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Twilight Soundtrack

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > General
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 > General
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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A Hundred Million Suns

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > General
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 > General
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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NOW That's What I Call Music 29

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > General
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 ... Read More:

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Only by the Night

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > General
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 ... Read More:

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Closer-The Best of Sarah McLachlan

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > General
by: Sarah McLachlan

October 07, 2008
Sarah has a soothing, special voice. The songs are wonderful! We had to wait way too long for a "greatest hits" album.

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4:13 Dream

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > General
by: The Cure

October 28, 2008
After a month of listening to this - I can finally agree that this is one of the best Cure records. At least in a very long time.

It has equal elements of 'Wish' & 'Wild Mood Swings' in terms of mixing just the right amount of pop with equal parts angst and darkness.

'Underneath the Stars' starts the record just perfectly as any Cure opener should.

'The Only One' continues to evolve in my ears. Each time I hear new/different nuances. It's a very solid song.

'Freakshow' & 'Sirensong' both remind me why I loved 'Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me' so much - they create these perfect pop songs just long enough (yet not long enough at all) to hook you and then they all but disappear.

'The Hungry Ghost' is another strong ... Read More:

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Perfect Symmetry

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > General
by: Keane

October 14, 2008
I have listened to this album about 20 times so far, and while at first I didn't care for it, upon listening to it a couple more times, it started to grow on me.

The band is growing, they are trying new things, and this is all good news. The worst thing a band can do is be stagnant and have all of their albums sound the same. A couple of tracks on the album are reminiscent of what we know and love of Keane, however the album as a whole is a different sound.

I think overall, if you enjoy the band, you will like the album and the songs, they are written well, the lyrics are powerful (as always), and the orchestration is often clever.

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Fleet Foxes

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > General
by: Fleet Foxes

June 03, 2008
The album by the Fleet Foxes is a very pleasing album with a folk sound. It is wonderful to listen to on a cold winter day on your Ipod while you are sitting by the fire. The group shows great promise and I hope their future endeavors improve upon what they have started here. Definitely worth looking into if you enjoy folk music, or are looking for something different and new.