Appetite for Construction - The Pop Ups

Artist: The Pop Ups

Album: Appetite for Construction

Age Range: 3 through 6

Description: Again, I'll let my NPR review of the album do most of the talking: "Brooklyn duo The Pop-Ups take the listeners back to 1985 on their album... If MTV had a kids music channel in their video heyday, "All These Shapes" would have been in constant rotation... They sing about making puppets, creating photo collages and trying on all sorts of clothes at a costume party."  This is definitely geared at your preschooler or kindergartner, though the sounds and hooks may keep it fresh even for a first or second grader.  Not to mention, well, you.  Highly recommended.

The Colored Pencil Factory - Astrograss

Artist: Astrograss 

Album: The Colored Pencil Factory

Age Range: 3 through 8

Description: There's not a lot of bluegrass available for kids, but Brooklyn-based band Astrograss flies the newgrass flag proudly.  There are few traditional songs on the album ("Shortenin' Bread" and "Sail Away Ladies," to name a couple), but for the most part they're originals.  Some are more traditional in their approach to their subject matter ("Playground"), but more of the originals are songs that meander into and out of wild Shel Silverstein-inspired territory (a sick kid wishing for a "Brand New Nose," dreaming of life in colors from "The Colored Pencil Factory").  Although the subjects are geared toward kids, the solos are every bit as complex as what you'd hear on albums targeted at adults.

The 49-minute album is most appropriate for kids ages 5 through 9.    Recommended for bluegrass fans and for families looking for some variety in their daily diet of 3-minute kid-friendly pop-rock songs.

Live from Brooklyn - Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could

Artist: Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could

Album:​ Live from Brooklyn

Age Range:​ 3 to 9

Description:​ Rymer's 2011 album Love Me For Who I Am​ was an album inspired by and to some extent recorded for students at a school for children with alternative learning styles, but its empathy and Rymer's genial roots-rock sound helped make that album have a wider appeal.  This live EP recorded that spring at Southpaw in Brooklyn draws primarily from that album, but also features Rymer's raved-up version of hit "Jump Up," the tender "I'm In Here," and one funky "Ding Dong."  And, as always, The Little Band That Could, who years ago I said "might just be the best-sounding band in kids music," still sounds pretty darn good.  Recommended, especially if your family has never heard or seen the band live.

[Disclosure: I was provided a copy of this album for possible review.]​