Dan Zanes

Dan Zanes is the thinking kid's musician, and this live recording only confirms why. Mothers' hearts will pitter-pat just as much as their kids' when he sings "Shining Star" and even dares to take a tiny ukelele solo. It's a lo-fi affair, no cutesy voices, no affectations, but you can hear how eager both kids and adults are to sing along at every available opportunity. Not every live album is essential listening; if you're a Zanes fan, though, this one is.