Review: Acoustic Dreamland (Putumayo Kids)

I have been a fan of Putumayo CDs for as long as I can remember -- and I especially love the Putumayo Kids compilations.  I know that I've shared our love for them before, (here and here), and they are often heard playing in our house. 

I was excited to open an envelope last week and find an advance copy of Putumayo Kids Acoustic Dreamland.  All of my kids fall asleep to music, and while we definitely have some favorites in our house, we also like to find new music to add to the rotation.  Nate especially likes to fall asleep to music, so I gave him the CD the night it arrived so that he could test it out.

The next morning, he informed me that I should put it on his iPod and that it only took 3 songs before he was "out cold!" 

I listened to the CD and agreed that it was a wonderfully relaxing CD.  It starts with a cover of Mary Chapin Carpenter's "Dreamland" and continues from there with sweet music.  I'm hard-pressed to choose a favorite, but I really liked "You Can Close Your Eyes."

I've yet to be disappointed by a Putumayo compilation, and this one didn't disappoint either.  I'm happy to add it to our collection, and expect to listen to it for years to come! 

The CD releases on February 22, 2011, but is available for pre-order on Amazon.


*Disclosure: I received a copy of this CD for review.  No additional compensation was provided. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

What Am I Listening To?

I have a ridiculous amount of music on my iPod.  I have my music, plus the kids' music, plus podcasts and audiobooks. I recently had to take some music off to make room for new music, which had me in a discussion about what I am listening to these days.

So, here's a rundown of the most played music on my iPod these days --

Black Eyed Peas, The E.N.D. - This album is a great morning commute album and helps get me ready to face the day!

Sting, Symphonicities - This one was released this week.  It has no new songs, just old songs re-worked with a symphony and his vocals, but I adore Sting and love this album just like I love them all. I have listened to Sting for so long, that almost every one of his albums marks some point in my life and evokes memories.  Listening to this compilation is like going through an old photo album in a way.

Jewel, Sweet & Wild - Another recent addition.  I like the sound of her voice, and listening to her reminds me of the time in my life when I first started listening to her and all that was happening.  Sweet times connected to a sweet voice.

Joan Jett & The Black Hearts Greatest Hits -  Another walk down memory lane with this one!  My sister was 3 when "I Love Rock & Roll" was a big hit and I remember teaching her the lyrics and how she would dance and play air guitar on my bed whenever it came on the radio. Nate likes this one, too, but Colin wishes we'd learn to turn down the volume.

Putumayo Kids Picnic Playground - Lydia absolutely loves the Ice Cream song on this album, as well as Bowl of Cherries.  She asks for the Ice Cream song every time she sees my iPod (doesn't seem to matter that I loaded it on hers . .. it apparently sounds better coming from mine.)  The greatest thing about these albums is that all my kids enjoy them, and so do I.  Every one we've ever listened to has amazing musical choices.

Putumayo Kids Rock and Roll -  The latest Putumayo Kids release, and just as fun as all the ones that came before.  We've just started playing it in heavy rotation, so I'm not sure what favorites will come out, but I am sure there will be one or two.

Pancho Sanchez, Raise Your Hand -  I think I've wrote about Nate's love of jazz before, and Sanchez is still one of his favorites. I especially like the song "Raise Your Hand" and Nate & I like singing loud to this one.

That's a brief look at my playlist -- what's on yours?  What music is moving you these days?  I'd love to know!

Review: Putumayo Kids Jazz Playground

I recently received a copy of Putumayo Kids Presents: Jazz Playground and was excited to listen to it! Ever since I figured out I could stream my iTunes from my laptop to my XBox 360, we've been listening to more music. My kids all love music, and we've been fans of the Putumayo Kids series for a long time!

This jazz album does not disappoint!  I started playing it when the kids were outside, and when they came in, Nate immediately said "Hey! Jazz!"  Jazz is probably his favorite genre of music right now, and one of his favorite jazz musicians is Poncho Sanchez. This Putumayo CD is geared towards kids, and the sound and vocals are very kid-friendly -- but still jazz!

My 3 were bouncing and dancing around the living room to the entire CD, which we played multiple times.  Nate asked for it to be copied onto his MP3 player, so he could listen to it more often.

One of our favorite songs is "Stomp Stomp," which you can listen to here, as well as 2 more songs from Putumayo Kids Presents: Jazz Playground.   Other favorites were "Shortnin' Bread" and "Agree & Disagree".  My mom always sang "Shortnin' Bread" when I was younger, and I often sing it to my kids. This version has a much better rhythm than mine!  LOL!

This was a wonderful CD, and one I know will get plenty of play in our home.




 


*Disclosure: I received a copy of this CD for review. No additional compensation was provided. The links in this post are affiliate links.*