Reviewed by Tony Cummings

When I learned that a new kids music brand had been launched Stateside, memories of the dreadful Cedarmont Kids albums that once clogged the release schedules came flooding back. I needn't have feared. The Capitol Kids albums may have the same approach, an anonymous gathering of kids singing lustily, but the similarities stop there. Where the Cedarmonts largely had el cheapo production sounds played on a synth, the three Capitol Kids albums feature proper backings executed by clearly able session musicians playing bright, pop rock arrangements. And although some of the voices of the Capitol Kids may be a bit too Californian cutesy for British tastes, having the songs sung with a lead singer (in tune and on the whole pretty good) rather than featuring twilling unison vocals greatly improves the overall musical effect. So if you're looking for tweeny-styled arrangements of "Deck The Halls", "Away In A Manger", "Hark The Herald Angels Sing" and 12 others, this could be a nice little stocking filler.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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