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Defintiely shows a lighter side of these guys.this one is highly recommended. Fun kids' tunes with a classic Garcia and Grisman musicianship. My wife and I have to sneak this one away from our son. Very entertaining for both the kids and the parents.
If you are concerned, simply look up the lyrics to `A Horse Named Bill' (brief mention of hunting) and `When First Unto This Country' (an immigrant's song). Not For Kids Only contains primarily traditional or folk songs masterfully performed and accompanied by many different instruments (guitar, mandolin, banjo, mando-cello, harmonica, piccolo, bass, clarinet, trombone, penny whistle, violin, viola, oboe, and English horn). Several reviewers have referred to the so-called "violent" lyrics in some of these songs. Now as an adult, I was pleased to find this cd in order to share it with the children (and grown-ups) in my family.
All in all, this cd is a rare find. I have loved Jerry Garcia's music and other traditional folk and mountain music since I was very small. However, if you do not like folk music or anything with a mandolin or a fiddle, you may not like this music. It is soft, easy to sing along with, and exposes the listener to the sounds of many different instruments.
That said, the references to "violence" in these songs are tepid at best. Note also that this music is made by Jerry Garcia and David Grisman, so expect beautiful folk music with a traditional, bluegrass flair. Unlike many other cds for children, this music is not oversimplified and contains singing that is pleasant to both children and adults. If you closely listen to the lyrics of many nursery rhymes, also considered traditional, you will find many more references to and descriptions of violence far exceeding what one might perceive from these songs.
The lyrics are simply plucked from the oral tradition of passing down stories and songs relating to certain cultures and people, often describing a historical or personal event. Just remember that these songs are traditional, and were not written for a contemporary audience ready to pick apart each word to examine its possible long-term influence on their child. There are of course no harsh or inappropriate words or even colorful descriptions of violent acts.
We probably played this CD a dozen times during our recent vacation and at least as many since we've been back - it doesn't get old. This CD really is not just for kids; although our 4 year old loves the music so do my wife and I. Just a great compilation of fun folk music and the musicianship of Jerry and Dave really shines through.
Great to break up longer car rides and just to put us all in a good mood. It's a little 'folksy' if that's a word but they loved it and I loved singing along with them. My kids loved this CD. It's goofy and fun and is a nice break when listening to all the normal kids favorites.
Share it with your family or your own inner child. A great upbeat cd full of classic children's tunes. Even though the songs are for younger audiences, the music is definately NOT for kids only.
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