Tuesday, July 16, 2013

New from Putumayo Kids -- American Playground -- Children's Music CD Review


Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this CD from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views shared are mine and mine alone.


American Playground cover art 

I can always count on Putumayo Kids to bring my family on a musical adventure when we listen to their albums.  And, with their recent CD release, "American Playground," my girls were introduced to a variety of music genres including folk, gospel and bluegrass.  There were even some some adaptations from famed musicians like Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan, as well as jazz composer Irving Berlin.

As a child, I don't remember to much children's music growing up, either at home or in the car.  In the car, the radio would be tuned to an easy listening channel or one playing songs from 50's and 60's.  I still remember a time when my 2nd grade teacher asked me what our favorite song was to listen to, and I answered "Any by the BeeGee's."  While the teacher knew who the BeeGee's were, many of my fellow classmates didn't. :-)  So, when I welcomed my girls and began blogging, I jumped at the opportunity to review children's music featuring all genres of music.  We even signed up the girls up for music classes, which we can see are paying off, as they are understanding rhythms, beats, etc., and can sing along to popular children's songs.

Since connecting with the folks at Sugar Mountain PR, I have become a fan of Putumayo Kids and their albums, and have had the opportunity to share a handful of reviews with you, and have received wonderful emails from readers telling me how much they enjoyed the CDs after reading my reviews, with their own children.

I was going to wait until our 4th of July car trip to listen to this recent CD release, but ended up playing it during a recent streak of rainy days.  While the girls looked out the window, eager to get out and run around, I knew I had to get them excited to be indoors.  And, as soon as the "American Playground" CD began playing, they joined me in the center of the living room floor, and we had a dance party. :-) 

Even if you are not familiar with children's music artists, you find yourself knowing many of the songs on this album, which include "She'll Be Coming Around the Mountain," "This Little Light of Mine," "Oh, Susannah" and "You Are My Sunshine."  My girls were so excited when they heard "You Are My Sunshine," as I have been singing this song to them ever since they were in the womb.  As for "Oh, Susannah," Savannah ended up changing up the words to "Oh, Savannah." :-)  Even though it was raining outside, the girls and I ended up having a blast indoors, as we listened to all 10 tracks on the new CD, "American Playground" from Putumayo Kids.  And, this past 4th of July was that much more special as a result of having listened to this CD prior to our trip to NH, as Savannah was able to sing along (in bits and pieces) to "This Land is Your Land" at the fireworks event we attended.  I was so proud of her!  My husband turned to me and asked where she learned the song, as he never heard me sing it.  I had to show him the CD, and since he carries this CD in the car to listen to when he takes the girls for scenic car rides on or errands. :-)

Are you and your family a fan of Putumayo Kids?  If so, and you haven't picked up this recent CD release, you will definitely want to check it out.

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this CD from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views shared are mine and mine alone.

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