Best of all worlds: Add variety to musical mix

By The Washington Post

Friday, December 14, 2007 10:03 AM EST

We love Hannah Montana, the Jonas Brothers and everything “High School Musical.” But sometimes we need a break from the Disney diet. KidsPost's Scott Moore feasted his ears on dozens of this year's kid-friendly releases and has come up with some tuneful alternatives.
“cELLAbration!” various artists.

This tribute to legendary folk artist Ella Jenkins includes performances by Cathy Fink, Marcy Marxer, Red Grammer, Tom Paxton, John McCutcheon and Riders in the Sky. Also available on DVD.

“Putumayo Kids Presents Animal Playground,” various artists.

Songs about birds, bears, monkeys and other beasties by artists from 10 countries. Highlights: Asheba's Caribbean-style “No More Monkeys,” Don Spencer's “Don't Ever Step on a Snake” and Ladysmith Black Mambazo's “Mbube.”

Another worldly release:

“World Tales, Volume II,” Randy Armstrong & Genevieve Aichele. Stories and music from Mexico, Ireland, Ghana, Cameroon and Japan.

“Everlife,” Everlife.

Sisters Amber, Sarah and Julia Ross produce teen rock anthems. Hits include “I Could Get Used to This” and “Faded.”

“Chickens,” Buck Howdy with BB.

Western swing to play until the cows come home.

Other animal-filled CDs for ages 8 and younger:

“Under the Mystic Sea,” Maria Sangiolo. Sweet acoustic songs with an environmental slant.

“Fins and Grins,” Johnette Downing. Upbeat tunes dedicated to animals at the Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans, Louisiana, that died in Hurricane Katrina.

“Meet the Robinsons”

Even future generations will like “Little Wonders” (Rob Thomas), “The Future Has Arrived” (The All-American Rejects) and “Kids of the Future” (Jonas Brothers).

Other compilations:

“Enchanted”

Includes Carrie Underwood's “Ever Ever After” and Amy Adams's catchy “That's How You Know.”

“Every Child Deserves a Lifetime”

An 18-track all-star collection highlighted by Bruce Springsteen doing “Chicken Lips and Lizard Hips” and Little Richard belting out “Itsy Bitsy Spider.”

“Disney Mania 5”

How could we resist “I Wan'na Be Like You” (Jonas Brothers) and “Part of Your World” (Miley Cyrus)?

A few good tracks

Looking for just a few good tracks to add to your MP3 player?

Here are a dozen current favorites from other artists. These singles can be purchased for about $1 each at sites including www.itunes.com, www.amazon.com and musicdownloads.walmart.com. (Always ask a parent before going online.)

• “Crazy Hair Day,” Barney Saltzberg with Vonda Shepherd

• “Bad Ideas,” Recess Monkey

• “Educated Kid,” the Hipwaders

• “It's OK, Try Again,” the Shins

• “I Like Yaks,” Roger Day with Billy Jonas

• “Graduation (Friends Forever),” T Squad

• “Math Stomp,” the Terrible Twos

• “Mighty Jackie, the Strikeout Queen,” Marla Lewis

• “Rock Star,” Prima J (from the “Bratz” soundtrack)

• “Underdog Raps, Kyle Massey (from the ”Underdog“ soundtrack)

• “Use a Map,” Rick & Audrey

• “Witch Doctor,” Alvin and the Chipmunks

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