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The Man Comes Around [Bonus Tracks]

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Adult Contemporary
by: Johnny Cash

April 14, 2003
If the Grim Reaper traded in his scythe and recorded an album of melancholic country guitar music this, one imagines, is what it would sound like. Johnny Cash's rich Fire N' Brimstone tones haven't diminished one bit despite his advancing years, but listen carefully and we now find it tinged with something soft and imperceptibly fragile. Something almost like regret (or relief) of a life lived through.

Cash is one of those rare artists that can take a song, any song, and turn it utterly on its head, allowing the dark stuff of life to ooze out and re-contextualize it in ways you'd never even considered. Just listen to his version of We'll Meet Again. It belongs right at the end of Dr Strangelove when all the nukes are going off ... Read More:

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Dig Out Your Soul: +DVD

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Adult Contemporary
by: Oasis

October 06, 2008
After the undoubted return to form that was Don't Believe The Truth, Oasis have taken a step backwards here. What made DBTT such a good record was that Noel had rediscovered his ability to make catchy pop songs and was rewarded with a couple of number one hits. The problem here is that, quite simply, there aren't any good tunes. Whereas Oasis are often criticised for being too derivative - and with good reason in some instances: Shakermaker/Coca-Cola song - here they are actually resorting to ripping off their own back catalogue. Shock Of The Lightning sounds like Rock 'N' Roll Star; I'm Outta Time is just Little James with better lyrics (and a frankly awful video). The terrible, whining singing on Get Off Your High Horse is awkward to listen to. ... Read More:

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Me and Armini

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Adult Contemporary
by: Emiliana Torrini

September 08, 2008
Emiliana hang your head in shame. I loved 'Love in the time..' for it's lovely ambient beats together with that beautiful voice. Wasn't expecting the folky turn of 'Fisherman's' but still great (especially live).

This latest offering is an example of someone with absolutely no idea as to what direction to take musically. I have no problem with taking different directions, but probably best not to take them all at the same time. This is a complete mess and a waste of - did I say already? a beautiful voice.

D- must try much much harder.

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The Phantom of the Opera

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Adult Contemporary
by: Original London Cast Andrew Lloyd Webber

October 30, 2000
I own the film soundtrack and this original cast recording version. I've seen the show 4 times now and this CD brings back the memories; the Overture does give you goose bumps and from this recording you get the flavour of the theatre experience.

When sung well, as they are in this case, 'Music of the Night' and 'All I Ask of You' are very moving. Sarah Brightman is the star of the original show as her voice is truly moving. I've always been skeptical about Michael Crawford, although his signing is excellent, I don't think brings the true gravitas of the character of the Phantom all that well.
I do like his interpretation of 'Music of the Night' though.

I've always preferred a Phantom that doesn't have too much of a 'Choir-Boy' type voice; Crawford ... Read More:

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Rubber Soul

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Adult Contemporary
by: The Beatles

November 01, 1998
I wont comment on the performances as these have been covered thousands of times since the album was released. But I will say that I think that this is a very poorly mixed album, with all of the vocals on the right, the instruments on the left and nothing at all in the middle. Surely the technology at the time allowed better placement than this.
No wonder Phil Spector made his famous "back to mono" rant.

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Elv1s: 30 #1 Hits

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Adult Contemporary
by: Elvis Presley

September 23, 2002
with such a mass of material to choose from,it is difficult for any record label to put together a 'good' collection that shows the entire range of Elvis' great songs but this goes a long way toward it. Well worth the place on the shelf.

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The '59 Sound

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Adult Contemporary
by: Gaslight Anthem

August 18, 2008
There are a few outstanding tracks on this album. The rest of the songs are of a good standard, making this an altogether very listenable album. There is really nothing bad to say. I would recomend that you buy it. But that's it. There is nothing groundbreaking or any real sparks of genius here. It's just good time roll n rock. The story telling is good, with extra cheesy lyrics chucked in for good measure. I imagine this disc will stand the test of time, that's always a good thing.

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Greatest Hits: My Prerogative

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Adult Contemporary
by: Britney Spears

November 08, 2004
This sure is an amazing album. It`s got all her hits on so even more amazingly amazing! Not sure what planet the previous reviewer was on when reviewing this though...just thought I`d add my piece!

P.S. I suppose you don`t have to re-design the case for this CD as it`s a plastic one! Duffy...

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I Know That Name

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Adult Contemporary
by: Paul Carrack

November 03, 2008
I Know That Name finds Paul Carrack finally getting back to writing and recording, largely his own material. The previous 3 albums being last year's 'Old, New Borrowed and Blue' compilation, 'The Story So Far' (2006 Greatest Hits) and 2005's Winter Wonderland (Christmas songs). The last album of new Carrack songs was 2003's 'It Ain't Over', so it's well overdue and I'm pleased to say it's been well worth the wait... For me, this is his best album since 'Satisfy My Soul' (2000).

I mentioned that this is 'largely' his own material; the only exception being the first track 'Ain't No Love...' the Bobby Bland track (also covered by Whitesnake) and Paul's most successful UK single in a long, long time. There are 3 tracks co-written with his old Squeeze pal, Chris Difford - 'Stay Awake', 'Love Is Thicker ... Read More:

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Awake

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Adult Contemporary
by: Josh Groban

January 29, 2007
[[ASINB000LXISE6 Awake]]. I fell in love with Josh Grobans voice when I first heard him in Ally McBeal, years ago. His haunting voice made me stop in my tracks and I never forgot his voice. Years later he has just got better. This album is a lovely mix of classical and modern songs, and is best listened to at full volume so that you can sing along! This is the first album of his that I have bought, but guess whats on my xmas list!