Bananaphone

Raffi | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 27, 1994)
• Original Release Date: September 27, 1994
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Mca
• ASIN: B000002OTV
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #282,576 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Bananaphone

2. Shake a Toe

3. The World We Love

4. Slow Day

5. The Changing Garden of Mr. Bell

6. Naturally

7. Spring Flowers [Instrumental]

8. C-A-N-A-D-A

9. Michael, Row the Boat Ashore

10. First Peoples

11. Dee Myth [Instrumental]

12. Cowlit Night

13. The Gorilla Song

14. Simple Gifts

15. Down by the Riverside

16. The Shmenge Polka [A Tribute to John Candy][Instrumental]

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording

Though generally thought of as the king of music for the preschool set, Raffi has evolved from being strictly a little kid's performer to being a family entertainer, and it's evident in this 1995 release. More-sophisticated musical arrangements, a broader repertoire, greater vocal versatility, and intricate lyrics make this almost magical musical mix an album for every member of the family. Whether you're more fond of boppin' with "Shake a Toe," joining in a refrain on the bouncy title cut, or relishing in the poignancy of the gentle "Changing Garden of Mr. Bell" and the Native American tribute "First Peoples," there's enough variety here to appeal to a greater audience than Raffi may have enjoyed in the past. --Deborah Moore

From Parents' Choice®

Raffi's first studio children's recording in seven years is a triumphant return, relaxed and playful, with the master's instrumentals and wordplay. The title song is a toe-tapping silly about a "cellular, modular, interactive-odular" phone of surprising versatility. Slow Day is a superb, jazzy ode to laziness. Then Raffi gets soulful in the haunting Changing Garden of Mr. Bell. And he makes up for doing all the verses to Michael Row the Boat Ashore with The Shmenge Polka, his delightful instrumental tribute to the late comic actor John Candy.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Our whole family loves this CD!, February 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Bananaphone (Audio CD)

While teaching kindergarten 10 years ago, I was introduced to Raffi. I immediately bought 2 albums, and have played them for myself and my own children ever since. BANANAPHONE is our most recent addition, and hasn't let us down. It showcases the many moods and talents of Raffi, from "The Changing Garden of Mr. Bell" (melodically haunting, thoughtful and sweet), to "C-A-N-A-D-A" (a rolicking trip through the land of our northern neighbors), to "Slow Day" (guaranteed to lower your blood pressure several points by the end of the song!). Any CD that can hold the attention of my 3-year-old, my 10-year-old AND myself is a rare jewel! BANANAPHONE makes us all smile!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent!, November 23, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Saunemin, Il) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bananaphone (Audio CD)

Trying to find a childrens tape that appeals to adults ears can be hard. This one is a clear winner! Very upbeat, easy to learn words, and appeals to all ages. Even Dads will enjoy it and won't mind listening to it over and over and over again!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great choice, December 10, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Bananaphone (Audio CD)

We bought this CD to listen in the car while going on a vacation. It entertained my 1 year old the entire time. We found that Raffi is tolerable for adults as well. My husband and I were not completely tired of the CD by the end of the trip. It always settles my son down while riding in the car. It helps make car rides alittle easier!