This time around I would like to list ten great songs you should download and play for your children. I’ll also tell you why these songs are worth your time and money. My number one requirement for a worthy song is the songwriting itself. You can have the cutest sounding cherubs or the silliest title in the world, but if the songwriting is lacking then the track won’t hold my interest or my child’s. So let’s go!

Number 10: Hideaway - This up-tempo rocker from Chicago’s Ralph Covert is bursting at the seams with great melodies, sweet harmonies, and a great message. This is one of those songs that can be equally suited for kids or adults. My kids love the energy and happy sound, but above all, it’s just plain fun. You can currently catch Ralph on tour at House of Blues locations nationwide.

Number 9: Winter In Wisconsin – Mr. Billy heats up the home of Lambeau Field with this great pop rocker celebrating winter in Wisconsin. The first time I heard this song I was impressed with Mr. Billy’s ability to make three months of winter snowstorms seem like a good time. He also has a fun video to go along with it available through his MySpace page. This song rocks and so does Mr. Billy!

Number 8: Won’t You Be My Neighbor – This track, from the CD produced by the people at Mister Rogers Neighborhood, features Jon Secada who you may or may not remember from the 80’s. But, this version of the now classic Mister Rogers theme song has a groove so sweet I found myself listening to this song over and over. The production is top notch and Jon Secada does a fantastic job of making this track sound hip and cool. The entire CD is worth the money but if you download only one track this is the one you want. Read the rest »

There’s a revolution under way. No, it’s not your 3 year old demanding another package of fruit snacks. It’s a revolution in children’s music. Back in the old days, growing up in Middle America, we had two choices for children’s music. First, there were Disney soundtracks. And second, there were Disney soundtracks. To say there was not a lot to choose from would be an understatement. But that was 1966 and we’ve come a long way since then! The last 5 years have produced more high quality music for children than the previous 35 years combined. The Wiggles were one of the first to break the Disney mold by offering pop sounding tunes that weren’t condescending or trite. That was the early 1990’s. Fast forward to the new millennium and we start hearing new music from names like Dan Zanes of the Del Fuegos, Laurie Berkner, and Milkshake. That’s just the tiniest little tip of the iceberg. As teens who grew up listening to the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and the Who, today’s parents are no longer content with the standard sugary sweet excess of a past generation’s idea of music for kids. We want our kids to be cool, hip, and most of all, like little versions of ourselves. So let’s take a look at what the current crop of independent artists have to offer not only the littlest ones in your family, but to parents as well. Read the rest »