MUSIC TO OPEN UP KIDS' EARS.

Byline: JoAnn E.B. Yerem Correspondent

Music can tame the savage beast, or so they say. Most parents would be happy if the kids enjoyed it - and it kept the family vehicle a little quieter on long drives. Try these recommendations for children of all ages on your holiday list:

--Music for Little People has two releases out that would make excellent stocking stuffers for children or whoever is in charge of the family vehicle's CD player. ``World Party'' has wonderful music from across the globe. Hear a bossa nova from Brazil or a rumba flamenca from Spain. There are also traditional songs from Central Asia, New Zealand and South Africa. You don't have to know the languages to feel the rhythms and enjoy the chance to hear traditional instruments from far-flung places. ``World Party'' is an enjoyable way to broaden your musical horizons. ($13.98) ``Friends Forever'' is packed with duets from young singers Carrie Lyn and Michael Bannett. The CD cover promises ``the all-time best friendship duets,'' and it does deliver some of the classics with ``You've Got a Friend in Me,'' ``Side by Side'' and ``That's What Friends Are For.'' Parents might recognize the ode to a best friend, ``Ben,'' from the movie of the same name. ``Friends Forever'' is an enjoyable listen with high production values and obviously well-trained young voices. It even sounds like the singers are having a bit of fun. Some will recognize Lyn from the movie ``The Secret Garden.'' Bannett has appeared with Charlotte Church and tenor Salvatore Licitra. ($13.98)

--What would you say in a one-minute song? Twenty-nine children's music artists took that challenge, and the result is ``Hear & Gone in 60 Seconds!'' released by Rounder Kids. With titles like ``My Cool Shoes,'' ``A Tiny Little Gear,'' ``Hand-Me-Down Blues'' and ``Five Minutes More,'' this CD is a quick trip through a child's world. Our family's favorite was ``I Love My Brother (Sometimes).'' Eight of the artists are from the Los Angeles area. ``Hear & Gone'' is a fun, fast romp. Kids will love it. And if Mom or Dad doesn't like a song, it's less than 60 seconds to the next one. ($14.98)

--Looking for some music to put you and the kids in a holiday mood? Try the new releases from Crayola, ``Kids' Christmas Favorites'' and ``Kids' Christmas Carols.'' The Countdown Kids perform many holiday classics, including ``Frosty the Snowman,'' ``Deck the Halls,'' ``Here Comes Santa Claus'' and ``Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.'' There are also a few novelty songs such as ``I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas,'' and ``Suzy Snowflake.'' The children's voices will fill you with holiday cheer in no time. ($5.98 each)

--Don't know the words to your favorite Christmas songs?``Time to Sing! At Christmas'' from the Center for Creative Play might be the answer. The tempo has been altered on 22 holiday tunes to make it easier for children to hear and learn the words. Everyone can sing along, even the youngest child. It is also great for children with speech delays or language disabilities, or for English-language learners. Songs are a bit slower, and the words are enunciated clearly, so it takes a little while to get used to it. And who knows, you just might enjoy the holidays at a little slower pace. ($16.99)

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