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Dreaming Out Loud

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Rock
by: One Republic

March 10, 2008
I know that this band has influences from Coldplay and Keane, but they are much better than those bands in my opinion. I thought Keane's singles from the last album were great, especially Crystal ball, so I think this is more like the new Keane than the old Keane. Although I think OneRepublic is their own individual band and maybe they shouldn't be compared.
When I first heard this band's song re-mixed by Timbaland, I wasn't expecting the band to do any solo songs because I thought it was sort of organised by Timblalnd, but it turns out that Timbaland re-mixed OneRepublic's version of Apologize and made it sound better. There was just something about that song that attracted me to the band. When Stop and stare was first released, it took ... Read More:

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Greatest Hits

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Rock
by: Simon & Garfunkel

December 13, 2004
It would be churlish to criticize "Greatest Hits", as it's the classic compilation, and the best possible 40-odd minute introduction to the duo's work. On the face of it, everything's here. Plus this is an of-the-time release, one you or your parents probably owned way-back-when, and even the cover can bring on pangs of nostalgia. It's still a superb listen and, even if like me you own all the original albums, it's something that is always first to get in the player. Sometimes I don't even stop it before "Cecilia" -- and not just because I'm not quick enough having been lulled into a pleasurable stupor by the "Bookends" coda.

BUT this is what you must know. A number of these songs are NOT the original studio versions, they're live recordings. ... Read More:

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Blues Breakers

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Rock
by: John Mayall, Eric Clapton

December 15, 2000
I was going to mention Clapton's christening of the Les Paul, Marshall setup, but others have beaten me to it. I liken it's impact to what happened to harp playing when Little Walter and other's deciding to blow through the PA or an early guitar amp. They REDEFINED the sound of the instrument.

So all I'll add is the rhetorical question...can you imagine being a teenage Brit, having been reared on the sounds of the Beatles, Jerry and the Pacemakers, or even the Dave Clark Five, wandering into a London club because someone had recommended the Bluesbreakers, and hearing THIS STUFF? Probably as epiphanic as being a white guy in mid 50's Chicago and having the nerve to wander into the Dew Drop Inn and hearing Muddy, Wolf, or later, Otis Rush and ... Read More:

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Echoes (The Best of Pink Floyd)

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Rock
by: Pink Floyd

November 05, 2001
i like this compilation as it contains most of pink floyd's classics. i'm not a big fan of them but my favorite songs are the two 1980s hits learning to fly and sorrow. then comes another brick in the wall, money, wish you were here and shine on you crazy diamond which i like better on the wish you were here album. but for classic rock fans, this is a must have!

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Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Rock
by: Foo Fighters

September 24, 2007
This is a brilliant album, perhaps even the Foo Fighters most complete album so far. I own every Foos album and although I love them all, I feel that there are generally a few filler songs on each album among the gems. However I find it difficult to pick faults in this album. As soon as 'The Pretender' bursts into life you are carried on a monumental journey of rock brilliance. The album flows so beautifully throughout with that raucous opening continued through to the middle of the album when a change of tone occurs and the lighter yet fantastically well thought out anthems of 'home', 'statues' and 'but honestly' give a nice sort of contemplation time at the end of the album after a good 7 or 8 songs of jumpy rock. It is difficult to pick favourite songs on this album ... Read More:

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You've Got A Friend: The Best Of James Taylor

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Rock
by: James Taylor

April 02, 2007
I bought this album on the strength of the song You've Got A Friend, having thought there must be more to his brilliance than just this one song. I wasn't wrong. When I heard this album, there were many songs I already knew...I just did not know, for some reason, that James Taylor was behind them.

Overall, this has been a brilliant re-introduction and introduction to the best of James Taylor's music. It's very easy to listen to and to relax to, despite being moving and having lyrics which make you think.

My personal favourite tracks are: Fire And Rain, You've Got A Friend, Handyman, Shower The People, although most people know Carolina In My Mind and Something In The Way She Moves. There are no bad, weak or unworthy tracks on this compilation, ... Read More:

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Dig Out Your Soul: +DVD

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Rock
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. The cringeworthy, brainwashed, ... Read More:

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Celine Dion - Live In Las Vegas - A New Day [2007]

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Rock
by: Celine Dion

December 10, 2007
After watching this show, not only you loose yourself in celine`s great voice and performance, but you also realise that this BD DVD is wrapped up in an unforgettable presentation of high quality imagery and sound, which really does make the show come alive in your own living room. I recommend this Blu-ray disc to all Celine Dion fans, but also to those who haven`t had the chance of getting to know her work on a closer level.
Go get it now !!

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Me and Armini

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Rock
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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Meddle

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Rock
by: Pink Floyd

August 01, 1994
"Meddle" - the 1971 album - contains the bands signature piece "Echoes" : a massive, definitive space-rock-funk-jam that lasts about 22 minutes, is the perfect accompaniment to the end of "2001", and was undoubtedly the absolute, brain-mashing highlight of 2006's David Gilmour Tour : seeing it performed by the ersatz version of the Floyd - containing 2/3rds of the final touring lineup - on his 2006 tour, assaulted by lasers and smoke in the confines of the Royal Albert Hall was one of the musical highlights of my life. Nonetheless, we're getting off track : "Meddle" is a great record that is the first foreshadowing of the creative heights the band will achieve. A fine record worth buying.