Search - Party Sing-Along, Various Artists :: Party Sing-Along

Party Sing-Along is a many-layered, multifaceted record with a misleading title. Although many of the 14 songs on this 47-minute CD meet the high-energy, pure-fun criterion of prized party compilations, the majority warrant the kind of careful, considerate listening that's best done alone, for a couple of reasons. First there are the artists: kids' market superstars Rosenshontz, Jonathan Sprout, and Rich Charrette deliver sometimes earnest (Sprout's "Do What You Say You'll Do"), sometimes hilarious (Rosenshontz's "Hippo Rock" and Charrette's "Alligator in the Elevator") performances with the same robust silliness and expert musicianship that have earned them devoted followings. For maximum effectiveness, though, not a word should be missed (in Charrette's "Where Do My Sneakers Go at Night," for example, a community of delinquent shoes meets to frolic at the playground and soon enough "soles are flapping... laces flying / some climb over monkey bars or boogie on down the court / some are building forts"). Another reason for settling in with this set solo is a few of its songs' messages. The self-esteem-enhancing "I'm Somebody," the mini-astronomy lesson of "Nine Planets," and the curiosity-celebrating "Let's Learn About It" are best contemplated without a crowd. But if this CD must be spun at a party, so be it; its catchy, spirited vibe is apt to spur more reflective listens later. --Tammy La Gorce