As the second volume in the
Soothing Sounds for Baby
trilogy,
Vol. 2
was designed by
Raymond Scott
for infants six to 12 months old. Correspondingly, it features fewer, but longer and more complex, rhythmic compositions. The first song,
"Tempo Block,"
is a transitional piece, combining
Vol. 1
's sprightly keyboard melodies with a slightly tribal rhythm tapped out on an electronic bongo.
"The Happy Whistler"
increases in rhythmic syncopation and melodic counterpoint, featuring a circular bassline and alternately warbling and whistling keyboards over lumbering drums.
Soothing Sounds for Baby, Vol. 2
's final piece,
"Toy Typewriter,"
is perhaps the most avant-garde of the series. The song consists of exactly what its title indicates: a toy typewriter, played masterfully by
Scott
to produce subtle, shifting rhythms that sound like proto-jungle breakbeats. With 26 keys and the space bar, he achieves a deceptively simple, calming, and active effect. As with the whole series, on
"Toy Typewriter"
does the near impossible, packaging progressive musical ideas in a simple, accessible way. Even more impressively, the overall sound of
has barely dated at all. Though the concept of space age music for babies is rooted in the naively futuristic outlook of the early '60s, the series' kitsch factor is remarkably low. Thanks to its clean, spacious production and minimal arrangements,
remains progressive yet playful, rewarding listeners who pay close attention to its pretty, introspective compositions. ~ Heather Phares