Hellobee

It’s funny and sad when I find myself with a song from one of Petit Macaron’s toys stuck in my head, or something from Sesame Street perhaps. I’ll be doing something, even after the little guy has gone off to bed, and find myself humming one of these songs. Ahh!

I’m also sad to report that I know very little about what songs are popular right now. Mind you, I’ve never really been one of those people that can rattle off music trivia or name songs and artists from a snippet of a song, but I did know what was “hot” at the moment. With Petit Macaron at 14 months, I’m not totally immersed into the children’s music…yet. I do get a song on the radio every so often as I run errands, but I know my time is limited and I’ll be playing kids songs non-stop very soon. But maybe there is hope. I discovered some fun music that can be adult enjoyable. Here’s what I found:

Caspar Babypants

Caspar Babypants is a favorite of mine. The artist is Chris Ballew, who is actually the singer from The Presidents of the United States of America, an alternative rock band. He has done some Beatles covers, which are great. He also has created some original songs that are quirky and catchy. I particularly enjoy Mister Rabbit, My Flea has Dogs, Them Bones, and Stompy the Bear. There are some music videos that are fun as well.

They Might be Giants

They Might be Giants is another alternative rock band that has found success doing children’s music as well. In fact, as I looked into it, I learned they won the Grammy Award in 2009 for “Best Musical Album For Children.” I appreciate the educational twist they have on some songs like the Alphabet of Nations on the Here Comes the ABCs album.

Rockabye Baby

I have known about Rockabye Baby for a few years. I first saw them when I was working at Starbucks, who was selling their CDs in the stores. These are lullaby songs, so no words – lesssing-alongg and more background music. I love that it’s recognizable songs and artists. The have lullaby renditions of all sorts of artists like Beatles, U2, Metallica, Kiss, Aerosmith, AD/DC, Kanye West, The Stokes, Arcade Fire, James Brown, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Beastie Boys. The Rockabye Baby! Good Day, Goodnight album has a great mix.

Raffi

This was a favorite of mine as a kid and he was my first concert! It’s definitely more on the kiddy side, but I still enjoy the songs – maybe I like it since it brings back childhood memories, though. I would be okay playing this in my car for Petit Macaron in the near future. I hope he also likes Baby Beluga, Apples and Bananas, and Day O.

Wee Sing 

Confession: this is exactly what I said makes me cringe at the start of this post. It’s full on kids music. However, if you’re going to play kids music then Wee Sing should be it. Again, this was music from when I was a kid, and I have fond memories of singing the songs with my mom. I particularity like Wee Sing Silly Songs. Some past favorites of mine are I’m a Nut, The Green Grass Grows All Around, Do Your Ears Hang Low? and Shell Be Comin’ Round the Mountain.

Dog on Fleas

I came across these guys as I was roaming children’s music on the net. They are yet another group that plays children’s music, but also in regular bands as well. They have fun lyrics with a get-up-and-dance tempo (usually). I only just came across them, but I think they’ll make a nice addition to the family music van.

Jammy Jams 

This band reminds me of Rockabye Baby since they take hit songs and make them lullabies. Even though they are similar, these guys seem to do more than just rock. They also play pop and alternative songs such as Somebody I Used to Know and Bad Romance and make lullabies.

Parry Gripp

I found a lot of new music researching this post and these guys caught my attention with songs like “This is the Best Burrito I’ve Ever Eaten” and “Raining Tacos.” They are a combination of punk-pop music with joyful lyrics. A little more pop than is usually my style, but I could see Petit Macaron and myself jamming to this on occasion.

Sing-A-Longs & Lullabies for the Film Curious George

This a sing-a-long soundtrack from the Curious George movie. I do not believe the songs were originally created as children’s music, but they work well for it anyway. I had ‘We Are Going To Be Friends’ in my head on our walk today, which is way better than “hey I’m a speedy race car” tune from Petit Macaron’s toy race car.

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What do you listen to with your kids?