Album of children's songs seeks to rock the cradle Metuchen man releases record of 'memorable' children's songs BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer METUCHEN - Danny Adlerman said he wants to bring back "real" children's music with his new CD, "Listen Up!" "There are really no real good kids' music out there other than Disney songs and folk artist songs," he said. Adlerman's new CD, which its official release date was May 15, consists of 13 songs including a song called "Rock-A-Bye Baby," which goes along with a children's book Adlerman wrote with illustration done by his wife, Kim, in 2004. "Each song on the CD has a different style to it," he said. "That's what I strived for when I was making this album. I wanted all the songs to be different from each other, and I think I have done that. People can go to our book, 'Rock-A-Bye Baby,' and follow word by word with the audio." The CD features Jim Babjack, the lead guitarist for The Smithereens, and Kevin Kammeraad and Kurt Reil of the Grip Weeds, based in Highland Park. Kim Adlerman designed the layout on the CD. "This is very exciting for me in that it has taken several years and a tremendous amount of energy," said Adlerman. Danny and Kim Adlerman, who have three children, started their own publishing company named The Kids at Our House. At any given time, the Adlermans are publishers, artists or musicians. " 'The Kids at Our House' is just a name," Danny Adlerman said. "It's an umbrella to cover everything we do: freelance, authoring, art, music." Adlerman said when he was growing up, he remembers listening to The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, but doesn't remember any memorable kids' songs. "This album is straightforward," he said. "The songs create an environment for kids and doesn't have a condescending or insulting feel. There is too much talking down to kids." Adlerman said the music on the CD draws from Buddy Holly, The Beatles, island beats and the blues. Adlerman came out with his first album for kids, which won the Children's Music Web Award for Best Album for children ages 7-12, called "One Size Fits All" in 2001. "The difference between that album and this album is its growth," he said. Adlerman said his new CD is not only for the children, but the parents as well. "The songs on the CD are interesting, fun, respectful, and just great rock 'n' roll," said Adlerman. Copies of Adlerman's new CD, "Listen Up!," can be found at The Raconteur Book Store, 431 Main St., in Metuchen. For more information, visit www.dannyandkim.com.