Everything Old is New Again, Part I
A new post from our guest blogger
and musicology badge guru Amy Trulock!
Though I am one of the biggest proponents of modern day tunes for tykes, my first musical loves were on vinyl. There is something romantically soothing about that crackling static!
The Grand Poobah and I both agree that the auditory stylings of Twink are completely magical. Twink (a.k.a. Mike Langlie) combined retro and modern most fabulously in his CD, “Broken Record”. This disc is a delightfully fun mash-up of hundreds of vintage children’s records with contemporary beats. One of my favorites is “Alphabent”, a twisted, interactive educational experience where dozens of incorrect attempts finally emerge triumphant in singing the 26 letters in proper order.
However, if you want a truly authentic experience, there are no better places to start than original 78’s. Even though I was raised on contemporary 45’s and LPs of the pre-CD 70’s & 80’s, I was more enthralled by my parents’ collection from the 40’s and 50’s. From the big band era to the early days of children’s television, an incredible array of artists performed tunes for children. And, I dare anyone to find better recordings of children’s theater than that from the golden age of radio. Since I understand that not everyone is as fortunate as I am to own an antique console stereo with a 78 capable turntable (thanks Mom & Dad!), here are some online resource for authentic sounds that come in mp3 and CD formats:
Kiddie Records Weekly (http://www.kiddierecords.com/) digitized one children’s 78 album every week from 2005-2007, with all tracks available to download as torrent zip files. In 2008 they promise to continue on this mission by adding bonus materials throughout the year. For one of the most enjoyable family-friendly listening experience, I recommend starting with “Gerald Mc Boing-Boing” (January 2005, Week 5). Aren’t tech savvy, or want to save time? You can order all three years on an mp3 disc for just $35!
If you are looking to delve even further, turn to the Kiddie Record King, Peter Muldaven (http://www.kiddierekordking.com/). Author of the book, “The Complete Guide to Vintage Children’s Records”, he is the authority on g-rated retro sounds. In addition to having a great selection of sample audio files, Peter also posts a gallery of the amazing art of this era: record sleeves and covers, picture records & children’s phonographs. The Kiddie Record King is the answer if you’re trying to find a favorite from the past.
While the two options above provide unadulterated audio transfers (copyright permitting), if you’re looking for some CD re-issues and higher-quality downloads, stay tuned for my next Musicology merit badge lesson for my picks available from eMusic.com, as well as your local music store.
About our guest blogger:
Junior Society member, godmother, honorary big sister and self-described ‘young Auntie Mame’ Amy Trulock is the long lost love child of Katherine Hepburn and Mister Rogers. “Ever since I was old enough to baby sit, I have helped raise some amazing kids with my whimsical and empathetic view of childhood.”
Holding fast to her principles of ‘No Barney, No Britney,’ Amy launched Hip Young Parents Radio in 2005. “There’s an overabundance of children’s music, and not all of it’s good. Because I don’t have my own kids, I have the freedom of time, and I hope I can help by wading through it.” HYP Radio streams kid-friendly music 24/7 from all generations and genres via Live365 – the world’s largest Internet radio network.
March 19th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
[…] In her most recent JrSoc post our lovely guest blogger and musicology badge guru Amy Trulock introduced us to the phenomenal site Kiddie Records Weekly. Recently I’ve spent a little more time browsing this online audio archive devoted to preserving the golden age of children’s records at at the risk of being redundant I’m compelled to feature it again. The archive was compiled between 2005 and 2007 and showcases 200+ recordings from the mid forties through the early fifties, each of which can be listened to via download or audio stream. Ranging from Bozo at the Circus to Billy on a Bike, there is a wide range of storytelling, music and instructionals (Manners Can Be Fun!) all with the charming patina of age. “Over the years, these forgotten treasures slipped off the radar and it became our mission to give them a new lease on life by sharing them with today’s generation of online listeners. Each week throughout the year we added a new recording and before we knew it, our one year project turned into three! Although we will not be continuing beyond 2007, Kiddie Records Weekly will remain online and we will update the Bonus Records section every now and then. So whether you are hearing these records for the first time or reuniting with a childhood favorite from long ago, we hope you take great pleasure in your trip down memory lane!” […]