My kids and I recently listened to a CD that reminds me very much of the old Schoolhouse Rock episodes. Roger Day is a witty, clever singer of children’s songs. His CD — Why Does Gray Matter? — is a compilation of my favorite type of kids’ songs. What is my fave type of kid’s songs you ask? Why songs that Mom/Dad and the kids can listen to without Mom/Dad lunging for the Off button. I was never fan of the purple dinosaur or the four Australian guys, if you know what I mean.

Here’s a bit about Roger Day… Parents’ Choice® Gold Award winning kids’ musician Roger Day scales the pinnacle of braininess with the release of his fourth CD and first “theme” album, Why Does Gray Matter? … And Other Brainy Songs for Kids! The disc offers fourteen Roger Day originals, each one devoted to the wonders and mysteries of the human brain, encouraging kids to “use their noodles” for creative problem solving and letting them know that it’s cool to be smart!  Along the way, they’ll also learn some fun facts about the brain.

In the spirit of Schoolhouse Rock and Bill Nye the Science Guy, Why Does Gray Matter? includes “Sara Bellum, the Brainy Girl,” “It’s a No Brainer” (literally singing the praises of math), and “Brain Food – Eat it Up!” which uses omega 3, lypocene, and green tea in a B-52s inspired rocker about the best foods for brain health. The “Left Brain/Right Brain” song illustrates the different functions of each side of the brain: the left brain is a Bach-inspired baroque string quartet and the right brain – naturally – is a bad British punk rock band.

Roger Day co-wrote “The Brain Train” with Dr. John Paul Bouffard, Chief Neuropathologist at Overlook Hospital in New Jersey, which takes a peek inside Ringo Starr’s brain during that nanosecond from Ringo’s first thought about playing the drums to showtime at Shea Stadium. Roger says, “I’m confident this is the first – and probably last — children’s song that uses words like ‘corpus callosum’ and ‘deep basal ganglia’ in the lyrics!”

Visit Roger Day’s website to hear his songs. Go here for RogerTube videos. Buy all 4 of Roger Day’s CDs here.

Want to win Roger Day’s Why Does Gray Matter? …and Other Brainy Songs for Kids!? I have one CD for a lucky Musings from Me reader! One comment = one entry. Leave a comment.

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I was provided with the CD. The opinions expressed in this post are my own. Giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Giveaway ends May 12 at 11:59 p.m.

Grease! I may not be the biggest Grease or musical theater fan, but Grease: the Soundtrack was the first album I ever purchased. I bought it from Woolworth’s in Wilmslow…a small town outside Manchester, England. It was a double album…yes, I am an olde fogey! I could not afford to buy the Grease album by myself, so split the cost with my sister. In fact, we were protective of our purchase so much so that we bought a plastic cover. I think I still have the album…buried in my parents’ basement!

Want to win a family pack of tickets to see Grease? Go here if you live in DC/MD/VA! I entered!

From the website: We press our olives within hours of harvest to seal in our distinctive fresh taste. Order your bottle today and enjoy the difference that fresh extra virgin olive oil makes in your dressings, marinades, and cooking.

Available in 500ml and 750ml bottles. You can purchase from for $10.49 from website. Follow California Olive Ranch on Twitter. Subscribe to blog for more information on products. I was given a bottle to review.

Tasting notes

• Fruity nose
• Smooth and buttery tongue
• Very slight peppery finish

Joanie Leeds City Kids CD

From Joanie’s website: Joanie has taken NYC by storm warming the hearts of students, parents and teachers everywhere! Singing and playing all types of music from your child’s favorite tunes to her upbeat originals found on “City Kid!”, the excitement in her classes, birthday parties and concerts is unmatched!

Joanie Leeds’ City Kid! is a Parent’s Choice Recommended Award Winner! Joanie’s City Kid! is available on amazon as an MP3 download. Joanie released a CD with Matthew Check – Challah, Challah. Go here for more of Joanie’s music.

Giveaway for Musings from Me readers! Win Joanie Leeds’ City Kids CD! One comment = one entry. Enter now!

- What is your favorite music moment with your child? My fave moment is the time my daughter was grooving to a Phil Collins video on TV.

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- Tweet this giveaway: @MusingsfromMe is giving away City Kid CD from @JoanieLeeds! Enter now: http://tinyurl.com/ygoq69o!

I was given the CDs for review. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Giveaway ends March 10, 2010, at 11:59 p.m.

You can imagine how thrilled I was to learn that Gordon AKA Roscoe Orman was featured on one of the tracks from Rebecca Frezza and Big Truck’s CD Rockin’, Rollin’ and Ridin’. Roscoe Orman sings and chats on “Hey-O”…a peppy and fun  song. In fact all of the songs are get-you-out-of-chair-and-get-moving songs.

Our favorites from Rockin’, Rollin’s and Ridin’: “Robot Dance” — loved this one as it reminds me of the 80s electronic pop music! “Superman” as it was very sing-along-able (yes, that is totally what a music critic would say!).

Photo from www.BigTruckMusic.com

Rebecca Frezza & Big Truck, familiar to families across the country through their their music videos on the Noggin Channel and PBS KIDS, released their fifth album in time for the holidays.  

Rockin’, Rollin’, and Ridin’ is a 23-minute EP, featuring six new Rebecca Frezza songs, plus two special, remixed audio tracks and a bonus video, each one highlighting the high energy, tight ensemble work of vocalist Rebecca Frezza and the precision backup singers and instrumentalists of Big Truck.  The album will be “stocking stuffer” priced at only $8.99.

Visit Rebecca Frezza & Big Truck here

Giveaway for Musings from Me readers! I have one copy of Rebecca Frezza and Big Truck’s CD up for grabs. One comment = one entry. Enter now!  

- Question for your child. What is his or her favorite way to get around? My kids always love riding the train!

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I was given the CD for review. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Giveaway ends December 21 at 11:59 p.m.

My teen has had an ipod since she was 9 or 10. I worried about giving her an ipod as she was so young, but she is the kind of kid who takes care of items that she cherishes. Good kid! She loved the ipod AND loved the i-fish. Loved how she could plug in her ipod and let the fish’s tail wag. I have to admit I found it cute, too!

The i-dog amp'd I was sent for review is bright purple with blue markings. The giveaway style may vary.

I have an

i-dog amp’d to giveaway to one lucky Musings from Me reader! One comment = one entry. Enter now!

- Do you have a CD or song that you listen to every holiday season? I love the Mannheim Steamroller.

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I was sent an i-dog amp’d for review. Giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Giveaway ends December 16 at 11:59 a.m.

Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure DVD

Dora must help Swiper discover the true spirit of Christmas! After Swiper tries to swipe the Christmas Star, he ends up on the naughty list. Dora helps him travel to the past, the present, and the future to discover the true meaning of Christmas.

Dora’s Christmas CD

Preschoolers can share the holiday spirit with Dora and her adventure-loving pals as Nickelodeon and Sony Music Entertainment release the CD, Dora’s Christmas. This perfect stocking stuffer includes 16 new holiday songs performed by the world’s most beloved Latina heroine, Dora the Explorer.  The disc features classic carols with a Latin twist, including “Deck the Halls,” “Jingle Bells” and “Santa Claus Is Coming Aquí!”  The CD also includes bonus songs from Nickelodeon’s  TV special, “Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure.”

Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves the Crystal Kingdom DVD

Enter the magical, musical world of the Crystal Kingdom in the all-new Nickelodeon feature-length adventure Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves the Crystal Kingdom.  Along with this never-before-seen title episode, the DVD includes two additional adventures from the top-rated preschool series.
 
In Dora Saves the Crystal Kingdom, Dora continues her magical storybook adventure from last fall (Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves the Snow Princess), when the magic crystal that the Snow Princess gave her brings to life another character in her storybook – Allie of the Crystal Kingdom.  A greedy king has stolen the crystals that give Allie’s kingdom color.  Dora and Boots must help Allie locate the crystals and turn the pale gray kingdom back into a colorful wonderland before it’s too late.

Giveaway for Musings from Me readers! I have 2 Dora prize packs to giveaway. Each pack will include Dora the Explorer: Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure DVD, Dora’s Christmas CD, and Dora Saves the Crystal Kingdom
DVD. Super prize pack! Two winners! One comment = one entry. Enter now!

- What is your favorite Dora character? My son loved Diego, plus Diego helped me potty train him. I love Diego, too!

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I was given the DVDs and CD for review. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Giveaway ends December 14 at 11:59 p.m.

I wanted my children to have an appreciation for music along with playing an instrument. I hear my husband at the piano one or two times a year. I love that he can sit down and just play. I wish I had that skill. Perhaps when all kids are gone and I have time!?!

When my youngest moved to a bed, I took this pic of all 3 kids with their Winnie the Pooh quilts in the crib one last time.

I made sure all three kids were exposed to music as babies through tapes and classical music CDs. Our absolute fave was a lullaby tape with the song “Bye Bye Baby Bunting, Daddy’a Gone a Hunting” all about a hunter with a rifle shooting a rabbit. Nice! But, it was my daughter’s bedtime request, so my husband and I would entertain ourselves miming shooting with a rifle while she dropped off to sleep in her crib. What can I say…stress and sleepless ness and too much work can lead to new parents doing odd things to stop each other from going over the edge.

My oldest did a Mommy & Me music class from 18 months through 3. She did a Kindermusik class called “Growing” from 3 through 5 with my good friend Gigi — to be precise she was Miss Gigi to the kids and moms. We tried a couple of semesters of the Kindermusik program while she was in kindergarten but she was too tired from school. She started piano in 2nd grade. By 5th grade she was desperate to stop. She literally has not touched the piano until this year. Her 8th grade music teacher gave the kids a choice of demonstrating their music knowledge through playing. She played a song from 5th grade for her teacher and did well.

My middle daughter started Kindermusik in the babies class with me. In fact she attended Kindermusik classes as an infant as my oldest attended a music class. It was a welcome break to take her to class each Saturday morning — special time for both of us. My friend stopped teaching when my daghter was 3 so we found a new Kindermusik teacher. She took a fun class for 3s about Trains called “Go” or “Vroom.” Another class that always kept us engaged was “Milk and Cookies” — still remember the song for dusting and cleaning. We would dust with a scarf. Hey, maybe a music CD would help me clean. Strangers things have happened.  She loved playing with egg shakers and bells and making up songs. She stopped music around 3/4. Picked up piano in 2nd grade. Stopped playing in 3rd grade.

My daughter — age 11 —  plays the clarinet. She has played since 4th grade. She played piano in 2nd and 3rd grade, but wanted to drop when her sister dropped piano in 5th grade. We were not happy with her dropping, but I was getting frustrated with her not practicing, not doing the written exercises while I was paying for lessons. My oldest was doing the same thing. Kids!

I told her the deal for getting to play clarinet. I would not nag her to practice if she would conistently practice. She held up her end of the bargain. I try to keep my nagging to a minimum.

The middle child made it in to GT Band in middle school. V. proud of her. Considering upgrading her clarinet since she has played for over 2 years.

Around the time she switched to clarinet she was newly diagnosed witn ADHD. With medication she is a different child. Able to read longer books, practice her instrument, and work on longer projects. The clarinet has helped her to focus.

My son is a conundrum. I didn’t do a Mommy and Me music class with him as we had at least 5 Kindermusik CDs and a huge basket of instruments. He and I would play music and dance!

The kid aged 2 banging away at a drumkit.

When he was 2, I got an opportunity to do a home business selling Kindermusik Do-Re-Me & You products. It was a good fit sicne we love music. The tough part was scheduling the parties. Suddenly all my friends were busy. It’s hard to maintain friendships when business is involved.

As part of the program I had to recruit other Kindermusik teachers to sel the products. I dragged my son to 3 classes and he was just not interested in sitting still or participating. I didn’t push the issue as we were doing music at home.

I joined a Moms club — Parents at Home — and became the music/storytime person. I thought this “jon” would help my Kindermusik business. Again, I forget the part about peopel running a mile when you mention hosting a class.

My son is now 6. He’s mentioned drum lessons. I keep telling him he is too young. Perhaps next year. I’d love to try piano with him. Maybe have someone come to the house instead of driving to lessons? he may do violin at school in 3rd grade. Now, wouldn’t that be funny if I got a taste of what scratchy violin practice was all about!

I’m listening to an album right now. Want to know who it is? I’ll tell you it is a good one! Want a hint…or two? Here goes…

- the first track’s title — Slice – is a homage to American Pie

- the lead singer started a organization devoted to raising money for various charities when users view video clips provided by visitors to the site. Current views are over 3 million with approximately $300,000 donated!

- The group’s breakthrough came in 2001 with the Grammy Nominated song “Superman,” from the Platinum certified “America Town.”  The song was climbing the charts upon release, and when 9/11 happened, it became a song of healing for the nation. The group performed the song at a post 9/11 fundraiser The Concert for New York which paid tribute to all the firefighters, police officers, and paramedics affected by the events of 9/11. 

Can you guess who I am talking about? I’m talking about Five for Fighting! Click to learn more about Five for Fighting? Want to listen to a track?

Listening to “This Dance” — good piano.  “Timberline” reminds me of Bruce Hornsby. Pondering “Chances” by Five for Fighting — like the beat to this song. Do you remember the 80s film Chances Are with Cybil Shepherd and Robert Downey, Jr.? This song triggered that memory – You’re Welcome! 

Five for Fighting will be touring:

10-Nov — San Francisco, CA — Swedish American Hall            
11-Nov — Los Angeles, CA — Largo at the Coronet

GIVEAWAY: I have the Five for Fighting CD to giveaway to one of my readers! Leave one comment per entry. Enter now!

- Tell me who you first saw in concert. My first concert was the B-52s in the 80s back at Franklin & Marshall College. The concert was every shade of awesome. I rocked to their songs even though I had barely heard any of the songs! The band’s performance was eye-opening to me a recent transplant from England — I had never attended a concert nor experienced anything like the B-52s. I’m embarassed to admit that I arrived at college with cassette tapes of Simon & Garfunkel, Wham, and Duran Duran, which I played on my Sony Walkman — this is an eclectic collection, no?

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I was provided with a downloadable copy of this CD by One2OneNetwork. Giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Giveaway ends November 20 at 11:59 p.m.

Click to get to Michael Buble’s website and itunes to hear/purchase his songs.

Want more? How about watching a Michael Buble video?