I recently learned about this controversial thing called the "Mozart Effect". Jude is obviously not going to become President now since I dropped the ball on this bit of musical baby brain-building. Oh well, I don't think I could pass the background checks required for White House access anyway.
Nonetheless, this Mozartkugel Music Box will be making a late entry into our home based solely on its beauty and simplicity. If it can perform grey matter miracles too, BONUS!
Available at Plastica.
As a child, I grew up with a plethora of musical instruments in my home. Ours was definitely not the case of the cobbler's children having no shoes. My dad was a musician and owned a music store.
Although Jude is only 2, I want him to have an early exposure to making music. I know what joy it brought to my life and I figure there's a 50% chance that he's got a musical gene in his body. I like to imagine that it sits in between the eczema and apple cheek genes that I gave him.
He already has access to some of my drums, but I wanted something sized just for him. After looking around, I found this funky little toy piano. Apparently Schoenhut has been making these things for eons.
Which reminds me of a sidebar topic... having a kid has really opened my eyes up to some unusual discoveries. For example, I never knew that I'd be replacing Jude's shoes every time I fed him. I also didn't know that my butt could slide down the back of my leg.
I found this cute little piano at Harmony Online via the Twink website. I've posted about Twink's wonderful toy piano musical creations, so I knew he'd be the guy to go to on the subject. The prices seem fair and the shipping is free, so soon I'll be enjoying the sounds of a two-year old pounding bananas into the keys. Like mother, like son, I hope.
OK, Baby Rock Records has just moved to the top of my absolute favorites list. What kind of people take rock songs and transform them into beautiful lullaby renditions? Extra cool people, that's who.
My heart almost burst with joy when I saw the various selections. I think I left skid marks on my carpet running to get my wallet.
It will be only a matter of time before Jude is napping to "Knives Out" by Radiohead and "Boys Don't Cry" by The Cure. Some CDs have yet to be released, but you can pre-order them from their site.
It's "Just Like Heaven"!
Available at Baby Rock Records.
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Having a toddler has definitely cramped my music listening style. My home has become a 24/7 all request station and I'm Jude's personal D.J. Big change from being the musical director and I'm not handling it so well.
I'm always on the look out for creative, entertaining music that I think I can live with after 2,000 listens. No matter how cool you thought the latest Dan Zane's CD was, after it has been in heavy rotation for 6 MONTHS, you start to go a bit mad.
When I first heard the MP3s from "The Broken Record" by Twink, I knew I'd found auditory Prozac. Unfreakinbelievable!
Available Amazon.com and Twink.
P.S. If you have any musical favorites to share, I'm standing by. Add your requests to my comments.
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That crazy Dan Zanes! Who else could create a mashup of Leadbelly and Kronos Quartet to create a song my toddler just loves?
The song, called "Grey Goose" is just one of many cool songs on his latest CD "Catch that Train."
Available at CD Baby and Amazon.
As I've already posted, I just love Jack's Big Music Show. What I didn't mention before is that it also features the awesome kid's music of Laurie Berkner.
Her song, "I'm Gonna Catch You" is #1 in Jude's heavy rotation. I play it and chase him around the house. It also doubles as my aerobic exercise routine. Ahhh, gotta love multi-tasking!
Find this cool song and others on the "Under a Shady Tree" CD at Amazon.com.
Before we even get into the car, Jude is already calling out requests to "Sing songs momma, sing songs". He's just like his dad, who can't take a trip to get bread without a soundtrack.
This behavior has inspired me to look for kid's music that won't drive me crazy after I've heard it for the thousandth time.
Next on my buy-list is Milkshake's Bottle of Sunshine CD. I listened to a couple tunes online and fell in love!
Listen for yourself. Here are the ones that hooked me:
Bluebird
ABC of Me
By the way, what is it with kids and repetition? When do they outgrow this? Thankfully, I'll be able to wait Jude out with this gem!
Currently available from Amazon.com.
If you haven't seen Jack's Big Music Show on Noggin, you might be wise to steer clear. That's because you'll be singing the songs for days after an episode.
This is one of those rare TV shows that appeals to kids AND parents, unlike that one about the purple dinosaur whose name I dare not speak.
I'm so enthusiastic that I bought Jude an accordian so he can play along with Mary. Drums and electric guitar may not be far behind.
Find out more at Noggin.
My husband's dream of polka music 24/7 has finally come true. Someone actually makes an accordion for kids.
You'll have to go elsewhere for lederhosen though.
Currently available at Netto Collection.
