FAMILY : ‘When I Was a Kid’ Isn’t Just for Children

Some children’s music can be of the “if Mom hears that tape one more time she’ll scream” variety. The good stuff is out there, too: songs and tunes that are creative, intelligent and musically sound.

Lou Del Bianco’s “When I Was a Kid” album falls into the good stuff category.

Bianco’s stories and story-songs--inspired by his own childhood--have the resonance of truth, even when the tale is a tall one, as in “Gecooch,” about a gentle, magical uncle who talked to animals.

In “Corroded Margaret,” an insecure boy tries for peer approval by making fun of an “uncool” girl and learns a life lesson. “It’s All Right” is tender reassurance for any child who feels left out and different and “Give Me a Hit” is a heartfelt plea guaranteed to strike a chord with kids always picked last for the team.

Bianco’s nuanced vocals and narrative, and the album’s catchy rock ‘n’ roll rhythms and strong instrumentals, promise to bear up under repeat listenings. And, while children’s singers in general focus on themes of self-esteem and childhood ups and downs, not many can communicate those messages as Bianco does, without sticky sentiment or cutesy self-consciousness, or match his graceful balance of humor and heart.

* Storymaker Records. Audiocassette: $9.98. CD: $12.98. (800) 541-9904; (800) 998-KIDS.

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Chugging Along: If your child’s passion is anything on tracks, don’t miss “I Love Toy Trains, 3,” the third in a series of live-action videos offering an eyeful of toy and real trains and other vehicles. Elaborate miniature set-ups, from valley to mountain scenes, include a tiny working saw mill, a circus with moving rides, a farmer plowing and every variety of train. The toy layouts are interspersed throughout with clips, including old-time, archival film, of the real thing. A child delivers what little narrative there is and the action is accompanied by instrumentals and a charming grab-bag of railroad songs sung by various artists.

* TM Books and Videos. $14.95; (800) 892-2822.

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Concert News: Janet & Judy fans, listen up. The twin singers, popular veterans of the educational circuit, will be performing a family concert with their lanky sidekick, bass player Ritt Henn, at Citrus College’s Haugh Performing Arts Center on Saturday at 2 p.m.

* 1000 West Foothill Blvd., Glendora, $4; (818) 963-9411.

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In addition, the singing/songwriting duo, with their trademark comical Smothers Brothers-style delivery, can be seen in “Janet & Judy Live in Concert!,” a likable new video of banter and songs with particular appeal for those already familiar with the performers.

* Vasquez Video, $12.95; (818) 242-2933.