Search - Tom Chapin :: Billy the Squid

Billy the Squid
Tom Chapin
Billy the Squid
Genres: Folk, Pop, Children's Music
 
  •  Track Listings (14) - Disc #1

Tom Chapin, younger brother of and former collaborator with the late Harry Chapin, hits a peak in his career here with "The Ghost of Bleak House." The song is an animated dialogue between a family of kids moving into a hou...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Tom Chapin
Title: Billy the Squid
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Sony
Original Release Date: 3/24/1992
Release Date: 3/24/1992
Genres: Folk, Pop, Children's Music
Styles: Contemporary Folk, Educational
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPCs: 074644890624, 076605280420, 074644890648, 074645768045

Synopsis

Amazon.com essential recording
Tom Chapin, younger brother of and former collaborator with the late Harry Chapin, hits a peak in his career here with "The Ghost of Bleak House." The song is an animated dialogue between a family of kids moving into a house whose ghostly inhabitant wants them out. The mock-frightening music and daunting voice of Josiah Bleak are dismantled by the children's playful fearlessness. Chapin loves scenarios like this, in which he can set up dialogue between two parties (almost always an adult and a child) and have each come to some mutual understanding. Such an avenue, bolstered by colorfully arranged and executed music that feeds off jazz, folk, and tons more, is the key to childhood understanding of music. Chapin's songs come off as ministories, each squared with an apt musical style and then performed brilliantly. And he even takes the time to honor economy in language with "Great Big Words." This is perfect for parents who listen with their kids--in cars, in living rooms, or wherever. --Andrew Bartlett

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CD Reviews

Great CD for young children - and their parents!
11/14/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)

"My children (3 and 4) LOVE this CD. They ask again and again for the Ghost of Bleak House, and for "The Missing Parade". We love the way Bruno always shows up on track 10 of Tom Chapin's CD's. Bruno has much to teach us about life and not judging a person by their goofy voice/exterior. "Bye Bye DoDo" and "Happy Earth Day" still occasionally bring tears to my eyes even after listening to this CD at least 100 times. Tom Chapin is great with his lyrics and the lessons almost all of them teach young children. Recently, my dad was here for 2 weeks taking the children around - and my mother said he liked this CD so much he even played it when they weren't in the car! This CD is well worth the money."
Great Family Sing-a-long Album!!
04/10/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)

"We are big fans of Tom Chapin, he writes awesome songs everyone can relate to and enjoy! I have a 6 year old and a 16 year old and it is hard nowdays to find music appropriate and appreciated by both. We have been Tom Chapin fans for four years and own 3 of his CD's. Our favorite songs on Billy the Squid--(this will vary from time to time, and from mood to mood!)Ghost of Bleak House, I Got the Blues, Preacher Herman, and Bye Bye Dodo. Chapin's songs are funny, touching, thoughtful, and informative (teaching kids about animal extinction-Bye Bye Dodo, and ecology among other things) Buy this great family CD--you WILL ENJOY IT!!"
Great music for children and adults who are young at heart.
Carolyn Mampe | NJ USA | 03/04/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)

"My two year old daughter dances while my 4 year old son and I sing along. We all can't help but smile when we are listening."