Swap a CD: 15 Recently Posted CDs

Absolute Favorite Christmas for Kids - Various Artists

Various Artists — 2009-11-22T14:02:14-05:00

Absolute Favorite Christmas for Kids follows Absolute Modern Worship for Kids, which was a huge seller for Fervent in early 2005. (Fervent's Absolute line presents worship songs and hits from the label's artist roster, groups like BarlowGirl and By the Tree.) Kids are the vocalists on Absolute Favorite, where the music ranges from vaguely latin acoustic arrangement for "Feliz Navidad" to the twinkling electronics and drum machines of "Joy to the World." (With its synthesized pep, the latter has the distinct feel of European dance-pop.) Absolute Favorite includes versions of "Silent Night," "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," and "Little Drummer Boy" in addition to contemporary christian worship hits. ~ Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide

Action Bible Songs - Twin Sisters

Twin Sisters — 2009-11-22T14:02:14-05:00

One More Time - Bill Harley

Bill Harley — 2009-11-22T12:22:10-05:00

Kids TV Themes - Various Artists

Various Artists — 2009-11-22T00:34:27-05:00

In Harmony - Sesame Street

Sesame Street — 2009-11-21T16:45:29-05:00

A charming record that is sure to strike an amiable chord among children's audiences and all ages. Sesame Street released "In Harmony" as an effort to bring together an all-star cast of talented musicians known for their commercial appeal during the late '70s. The album opens up with a beautifully spun and delightfully crafted poem/song, "Wynken, Blynken and Nod," words by Eugene Field with melody by Lucy Simon. Sailing off to a sea of dew one starry night are the fisherman three, fishing for the herrin' fish, "nets of silver and gold have we," sing the Doobie Brothers. Catchy and sincerely ethereal, the tune is worth a listen time and time again. Cornelius Bumpus adds extra sugar to the tune with radiant flute and saxophone leads. Singer/songwriting sensation James Taylor puts a charge into the chorus of a "Jelly Man Kelly," a man who makes a feast of anything jelly. Taylor also adds dazzling guitar work to Carly Simon's pleasant vocals in "Be With Me." Star soloist Bette Midler combines her talents with Bruce Roberts and Carole Bayer Sager to create the sassy "Blueberry Pie." Sesame Street creators Frank Oz and Jim Henson touch on the issue of sharing with Ernie and Cookie Monster. Songs by Al Jarreau, Linda Ronstadt, and Libby Titus are also featured, with an entire plethora of singers and crafty backing musicians. This record is pure project-oriented in the highest sense of the word. A symbol of craftiness and musical charm, the musicians and featured singers seemed to not shy away from bringing out their innermost talents to grant young listeners a treat. The families of James Taylor and Carly Simon graciously put much effort into "In Harmony," and the whole cast finishes the record with simplicity and exuberance in the tune "In Harmony." Blending a rich tapestry of lushly recorded, beautifully textured vocals, the singers continue to sing "In Harmony" over and over until the record fades out. Perhaps this was a record created and intended for kids, but it also touches on subject matters of greater depth that parents can certainly relate to, such as peace, hope, love, sharing, and harmony. ~ Shawn M. Haney, All Music Guide

Escape of the Slinkys - Nancy Tucker

Nancy Tucker — 2009-11-21T13:17:18-05:00

The Cat in the Hat SongbookIf I Ran the ZooDr Seuss Sleepbook - Dr. Seuss

Dr. Seuss — 2009-11-21T11:38:02-05:00

The long-winded title of The Cat in the Hat Songbook/If I Ran the Zoo/Dr. Seuss Sleepbook is meant to explain that this reissue of Dr. Seuss' 1967 album The Cat in the Hat Songbook is sandwiched between two bonus tracks: spoken word adaptations of the books -If I Ran the Zoo and -Dr. Seuss' Sleepbook. The latter two cuts consist of Marvin Miller delivering Seuss' rhymes over a bed of music composed by conductor/arranger Marty Gold. The Cat in the Hat Songbook, on the other hand, features actual songs that Seuss wrote with Eugene Poddany, a veteran composer of cartoon music. The lyrics are far more offbeat than the music, which consists of a mixed chorus À la the Ray Conniff Singers with spare piano and organ backing. The whimsical songs wordlessly mimic the sound of rain ("Rainy Day in Utica, N.Y.") and the sound of drums ("Drummers Drumming"), and tell lightly humorous tales filled with Seuss' characteristic made-up words. In addition to providing entertainment for children, The Cat in the Hat Songbook has made a contribution to the folk canon in that a number of artists, including Bill Clifton and Rosalie Sorrells, have recorded "My Uncle Terwilliger Waltzes with Bears" under the expurgated title "Waltzing with Bears." ~ Greg Adams, All Music Guide

