Various Artists - Mary Had a Little Amp

It benefits a great cause (preschool education for all American children), its star-studded lineup makes you want to have a listen regardless of your station in life (college kid, mother of quintuplets), and its stylishly askew songs are masterfully sequenced (Dixie Chicks chug into Madonna, Jack Johnson gives way to Moby), so that each track comes across a pleasant surprise. The only problem with Mary Had a Little Amp, if there is one, is its title, which gives the impression that it's a hard-rocking affair when mostly it's not. For example, R.E.M. rightfully conjures images of cranking amps, but here the band tones it down with the playful, hyper-rhythmic "We Walk." And Bonnie Raitt, saluted as much for her slide guitar chops as her singing, turns in a snuggly rendition of "Baby Mine" from Dumbo.--Tammy La Gorce Amazon.com

Ok - a little self-indulgent by the artists

I don't think they had entertaining children in mind as much as impressing themselves and other musicians. Not all bad music... ok... but it had a '90's droning feel. I rather appreciate the "For the Kids" series, if you're looking for good children's music by contempory artists. February 18, 2008

Not for Kids

The music on this CD is okay, but not made for children. There is nothing engaging about any of these songs. There are no smiles from my daughter when I play this CD, and that's very hard to do. November 26, 2007

ADult listening for little kids

Now here's a CD I can listen to without wanting to strangle the singer of the usual sing-song lyrics. There are a few duds in the CD, but overall a great listen that won't cause parents to puke. My son loves this CD and enjoys the variety. October 30, 2007

Better for me than my daughter

This CD is terrific. For me. It doesn't sound like a kids CD at all, which is great when you're often listening to the same song over and over and over. Much more tolerable when it's the Dixie Chicks singing Rainbow Connection than the sing song stuff on most kids CD's.

Don't expect your 3 year old to want to play it over and over again, that's all I'm saying. August 9, 2007

NOT FOR KIDS

BORROWED THIS FROM THE LOCAL LIBRARY THINKING IT MIGHT BE NICE MUSIC TO SHARE WITH MY TODDLER. NOPES. IT'S VERY MUCH FOR ADULTS. AND, BESIDES GOOD OL JACK JOHNSON, A HAWAII SON, I FOUND THE MUSIC LACKING. July 1, 2007

More reviews at Amazon.com ...