Putumayo Kids Presents - World Playground

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Category: Music CD
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CD Details

• Sold Individually
• Short name: Cd Music World Playground
• Putumayo World Brand of Products
• Typical Use: Instructional Materials / Music / Cds

Music reviews of World Playground

Music Review: Perfect Introduction to World Music for Young and Old Alike
Rating: 5 Stars

The collection of songs are very diverse and are sung in an array of languages. In addition to the four songs sung in English, you'll also hear songs sung in Spanish (two of them), Mandingo, Pitjantjatjara (an Aboriginal language), Greek, Portuguese and Hebrew.

The extensive liner notes take you through each song complete with lyrics and a story behind the song. If the song is not sung in English, the lyrics are provided both in English and the original language.

The liner notes are written in plain English, so that elementary school age children can understand them. For example, "Three Little Birds," performed by blues legend Taj Mahal and Cedella Marley Booker (Bob Marley's mother) is described as "a reggae song about three birds who sing a song of hope." [Of course the same song was made popular in the 1970's by Bob Marley & the Wailers.] Unusual words include pronounciation and many songs include a glossary as well. So not only can a child sing along, but her or she can learn what a "tuckerbag" (food sack) is or learn to pronounce Pitjantjatjara (piddin-JAH-ra).

Now what about the music you say? It's all first-rate. For little kids, the best tracks are probably, "Three Little Birds" and "Bongo Bong." The latter was recorded by Manu Chao from France (but recorded in English). Older kids might appreciate "Tik Tik Tik," sung in Greek by Glykeria. It describes the nervous feeling one has when he or she becomes infatuated with someone.

What's also nice about this CD is the diversity of themes. There are light and playful songs, but there are also ones with a more somber tone. For example, "Zichronot M'Africa" (Memories of Africa), sung by Shlomo Gronich and the Sheba Choir (in Hebrew), tells the story of Ethiopian Jews who were flown in huge airlifts to Israel during 1991's "Operation Solomon."

In short, "World Playground" will entertain and inform your child about the world. Adults will also get a lot out of the CD and may learn new things as well. I certainly did. What a joy to make a discovery with a child? Seriously consider taking this musical journey.

Description of World Playground

Children's Music CDs

• Music > Styles
• World Music
• Pop