Dreamosaurus

Dinorock | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 13, 1998)
• Original Release Date: October 27, 1998
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Rounder Select
• ASIN: B00000C2O7
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #273,771 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Ostensibly a way too tightly niched project for nightmare-suffering dinosaur lovers, Dinorock's Dreamosaurus is actually a ton of fun for anybody who's ever pondered the prehistoric bumblers or, for that matter, anyone who dreams. At the outset, we're introduced to everykid Nelson, whose parents are contemplating the consequences of reading their scary-dream-susceptible son a hair-raising tale about the humungous lizardlike creatures he spends his every waking hour obsessing over. At Nelson's insistence, they proceed--but not before his mom helpfully reminds him that he can control the outcome of nightmares. Once the lights are out, listeners whirl around a windmill-like profusion of Nelson's dreams. First our slumbering subject stumbles into the dreamweavers, a reassuring band of well-wishers along to remind Nelson that he can conquer his fears. And then the artfully disguised archaeology lesson begins: We meet Doris the stegosaurus, who's "not even 2 but knows what to do" by relying on stegosaurus instincts; Tina Titanosaurus, an Argentinean longneck who dances a mean tango even though she has "two left feet and two right feet, too"; and a sometimes fierce, sometimes friendly selection of other swaggering sauruses (with the exception of Shy Kyle the ankylosaurus, who's more likely to squirm than swagger). Each cut's clever lyrics linger long enough to warrant Schoolhouse Rock comparisons, and Darryl Duff's deep-voiced delivery in the a cappella-styled "Alan Apatasaurus Lament" will live on long after this album has become extinct in the minds of its young listeners. That's not to say this album won't have Stone Age-like staying power in most collections, though; its spot-on production and skilled musicians seal the deal on its sticking around for more than a few spins. --Tammy La Gorce

From Parents' Choice®

Good news for pint-sized dinomaniacs: Dynorock's latest edutainment is another wonderfully creative treat chock-full of real information about dinosaurus galore. This time, the creative trio - Michele Valeri, Mike Stein and Ingrid Crepeau - begins its well-researched, smart and tuneful songs with the "Dream Weavers" who "slide through the window on moonbeams," and weave the threads of a child's sleepy dinosaur thoughts into a dream.

No nightmare images here: A comfort zone is established from the start with "Dinosaur Babies" ("They had baby toes. They had baby feet. They cried like babies for something to eat"). "Doris the Stegosaurus" is a toddler, helping put over the concept of instinctive behavior. "The Alan Apatosaurus Lament" tells how some mixed up bones were mislabeled ("They called me a brontosaurus, and it got so confusin', 'cause the name they were usin' was wrong...").

In "Shy Kyle the Ankylosaurus," a bashful dino tyke is proud of this protective, spiky dad and in "Moms to the Rescue," the dreamer imagines that even dinosaur babies might have needed comforting at times.

Story and songs are smoothly interwoven and instrumentals are first-rate, with a variety of pros, Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer among them.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Can't believe this one didn't win the Grammy, March 5, 2000

By 

Laura Bligh - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dreamosaurus (Audio CD)

I have to wonder if the Grammy voters actually have kids, or if they merely vote for Name Brand as reflex. What a shame, when there's so much more creativity around than strictly Sesame Street. This album is a case in point. Not only is it stylish, catchy, well-performed and well-written musically, it is also uniquely educational. We were fortunate enough to have been able to attend some live performances by this talented group, but I know many families who haven't and whose kids still adore this album. The theme is dinosaurs, of course, but there's a sensitively-handled subtext about handling fears and nightmares. I can't recommend this one too highly, we're giving it as gifts all the time, along with Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer's "Changing Channels" (which was also nominated for a Grammy and lost out to Sesame Street).

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Andrew Lloyd Webber for kids!, February 23, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Dreamosaurus (Audio CD)

Okay, so I don't have kids. But this record has some great tunes that are fun to listen to (and sing along with).

It reminds me of "Starlight Express", with its introduction of different characters, each singing his or her own distinctive and individual song. There's an actual plot, which sweeps you along with it. And the singing is great.

I think kids (and other adults) will love this record. By the way, did you know that it was nominated for (and may have won) a Grammy? It's definitely worth the price.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great children's entertainment with quality musicians, January 16, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Dreamosaurus (Audio CD)

This whole series is fantastic! They are done by real musicians with talent and excitement. It's fun for the kids and not annoying for parents. Some children's music is so out of tune and poorly done. Also, a lot of things for children include lots of potty humor or focus on characters who are rude or mean. These CDs do not include such traits and they are educational. They are really great quality entertainment for your children. You will be very pleased with them.