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Death Magnetic

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Rock
by: Metallica

September 12, 2008

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Viva La Vida

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Rock
by: Coldplay

June 17, 2008
It's really weird how the same music can affect different people in such radically different ways. The varied opinions of VIVA LA VIDA on this forum are striking. I've never really considered myself to be much of a Coldplay fan (was always more into Radiohead, by comparison) but - wow! - they really won me over on this one. I took a liking to it immediately.

Every song here is top quality and every song is expertly composed and orchestrated. Major props to Brian Eno who's production style is clearly evident. The musicians are never flashy - every instrument serves to compliment Chris Martin's superb vocal melodies. Chris has grown quite a bit as a vocalist and he sings in surprizingly different ways throughout the album.
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Rock n Roll Jesus

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Rock
by: Kid Rock

October 09, 2007
I'm not generally a Kid Rock fan, but I love All Summer Long and wanted to buy it on iTunes. Of course, I soon found out that none of Kid Rock's stuff is on iTunes (or any other download service.) Bummer. So I listened to some of the other songs on his web site and actually liked most of them. I bought the album and haven't been disappointed - it is really good! The more you listen, the more you like it. Of course, I have to screen the songs around my kids, but I have been enjoying it and just wish it didn't have "explicit lyrics" on some of the songs - but that's Kid Rock!

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Help! (Deluxe Edition)

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Rock
starring: The Beatles
directed by: Richard Lester

November 06, 2007
It's many years since I first saw this film. It took me back to "The Time" . . . Quite corny and, in my opinion, not as good as A Hard Days Night, but nonetheless a bit of fun.

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A Little Bit Longer

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Rock
by: Jonas Brothers

August 12, 2008
A Little Bit Longer (2008, Disney) The Jonas Brothers' third studio album. **1/2

I was extremely disappointed in Rolling Stone's award of "excellence" to this album. It's not that the Jonas Brothers are awful or that they will never become anything, but Rolling Stone's reasoning is beyond ridiculous. Jody Rosen's first line in her review of four Disney-released albums is "History teaches us not to dismiss kiddie pop." I would actually say the exact opposite. Why? Rosen claims that we have to thank teen pop for results such as Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, and all associated wannabes. But let's look at this fact; of the teen pop sensations Spice Girls, Backstreet Boys, N*Sync, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Justin Timberlake ... Read More:

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ABBA - Gold: Greatest Hits

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Rock
by: ABBA

September 21, 1993
Sound quality of this CD is not up to par. I am not impressed at all with the quality of it's sound. Very annoying. Save your money.

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Harps & Angels

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Rock
by: Randy Newman

August 05, 2008
Harps and Angels (2008, Nonesuch) Randy Newman's eighteenth studio album. ****

For a long time, Randy Newman has been quite the unorthodox singer-songwriter. While unique, his voice isn't as pretty as Elton John. While stimulating, his messages aren't as strong as Bob Dylan. During the 70's and 80's, Newman made a name for himself, with such tunes as "Short People" and "It's Money That Matters," among many others. And during these runs he was able to maintain a fair amount of critical acclaim. In the mid-90's, however, Newman transitioned and found strength in writing children's music, as he would write soundtracks for the renowned Pixar films. After all this, Newman has gone back to more of his roots in making Harps and Angels.

Everything ... Read More:

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All Hope Is Gone (Special Edition CD/DVD)

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Rock
by: Slipknot

August 26, 2008
Slipknot are back, thank god. This album is great, and brutal, and great addition to their previous kick a$$ albums. Play this load and watch the britney/avril albums shrivel up and die.

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Forth

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Rock
by: The Verve

August 26, 2008
I am a big fan of The Verve and had no idea this CD was coming out. Last I heard, this band had broken up. I was thrilled to find out this CD was released and that it's new material.

I've given "Forth" a solid five listens and would rate this CD 4/5. This is a solid CD. I've natually compared this CD to their previous release "Urban Hymns".

This cD starts out well with "Sit and Wonder" an upbeat tune that works well as the opener. Next is the hit "Love is Noise". This song needs to played on load to get the full effect. This song will be a huge hit.

"Rather Be" is a slower song and the message is:

"I'd rather be here than be anywhere
Is there anywhere better than here
You know these feelings I`ve found they ... Read More:

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All I Intended to Be

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Rock
by: Emmylou Harris

June 10, 2008
Once again I feel compelled to comment on Emmylou's music. When I first saw this disk I read various reviews here whining that this album is a "downer" and the like. I smiled to myself and bought it without a second thought. I would have bought it no matter what the reviews said. Yes, Emmylou sings about pain, but she also sings about redemption and perseverance, the dawn that follows the darkness. Anyway, what price do you put on music that brings tears to your eyes?

But I am writing just to comment on one track from this disk. "All That You Have Is Your Soul", a song that did not grab me when I heard the author's version two decades ago, is rescued here and made Emmylou's own. The song includes the lines: "hunger only for a taste of justice, hunger only for a world of truth." ... Read More: