Mandy Patinkin - Kidults

As its hybrid title suggests, Kidults by Mandy Patinkin can't decide how cozy it wants to get with any one generation. Depending on your chronological perch, it plays as either an especially lively grownups' record or a sophisticated and glamorous-sounding kids' disc. The fact is, it's both. Patinkin, at his dramatic Broadway-belter best, sails into this album on what sounds like a sentimental journey. "If I Only Had a Brain," its opening notes sprinkled like forget-me-nots in front of a later track, takes the artist back, tripping a 16-track meditation on childhood and growing up. "Singin' in the Bathtub" doesn't get more melodious (or theatrical) than this; rarely has such a swanlike rendition of "The Ugly Duckling" been recorded; and "A Tisket a Tasket" skips along merrily, the way it's supposed to, until Patinkin unscrambles its springlike lyrics and lets loose with his Tony Award-winning vocal high jinks. Mid-disc, a couple of pit stops on adult turf momentarily snap the giddy, kid mood--the melancholy "Cat's in the Cradle" creeps in on the heels of "Japanese Sandman," and "Time in a Bottle" anchors the otherwise sky-high "School Days Medley"--but the somber "-dults" part of the record erodes without a trace, returning listeners old enough to ruminate to the land of sunny days and high spirits via "April in Fairbanks" and "Rhode Island Is Famous for You." Contributions on three tracks by fellow Tony winner Kristin Chenoweth keep Patinkin in superb vocal company. On a disc that can't shake the shackles of age entirely, a dedication at liner notes' end speaks volumes about its efforts to wiggle free: "For my grandchildren," it reads. --Tammy La Gorce Amazon.com

Songs acted well

This album is for kids or is about songs for/about kids. Rendered by the incomparable singing/acting talent of Patinkin, its an uproarious and delightful recording. While Patinkin's previous albums showcased his range and his playful warblings, this album pushed those qualities to a new high. He creates sounds rather than actual notes and its great hearing him do vocal conversations with himself. Featuring Kristin Chenoweth in three tracks, their voices interact and give character to the songs. Patinkin also showed his ability to make a sad song heart-wrenching for its lack of theatrical emotionality. His version of "Cat's in the Cradle" about the son's indifference to his father's love is beautiful in its starkness. This album may not be for everyone but those who like these musical excursions will love this album. January 20, 2004

I love Mandy but ooh, this is a stinker!

Wow, I am so disappointed in this album!

I've burned through several copies of Evita, and I expected to burn through this CD but I couldn't even listen to the whole thing the first time I popped into the player. Every song is sung at half speed, and over emoted. Mandy's voice is so strong and lovely he has no need to punch up the emotion.

If Mandy were a bad lounge singer this is what I might expect.

Such a disappointment! I think I'll be ebaying this one. March 23, 2002

more mandy=happy listeners!

what can i say? this man has the best voice around. i've seen him twice in concert.....and would have seen him a 3rd time except that i had just delivered my new baby daughter a couple weeks earlier. what a wonderful CD, i'm already playing it for my daughter and she's only 5 mos. old. don't think that mandy's other CD's aren't "kid friendly", because there are a lot of great "kid" songs on those too! (i.e. "being green" from sesame street, "over the rainbow" from the wizard of oz, etc.) no matter WHAT mandy CD you buy, i guarantee you WON'T be disappointed!!! February 6, 2002

Beyond Awesome!!

I was fortunate to see Mandy in concert. I then ran out and bought Kidults. Everytime I listen to it it's like hearing Mandy live. The songs are great. My two year old and I both love this CD. It's constantly on!! Run out and buy this. You won't regret it!! November 3, 2001

A beautiful way to share music with your child.

I love this CD. I saw Mandy perform a few years ago, and it was just amazing! He opened with "The Minute Waltz," which is on this CD, (probably my favorite song on the CD, followed by "The Ugly Duckling" and "A you're Adorable.") I wanted my 18-month old daughter to be exposed to "children's" music other than Raffi or Sesame Street. She also loves this CD, and we spend time each night dancing in the kitchen together. Mandy's voice is beautiful, and Kristin Chenowith is also amazing. Buy this CD, and have fun with your children. November 2, 2001

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