The Wake

There is a small part of me that wishes to be a child again, even if for only a day. I secretly long to revisit the time in life when your crush could be won over simply by sharing your Snack Pack, outstanding homework always went on the fridge, and even the biggest, scariest obstacles could be tackled after a quick nap on a carpet square.

I was temporarily transported back to such a time with Paper Bag Records’ See You On The Moon! Songs For Kids Of All Ages, a delightful, surprisingly hip, compilation created to unite the young and old with music everyone can enjoy. If nothing else, it will make your child the coolest kid in school. Had my parents raised me on something like this and not heavy metal, I probably would have turned out better.

Low’s Alan Sparhawk opens with “Be Nice To People Who Have Lice,” a little folk ditty about the importance of loving your neighbor even if his hair follicles are buggin’. Sufjan Stevens re-imagines “The Friendly Beasts,” one of his childhood carols about the animals present at the birth of Jesus. Broken Social Scene weave a beautifully orchestrated take on (don’t laugh) “Puff The Magic Dragon.” Other pleasantries include Detective Kalita’s “Baby Brother,” about the strange curiosity experienced when a new sibling enters the picture, and Glissandro ’70s “Voices Are Your Best Friend,” a feel-good ballad of learning to love all ways of expressing our often unpredictable emotions.

Whether or not you have little ones, See You On The Moon! conquers over Kidz Bop-brand annoyances with a terrific selection of adorable songs for the child in all of us. The best part? The music is legitimate enough to stand on its own. See you there!