Editorial Reviews

Sesame Street, which celebrated its 39th anniversary in 2008, isn't strictly a U.S. phenomenon -- it is an international phenomenon, and more than 30 different countries have aired their own versions of the educational children's program. Different countries have taken different liberties with the Sesame Street format; while the well-known Muppet characters who originated in the U.S. (including the Cookie Monster -- an inspiration to countless death metal vocalists -- Big Bird, Kermit the Frog, Bert & Ernie, Elmo, and Oscar the Grouch) have been prominently featured in Asian, European, and Latin American productions, many countries have also created Muppet characters of their own. And similarly, there are quite a few variations between the Sesame Street music in the U.S. and the Sesame Street music one hears in non-English-speaking countries. This two-disc compilation (a 29-minute audio CD and a five-video bonus DVD) takes an international look at Sesame Street, offering Sesame Street music from countries that include Brazil, India, Russia, France, South Africa, and Israel (among others). Putumayo Kids Presents: Sesame Street Playground contains some lyrics in English; the U.S. is represented by the familiar "Elmo's Song" and a bilingual (English and Spanish) performance of "Sing." But most of the lyrics are in languages other than English, which makes Sesame Street Playground a highly appropriate purchase for American parents who want their kids to study some foreign languages. Putumayo's picks are good ones, ranging from a Dutch version of Sesame Street's main theme to a Chinese translation of "Rubber Duckie" to Mexican singer Aleks Syntek's Stevie Wonder-ish performance on "Ricas Frutas" (which is in Spanish). Sesame Street Playground is far from the last word on non-U.S. Sesame Street music; there is nothing from Italy (you haven't lived until you've heard the Cookie Monster speaking Italian), and where is the German techno mix of "Rubber Duckie"? Nonetheless, this thoughtfully assembled collection can be a fun and entertaining part of a foreign-language study program for kids. Alex Henderson, All Music Guide

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