May 1, 1996

Kid's Corner

Music for the Little Ones (by Gail Krbechek). Variety is something children never seem to get tired of, and that's just what the best releases for children have in common. Here are three that have become favorites in our home.

First is Muppet Treasure Island (Angel 1996), which is the original motion picture soundtrack. What could be better than pirate music?! The songs tell tales of adventure, pirates treasure, cabin fever and alligators.

Disney has scored these songs with full orchestra, as well as fiddles, mandolin and various guitars. The vocals are dominated by male tones and feature muppets Kermit and Miss Piggy. In addition, Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers perform "Love Power."

There are 16 great tracks on this CD, including "Treasure Island," "Shiver My Timbers," "Boom Shakalaka," and "Honest Brave and True." This CD will entertain and please many an ear. It's really a pleasure listening to a symphony concert blended with catchy, singable lyrics. If you didn't get a chance to watch the movie, buy the CD -- it's worth its weight in gold.

Tish Hinojosa has become a favorite in our household, and she now directs her talents to a children's CD. Cada Nino/Every Child (Rounder 1996) presents eleven bilingual songs for the younger generation.

These songs are sung in both Spanish and English and represent the rich mixture of Latin and American culture and traditions. Tish is accompanied by singers from Galindo Elementary music classes, and also by her own two children.

The music is very lively and fun. For example, "The Barnyard Dance" is the story of garden vegetables having a wild party under a late night moon. Another favorite is "Even The Dead Are Rising Up To Dance," which is about the "Day of the Dead." The Day of the Dead is the day after Halloween, and is celebrated in many Latin American countries by visits to ancestors in graveyards, which include flowers, music, food and decorations.

"Magnolia" is about a magnolia tree that grew in the yard of Tish's house when she was young. It talks of the tree and daydreams, wishes and secrets that danced between the leaves. Every Child has very warm and caring features, especially Tish's beautiful voice. This CD will give your children a wonderful taste of the Spanish language.

A Child's Celebration of Rock 'n Roll (Music for Little People 1996) will set any hips to wiggling. This CD is an all-star collection of songs performed by the original artists. "Rock Around The Clock" by Bill Haley and the Comets starts the compilation, which is follows by "Splish Splash" by Bobby Darin, "Yakety Yak" by The Coasters, "Sea Cruise" by Frankie Ford, and "La Bamba" by Ritchie Valens.

The 15 songs on this CD will appeal to rockers of all ages (even those who now use rockers). These songs will kindle many memories of parents and grandparents, and your children will want to listen to these tunes over and over. Hearing the original artist perform their songs is a special treat. So swing on over to your nearest CD store and seek out A Child's Celebration of Rock 'n Roll.

Molly O'Brien, Tell It True (Sugarhill Records 1996) - Folk singer Molly O'Brien makes her solo debut with Tell It True. With help from husband, Tim O'Brien (the other half of the duo Tim & Molly), O'Brien demonstrates a big, pure voice reflecting the best that "Americana" has to offer.

Since moving to Boulder, Colorado with her husband in 1980, O'Brien has established a strong regional following. In addition to appearances at such festivals as the Telluride Bluegrass Festival and the Black Mountain Festival, O'Brien has also performed with the world's most carefully-pronounced band - the infamous Mother Folkers.

For the 12 songs on Tell It True, O'Brien sets her sights on a traditional, folk sound, with such songs as "Northern Cross," and "Alaska." In addition, she ventures into the pop realm with a cover of Terrence Trent D'Arby's "Sign Your Name."

Tell It True is a gentle, easy-going album that will delight folk fans everywhere.

Bulldog Baseball -- Although it's been a down year for the Bulldog Nine, John Quinlan and Paul Swearengin have done a great job handling the play-by-play broadcasts on KMJ (AM 580). Paul replaced Tom Barkett, who moved on to handle minor league broadcasts in another state.

John and Paul set high standards in their live coverage of the Diamond 'Dogs. There's still a few games left (including the season finale from May 2nd through 4th, when the Hawaii Rainbows come to town), so you've still got time to catch them.

-- Randy Krbechek