The great thing about compilation CDs is that they introduce the average boyband lover to performers that they wouldn't normally give ear-time. With For The Kids, Nettwerk America and the VH1 Save The Music Foundation have joined together to try and restore music education programs in US public schools. What they've come up with is an interesting mix of musical styles, and songs, that your moms' and dads' accountant might get down to. Everyone knows Sarah McLachlan and the Barenaked Ladies, but unless you spend your weekends grooving to an easy listening station, I'm sure you've never heard of Tom Waits. And, I'm willing to bet next week's allowance that Billy Braggs Talking with the Taxman about Poetry is not front and center on your CD rack. But it should be!
These two performers are the standouts on what actually turns out to be a "who is this meant for?" kinda disc. It's a handful of Sesame Street tunes, a very sad version of Twinkle, Twinkle and Tom Waits who, according to a very good friend of mine, sounds like the devil. All that's missing is Alanis Morissette's version of The Teddy Bears Picnic. I feel all evil for semi-slamming a CD that is donating a portion of its proceeds to restore music education programs, so here's what I want you to do. Go buy For The Kids and stick it in with your dad's taxes. At the end of the year, when he gets his return back and he's all happy-like, ask him to buy you Tom Waits Rain Dogs. Win, Win!
