Search - Kids of Widney High :: Special Music from Special Kids

A triumph for disabled children - but unworthy of CD release

Winthrop Harrison | Seattle, WA United States | 01/18/2003

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Why was this CD released and why is it still available, 13 years on? It can't be a 'triumph of the human spirit' story, or a lesson in 'you can do anything you want.' Part of the CD's notoriety and sales must be in the novelty of hearing severely disabled children sing badly to very slick pop arrangements. A freakshow. This is unfortunate, but really, the producers/arrangers should have seen it coming. If the songs had been purely created by the disabled students and their music teachers and then recorded in the same spirit, we might have had something both touching and beautiful, along the lines of the truly special "Langley Schools Music Project" album. That available CD captures a Canadian music class as they were, as they sang, on their terms. If this CD had been recorded acappela or with simple in-room instruments, this might have worked just as well. But the Michael Jackson-esque/hi-tech production clashes with the (charitably) quaint vocals, smashing any beauty to be found. The liner notes mention that the students involved provided many ideas for this CD, and that their behavioral problems decreased as they took part in the joy of creating music. I don't doubt this - it's a wonderful result. But it is too bad that the CD result is such a bad stew of slick/dumb production matched with children who could never control their own destiny. The results here may not be exploitation, but why do they feel that way?Perhaps you had to be there. Is this worth hearing?"

Superb

03/11/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Yet another masterpiece from America's favorite window lickers. For what it lacks in actual talent and content it easily makes up for in originallity. The albums aggressive pornstyle music beat only enhances the true talent of the singer. A must buy for anyone unfortunate enough to work with this deviant population."

This is horrible

04/08/2000

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I'm sorry, there is something very sick about this CD. These kids have absolutely no talent and sing about things like insects stealing your food. Whoever created this CD has made a mockery of "mentally challenged" kids everywhere. I tried as hard as I could not to laugh at this, but....I'm afraid it's impossible"