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Hit Man: David Foster And Friends

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Rock
by: David Foster & Friends

November 11, 2008
I had always been a fan of David Foster's music, and it was a fantastic surprise to see many of his most wonderful songs in one DVD, performed by several of today's top artists. You will not be using the "FF" button on your remote control with this DVD. However talented Charice is (and she is indeed very talented), the highlight of this DVD are Andrea Bocelli's performances. The Italian tenor is in a league of his own, his voice and emotion second to none, and in this set, he sings three songs that highlight his immense qualities: "Amapola", "Because we believe", and an incredible version (maybe the best) of "The Prayer". Only complain is that Peter Cetera's songs are all abbreviated versions. Wonderful DVD to play over and over again, and to ... Read More:

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Tell Tale Signs: the Bootleg Series Vol. 8

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Rock
by: Bob Dylan

October 07, 2008
So now we are up to Volume 8 in the long running Bob Dylan "Bootleg" series, first started in 1991. The "Bootleg" series has focused on 1960s and 1970s recordings, but this release ventures in new territory, as it looks back on (broadly defined) the last 20 years of Bob Dylan.

When listening to "The Bootleg Series, Vol. 8. Tell Tale Signs - Rare and Unreleased 1989 - 2006" (2 CDs, 27 tracks, 138 min.), the first thing that immediately strikes your attention is that unreleased and alternate tracks from 1989's "Oh Mercy" and 1997's "Time Out of Mind" cover about half this release (13 tracks, to be precise), and simply confirm how much on the top of his game Dyland was at those times. The crowning moments for me are the 2 alternate ... Read More:

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19

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Rock
by: Adele

June 24, 2008
This is my new favorite CD. And not only mine, but people in my office have highjacked it as well. People who's musical tastes are completely different to mine love this CD. Can't wait for the next one.

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Safe Trip Home

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Rock
by: Dido

November 18, 2008
Dido burst onto the scene in 1999 with her multi million selling debut "No angel", an electro/pop/dance affair led by the hit "Thank you" famously sampled by Eminem on his #1 hit "Stan".

Her sophomore disc "Life for rent" saw her heading in a more Folk-y acoustic direction which I didn't like as in my opinion, it largely lacked tunes and was too gloomy (I actually returned the CD to the store and took Aretha Franklin's new disc instead).

Third CD "Safe trip home" sees her returning still treading in Feist/Emiliana Torrini territory, but with her edginess back, probably thanks to featured guests like ?uestlove (from Rap group The Roots), Mick Fleetwood, and Brian Eno.

Opening the disc is the groovy and catchy "Don't ... Read More:

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Day & Age

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Rock
by: The Killers

November 24, 2008
Dido burst onto the scene in 1999 with her multi million selling debut "No angel", an electro/pop/dance affair led by the hit "Thank you" famously sampled by Eminem on his #1 hit "Stan".

Her sophomore disc "Life for rent" saw her heading in a more Folk-y acoustic direction which I didn't like as in my opinion, it largely lacked tunes and was too gloomy (I actually returned the CD to the store and took Aretha Franklin's new disc instead).

Third CD "Safe trip home" sees her returning still treading in Feist/Emiliana Torrini territory, but with her edginess back, probably thanks to featured guests like ?uestlove (from Rap group The Roots), Mick Fleetwood, and Brian Eno.

Opening the disc is the groovy and catchy "Don't ... Read More:

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A Hundred Million Suns

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > 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 in the ... Read More:

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Death Magnetic

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Rock
by: Metallica

September 12, 2008
I was very sceptical, and have stayed away from buying Death Magnetic based on the last 15 years of Metallica music. Then I heard the album from start to finish this weekend. I went out and picked it up the next morning.

The first 4 albums are excellent, and they were produced by Flemming Rasmussen. Then Bob Rock came in and turned the "good Metallica" switch off. Now Rick Rubin has been brought in and finally, the masterpiece that should have followed "...And Justice For All". Rick Rubin is a genius!

This album is very loud, progressive and fun to listen to. Death Magnetic is the album off the year, and easily makes Metallica the comebackk artist of the year. You won't be dissapointed.

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We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > 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 from a lovely ... Read More:

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Gossip In The Grain

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > 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 > 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)
What ... Read More: