Recommendation.

I wouldn't say that we spend tons of time in the car with the wee one, but on my day off, there is a fair amount of driving about town. I've been wondering for a few weeks now what to about all the quiet down time. I had been listening to the radio, but it just seemed to passive. I don't sing along as I really don't know the words to most songs, and I've started getting annoyed with commercials. I tried singing some familiar songs to the boy, but this seems a bit cruel. (I bear no illusions about the quality of my singing voice.) He seemed to like "You are My Sunshine" and "One Elephant Went Out to Play", but I found it really repetitive to keep singing the same two songs that I know. (I also found that driving while singing counting songs is going to result in my child learning a rather flexible 1-10.)

So, I am exploring the sometimes ghastly world of children's music.

A family member gave me one c.d. with some very traditional songs on it. The songs are great. (BINGO, I've Been Working on the Railroad, etc.), but the tone and quality of the singers makes me want to stab out my ears.

This weekend, rather on a whim, I picked up a c.d. from a local kid's store. The c.d. is entitled "Funny Little Fella" by Matt Clark. I wasn't sure what to expect, but the sales clerk reassured me it was a good compilation of songs. We listed to it all day today, and we both enjoyed it greatly. The songs are pretty simple, mostly just singing and guitar. The song titles are wonderful though, and the lyrics had me cracking up. (I especially like "I Think I'm Gonna Put It In My Mouth".) For his part, the wee one listened intently to each song, and generally cooed or giggled at the end. A truer and more sincere recommendation you will not find.

So, my first official parent-based recommendation: A great album from a local artist, full of quick, fun songs written my someone who has definitely been there.