Mission Impossible 2 Soundtrack - Original Soundtrack

Original Soundtrack — 2009-11-20T20:16:28-05:00

Music From and Inspired By M:I-2 collects industrial, metal, and rap-rock from acts like the Pimps, Apartment 26, Diffuser, Tinfed, and Uncle Kracker. While much of the music on this soundtrack didn't actually turn up in the movie, the set's predictably in-your-face sound is the audio equivalent of the movie's over-the-top action. The album kicks off with "Take a Look Around," Limp Bizkit's rap-metal remake of the "Mission: Impossible Theme" and Metallica's slow-burning "I Disappear." Much of the collection remains mired in a brooding, hostile vibe, though Rob Zombie's "Scum of the Earth," the Butthole Surfers' "They Came In," Chris Cornell's "Mission 2000," and Buckcherry's "Alone" manage plenty of aggression without sounding monotonous. Softer, quieter moments such as Diffuser's "Karma," Tinfed's "Immune," and Tori Amos' "Carnival" arrive near the end of the album, and the flamenco-rock of score composer Hans Zimmer and guitarist Heitor Pereira's "Nyah" closes the set in a last-minute reminder to buy the score in case you want to hear more the music that actually appeared in the film. ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide

Disney Girlz Rock - Disney

Disney — 2009-11-20T15:40:04-05:00

Collecting songs by Disney's stable of young female singer/actresses -- including teen queens Hilary Duff and Lindsay Lohan -- Disney Girlz Rock gathers the highlights from Disney movie soundtracks ranging from Freaky Friday to Ice Princess. There's not really much "rock" on the album; Lohan's "Ultimate" from Freaky Friday and "Drama Queen (That Girl)" from Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen -- both of which conjure visions of Avril Lavigne fronting Josie & the Pussycats -- are as about as close as the collection gets to rocking out, along with Caleigh Peters' slightly edgier "Reach." However, Aly & A.J.'s "Rush," Rayven-SymonÉ's "This Is My Time," and the A-Teens' "Can't Help Falling in Love" show that there is life in teen pop beyond Britney, Jessica, and Mandy. "Reflection," the song from Mulan that launched Christina Aguilera's career, is another of Disney Girlz Rock's highlights. Though the collection is a little samey, it has enough fun and attitude to become a fitting slumber party soundtrack. ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide

Kidz Bop Vol 8 - Kidz Bop Kids

Kidz Bop Kids — 2009-11-20T11:55:24-05:00

All New Sunday School Songs - Songtime Kids

Songtime Kids — 2009-11-20T00:38:26-05:00

VeggieTales A Very Veggie Easter - VeggieTales

VeggieTales — 2009-11-20T00:38:26-05:00

VeggieTales Veggie Tunes Vol 2 - VeggieTales

VeggieTales — 2009-11-20T00:38:26-05:00

Wonderfully fun follow-up to the first collection of songs from the popular religious-themed children's videos. This 20-track album includes the snarky and howlingly funny "Dance of the Cucumber," set to an Andean tune and during which the unfortunate translator converting the Spanish to English comes to realize the song's performer is insulting the narrator. A terrific lesson in respect for others set to a culturally rich tune. Clearly the composer behind the music, Kurt Heinecke is indeed an intelligent fellow. Another recommended album for the children's musical library. ~ Dacia A. Blodgett-Williams, All Music Guide

VeggieTales Veggie Tunes Vol 4 - VeggieTales

VeggieTales — 2009-11-20T00:38:26-05:00

Silly Time Classics - Various Artists

Various Artists — 2009-11-19T22:47:51-05:00