Old-fashioned music appeals to all ages and cultures. After hearing an old-fashioned song you want to play it over and over because it makes you feel good, lifted with a touch more optimism. I'm not just talking about dusting off those old Harry Belafonte vinyls. The question is can new songs be old-fashioned too? Of course. The first time you hear one you say, "I've heard that before. It reminds me of . . . "
Leon Thomas, a multi-talented (Broadway) child singer-actor, has a new music video out called "Duck 4". The song has the same gotta-smile 60's pop r&b sound of the Jackson 5 and Little Stevie Wonder, and the words are a classic fable, "The Ugly Duckling". Old is new and new is old. My six-year-old son loves the kiddie band. (Noggin.com has the best picture and sound for viewing online. See link on sidebar of this blog. A hint when watching videos on line: Press the pause button and wait till the entire piece downloads, then press play and enjoy!)
Children's books also help us get that old-fashioned feeling. I am thinking of the adorable poems and pictures of Sandra Boynton (Pajama Time and Hippos Go Berserk) or the zany, repeating style of Audrey Wood (The Napping House and Silly Sally). Devin Scillian's clever wordplay in Brewster the Rooster holds the attention of everyone. Too many big words for young ones? Not so. My two-year-old's response is, "Again, Daddy!" Scillian's illustrator Lee White throws in a smatter of none other than Picasso. Very old-fashioned.
Please share any 'old-fashioned' children's music or books you come across, especially the ones you enjoy with your entire family. Thanks.
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