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The Fabled City

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Folk
by: Tom Morello: The Nightwatchman

September 30, 2008
I do not listen to Rage Against the Machine. Not because they aren't a good band, but because I rarely listen to the type of intense rock they play. Tom Morello's solo outings are another story. The Fabled City is a really good album with songwriting and singing that I appreciate. Good effort Tom! I hope The Nightwatchman continues with productions like this.

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Abigail Washburn & the Sparrow Quartet

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Folk
by: Abigail Washburn

May 20, 2008
My daughter spent some time working on a boat on the Yangzte River just before SARS broke out. She loved the people and the area and I thought this would be another way to relive the experience for her. She was very pleased with her totally unexpected birthday gift. I read a positive review of this new music in Newsweek which prompted me to listen to the songs on YouTube first.

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Just Us Kids

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Folk
by: James McMurtry

April 15, 2008
Too Long in the Wasteland, indeed. James McMurtry's scathing collection of character sketches blisters as an indictment of the last eight years, commenting on greed ("God Bless America"), the downtrodden and left behind ("Fireline Road) and the chimp in chief himself ("Cheney's Toy'). It's likely the most political album you'll hear this year outside of punk rock (New Wave, The Bright Lights of America), and digs deeply into McMurtry's Lou Reed by way of Texas singing style.

As usually for McMurtry, the lyrics are hyper-literate. Take this example from the down-on-his-luck man waiting out the storm in "Hurricane Party":

Now there's water up past the wheel wells of my
Ford and I don't guess that it'll run.
But I ... Read More:

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Modern Times

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Folk
by: Bob Dylan

August 29, 2006
I love this CD and listen to it often. The arrangements are wonderful. The voice may be grating to some, so check out the CD before you buy it. If you can get past the voice, you may love it too. Beyond the Horizon is one of my favorites.

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Imagine

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Folk
by: Eva Cassidy

August 20, 2002
I will always remember and thank my beloved brother, Thomas John Greene, who introduced me to Eva Cassidy some years ago. This is a beautiful album of her music (they all are). How can I not think of you, Tom, as I listen to Imagine... God bless your sweet soul (and Eva's too). Miss you. Love, Eileen

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Easy Tiger

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Folk
by: Ryan Adams

June 26, 2007
The title of this review probably sounds like I don't like Ryan Adams -- actually I do. I love albumns like "Gold" and "Cold Roses," songs like Dear John, Come Pick Me Up, etc. But I was always very aware that he was often (hopefully consciously) sounding eriely like the Dead, Graham Parsons, or even Van Morrison (Answering Bell on Gold). The nice thing about Easy Tiger is it seems like Ryan Adams has dropped the mimic routine and is making his own sound. Influences are still there -- Tears of Gold clearly echos Graham Parson's style country -- but they no longer dominate. So if you love the Dead, definitely buy Gold instead of this album. If you love Parsons/Flying Buritto Brothers get a number of earlier tracks. This is something more unique.

As ... Read More:

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Shine Through It

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Folk
by: Terrence Howard

September 02, 2008
I've always known that Terrence could play piano and guitar, but had no idea that he "sang" too. I actually bought the CD on the premise of it being an instrumental/jazz fare. Hearing him sing was weird to me, it was very unexpected. I agree with most of the posters that his vocal stylings aren't that great, but they aren't THAT bad either. Like someone else said "Practice makes perfect". I think he just needs to find his niche if he is going to continue to sing. Instrumentally-speaking, the CD is good. I like the Bossa Nova, and big band sounds on this, and "Spanish Love Affair" really showcases his guitar-playing. I do, however, love "War". Somehow, his way of singing and the music, meshed very well together on that cut. So all was not lost.

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Coco [Deluxe Edition]

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Folk
by: Colbie Caillat

November 11, 2008
...but I have to admit to some mixed feelings. Don't get me wrong; it's a great album, and one that makes us feel good...some singers uplift, some depress, and some merely inspire respect...any of those can get five stars, but I prefer to be happy, and Colbie can always supply that. She makes us feel good even when she has to touch feel bad subjects like "Midnight Bottle". What's more, she not only has a sexy voice, but you can actually understand the lyrics...You Go, Girl!!

As to specifics...the first 12 cuts need no comment...we've heard them for the past year...they've built Colbie's fan following, and they're great. The final 8 tracks give us some welcome new material, and, though she didn't write it all herself, it has a bit more of a personal touch, ... Read More:

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Little Voice

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Folk
by: Sara Bareilles

July 03, 2007
With its incessant piano hook and heart-felt lyrics, "Love Song" caught my attention immediately as one of the most impressive debut singles I've heard on pop radio. So is it true with the rest of "Little Voice" which demonstrates that Sara Bareilles has an incredibly bright future ahead as a compelling chanteuse of original piano-based pop rock music (I'd like to think of her as someone with the melodic richness of a Sarah McLaughlin coupled with the sarcastic, hip lyrics and excellent musical chord writing of a Randy Newman.). Her stylistic influences range all over the map, from the fusion jazz of "Vegas" to the soft rock pop of "Love Song". Lyrically and musically, her most impressive songs include the short, but quite delightful, "Fairytale" and the memorable ballad ... Read More:

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The Works

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Folk
by: Jonatha Brooke

August 26, 2008
Jonatha Brooke works with Woody Guthrie lyrics. The range of the disc goes all over the place. Different is good, in this case. Jonatha Brooke has the right touch and the rhythm section of Joe Sample, Christian McBride, and Steve Gadd is perfect. The duet contributions are also memorable. 'Likely a good pick for music fans and Jonatha Brooke fans - one of those you appreciate more over time.