Singin' in the Bathtub

John Lithgow

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 9, 1999)
• Original Release Date: March 9, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony Wonder (Audio)
• ASIN: B00000I8A3
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (122 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #41,005 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
In John Lithgow's most memorable roles, he's played the outsider: the transsexual former football player in The World According to Garp, the alien in Third Rock from the Sun. On Singin' in the Bathtub, he puts the same aspect of his character that's made him successful in those roles--the slightly-out-of-touch wonder at the obvious--to work on 14 children's songs. Backed by a big band (and the occasional banjo or musical saw), Lithgow takes on topics from multiple births (the Alice in Wonderland-esque "Triplets"), the alphabet ("You're Adorable, A" which recalls Really Rosie's "Alligators All Around"), and a veritable menagerie ("The Gnu Song," "I Had a Rooster," "The Hippopotamus Song," and "The Inchworm"). He kicks off the title song with a reminder to "Grab your ducky, grab your toy boat--let's make this fun!" It's a triumph that he manages to do so for the entire album; but be warned--Lithgow's energy level is tough to keep up with, and you might find yourself exhausted long before the album ends. --Randy Silver

From Parents' Choice®
Lucky, lucky kids. John Lithgow's first children's CD is simply one of the best children's albums ever. The "3rd Rock From the Sun" star puts his own deliriously wacky, irrepressible stamp on classic kid songs and adaptations of B roadway and novelty tunes, with more than a nod to Cab Calloway, Danny Kaye, comic British songwriters Flanders and Swann and other distinctive talents. Bill Elliott's Swing Orchestra and other musicians supply the gorgeous big band and m usic hall-style instrumentals. It's a mega-treat for adults, too. Lithgow's no newcomer to children's music like some celebs; he's been toting his guitar and performing for children for years; his first recorded effort was a simple 1990 si ngalong home video, "John Lithgow's Kid-Size Concert." A 1999 Parents' Choice Gold Award Winner. Recommended for all ages. (Lynne Heffley, Parents' Choice®).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars As energetic as your toddler!, March 7, 2001

By	Mom of Four (Antioch, IL USA) - See all my reviews

We received this CD as a baby gift when we had our first child. Little did we know it would become such an integral part of our lives! Each time we climb into the car, my 2-year old asks for "fish ball" (The Codfish Ball) and "aff-bet song" (A-You're Adorable). She knows all the words by heart and sings until her tiny voice fills the entire car. Personally, I can't help but sing along to most of the songs, but "No One Loves You Better Than Your M-O-Double M-Y" is especially good and Lithgow's remake of "Swingin' on a Star" is just plain fun.

The only (minor) thing I don't like is that in the song, "Triplets," they say "...and we hate each other very much, we hate our folks, we are sick of jokes and what an art it is to tell us apart!" It's all said very quickly and in fun, but "hate" isn't a concept I'd like my kids to think is acceptable. We skip this song when we listen.

Overall, I highly recommend this CD. It's high quality--the music, the lyrics, and the energetic John Lithgow make it our top pick during a car ride (with the Bear in the Big Blue House Soundtrack coming in a close second). It's not for those who are looking for a soft lullaby, but if you want music as energetic and fun as your toddler, this is it.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating and fun -- enjoyable for the entire family, September 29, 1999

By A Customer

I bought this CD for my 18-month old son as a way to introduce him to "fun" music beyond the simplistic Sesame Street tunes. Not only is it clear from my son's laughter and attention to the songs on the CD that he enjoys it -- my husband and I also enjoy it. The lyrics are very entertaining and the musical accompanients are simple enough to appeal to kids, but rich and textured enough to appeal to moms and dads as well. It is a great mix of old familiar songs ("A -You're Adorable") and new nonsense songs ("From the Andes to the Indies in his Undies") This CD has appeal for all ages -- from babies to grandparents, a great way to make music fun for the whole family.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Singin's much more fun in the bathtub..., April 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Singin' In The Bathtub [Blisterpack] (Audio CD)

Many of the songs on this CD were not originally written for children, but originally were performed decades ago for popular audiences by fine showmen like Cab Calloway, Donald Swann, Allan Sherman and Danny Kaye. With the help of a full orchestra, a few enthusiastic children, and an occasional ukelele, slide whistle and washboard, John Lithgow has taken these classics and reintroduced them for a brand new generation. I'm pleased with the variety in the selection of songs on this album. "At the Codfish Ball" had me swing dancing in the living room with my sweetie. "No One Loves You Any Better Than Your M-O-Double-M-Y" is a song everyone can sing along to with gusto (and it's even nicer to have someone sing it to or about you!). "A-You're Adorable" is perfect to sing with a special little one in your arms, and much more fun when learning your ABC's than the traditional ABC song. "I Had a Rooster" is a step or two more challenging than "Old MacDonald Had a Farm," but you still get to make the fun animal noises (and motions!). I bought this CD for myself (a confirmed bathtub Diva), and I shared it with several children in my life ranging in age from 9 months to 12 years old. I've found that it incites not only singing but dancing, too! Singing is much more fun in the bathtub, but even if you don't have one you'll find yourself singing these contagious arrangements along with your favorite kids and your own inner child. --M.M.Cooper