Small Fry: Capitol Sings Kids' Songs for Grownups is an excellent collection of exactly what the title promises: a star-studded lineup of Capitol's stars of the '40s, '50s, and early '60s doing kids' songs. It is noncheesy fun all the way through, guaranteed to warm the heart of even the iciest cynic. Even if you hate kiddy songs, the smooth and witty versions here will have you changing your tune. All the songs are a bushel and a peck of fun, but the highlights are
Johnny Mercer's swinging "Glow Worm,"
June Christy's charmingly sweet "Give a Little Whistle,"
the Pied Pipers' insanely catchy "Mairzy Doats,"
Nat King Cole's tender "I Wanna Be a Friend of Yours," and
Tony Bennett's typically smooth "Jeepers Creepers." Perfect for swing kids of all ages, this disc is worth hunting down in secondhand stores and on the Internet. ~ Tim Sendra