Equating Martha Stewart with hip is enough to give any parent pause. Are "good things" on the order of ribbon-festooned lampshades what cool has come to? Yes and no. Sleepytime may not crash through the cool barrier entire... more »ly--its liner notes leap right over the music, choosing, instead to instruct how to frame hand-knit booties--but it comes admirably close. Sending preciousness scampering to the opposite side of the street on this 14-track disc are the artists: Keb' Mo', Lucinda Williams, Billy Bragg, and Alison Krauss represent, in more hushed tones than usual, what makes modern music worth listening to. The Barenaked Ladies loosen the tongues from their cheeks for "Close to You," Linda Ronstadt works out the bedtime kinks on a cover of Lennon and McCartney's "Goodnight," and Bobby McFerrin lulls listeners along unintelligibly on "Common Threads." Songs by Tuck and Patti, Jenny Bruce, and Nickel Creek swoop in softly, grab us by the mushy parental core, and encircle us with an intoxicating calm. With Sleepytime Martha Stewart proves, in a typically tasteful package streaked with uncharacteristic cool, that she hasn't lost the scent of success. --Tammy La Gorce« less
Equating Martha Stewart with hip is enough to give any parent pause. Are "good things" on the order of ribbon-festooned lampshades what cool has come to? Yes and no. Sleepytime may not crash through the cool barrier entirely--its liner notes leap right over the music, choosing, instead to instruct how to frame hand-knit booties--but it comes admirably close. Sending preciousness scampering to the opposite side of the street on this 14-track disc are the artists: Keb' Mo', Lucinda Williams, Billy Bragg, and Alison Krauss represent, in more hushed tones than usual, what makes modern music worth listening to. The Barenaked Ladies loosen the tongues from their cheeks for "Close to You," Linda Ronstadt works out the bedtime kinks on a cover of Lennon and McCartney's "Goodnight," and Bobby McFerrin lulls listeners along unintelligibly on "Common Threads." Songs by Tuck and Patti, Jenny Bruce, and Nickel Creek swoop in softly, grab us by the mushy parental core, and encircle us with an intoxicating calm. With Sleepytime Martha Stewart proves, in a typically tasteful package streaked with uncharacteristic cool, that she hasn't lost the scent of success. --Tammy La Gorce
"If you have small children; if you are a child at heart; if you like Allison Krauss BUY THIS CD. Do it now! Every minute you wait will be seconds ticking off of you life that you could be enjoying this amazing piece of work..."
It's a Good Thing
S. Jalbert | 07/08/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was shopping for some non-traditional music for my new son, and up pops Martha Stewart Sleepytime. I have to say I clicked on it out of sheer curiosity. (Martha Stewart? Childrearing? Hmmmmm....) I mean, she can weave a basket for me or show me how to make crepes, but I never actually considered her an expert on children. Call me crazy, but this CD is just what I was looking for. The music is, above all, very soothing. The vocals are smooth and relaxing, without being too babyish. The fact is, most of the songs are not kids songs at all. Its a wonderful mix of modern and folk singers, which blend to make for a nice addition to your evening routine.
There are a few surprises, like Barenaked Ladies crooning 'Close to You', or Bobby McFerren on 'Common Threads'. And I absolutely adore Keb' Mo'. Then you have a few of the more expected tracks, such as Allison Krauss singing 'Baby Mine'. It's a nice version, but I'm still scratching my head wondering why everyone feels the need to use this song on thier kids' CD. Love ya Dumbo, but been there, done that! Bottom line: if you're looking for something to listen to while you're rockin' that bundle of joy, here's your ticket. It's a 'good thing'."
Not just for kids!
Kriste A OBrien | Boston, MA USA | 12/05/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is wonderful! Where else can you and your baby fall asleep to BNL singing "Close to You?" Unlike most lullaby CDs (that are not instrumental,) this one remains at the same noise level and doesn't wake my daughter up when the songs change. (The only slightly loud one is "Over the Rainbow".) I leave it on all night and so far have not tired of it. I highly recommend this CD to parents who are tired of listening to the same old traditional lullabies."
Best baby CD I own
Ma. Luisa | Chicago, IL | 10/16/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Soothing and easy to listen to for quiet time with baby. So unlike other CDs that are "powder puffy" or classical. Great CD for nursing and cuddling. I absolutely love this version of "Over the Rainbow" - beautiful and original. This CD helped make these special times w/my baby even more memorable. I will buy this again and again for my pregnant friends and family."