Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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5.0 out of 5 stars
A very modern children's album, May 13, 2009
British pop and rock stars, always conscious of their image, rare record Christmas songs and it is almost (but not quite) unheard-of for them to record children's music. Paul McCartney had a British top three hit with We all stand together, a song from an animated children's film, but it definitely damaged his reputation in some quarters. Remembering that, the idea of any British pop and rock stars recording an entire album of children's music seemed such a ludicrous idea that it never occurred to me that it could ever happen. Still, it's amazing what those same pop and rock stars will do for charity.
This album of children's music was recorded for a very good cause - the Save the Children Fund's special project (Rewrite the future) to provide much-needed education for children in countries affected by conflict such as Sudan, Angola, Uganda, Afghanistan and Nepal. I can think of plenty of other countries that could be added to that list, but those are the one named in the booklet that comes with the CD. (Cynics might say that the arguments over Iraq mean that Britain and America are countries affected by conflict but I somehow don't think we count.)
I have to confess my ignorance when it comes to the music that these artists normally record but from the overall sound, I suspect that the music here reflects their normal styles except that the lyrics were written for children. If you're familiar with the normal music of the featured artists, your choice of favorite tracks may be influenced to some extent by who your favorite artists are. Being completely ignorant of such music, I'll nominate my favorites as The monkeys are breaking out the zoo (Belle and Sebastian), Mud (Ivor Cutler trio), The big ol' bug is the new baby now (Flaming Lips) and I am an astronaut (Snow Patrol).
This was a very brave effort that deserved to sell in huge quantities but I don't think it did. Despite the cause, it was just too way off the mainstream for most people. I've always been a very curious person, forever on the lookout for something different. As children's music goes, this is certainly different.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic. You'll be a hero to your kids and the other parents you know., June 19, 2007
It's unbelievable this collection is only in import! The whole disc is a real pleasure to listen to and some songs (Snow Patrol's "I am an Astronaut" and Belle and Sebastian's "Monkeys Are Breaking out the Zoo") are instant kid-friendly classics. You may not know all of the artists but it makes for a very well rounded collection for all age groups to enjoy.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
For parents who are tired of Raffie, March 21, 2007
Your kids want to hear "Sharon, Lois and Bram" AGAIN, and you want to put on "Pulp"...the compromise is "Colours are Brighter". The whole family gets to rock it out in the living room to the likes of "The Flaming Lips" and "Franz Ferdinand". Our favouite tune is one by "The Barcelona Pavilion", a catchy little ditty called "Tidy Up Tidy Up (put it away!)" that makes even the most onerous task of putting toys back in the toy box, or making the bed, a real hoot. Highly recommended by our little tribe, and even if you haven't got one yet, you will still love some of these rare little gems done by some of today's best bands.
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