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Twilight Soundtrack

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Alternative Rock
from: Chop Shop/Atlantic

November 04, 2008
I don't own this CD, but I listened to the samples. I was expecting a soundtrack like the soundtrack to "Romeo and Juliet" with Leonardo Di Caprio in it. That is the music I would picture with Twilight.

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Viva La Vida

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Alternative Rock
by: Coldplay

June 17, 2008
I will never buy another Coldplay album without hearing it first. This is the best example of a "DBB" (download it before buying it) album. I can understand how a band should evolve and not repeat themselves. From The Beatles to Depeche Mode we have seen bands changing their style album after album but STILL each album is great. Tough I didn't expect another A Rush of Blood album I sure expected great melodies or complex arrangements. None of this is found here. Sure, "VIVA LA VIDA" is one of the greatest songs of this years and one of Coldplay's best, but do we have to go all through an album of dull "songs" just to have one or at the most 2 great songs?? I can't believe this is the same Brian Eno that produced such gems with Bowie and Talking ... Read More:

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Little Honey

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Alternative Rock
by: Lucinda Williams

October 14, 2008
After three great recordings in a row, something less than wicked this way comes, cliched and dreary . The presence of the 'guest artists' is a sure sign that the well's run dry. If this is what domestic bliss leads to, one can only - ungenerously - hope Lucinda's newfound serenity is short lived.

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The Imus Ranch Record

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Alternative Rock
by: Various Artists

September 16, 2008
Artists, of course, are notable, but I'll guarantee their renderings would never sell a record!

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A Hundred Million Suns

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Alternative Rock
by: Snow Patrol

October 28, 2008
After all the commercial rap stars that have been on the radio lately, it is about time that some real gangsters got some airplay. Let the suburbs have 50 cent and T.I. - Snow patrol is the purest expression of ghetto artform since Wu-Tang entered their 36 chambers. Right away their credibility is obvious; the band takes their name from the coke trade and poorer times when they used to "patrol" for "snow." And as coke prices rose, these snow patrollers found themselves out of the streets and into penthouses and recording contracts.

Coming on the heels of their previous masterpiece "final straw" (a blatant reference to cocaine paraphernalia), SP's latest offering starts off furiously. The group is not afraid to flaunt their legendary status ... Read More:

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We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Alternative Rock
by: Jason Mraz

May 13, 2008
For his third album, We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things, singer-songwriter Jason Mraz has delivered a breezy collection of pop songs that take their cues from the '70s.
The result is an engaging, easygoing listen that never quite gets out of first gear. The songs wash over you, often like a cool breeze on a hot summer's day, but unlike previous Mraz LPs there's a sense that he's a little too chilled musically and there's not enough diversity.
That said, some of the songwriting displays real honesty, while two collaborations - with James Morrison and Colbie Caillat.
The reggae-infused "I'm Yours", which really ought to become one of the summer's great love anthems - a song so sweet and happy.
Lucky continues the acoustic vibe and benefits ... Read More:

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Gossip In The Grain

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Alternative Rock
by: Ray LaMontagne

October 14, 2008
First time I've bought anything by this artist. Since buying it I have kept it in heavy rotation in my car CD player. His voice is very different, and his phrasing is wonderful. In some ways he reminds me of a young Van Morrison. I hope to hear more from him.

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NOW That's What I Call Music 29

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Alternative Rock
by: Various Artists

November 11, 2008
In additon to the twenty tracks already on this album, this is the first volume in the Now series to feature access to five bonus downloads. They're from Brevi, Clique Girlz, Jon McLaughlin, Tyrone Wells and The White Tie Affair. There are many familiar names on this collection but there are a few new ones here as well. Good variety as usual. Here are the chart positions of each track on the Billboard Hot 100.

So What-#1
Hot N Cold-#3(this week)
When I Grow Up-#9
Disturbia-#1
Closer-#7
Forever-#2
Dangerous-#5
Whatever You Like-#1
Got Money-#10
Swing-#45
Put On-#12/#3 R&B
The Business-#33/#6 R&B
One Step At A Time-#17
Better In Time-#11
Thunder-#76
Addicted-#20 (this week) ... Read More:

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Cardinology

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Alternative Rock
by: Ryan Adams & the Cardinals

October 28, 2008
Wow...how does one go from the heights of lyrical magic (as heard on "Tiger") tearing your heart out over bad drugs, wounded lovers, and fragile recovery, and go to...this? "Cardinology" has every flaw seen in a scared, lazy, shallow album--songs that are familiar (but in a bad way--sooo predictable), crappy guitar-work with Godawful mixes, minimal tension and atmosphere....it's as if Senor R. crapped in his widdle pants and decided to frame it for the world to see. The steel guitar may actually be good, who would know, since it's buried in mud. Here's a laugh, I was actually thankful for the low song output on this effort, since it ended my pain. It's worse than bad...it's half-good. Ryan, wake up!

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Only by the Night

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Alternative Rock
by: Kings of Leon

September 23, 2008
So this year two pretty major developments took place in Southern Indie Rock. Cult favorites My Morning Jacket and now Kings of Leon crossed over into the mainstream with their newest releases. But these albums are totally different and say a lot about the bands respectively.

I won't rehash my harsh criticism of the MMJ album, except to say that it was not consistent with their previous efforts - in any way, except their penchant for experimentation. It is a terrible album, but to their credit, they make some of it work very well live because they are a truly great band (see the recent Austin City Limits performance) .

This effort by KOL, on the other hand, is not experimental. It is growth. Think the difference between Death Cab's latest and Clap ... Read More: