Customer Reviews

Rhino Got His Skin & Camel Got His Hump

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I have to say, I was not much of a Bobby McFerrin fan prior to hearing this album. I knew him only from the "Don't Worry, Be Happy" song, and not much else. However, McFerrin's voice is simply amazing, with an instrument, no, many instruments, that flow from his vocal chords. The album is hypnotic, with McFerrin's soothing and mellow vibe and Nicholson's oh-so-cool deep voice, and perfect inflection, narrating. Oh, not to mention Kipling's trippy, almost psychodelic story, which is just magical. This album is out of print, unfortunately, and the album that is currently in print with the same title is missing many McFerrin's solo musical tracks (as I have read from other reviewers). I tried buying a copy, anywhere, but was unable to find one, even on Ebay. I ended up finding it a local library, so maybe you can do the same. Also, please listen to Nicholson/McFerrin's version of Kiplings, "The Elephant Child", which is also unfortunately out of print. This album is a gem and a treasure. It is magic for children and adults alike.

Between the three artists involved here- Rudyard Kipling's little gems, Bobby McFerrin's otherworldly sounds and songs, and Jack Nicholson's soft, slow, meditative readings- this recording should be on the top of the list for every fan of the spoken word.
The "Just So Stories" were Kiplings finest work in many ways, free of the Jingoism that flaws his adventure novels. Each one is a pean of love for his child. These 'splanations of how the world came to be as it is meet the requirements for a classic fable, adorned with little twists that will have you shaking your head and laughing in recognition- all these many years later.
Mcferrin's vocalizations were at their peak around this time. Here they range from dance rhythms that will get your hips moving- to space-ship sounds of the wind in a lonely desert. Knowing that his only instrument is his body adds to the fun your ears have.
Nicholson is, of course, celebrated for his voice- that soft, sly and sarcastic inflection that, no matter what he's just said, has you searching for the hidden meaning. His readings are slow, here. He puts long spaces between the phrases, spaces for your mind to fill with ideas, like the white spaces in a coloring book.
I have to say that I haven't any young children left in my house to try this recording on. But don't use that as an excuse not to try it- my teens really enjoyed it. For the adults, it's a psychedelic journey and a perfect thing to listen to while your hands are busy.

take my word... you'll only be the richer for having listened to these wonderfully woven tales. master story-teller rudyard kipling would have been proud. not only will children love it, but parents as well. jack nicholson's soft voice will leave you holding your breath waiting for more. and bobby mcferrin's voices/noises/songs will sweep you away to the places where the stories unfold.

be sure to check out "the elephant's child" as well. another kipling story done by nicholson and mcferrin.

i used to listen to the recordings of these three stories with my brother when we were younger. they were on vinyl and unfortunately were lost or sold over the years. until a couple of years ago, when i came across a audio cassette that my mother had made for travels in the car. i made a few more copies (in case one gets damaged) and share them with as many people as possible. i've tried ordering them through regular music stores, whether they're part of a chain or independant, and couldn't get them ANYWHERE. i'm so glad that they're available here for others to share with their friends and family.

My son, now 23, listened to this every single night, at bedtime, for more years than I can now even begin to count. Sometimes I would lay beside him just to hear him laugh. Brings a huge smile to my face as I remember it now. So very sweet. I'm not sure what became of the cassette we had but it was worth so much more than I paid for it at the time!

I think I will buy it again & hold on to it.....in hopes of some day having a grandbaby to play it for!