| A Mix CD is a simple, fun, and long lasting kid's | | | | the magical period between end of Winter and |
| birthday party favor idea. A CD mix of your | | | | the dawn of Springtime)Wilco/Billy Bragg " Hoodoo |
| child's favorite songs from the past 12 months | | | | Voodoo" from "Mermaid Avenue" (a Woody |
| easily trumps the dollar-store quality toys, | | | | Guthrie song written for his kids. A ton of fun to |
| balloons, stickers and regular party favor material | | | | listen to as Woody uses several hilarious made-up |
| which is forgotten about or broken shortly after it | | | | words and phrases in his lyrics. Wilco and Bragg's |
| is received. A mix CD is long lasting, enjoyable, | | | | performance is a blast)Dr. Dog "The World May |
| interactive, and a perfect document of your child's | | | | Never Know" from "Easy Beat" (our daughter's |
| previous year, through music. When compiled | | | | favorite song at one point. it has a beat so |
| yearly it becomes a chronicle of your child's | | | | infectious that it is almost impossible not to start |
| interest in music (both the kid and adult variety) | | | | dancing, or a the very least swaying back and |
| and as far as memories go a collection of mix | | | | forth, with the first note)The Band "Ain't Got No |
| CDs, one for each year of his or her life, will | | | | Home" from "Moondog Matinee" (The Band |
| become as treasured as any crayola masterpiece | | | | covered Clarence "Frogman" Henry's classic 1956 |
| or notches on a growth chart.Mix CDs can be put | | | | song and made it their own. Your kids will love |
| together with relative ease assuming you have | | | | Levon Helm singing like a Frog on one of the early |
| access to a PC w/ CD-RW drive, the internet | | | | verses. Check out Clarence Henry's original |
| iTunes, and a printer.Here is what you will need | | | | version as well)The Beach Boys "Surfin' USA" (a |
| and how much it will cost (for a party of 25 | | | | summertime classic. what kid or parent can resist |
| kids):1) Music, of course! See below for some | | | | singing along with this super-catchy tune. if your |
| suggestions. Assuming you do not own any of | | | | child is like mine he or she will soon be turning the |
| the music for this CD (which would be odd, since | | | | knees-bent and arms-out surfing motion into their |
| presumably your child has already been enjoying | | | | own new dance, creating an instant classic |
| his or her favorite songs) expect to pay .99 | | | | moment. have your video-camera charged and |
| cents each on iTunes (but you only have to buy | | | | ready!)Softer:M. Ward "Here Comes the Sun |
| each song once!)2) CD-Rs.3) Jewel Cases. We | | | | Again" from "Transistor Radio" (a lovely homage |
| would recommend the slim cases for this project. | | | | to that big ball of heat in the sky from this terrific |
| You could be even more creative by making | | | | "old-soul" singer/songwriter)Red House Painters |
| paper sleeves and stamp and/or stencil the album | | | | "Wop-A-Din-Din" from "Old Ramon" (a touching |
| details on the cover.4) Labels. Most packs include | | | | song about a cat. if you and your family have a |
| easy to use software for designing and printing | | | | cat in the house, this song will became a favorite |
| your own labels for the CD, Jewel Case front, | | | | and if you don't you may want to rush out and |
| back, and spine.Costs1) The Music - 12 songs (a | | | | get one!)Archer Prewitt "I'll Be Waiting" from |
| decent length for a mix CD): $122) CD-Rs: $15 | | | | "White Sky" (lyrically could easily be a love song |
| (for a 50 pack - so you will have enough for next | | | | from parent to child. Archer has one of the finest |
| year's party!)3) Slim Jewel Cases: $18 (for a pack | | | | singing voices of the past decade)The Gilroys |
| of 25)4) Labels and Software: $15 (for 40 | | | | "Martin Candy" from their self-titled CD (kid's |
| complete sets of CD labels)Total: $60. Or a little | | | | should love the instrumentation and parents with a |
| more than $2 each for a party of 25 kids.Here | | | | love of older comedy films should get the funny |
| are some suggestions for "adult" music that can | | | | movie reference in the refrain's lyrics and song |
| be downloaded from iTunes (or most other digital | | | | title. full disclosure: my old record label released |
| download services) and shared with your kids of | | | | this song. )Nick Drake "Northern Sky" from |
| any age, organized as "Louder" and "Softer" | | | | "Bryter Layter" (simply one of the prettiest love |
| selections. Don't worry, the loud is not ear | | | | songs ever written)Be sure to include a nice blend |
| shattering and the soft will not put you to | | | | of the "adult" songs that your child enjoys as well |
| sleep.Louder: Bright Eyes "True Blue" from "Motion | | | | as their favorite kids tunes. This suggested playlist |
| Sickness - Live Recordings" (a studio version of | | | | has been compiled as an iMix on iTunes, titled |
| "True Blue" is available on their "Lua" EP. "Motion | | | | "OWTK Volume 1", for quick and easy |
| Sickness", a more recent release, was only made | | | | downloading.Enjoy the music and your child's |
| available through independent record stores. Both | | | | birthday party!Copyright 2006 With The Kids is a |
| versions are quite good, but our daughter prefers | | | | web blog dedicated to providing unique tips, trips, |
| the more raucous live version)Josh Ritter "Snow is | | | | events, and ideas to families striving to raise |
| Gone" from "Hello Starling" (a terrific song about | | | | healthy, happy, and interesting kids. |