Finally! Children's music we can all enjoy.

After watching this scene in Arrested Development, I thought it would be fun to purchase the Wiggles' music for my baby to listen to. Sampling their music on iTunes though, I just couldn't do it. It really isn't good and I knew it would drive me bonkers over time. Just because the music is for kids does not mean it can't be layered or have meaningful lyrics. So, what's a mama to do?

Thankfully other mamas have provided a solution. Disappointed with the repetitive and simple music targeted towards children they have created their own. I've discovered a few of these women on iTunes and they make beautiful folk music that is child friendly, often turning to traditional folk songs for inspiration. Finally, music that the whole family doesn't mind listening to over and over.

Here's who we're listening to right now:

Elizabeth Mitchell's You Are My Sunshine. This is such a sweet album. Elizabeth sings simple songs that are stripped down letting the lyrics shine and her voice carry you through the songs. We love listening to this album and are often singing it throughout the day. Elizabeth has four other albums and another one on the way and we're looking forward to adding the rest of her music to our collection over time.

Laura Veirs Tumble Bee. We enjoy listening to this album because it is upbeat, well done, and it is evident that a lot of love was poured into it. Laura, with the help of her family and friends, recorded this album in her home. Most of the songs are old folk songs while the title track was written by a friend. Our favourite track on the album right now is "King Kong Kitchie Kitchi Ki-Me-O" which is over 500 years old (!) and also known as "Frog Went A-Courtin." So many of of the tracks are catchy and I find myself singing along and then humming them afterwards.

That's what we're listening to right now. Do you have any favourite albums of children's music that you play for your kids? What was your favourite album when you were a child? I listened to a lot of Raffi when I was a toddler but am not sure if I want that one on repeat in my house now.