By Lauren Valencia
Putumayo Kids Presents Cowboy Playground
2012 Putumayo World Music
www.putumayokids.com
Putumayo Kids has done it again! Their latest world music rollick, Cowboy Playground, gets children singing, dancing, and playing to beat the band. I’m usually one of those people who says, “I listen to all kinds of music — except country,” so this disc was a surprise hit for me. It melts urban hearts with its playful yet mellow collection of new cowboy tunes and reworked classics. Easy to kick back and relax to, and equally pleasant as background music during busy times, Cowboy Playground pairs excellent instrumentals with funny, lighthearted lyrics. “Saddle Bum” by Wylie & the Wild West, with its melodic “yippie cow yay” loops will get stuck in your head, but in a good way. The collection of country stars on Cowboy Playground are sure to strike a chord with you and your little cowpokes. Released on May 22 in conjunction with the Putumayo title Bluegrass (sure to be a Fourth of July celebration soundtrack), the album is ready to take back to the ranch.
