kids music

Rock A Bye Dreams

by Stacy on May 20, 2009

For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a Mom. Not just any mom ~ but a GREAT mom. The kind of mother who always knows just what to say,  just what to do, and just how to make each of her children feel special and loved in their own unique way. My unique version of myself as Super Mom, always included an image of me rocking my children in my arms and singing sweet lullabies they would grow to remember always. My version of a family heirloom, they would hopefully remember these songs and pass them along to their own children someday. In reality, when the time in my life came for lullabyes – I found I was seriously lacking in this department. Unable to come up with any sweet melodies on my own, and not knowing where to find any great recorded versions – I reverted to classics like Twinkle, Twinkle and Rock a Bye Baby – sometimes even soft versions of songs playing on the radio. Not quite the motherly image I had imagined.

Fast forward three years and three children later, and I am proud to announce I have finally found the album I’ve been looking for. Better yet, this album found me. Nancy Falkow of Sunflow, first contacted me in February of this year and asked if I would like to review her album, Under the Stars, here on Kids Stuff World. Thrilled with the prospect, I listened to the disc many times, it melodies capturing me a little more each time. Still, it wasn’t until a few weeks ago, when I brought my newborn home from the hospital that I could truly appreciate the absolute treasure I’d received.

sunflow

You see, Nancy’s songs are my lullabies come to life. It’s as if she has found a way to take all of my thoughts and feelings, and put them into words ~ words that became music. Beautiful music. Still, the album is only part Nancy.  Sunflow is actually a duo – one part Nancy, one part Fran King. Not only have I found a compilation of treasured lullabies with Sunflow, but Fran also sings hauntingly beautiful songs reminiscent of classics such as the Beatles. It’s almost like getting two albums in one.

I highly suggest you take a listen to the entire album, Under the Stars, and find a few family classics of your own. Here’s a few of my favorites, that I’m sure will be in my family for years to come:

Rock A Bye Dreams

Good Night

Now Sleep

SleepyTown

I Wish You Love

A huge Thank You to Nancy Falkow for capturing what it is to be a Mother so beautifully and for sharing that feeling with all of us.

Now that you’ve had a chance to hear these soon to be classics, I’m anxious to know which ones you love? Can you see yourself singing these to your little ones anytime soon?

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KSW Loves Jitterbug

by Stacy on April 16, 2009

Looking for a great way to entertain your kids when you’re fresh out of ideas? Wishing you had something kid-friendly to put on for your kids to dance or something mellow you could all listen to during craft time? Wishing that all the children’s music you’ve found didn’t make you want to bury your head in a pillow? Problem Solved! All of them … with one simple website, Jitterbug.tv

Jitterbug.tv is the brainchild of two amazing dads, Dan Gellert & Randall Green. An online video/radio interface dedicated to finding great Kindie (independent music for kids) both children and parents can enjoy. How great is that? This pair of dad’s of music loving three year olds, have done an amazing job hand selecting artists & songs and creating a super friendly website for parents and children alike. I was lucky enough to grab a few minutes of their time for a quick interview. Here’s what Dan & Randall had to say about Jitterbug:

KSW: What influence have your children had on the site’s layout and music choices?

Dan: Our 3 year old girls are the testers for sure.  Having lots of thumbnail pictures was something I noticed Emily (my daughter) pointing to constantly.  Also, the jitterbug logo was blessed by Emily as she gave the thumbs down to some other versions.  Concerning music choices, It seems variety is embraced as well as consistency – Emily likes to know the same video will be there for her to come back to until she looses interest eventually.

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Randall: Truth be told the catalyst for Jitterbug was probably Jacks Big Music Show and the fantastic musical guest appearances, including Laurie Berkner.  The show and the musical guests made me realize that kids music could cross over as I really enjoyed the music almost as much as my daughter.

KSW: What has been your favorite music find so far? What about your children’s?

Dan: I like the Dog On Fleas band, and Emily is constantly changing her favorites, but some of her favorites have been Gustafer YellowGold and The Jimmies.

Randall: Hard question to ask us as we like so many,  but  Piper (my daughter) was initially a Laurie Berkner groupie but has recently turned her attention to Randy Kaplan.

KSW: Since starting Jitterbug, would you say you & your family have been brought closer together through the process?

Dan: Yes, I often hear “Let’s watch jitterbug” from Emily.  I’ve noticed you cannot really be cranky or moody when watching stuff on Jitterbug, it always lightens the mood.

Randall: Yes,  Jitterbug has been a “family project” with everyone involved.  The first thing my daughter asks for in the morning is to see Jitterbug.  The interesting thing is we all usually agree on the music.

KSW: Recommend three of your favorite (or your children’s favorite) videos?

Dan: I never tire of Ugly Fruit by Dog On Fleas and Emily often requests Malti by Dan Zanes and this Greek Lullaby

Randall: Guastafer YellowgoodThe Jimmies and Eric Herman

KSW: Have you added any music lately that relates to Earth Day, recycling, or any other nature/outdoor activity?

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Dan: Well, the one that comes to mind for outdoor activity is Tricycle and Diggin in the Dirt by Frances England

Why We Love Them: Let me count the ways- No really, For starters, it’s FREE! Sure I tried finding kids music on You Tube once or twice but the quality was poor and the good stuff tended to get lost in the mix. Jitterbug.tv puts the best Kindie music at your fingertips and even offers a FREE streaming radio service. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve turned to Jitterbug to calm my children since our move in Feb. My little ones know many of the songs by heart and ask to see the site AT LEAST once a day.

KSW’s Top Picks:

Rainy, Rainy Day by Milkshake

Everything is Alright by Big Bang Boom

The Elephant Song by Eric Herman

3 Year Old Faves:

Willy was a Whale by Justin Roberts

Polar Bear over There by Uncle Rock

I Found It by Brady Rymer

2 Year Old Faves:

Spider MonkeyThe Rhino Song from Big Green Rabbit

Animal Alphabet Song by The Hollow Trees

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