2009 Holiday Gift Guide: CDs (& giveaways!)

This year there are tons of great CDs out and here are just a few of my recent favorites…

A Family Christmas by Putumayo Kids ($14.98)- Little Miss Techie saw this CD arrive and as a fan of Christmas, took it from me way before December began. Whether you are a fan of Christmas music or not, there is something incredibly awesome about this collection of songs. Perhaps it is because there is a wide variety of music genres represented including swing kings Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, country music star Deana Carter, folksinger Kate Rusby, bluegrass innovator Sam Bush, and party band Brave Combo. There’s also some great jazz by Lars Edegran and His Santa Claus Revelers with Big Al Carson and an amazing acoustic version of Santa Claus is Coming to Town from Johnny Bregar. **Win a copy of A Family Christmas courtesy of Putumayo Kids. I received a copy of this CD for review purposes.

If you are already tired of bad renditions of holiday songs or just detest the holiday tunes in general, here are some of our favorites that will fill your house with great music without making it seem like you are trapped inside of an elevator.

PINK by Rocknoceros ($14.99)- We heart Rocknoceros! It is no secret that Rocknoceros is our favorite band. Their 3 CDs are in constant rotation in our home so it is no surprise that everyone who comes in the door falls in love with their music too regardless if they are our high school babysitters, playgroup buddies, or grandparents. The CD is a fun mix of Beatles-esque vibes and old-school pop styles. Captain Computer is a big fan of The Train Song. “Gonna Cut My Hair” is the perfect pop tune about good grooming. “Can You Tell Time?” is as fun as it is educational, and the song “Playground” has an inviting alternative rock sound. “Crossing Guard” is a Sgt. Pepper style tune, complete with a horn section, and the album ends sweetly with a touching, hymn-like tune called “Always Tell Your Grandma,” complete with three part harmonies and a pipe organ. Lucky for us, Rocknoceros is based in Virginia which means that we can be the ultimate groupies and show up at all their DC area events. Oh and on their website, yeah, that’s us modeling shirts. See, I told you we were the ultimate Rocknoceros groupies! I received a copy of this CD for review purposes but personally purchased the other 2 out of 3 Rocknoceros albums way before PINK was released and always pay for our admission to their concerts.

My Trampoline by Peter Himmelman ($14.95)- With songs about a trampoline, an African leopard tortoise named King Ferdinand, a picky eater named Peter, and the scarcity of kids named Steve, acclaimed creator of children’s music, Peter Himmelman, mixes his offbeat sense of humor with lush pop stylings and irresistible beats to delight everyone. The songs on My Trampoline are written for kids but the issues raised provoke thought in listeners of any background. The slice-of-life vignettes found in each song are inspired by Himmelman’s own experiences as a father of four children. **Win a copy of My Trampoline courtesy of Peter Himmelman. I received a copy of this CD for review purposes.

Go Waggaloo by Sarah Lee Guthrie and Family ($11.99 )- Gifted singer-songwriter Sarah Lee Guthrie brings charm, freshness, and feeling to her debut recording of music for children and families. Joined by her husband Johnny Irion, their two young daughters, and a host of other family and friends including Arlo Guthrie, Pete Seeger, and Tao Rodriguez Seeger, Guthrie presents thoughtful yet playful recordings of traditional songs and new compositions. The album includes three songs featuring lyrics by Woody Guthrie never before put to music and eight songs written by Sarah Lee and family. Go Waggaloo continues the Guthrie song-making tradition forged by Sarah’s grandfather, Woody Guthrie. The CD is 34 minutes and contains 13 tracks and a 36-page booklet for children of all ages. **Win a copy of Go Waggaloo courtesy of Sarah Lee Guthrie. I received a copy of this CD for review purposes.

The Tortoise and the Hare by Maestro Classics ($16.98)- Wearing fancy running shoes, Hare begins the race and being far ahead stops at a small French bistro for something to eat. Tortoise, played by the contrabassoon, trudges along and proves that “Slow and steady wins the race.” In the tradition of Peter and the Wolf, Maestro Classics presents the beautiful music of The Tortoise and the Hare, conducted by Stephen Simon, with a narration written by Maestro Simon telling the story of this famous story. Even if you have not hears the story before, the music and story will delight you and provides a wonderful introduction to classical music by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. **Win a copy of The Tortoise and the Hare courtesy of Maestro Classics. I received a copy of this CD for review purposes.

To enter to win any of the above CDs being given away, please leave a comment about your 3 favorite songs you can’t live without and the one song could do without for all eternity!

And don’t forget to visit this post with links to all of my other gift guides also full of great giveaways!