What Music is Good for Kids?

Inspired by Joseph's CD http://www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11342&highlight=puff+the+magic (which I picked up at an affordable price ) .....

and an old thread: http://www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4257&highlight=peter .

What is it about 50's/60's music that today's kids love? Give them the chance to hear it and they love it - no exceptions.

Perhaps pop music from that era was the best.

Any comments?

 

At first, I was surprised at how much some younger guys and gals dig the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Velvet Underground and Jimi Hendrix above most others from the '60s. Their parents, on the other hand, seem to prefer Elvis and the Eagles, and some of the better C&W acts(whoever they are). If they're into prog rock or alt rock or whatever that stuff is, they'll give a listen to Yes, Jethro Tull, King Crimson, Eno, and the like. It's hard to generalize, because some of it, as happened to me, rubbed off from my parents, while other music came from Ed Sullivan and other shows of the day. When you think about how pervasive MTV, VH-1 & 2 and bad radio stations have become, it's almost miraculous young people listen to anything *old* at all. It's good that they do, but they don't really dig too deep. I think I learn more from them than they do from me.

BTW, John, sure hope you're talking about teens and not toddlers this time

ED

 

In between, 8 - 12 year olds.

 

B E A T L E S...Is there any other for 7-12 year olds? It worked for us. Yup, The B E A T L E S...The Boys love 'em as Much as the Girls!

 

Michael,

It workrd for us too. I'm trying not to appear biased...........

 

I listened to 60s music of most types when I was a little kid. I did not listen to "children's music". I came out just fine!

 

Okay, we should save VU for another time, then.... That's definitely 13-18 stuff, sound of breaking glass and venus in furs and lady godiva's operation all that...

So, knowing the age range:

Beatles
Monkees
ABBA
Police
Mix of British Invaders on the light side(Gerry & The Pacemakers, Billy J. Kramer, Herman's Hermits)
I might also add--pushing it a little--some garage band comps like NUGGETS, because some things--like the Castaways' "Liar, Liar"--are not only great but, when I was a kid, funny as hell("Liar, liar, pants on fire, your nose is longer than a telephone wire"). Sam The Sham? The old Polydor/MGM comp is loaded with novelty goodies.

Problem for me is, when I was 9-12, I was buying what I heard and SAW, from the Fabs and other Invaders to the Beau Brummels, Byrds, et al; anything rock'n'radio, and that meant a lot of soul, too. The faves came first, but if I heard it on the radio and caught the title, that did it: off to the store, begging for my allowance(I was pathetic, no kiddin', tryin' to get that advance cash).

But the above are what I would start with. I'm not sure 'pop' music would work, and I don't know if today's 8-12 year-olds would necessarily go for rockabilly, or even Elvis.

ED

 

Grant,

I did not mean to imply "children's music" rather music from that era which is good for kids today ....... no wonder you turned out fine

John

 

You'll be giving a great gift of music that will last a lifetime!

 

Some of the earlier Black Sabbath albums keep kids busy for hours. And a little secret from me to you...try some Motley Crue before nap time. They're out like a light in no time flat!

 

I think you're right, I'm not sure Elvis would cut it but some songs with novel values would.

John

 

I'm sure you are right!

 

In all seriousness John...my kids always loved listening to Bach, Mozart and Vivaldi's 'The Four Seasons'. Great music that our family enjoys together. Never wears out.

 

Try Tomita's SNOWFLAKES ARE DANCING sometime....synthesized Debussy, but impeccably beautiful. Some of us have discussed this one in other threads but, believe me, you'll all love it. Very beautiful, and brilliantly recorded, given all the overdubs by the one-man creator, Isao Tomita.
A #2 classical Lp in 1974, crossed over to Pop Lp's, too.

ED

 

NRBQ recorded a great album for kids (small and large!) called "You're Nice People You Are". It is an excellent collection of very clever tunes with great lyrics for kids (some of them work on adult levels--much like the classic Warner Bros. cartoons) and memorable (merry) melodies. Highly recommended and currently still available.

 

I've found the children of family and friends to like Buddy Holly and Tom Petty, especially FULL MOON FEVER. I think it has to do with simplicity.

 

Our family has gotten lots of miles (literally) from Tom Chapin's excellent childrens albums (Family Tree, Moonboat, Mother Earth, Billy the Squid, Zag Zig . . . ). Any of these albums are recommended for the 5 to 12 set.

Yes, Tom is Harry's younger brother. His albums are enjoyable mixes of silly, serious and fun songs with great harmonies and quite a few memorable rounds. His music is consistently well written and performed. It has always remained entertaining for our kids and the music-loving parents in the front seats.

Tom tours the Northeast extensively with his band performing for families and adults. He sometimes shares a bill with John McCutcheon who has also recorded several great children's albums.

 

Some of Gordon Lightfoot's material is good for kids, especially "***** Willows, Cat-Tails."

 

I think that Ron hit the nail on the head with the word "simplicity". The children, and a lot of us adults as well, more enjoy a simple music with well thought lyrics that give an emotional good feeling and flows kind of easily. Sadly lacking in most of the songs over the last 12 years or so.

 

In addition to the normal Muppet Soundtracks and Aaron Carter, my son who is almost 10 enjoys zydeco music. I've tried the Beatles and other classic rock music with little interest. He does like the Who though (there's still hope).

I did play him Pink Floyd's "The Wall" and said here's an album I'm sure you will buy and listen to as a teenager. He thought parts were neat.

 

Dave is right. Simplicity is the key. "Pussywillows, Cat-Tails" does have simplicity in it and the same with Burl Ives music, even stuff such as "A Little Bitty Tear," "Funny Way of Laughin'," and other stuff from that era.

 

Well....I still think un-Astley'd ABBA would thrill this age group....that leaves out, very sadly, the DVD video comp, or any reissues of recent years(for the sake of their ears)....look for older Atlantic(US), Polydor(Europe) or Polar(Sweden)CD pressings.

Or do what my father did: get your kid a little sound system all his/her own, a bunch of vinyl 45's/Lp's, and let 'em go to work and find music on their own. My start, and I'm forever grateful.

ED

 

In that case, I would say it's all good up until the last few years.

 

No, I take that back. I recall that in 1977 my then 9-year old neice was going around singing "Love Is Better In The A.M." by Johnny Taylor. Sure, she probably didn't realize exactly what it meant, but still...