Best kids’ albums of 2011
Rock & roll! Check out the top kids’ albums of 2011.
Dan Zanes
Little Nut Tree
The kindie rock legend bounced back this year with another instant classic, filled to the brim with guest stars and all-ages party songs (“In the Basement”). The crooner also explores his paternal side on the standout track “Summer Trains.” danzanes.com.
Frances England
Mind of My Own
Departing from her signature lo-fi bedroom pop, the San Francisco modern folk singer showcases a highly bombastic tone on her third record. The title track is a feisty toddler anthem, while “Place in Your Heart” (with guests Mates of State) proves that it is possible to stay forever young. francesengland.com.
Laura Veirs
Tumble Bee
For her inaugural foray into kids’ music, the talented singer-songwriter and her husband, producer Tucker Martine (the Decemberists, My Morning Jacket), focus on gems from the Smithsonian Folkways catalog (“Jack Can I Ride”) and the calypso-infused “Jamaica Farewell.” lauraveirs.com.
Recess Monkey
Flying!
The prolific Seattle trio’s loosely conceived superhero opus features power-pop tunes about the childhood experience—going on a trip (“Grandmom’s House”), sharing with a sibling (“Bunk Bed”) and transforming stuffed animals into caped crusaders (“Super Stuffies”). recessmonkeytown.com.
Todd McHatton
Galactic Champions of Joy
The quirky West Coaster follows up last year’s Sundays at the Rocket Park with another richly textured, psychedelic indie-pop album. Featuring whimsical tunes about floating in a bubble, Galactic Champions may thematically speak to kids, but parents will appreciate its instrumental likeness to bands in their own record collection. mchatton.com.
Lunch Money
Original Friend
The South Carolina trio’s third release takes charm to a new level with perky pop-rock songs about snow globes, friendship and the insatiable need to push buttons—any buttons. “You and Me and a Bottle of Bubbles” showcases two of the prettiest pipes in the kindie genre—Frances England (see left) and Lunch Money lead singer Molly Ledford—while kid hopper Secret Agent 23 Skidoo guests on “Come Over to My Dollhouse.” lunchmoneymusic.com.
Caspar Babypants
Sing Along!
Former Presidents of the United States of America member Chris Ballew’s preschool rock may pay homage to traditional kids’ music, but grown-ups will be happy to discover that the tunes have been well refurbished for 21st-century tots. Look out for such familiar fare as “Ring Around the Rosie” and “Ba Ba Black Sheep.” babypantsmusic.com.
Papa Crow
Things That Roar
Papa Crow’s Jeff Krebs roars softly onto the scene with a majestic collection of hushed, acoustic songs perfectly suited for a lazy weekend morning. “Peek-A-Boo Waltz” is bound to become a musical family heirloom. papacrow.com.
Gustafer Yellowgold
Infinity Sock
Morgan Taylor paints his sun-kissed protagonist as a reflective old soul on the fourth Yellowgold album. Kids will crack up at the made-of-cheese clothing store (“Wisconsin Poncho”) while adults will have plenty to contemplate with the thought-provoking “Question Marks.” gustaferyellowgold.com.
Brady Rymer
Love Me For Who I Am
The classic rocker draws inspiration from children with unconventional learning styles and makes the feel-good CD of the year with themes every parent and child will relate to, like being a picky eater and wanting to snuggle. bradyrymer.com.
Honorable Mentions
Billy Kelly
The Family Garden
The quick-witted Kelly loosens up on his 3rd CD, the result being a silly batch of songs highlighted by the fictitious tale of “The Invention of the Straw” plus an ode to long-distance friends (“We Could Be Pen Pals,” a duet with Lunch Money’s Molly Ledford). thebillykellyshow.com.
Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band
Oh Lucky Day!
The stylish Los Angeles band adds a dash of enchantment to acoustic rock & roll, featuring sun-kissed songs for girls (“Pretty Princess”), a “Race Car” track for boys, a track about cats (“Gato Astraunoto”) and dancing with grandpa (“Let’s Dance"). luckydiazmusic.com.
The Jimmies
Practically Ridiculous
The long-awaited sophomore album from Ashley Albert’s high-energy city band doesn’t disappoint—there are hijinks around every corner, but the sentimental “Bonfire” shines the brightest while giving girl power a sophisticated new theme song. gimmiejimmies.com.
The Deedle Deedle Dees
Strange Dees, Indeed
The Brooklyn band every city kid wishes they had as their middle school history teachers delivers a stellar set of Pogo Stick-Americana music about such notable historical figureheads as Marie Curie, Mayor LaGuardia, Old Bryant Park and Henry Hudson. thedeedledeedledees.com.
Alastair Moock
These Are My Friends
A musical descendant of Woody Guthrie, Moock refreshes the classic brand of acoustic folk with a zany sense of humor as seen on songs about a mixed-up alphabet (“CBAs”), being a curious toddler (“Three Like Me”) and harvesting your own veggie garden (“Didn’t Know What I Was Missing”). moockmusic.com.
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