‘Rock ‘n Toontown’: Craig ‘n Co.’s Best Yet

Skip the title track--it’s just a blatant promo for Disneyland’s newest attraction--but don’t miss the rest of Craig ‘n Co.’s latest concert album for Walt Disney Records, “Rock ‘n Toontown.”

It’s the best work that children’s singer-songwriter Craig Taubman has done to date.

The thirtysomething Taubman has always been a dynamo in live performance, firing up both adults and preschoolers with his seemingly boundless energy, classic rock ‘n’ roll rhythms and on-target messages of childhood. Taubman’s Craig ‘n Co. albums, however, have hitherto fallen short of his in-person charisma. “Rock ‘n Toontown” marks a new plateau for the performer and his band.

Taubman has never been so deft with lyrics nor so consistent in his polished execution of a variety of musical styles, from jazz and rock to a Latin beat. His own experiences as the father of two young children give the original songs the ring of truth; his sly humor keeps the sugar blues away.

The sophisticated sound of the “Co.”--Michael Turner, Troy Dexter, Robert Aguilar and Joel Bennet--doesn’t hurt, either.

Highlights include “Excuse Me,” a light, jazzy tribute to the art of apology, kid-style; “I’m Bored,” an irresistible antidote to youthful ennui; and “Do Bullies Have Mommies?,” a lesson in not judging by appearances that has the playground crowd wondering about a new kid with “hair on his chin and muscles on his knees.”

In the country-style “Kid Stuff,” a boy laments the limitations of childhood, until a new baby’s arrival elevates him to big brother status, while “Get Up”--”can ya, could ya, would ya, got to, Dad”-- will be familiar to any parent whose 4-year-old feels sociable at 6 a.m. on a Saturday.

There are the obligatory ecological themes. “Recycle Rex” is a straightforward message song recycled from a Disney Educational Productions video. In “Food for Thought,” a convert’s ode to the joys of natural foods, Taubman leavens the praises of wheat germ and veggies at just the right moment with a sotto voce yearning for chili and a hot dog.

Taubman’s softer moments, never sappy, have a thoughtful appeal. “Voice of the Spirit” celebrates each person’s individual spark and “Together,” a touching goodby ballad with surprising depth, is about a friend who moves away, a child who needs reassurance that parents won’t be gone long, and the soon-to-be loss of a grandparent.

The Disney folks are promoting this new Craig ‘n Co./Toontown venture to the hilt for obvious marketing reasons but, surprise, title track aside, it’s worth it. In addition to audiocassette and CD versions, the “Rock ‘n Toontown” concert will have its first airing on the Disney Channel on May 23 before being released as a home video. Taubman will perform a “mini-concert” today at 11 a.m. at Pages bookstore in Tarzana.

* “Rock ‘n Toontown,” Walt Disney Records. Audiocassette: $8.98; CD: prices vary.