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The Muppet Christmas Carol

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Soundtracks
by: Original Soundtrack

September 04, 2006
Possibly the best album of all time. Kermit has an especially fantastic voice, a cross between an early Cat Stevens and David Gray in his latest album, Life in Slow Motion. However, I think his rendition of One More Night till Christmas perhaps eclipses both these two great artists. I had heard rumours of a contract with Sony BMG and a solo career, but have no idea why it hasn't materialised. The song Love Is Gone is also an absolute classic, and brings tears to my eyes, especially the second version Track 18, which is perhaps the stand-out song of the entire album (which is saying a lot). Michael Caine also impressed me, and although not perhaps with quite the same talent as Kermit, or even Tiny Tim (whom reminds me of a young Aled Jones, and ... Read More:

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Oliver!: Original Film Soundtrack [SOUNDTRACK]

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Soundtracks
by: Original Soundtrack

April 14, 2008
Okay, this is a bit churlish, because it deserves a 5, but there are huge cuts from Oom Pah Pah, I think 2 verses missing - for political correctness? Not for space/length reasons as there are 200 dance choruses of Who Will Buy and Consider Yourself. I like the Shani Wallis songs the best, so to have big chunks taken out of one of her best songs is a real spoiler.

Elsewhere, the mixing is a little off. When you listen to Fine Life, it's like one giant unknown cockney is standing 2 inches away from your ear bellowing 'FINE LIFE!' during the choruses.

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Buena Vista Social Club

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Soundtracks
by: Buena Vista Social Club, Ry Cooder

June 09, 1997
When the lights came up in the cinema where we saw Wim Wenders' movie of the same name, we saw grown adults weeping. This is more than a band, it is a musical phenomenon. Such a synergy is rare in this day and age, and the vibe on this album is just fantastic.

Buy it and weep, because you have missed your chance to ever see or hear Ruben Gonzales, Compay Segundo or Ibrahim Ferrer playing live with the band again, but the remaining members still tour and the band is organic, progressing through the years with younger, equally talented musicians, so if you see a gig advertised and can get to it, don't miss it! This album has changed many lives...

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The Jersey Boys Original Broadway Cast Recording

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Soundtracks
by: Various Artists

May 21, 2007
I saw the show in October, The Four Seasons were way behind my time but the show and this recording are what will bring the band's great music back and to younger generations. The soundtrack is one of the best cast recordings I have ever heard, I play my favourite songs from it everyday and dance around like a loon!

It has an amazing feel good factor to it, they sound a lot like The Four Seasons but there's a freshness about the music too which coming from a younger generation appeals to me more than the original recordings of Franki Valli and The Four Seasons.

Go and see the show, it's having amazing runs everywhere and I've just heard it's come to London, I'll be booking my ticket to see it there next time I go!
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Another Side

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Soundtracks
by: John Barrowman

November 12, 2007
This is among the best CDs I have ever bought! I've been listening to it for 2 months straight, and I'm still not sick of it! Listening to John's voice as he sings these songs makes me laugh, makes me cry, and occasionally makes me cry out his name in pleasure. There's a great selection of songs, and they are just sung so beautifully! Love it!

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Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show - First Series

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Soundtracks
by: Count Arthur Strong

June 26, 2006
'The count' really seems to divide people into love or loathe camps, so you really shouldn't buy this unless you've heard him and fall into the former category. It's hard to pin down exactly why he is so funny, and like 'League of Gentlemen' or 'I'm sorry I haven't a clue', you'll either 'get it' or you won't. Personally, he makes me laugh like a slithering giberate, blithering sibarate, erm, simpering celebate, oh for pitty's sake, you know what I mean!!!

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Swing When You're Winning

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Soundtracks
by: Robbie Williams

November 19, 2001
Robbie was the star of Take That and this album shows why. It is a combination of Frank Sinatra and Elvis.
And the likeness is not restricted to singing. Sinatra and Presley also made movies as well as great music and now Robbie is following in their footsteps.
I cant wait to see him as East End gangster Harry Harris in the movie version of the Garry Jackson novel Till Death Us Do Part.

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August Rush

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Soundtracks
by: Original Soundtrack

February 18, 2008
As has already been said - notably by reviewer 'Flowers in the window', this CD will only hang together if you've seen and want a reminder of the film. The first 3 tracks exemplify this:
(1) quasi-classical music overlaid with a narration.
(2) classical orchestral piece that morphs into a rock song.
(3) a strangely ethereal version of 'Moondance' which sounds if it's being heard from a long way away. (Which, in the film, it is).

If none of that makes any sense, then you haven't seen the film and the CD is unlikely to make much sense. But if you have seen the movie, then you'll realise that this soundtrack IS what you heard during the film. It isn't (as is so often the case) a jumble of extracts.

However, one key track ... Read More:

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West Side Story

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Soundtracks
by: Original Soundtrack

December 22, 1997
I have known this album since i was 4 years old. Had In on vinyl for a long time. Got all the pretend versions (kiritikanawa or what ever you call her, and all the others) This is the best. So to all the knockers. YOU HAV'NT GOT A CLUE. Or get a decent Hi Fi system. I thank you. Good delivery service from Amazon as usual.

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Under Milk Wood (BBC Radio Collection)

Childrens Toy Shop > Music > Soundtracks
by: Dylan Thomas

October 01, 1999
This is the best of Thomas. His affinity with the Welsh, his love of language, particularly their language, his melancholy and his air of delightfully mischievous humour just permeate this work through and through.
This was originally written to be heard, as a play for voices, i.e. radio. Reading it, however wonderful, and it is, is never going to replace the joy of listening to it, or seeing it in production. The play brings out the musical quality and the joyous rhythm of the words, and I would recommend using the book as a companion piece to the radio play, which is also available to buy.
I love the wonderful use of alliteration and repetition which makes this work seem so primal and ritualistic. I love the cheekiness of the characters; the blind captain, ... Read More: