Greetings from Amazon.com Delivers Children's Music Editor, Andrew Bartlett FEATURED IN THIS E-MAIL: * Word for Word: Graeme Base * Amazon.com Presents the Best of the Century * New and Notable: "All You Need Is Love: Beatles Songs for Kids," "Sound & Spirit: Welcoming Children into the World," "Hippity Hop," "Listen to the Storyteller," and "The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland" * Rock the Kids: Rock & roll children will love * "Schoolhouse Rock!" Revival * Dress Up! Halloween at Amazon.com WORD FOR WORD: GRAEME BASE ************************** "Lots of music for kids is pretty unsatisfactory. It doesn't challenge the child and it does absolutely nothing for the parent. Too often there is an overwhelming sense of talking down to the audience, something I try very hard not to do, be it in text, art, or music." --Author and illustrator Graeme Base on children's music Read more of our interview with Graeme Base: Children's Music AMAZON.COM PRESENTS THE BEST OF THE CENTURY ******************************************* As the century comes to a close, Amazon.com takes a look at the landmarks in books, music, and video of the past 100 years. Selected by our editors, our lists take you decade by decade from the turn of the century all the way to the end of the millennium. But don't just take our word for it; cast your vote for the best book, video, and CD in our best-of-the-millennium poll for your chance to win our customers' 300 favorite music, book, and video titles. Music of the century NEW AND NOTABLE *************** "All You Need Is Love: Beatles Songs for Kids" Various artists http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000JZAP/entertainmentsit Taking much of their material from the Beatles' later period, the kids on "All You Need Is Love" sing with gusto and an authority beyond their years. But they keep things playful, singing "Yellow Submarine" with thrilling delivery. Raffi stops by for "Octopus's Garden," and like much of this material, it'll spur questions and sing-alongs from your kids. "Sound & Spirit: Welcoming Children into the World" Various artists http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000JRM0/entertainmentsit Ellen Kushner won accolades and awards for her National Public Radio show "Sound and Spirit," and here's the anthology of global music to demonstrate why. All the songs relate to children and their entry into the world. A Baka nursery rhyme, a Latin American vocal selection, American folk music from Woody Guthrie and Sweet Honey in the Rock--it all comes together in honor of children. And the music is fun and energetic enough to excite the kids. "Hippity Hop" Various artists http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000JZBB/entertainmentsit The same crew that brought "Shakin' a Tailfeather" to the public in 1997 is back. Folk-blues great Taj Mahal, Linda Tillery, and the Cultural Heritage Choir give "Hippity Hop" a tender heart and a robust soul. A folksy nod to the linguistic art that lies behind rap music, this CD is a fun ride that takes on Sly Stone's "Everyday People" as well as "Little Liza Jane" and more. Maria Muldaur and Sheila E. add even more depth to a powerhouse recording. "Listen to the Storyteller" Wynton Marsalis http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000K4IP/entertainmentsit On a century-ending juggernaut, trumpeter Wynton Marsalis lends his prodigious talents to art devoted to childhood on this classically tinted CD. The music recalls Prokofiev's "Peter and the Wolf," with Jerry Douglas on the dobro adding a bluesy, country feel to the tunes. "Listen to the Storyteller" is an homage to the traditions that make up the United States, with African American, Celtic, and Native American stories creating a musical tapestry. "The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland" Various artists http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000JILY/entertainmentsit Get up to speed with the latest Muppet craze! This soundtrack traces the saga of Elmo as he descends into Grouchland on a hunt for his lost blanket. He meets with all sorts of characters, providing funny songs aplenty. To round out this Elmo collection, there are selections from prior projects, including Steven Tyler's (of Aerosmith fame) "I Love Trash." ROCK THE KIDS: ROCK & ROLL CHILDREN WILL LOVE ********************************************* You might think kids should avoid rock music at all costs. But we've assembled CDs by a fun cast of rock veterans, such as NRBQ, Pete Townsend, and Peter Himmelman, whose songs are inspired by and intended for children. Whether it's bouncy pop-rock that blows lightly by or more involved, dramatic fare, you'll find it on our Rock the Kids list. Children's Music "SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK!" REVIVAL *************************** Science was never as fun as the "Schoolhouse Rock!" creators made it. Nor were social studies or grammar. But here these subjects are, decked out in vibrant musical compositions and hiply planned lyrics. Jazz singer Bob Dorough is one of the lyricist-brains who helped sculpt the songs for the 1970s television program, and his involvement has helped keep the music fresh and young and energetic. Check out our "Schoolhouse Rock!" Revival. Children's Music DRESS UP! HALLOWEEN AT AMAZON.COM ********************************* Still wondering what you're going to be for Halloween? Looking for the right costumes for your kids? Look no further. Amazon.com has hundreds of costume options and much, much more in our Halloween store. Browse our picks for great scary films, freaky tunes, and sound effects, then get all gussied up for the big fright night. Toys ****** Give the Perfect Gift -- Get the Perfect Gift Does Aunt Ida send polka CDs when you'd prefer pop? Create an Amazon.com Wish List and save everyone the agony of the unwanted gift. Wish list
Clueless as to what to get your Kentucky cousin for Christmas? Send him an e-card and tell him to set up an Amazon.com Wish List so you can easily find and send him his heart's desire. Wish card ****** You'll find more great music, articles, and interviews in Amazon.com's Children's Music section at Children's Music
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