This Pretty Planet

Tom Chapin's music for children has always been conscience-driven. But This Pretty Planet is far and away his most thematically focused work. His musical map is still wide ranging, from the opening brass-band cadence of "Come Blow Your Horn" to the two-step folk pacing of "Two Kinds of Seagulls" and on and on. Chapin's songs here, apropos of the CD's title, all focus on environmental connections and concerns. The title track first appeared on Family Tree, but most of these cuts are newly recorded (or never before recorded). All highlight Chapin's unbeatable knack for involving the hearts and minds of kids. The lyrics turn on tricky phrases that will build kids' vocabularies (and, hence, sense of self) but they also rely on great rhymes, intricate--though never intimidating--musical arrangements, and heaps of humor. Appearances by Judy Collins, Michael Doucet (of Beausoleil), and Dr. Ruth Westheimer add to Chapin's delightful mix. --Andrew Bartlett