This Pretty Planet

Tom Chapin

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 4, 2000)
• Original Release Date: April 4, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony Wonder (Audio)
• ASIN: B00004SCCK
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #74,130 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
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

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Pretty Planet, June 23, 2000

By A Customer

While it is probably a special kind of sin to say it, I have always preferred Tom Chapin's music to that of his late brother, Harry. This Pretty Planet is just the latest offering by Chapin meant (perhaps) as a children's recording, but it will be enjoyed people of any age. The addition of the guest duet partners is a whimsical and entirely welcome surprise.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you want to "grow an environmentalist" start here, November 14, 2006

By	K. Draper (Canandaigua, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have nearly all of Tom's CDs and love all of them. This one though is special in terms of teaching my five year old daughter about environmentalism. She absolutely loves it and it gives us a great deal of material to talk about! I've already bought 5 extra copies and given them away as presents and everyone we've given them to has loved them. I am about to get a bunch more and give them as gifts to the kindergarten teachers and others as birthday party giveaways.

5.0 out of 5 stars best environmental songs ever, November 14, 2007

By	Thomas L. Poulson "Dr. Tom" (Jupiter, FL) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

THIS PRETTY PLANET is the best set of environmental songs I have ever heard and read (lyrics). There are songs for all ages and even those for kids are fun for adults. The major theme of good stewardship is excellent and inspiring. The recycling song is wonderful and kids also dig good garbage. The lyrics are clever. The vocals are great. And the instrumental arrangements are varied and excellent. I write this as a professional ecologist and educator of K-seniors.