Recommendations?
Hans loves music and singing. His mother likes singing, but cannot stay on key. Hans is always asking his mommy to sing for him.
So, Mommy is looking for CDs of hymns, psalms, and Bible-verse-songs. I’d really like something with traditional hymns so Hans can learn them in order to participate in service. Ideally, I’d like a CD done by a contemporary group like Caedmon’s Call or Jars of Clay but that retains the original tune (the goal being Hans learning them to sing in church); what I don’t want is a compilation done by a choir or accompanied with organ music. Also, I’d really like a CD with someone singing the Genevan psalms — but something more professional than Christ Church’s recording of their psalm sings (which I have and which does serve to help me not forget them). I think a CD with Bible verses set to music for kids would be a good thing, too, but I’m not sure I’m ready to open my house to Psalty and Donut Man. I suppose kids need and like simple song settings, but I want to avoid anything cheesy — something that won’t drive me nuts is, of course, preferable.
I loved G.T. and the Halo Express when I was little, but I’m afraid to listen to them again now that I’m an adult — I think I’d rather keep my child-like impressions of their high quality than have those lovely memories dashed. I don’t even remember what tape it was Mom got for the younger set of kids…but even to this day those songs get stuck in my head and drive me crazy (“I put on my walking shoes, my walking shoes, my walking shoes, because I want to walk with you [You?]…Jesus, help me walk, help me walk, Jesus, help me walk, I put on on my walking shoes”).
So, I’ve briefly begun a search for such things, but then I thought it would be wiser to tap the experience of my vast readership. Any recommendations?
Hello Dear Girl!
I don’t have time to research it right now, but check out Twin Sisters Publications…I have been delighted with their grown up approach to music for children. They may have something with hymns. I love the classical music recordings. Try Twin Sisters dot com.
Love you, Connie
It seems like I remember hearing that Joni Erikson Tada has an album out like that. I know she’s been involved in trying to get hymns more accepted again.
Hey, I know, I know!! Well, I don’t know about the hymns, but we have a couple of great CDs with Bible verses/stories set to music. But they’re not at all cheesy (at least, I don’t think so…). In fact, I think Matt would like them particularly because they don’t pull their punches at all when describing God’s justice in Old Testament stories “For these men would not obey, the way the ground did on that day… the Lord expired em… Korah, Dathan, and Abiram….” I didn’t have the days of creation memorized until I learned the “In the Beginning” song. There’s even a funny song called “How to Catch a Wife” about the Benjamites solution to their de-population problem. Anyway, enough hype, the artist’s name is Jamie Soles (and his wife and kids). His website is http://solmusic.ca/. He and his family have come to Family Camp the last two years, and they’re great people – they have a son named Judah… and a few other even more unusual Bible names (Timbrel, Zion, etc..) Anyway, enough. Oh, one more nudge – there’s a quote on his website by Tim Gallant.
There’s my two cents!
Elly
sigh. Everybody thinks I’m a violence-loving, warmongering old curmudgeon, just waiting for the slightest provocation to justify smiting those who disagree with me. What can I say? The truth hurts sometimes. Maybe I need to hire a PR agent or something.
Matt “God is Wrath” Winckler
Actually, Matt, I would never want to imply that you were a “violence-loving, warmongering OLD curmudgeon…” you’re only a few months older than I am! ;-)
Wow. You’re all a bunch of young whipper snappers! shakes his head
Mystie- This is actually Amy Sue…and while I have no suggestions about the music(I love donut man and veggie tales, but with my dad you have to have some cheese in you), I just wanted to write you a quick note and let you know that I think your boys are beautiful. The youngest looks just like you! I’m enjoying reading up on you.
Hi Amy! Thank you! We’ve been praying for you and your little girl…I’m excited to see her soon (I’m sure your mom will post pictures)!
Mystie- Just thought I’d mention that the “Walking Shoes” song is from Arky. The one sung by a talking ark. And don’t forget to thank the brown cow for the chocolate milk, thank the pigs (oink oink) for the bacon and the ham, thank the egg for the chicken and the chicken for the egg, and thank the Lord for your daily bread.
[...] I am impressed with what I have listened to so far. I may purchase the CDs for home use and also for kid’s Sunday School class I help teach. Will have to wait for Mystie’s opinion :) [...]
[...] Ok, in response to Elly’s comment on Jamie Soles, I just had to include these tidbits from his CD. Matt certainly does enjoy it! Ehud, after all, is one of his favorite Bible characters. :) [...]