Peter, Paul & Mary

Peter, Paul and Mommy

"Peter, Paul & Mommy" Sets New Standard for Kids' Folk LPs

Review Score:

(8/10)
It seems unusual but fitting that Peter, Paul & Mary, whose songs commented on and often inspired the 60s' social changes, picked that decade's last, violent year to release this gentle, witty children's folk LP. "Peter, Paul,& Mommy" must have been refreshing balm to those raising young children during those tumultuous years. The set's gently strummed, intricately sung tunes recall how special childhood is not just to children, but to those caring for them and even wishing to resing a few songs on their own childhood stage.

"Mommy" is, in many respects, a concept album celebrating not only children's firsts and minor thrills (trip to the zoo, new toy, Christmas) but their inevitable transitions (the somber "Day Is Done," "Puff the Magic Dragon"). Peter, Paul, & Mary's unpretentious approach, especially on the long (for kids and for the 60s) "I Have A Song To Sing-O," melds with unobtrusive production by Milton Okun and a young Phil Ramone.

The result is that songs seemingly part of children's DNA (Mary Travers' turn on Shel Silverstein's "Boa Constrictor," "Mockingbird," a singalong cover of "Puff," "It's Raining") are interpreted fresh, sweet, and warm in their traditional way as new-baked bread. Despite several attempts, sincere and otherwise (including several by Peter, Paul & Mary themselves) to recapture the informal feeling caught here, the original "Peter, Paul & Mommy" ranks among the finest works any popular musician or group has done for or about children. Full of love and respect, and highly recommended.

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