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Based on a True Story

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > General
by: Fat Freddy's Drop

October 27, 2008
After hearing about this group through friends I had to check them out - a few expensive downloads later I had tickets to their concert and I haven't looked back since. This is a fantastic album from track one right through to the end.

Smooth lyrics, matched to even smoother basslines, piercing horn sections and samples adding that extra something. If you get the chance see them live, if you don't get this album. And if you like it, even just a little bit, explore some of the other brilliant music coming out of New Zealand.

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Dancehall - the Rise of Jamaican Dancehall Culture: Soul Jazz Presents

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > General
by: Various Artists

November 10, 2008
After hearing about this group through friends I had to check them out - a few expensive downloads later I had tickets to their concert and I haven't looked back since. This is a fantastic album from track one right through to the end.

Smooth lyrics, matched to even smoother basslines, piercing horn sections and samples adding that extra something. If you get the chance see them live, if you don't get this album. And if you like it, even just a little bit, explore some of the other brilliant music coming out of New Zealand.

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The Specials

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > General
by: Specials

March 25, 2002
This is my favourite of the 2 Specials albums. 'More Specials' is quirkier, but this is equally fun and more up-tempo. I love to leap around to this record at every oportunity, (much to the annoyance of my neighbours). I could wiffle on about all of the profound lyrics and such and Terry Hall's deadpan style, but once you buy this record then you will find out for yourself. Suffice to say that this record is well worth getting for your collection. If you like that 2 tone sound, then it really doesn't get any better than this. And at this price it is a steal!!!!

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The Best Of UB40, Volumes 1 & 2 [2CD]

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > General
by: UB40

November 14, 2005
this was a big favourite of mine, growing up in the 80's and early 90's. this album is by far the best reggae collection of ub40's. i also bought the ub40 dvd which has a few others which do not feature on the collection. if you want relaxing, soul trippin music this summer, then i suggest this album. totally superb.

this is a must for anyone who not only likes ub40 but enjoyed the 80's and its music.

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Best of Ska

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > General
by: Various Artists

October 22, 2001
This is a top ska collection, it contains plenty of classics including a few from the godfathers of SKA music, The Specials. Defenite stand out tracks are Rat Race, Rudy, a message to you and Ghosttown.
Its cheap and you get over 50 tracks to chose from, there has to be some you like in that lot!

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Man Like I

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > General
by: Natty

August 04, 2008
Of course, I first heard Natty doing an acoustic of "Bedroom Eyes" which made me sit up and listen.

There's been far too much self-referential "talky" music recently, where the singer is trying to suggest that they are rather clever and knowing, and just end up looking arrogant.

While some might class "Man Like I" as being in a similar vein, Natty's lyrics are intelligently written and thought provoking. More than that, he's got a voice that you can listen to, rather than terrible mockney accents that have pervaded the music scene this summer.

Buy it, listen to the chilled out sound, then listen again and think about what he's saying.

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20 Massive Hits

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > General
by: Toots and the Maytals

March 13, 2000
I'm not one for writing reviews but seeing as no-one has bothered to write a review for this Toots & The Maytals CD, I thought I may as well be the first.

If your knowledge of reggae goes as far as Bob Marley, and that's it, then you seriously need to broaden your tastes, and as a starter I highly recommend Toots. This CD covers The Maytals career from 1966 to 1974 and all the hits are here - Monkey Man (later covered by The Specials), their brilliant debut single Bam Bam, 54-46 That's My Number and probably their most famous song Pressure Drop (later covered by The Clash).

There's 20 songs on this album and I can honestly say there simply isn't a bad song on here, this album played through from start to finish sounds fantastic.
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Dub Side of the Moon: a Reggae Tribute to Dark Side of the Moon

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > General
by: Easy Star All-Stars

July 26, 2006
This is an astonishing record! On paper the idea of a reggae cover of Dark Side Of The Moon sounds demented - but in practise it's truly fabulous. The All-Stars perform dub alchemy, conjuring roots rock out of prog rock like it was the most natural progression. Great Gig In The Sky had me sobbing at its beauty - honestly.

Any Floyd fans with a passing interest in reggae - or, alternatively, any reggae-ists with a passing interest in Pink Floyd - this is for you. Carefully treading that fine line between homage and parody, the All-Stars present a classic work of art in a new way that shines a white light into the prism of your heart. The result is a mind-bending rainbow.

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Massive Reggae

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > General
by: Various Artists

June 30, 2008
This is an astonishing record! On paper the idea of a reggae cover of Dark Side Of The Moon sounds demented - but in practise it's truly fabulous. The All-Stars perform dub alchemy, conjuring roots rock out of prog rock like it was the most natural progression. Great Gig In The Sky had me sobbing at its beauty - honestly.

Any Floyd fans with a passing interest in reggae - or, alternatively, any reggae-ists with a passing interest in Pink Floyd - this is for you. Carefully treading that fine line between homage and parody, the All-Stars present a classic work of art in a new way that shines a white light into the prism of your heart. The result is a mind-bending rainbow.

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Legend

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > General
by: Bob Marley & The Wailers

February 25, 2002
The title of this album says it all. This is such a great collection of songs I don't know where to start. If you're new to Marley then you can't do better than this album, and if you're already a fan then this a great collection of his stuff in one place. Worth it for 'No woman no cry' alone! Brilliant summer music, or any time of the year it's that good!