The Hipwaders
Goodie Bag!
© 2009 The Hipwaders

The lads of The Hipwaders (Tito Uquillas, DJ Kinville and Nick Baca) have been performing music for the tots for only five years or so, but they already have quite a collection of tunes under their belts. Goodie Bag! is the band’s fourth release, and their brand of quirky rock and roll continues to shine through. The album kicks off with the jaunty little tune, “Birthday Ruckus.” “Always Mom” is a funky, jazzy tribute to that special woman in everyone’s life. And don’t miss the very danceable and pure pop-rock song, “Things You Want.” This tune—the highlight of the CD, in my opinion—should make this disc a kid favorite on any road trip. With Goodie Bag!, you have another great disc to keep in constant rotation.

Mariana Iranzi
Aventura Collage
© 2009 Mariana Iranzi

To label Mariana Irani’s foray into kids’ music as simply a Spanish educational album would not only undermine the brilliance of Aventura Collage, but also the talent of this accomplished musician and composer. Yes, most of the songs on this disc are in Spanish, but don’t let that stop you from experiencing some great music. Right out of the gate, Mariana lets you know what kind of ride she’s about to take you on. “Pajaro Carpintero” (Woodpecker) leaves me with images of kids skipping through the park without a care in the world. “El Patito Feo” (The Ugly Duckling) reminds me of some of the best indie bands on college radio right now, but sung in Spanish. Whether or not you’re fluent in Spanish, Aventura Collage is a disc that needs to be in your children’s music collection.

Ziggy Marley
Family Time
© 2009 Tuff Gong Worldwide

When you hear the name Marley, you almost immediately think of reggae royalty, Bob Marley & the Wailers. Where Bob Marley’s flame was too quickly extinguished, his son Ziggy reignited that flame and has made a name for himself in the genre. Now, with Family Time, Ziggy Marley expands into the world of children’s music. Of course, viewers of PBS already know that he wrote and performed the theme song for the show “Arthur.” On Family Time, Marley enlists the help of family (mother, sister and daughter) and friends make his first disc for kids special. The title track kicks off the album and really sets you up for the fun to come. While the overall style of Family Time is reggae, there is much more here, including a nice mix of reggae and folk on “Cry, Cry, Cry” with Jack Johnson, and a real gem, Marley’s rendition of “This Train” with Willie Nelson.