When I Was Young (CD - 1999)

A sequel to Garry O'Briain and Padraigin Ni Uallachain's 1994 collaboration A Stor's a Stoirin -- Songs for All Ages, When I Was Young (also featuring singer Len Graham) is another excellent collection of traditional Irish folk songs for children, this time sung in English. In stark contrast to the general perceptions of children's music, these songs are honest and direct, exploring major themes but never condescending to their target audience -- indeed, there's a maturity and depth to tunes like "The Weeping Willow" and "The False Knight" that many so-called "adult" songs lack. ~ Raymond McKinney

Just because this collection of Irish folk songs is labeled as a children's record doesn't mean the wee ones will immediately take a shine. Considering the opening track is titled "Johnny When You Die," it is easy to see this is not Raffi with a brogue. But it certainly is honesty rendered. There are plenty of songs kids will get into (and this was kid tested, by the way), such as "Weelia Weelia Wallia" and "The Frog's Wedding," but the disc seems geared toward parents who want to feel like they're giving their kids something more cultural than a Barney album. It doesn't work with broccoli and it won't work with this. ~ Tim Sheridan minimize