If you’re looking for some new kids’ music that won’t drive you crazy with squeaky voices or repetitive catch-phrases, try Choo Choo Boogaloo by Buckwheat Zydeco. Best known for his Grammy-nominated zydeco music for adults, Buckwheat and his band have put out an engaging children’s album that manages to be fun without being cutesy. It’s danceable and singable, like zydeco should be, and great both around the house and in the car. At the same time, it manages to convey something about the instruments and cultural origins that give zydeco its identity. The album includes a few classic children’s songs, like I’ve Been Working on the Railroad, redone in zydeco style, plus a number of zydeco originals. Just be warned: after listening to it a few times, your kids may ask for crawfish etouffee for supper.
