Customer Reviews

Some Assembly Required

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have many of Tom's albums, and have seen him live. He is a real children's preformer (no wierd costumes or fake instruments) and so much fun! His songs can be really silly and make you laugh. His album "This Pretty Planet" even teaches us about saving the earth. Don't take a review on a children's album from someone that doesn't have kids. Kids love Tom Chapin's music and so do my parents! They say it's much better than Barney or cartoon music over and over. Check out his other music too. My favorite song is "You're not the boss of my brain."

As a new grandfather, I can't say enough about this wonderful CD. Bruno's wild adventures are always a hit! These songs really grow on you. They are so creative and well-crafted. Plus, they crack me up. Sheer genius and a truly great voice.

P.S. Grandma is also crazy about Tom Chapin's concerts and CDs.

Fortunate to find Tom Chapin's Some Assembly Required at a yard sale, I listened to only the first song through a portable CD player before deciding to buy it. Although I don't have children, I do have a songwriting background. This helped me enjoy the clever lyrics on many of the songs and the expert arrangements on all of them -- in particular the versatile piano playing, which can really "cook" or be supportive and flowing.

As with other songs of this genre, the situations are particular to children: how to find a lost shoe, the attributes of one's face, is it okay to ask questions (of every conceivable sort), feeling shy to dance (and being relieved when your friends like how you do it). I laughed out loud on hearing Puppy at the Pound. Every family that has ever gotten a dog will relate to the universality of the lyrics, which is what makes the song so funny. The lyrics of How I Became a Clown are also highly imaginative and humorous; and the arrangement is a perfect accompaniment to the story. There are some surprises, too, appropriate for children brought up in the last 10 years: Brown Gold deals in an interesting way with composting; and Questions mentions iPods and Googling. The title song, Some Assembly Required, hilariously and accurately describes the time-consuming, often frustrating task of putting together a so-called easy-to-assemble toy, as many parents have experienced (and spent a kid's entire birthday on). I'm the Only Me is a beautiful, tender and heartfelt song that would work in any musician's repertoire.

The harmonies (like the musicianship) are splendid. I wish that the harmony singers chimed in sooner -- I think the album could use more of those richly textured voices. The pitch of the children's choir is spot-on, a welcome change from children's singing on some albums that sacrifices musicality for presumed cuteness. My only complaint is the unevenness of some of the songs: though most deserve a 5, there are a few 3s in the mix. However, I'm giving this album a 5 overall, in part to compensate for one reviewer's 1 rating (which for the life of me I don't understand). Many of the songs are memorable and pleasingly musical. And almost all are genuinely uplifting. If you have children, you will find common ground and much entertainment with your young ones. And for those who don't -- if you relate to life, and if you can appreciate the creativity involved in turning ordinary, day-to-day situations into art, you will like this album.

I love Tom Chapin's music. It is catchy, has a variety of styles and the lyrics are often funny, though some are just heartfelt. This is great for kids to about age 10, much better than the junk and innuendo on the radio. I recommend it.

I got this album quite by mistake. I had been hinting around that I wanted some Harry Chapin music, and my mother-in-law found this and brought it to us. I hate to admit, I ignored it for a few months. Then my husband decided to play it, and it was instant love! The circus song is enchanting, and we put it on repeat and played it over and over and over (you know how kids get stuck on a song). The puppy song was great, "Questions" is awesome because it tells you to google stuff. My girls get so tickled! But the song worth its weight in gold, which I play at top volume over and over in the car, is "Don't Make Me Dance." Buy the album! Play that song for your kids. Pleeeaaasseee!!! (you'll know why I say that after you hear the song) And just TRY not to boogie to this song!

We love Tom Chapin. He did a great job in this CD as well.

Chapin is a storyteller--like Harry Chapin. Tom's stories and songs are intelligent, thougtful, and challenging for children. Not challenging in a confrontational way--but in a striving to grow way. Chapin's vocabulary reminds me of William Steig's, and his music is complex enough to satisfy adults while simple enough to be catchy for children. This album is a win-win for car trips with 3-6 year olds. I can hear Tom's real concern for kids when he sings about liking his face. And I can hear an excellent sense of rhythm and harmony when he sings about getting a puppy from the pound. This man knows what families, friends, and kids can be like. And he sings about them pretty darn well. Read no further--buy or borrow this one today.

I love this CD and my son just can't get enough of it. The lyrics are inventive and fun and remind me of the magic of being a child. This is my favorite children's CD of all! Much better than Raffi or any other.
I enjoy having most of the songs memorized - I can't wait until my two year old son is old enough to sing along with me!!!

My kids love Puppy at the Pound and cannot seem to hear it enough. So I bought the CD and they absolutely love it! A must have for anyone young children.

My youngest sister introduced me to Tom Chapin's music that she enjoyed year after year at the Walnut Valley Festival. I found they always hit the spot and you can listen to them again and again.
Recently after her untimely death, I happened across his tune "Happiest Song I Know" when I was feeling particularly low. The cheery words and encouraging lyrics went straight to my heart. You listen to one of his songs and it really speaks to you and the tunes are sprightly and energetic.