loved “Sweet Jane “although I still have no idea what that song it is about. It just sounds romantic. I was a real fan of “The Dance” by Garth Brooks because broken hearts are ohsoveryromantic. (more…)
Holiday Music That Won’t Make Your Ears Bleed
The worst thing about Christmas music is the repetition. I thought I’d drag out a few of the less common songs so that you can take a break from the stuff that is in constant rotation. You can click on the link to download an MP3 if you so desire. (more…)
Where Are All the Songs About Being a Mother?
When you think of songs for moms, you may not immediately think of anything particularly cool. That is because there are barely any cool songs for moms whatsoever. I know this because I did an intense search. I even asked both of the cool people I know. (more…)
What Happened to the Original Marina on The Fresh Beat Band?
I wrote about the Fresh Beat Band/Music of Death last week and I did not mention the scandal.Yes, there is a scandal. During season one, the drummer, Marina, was played by Shayna Rose. Then, suddenly, in Season 2, she was replaced by Tara Perry. Some fans are super-angry about it. (more…)
Lord, Deliver Me From The Fresh Beat Band
I could write a column about children’s music that makes me stabby every day for the next year and still not run out of rants. However, I decided to limit myself to one rant per column in order to really focus my rage. Perhaps, if this sort of column about children’s programming from hell is popular, I will ask some community members guest host this column. That way, you will have an opportunity to discuss the shows that make you so angry that you have considered organizing community protests. (more…)
Kid’s Halloween Music That Won’t Make Your Ears Bleed
It’s almost Halloween and it’s time to get your music straight. Kids love anything Halloween-themed and this is a great opportunity to break up the music in your household a little.
There are lots of choices when it comes to Halloween collections. Here are a few you should check out: (more…)
Kid’s Music That Won’t Make Your Ears Bleed
My husband and I are huge New Orleans fans and we visit every chance we get. It makes sense that we’d introduce our kids to some New Orleans music as soon as possible. This is one of the very first songs my husband sang to our children. It’s still a family favorite because it’s fun and silly. I’m sure Louisiana residents tire of it but it’s a lot of fun for us. (more…)
Kid’s Music That Won’t Make Your Ears Bleed: The Laurie Berkner Band
Laurie Berkner is a trained musician who choose to specialize in kid’s music. She formed a band and has been making children’s music since 1997. Her music is targeted towards young children but it is free of repetitive chords and does not make me want to drive off a cliff the way some music does (I am looking at you, Fresh Beat Band). It’s very easy to sing along with and the songs are short, fun and simple.
This one is my personal favorite because my kids dance like maniacs to it. (more…)
Kid’s Music That Won’t Make Your Ears Bleed
If you’ve been a parent for more than 30 seconds, you don’t need me to tell you that there is a lot of awful children’s music out there. For some unknown reason, they keep making more of it and it keeps getting worse.
There is kid’s music that won’t make your ears bleed. It won’t be on the Fresh Beat Band’s show. You will have a better chance of finding it on programs like Jack’s Big Music Show. It runs occasionally on Nick Jr and you can buy the show on DVD.
Occasionally, we will feature some decent music here. Steve Burns used to be Steve from Blue’s Clues. He retired from the show several years ago and is now a pretty accomplished musician. He makes adult and children’s music. (more…)
