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By Debbie & Evan Gardner, Mom/Prime Times Editor & First Grader Walt Disney Music has released an armful of new CDs over the past few weeks, and Evan and I have been trying to fit in reviews around homework and soccer practices. Here's what we've been able to listen to so far: The 2-Disc Special Edition soundtrack of "The Little Mermaid." Timed to coincide with the 10-year re-release of the movie, this CD, has had me humming then Academy Award-winning original song, "Under the Sea" for days. Featuring Alan Menken's Academy Award-winning musical score to the film, as well as all the songs we remembered, this was a fun CD to listen to as we did homework. The second disc features covers of four of the movies popular songs by: Ashley Tisdal (of "High School Musical" fame), Jonas Brothers (these first two are very kicked-up, and also include music video cuts that run in PCs), Jessica Simpson and Raven-Symone. Retail price is $18.98. Disney has also released a Karoke Series version of The Little Mermaid CD, featuring five of the most popular songs - both instrumental and sing-along versions, as well as three cuts from other Disney "Princesses" (if you watch Toon Disney, you'll understand). This is a great CD for your little American Idol wannabe like my guy. Priced at about $9.98 We loved Welcome to Ralph's World, The 15-song CD-plus-DVD release featuring the newest edition to Playhouse Disney's stable of between-show music stars. It's hard to describe the music by Grammy Award-nominated children's artist Ralph Covert let's just say we were dancing to the great rhythms and singing along with his lyrics instead of doing our homework the day I spun this CD. Our fave songs and videos were "Surfin' My Imagination" and "Puppy Dog." If you're looking for music both you and your preschool-to-first grader will both think is cool, Evan and I suggest you add this CD to your collection. Retail price $12.98, Other Disney Releases Here are just a few of the other CDs that have crossed my desk: "Baby Einstein ˇPlaydate Fun" this is the latest release from this popular collection of infant-to-toddler music and videos (Evan and I loved them when he was very young), this time featuring classic upbeat scoring and vocals of 21favorite children's tunes such as "Itsy Bitsy Spider," "B-I-N-G-O" and "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star." I loved the soothing dulcet tones. Retail price: $6.98. "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" This CD showcases songs from the CGI-animated remake of the old Mickey Mouse Clubhouse concept, which now appears in a morning weekday timeslot on Playhouse Disney. The majority of the 18 tunes are classic, the arrangements upbeat, and if you've got a toddler or preschooler at home, they'll love it. Retail price: $9.98. "Hannah Montana" CD plus Concert DVD. There are no tween girls in my immediate family, but if there were, I'm sure this CD, inspired by the number-one Disney Channel series about a 14-year-old girl who has a secret identity as a famous teen pop sensation would be a hit. Featuring the series theme song, "The Best of Both Worlds" plus twelve other cuts, and five music videos. Retail price: $18.98. "The Nightmare Before Christmas" two-disc Special Edition Soundtrack. This release which hit the stores the week before Halloween celebrates the 13th anniversary of the Tim Burton cult classic animated film by the same name in which the residents of Halloweentown try to "make Christmas." The first disc features the original songs by famed Hollywood film composer Danny Elfman; the second includes covers of "This Is Halloween" by Marilyn Manson and and "Panic! At the Disco" (I'll be looping these to play in the background while I give out candy!) "Sally's Song" by Fiona Apple, "What's This" by Fall Out Boy and "Kidnap the Sandy Claws" by She Wants Revenge. I loved disc two. Retail $18.98 All Disney CDs are available wherever music is sold or online at Disney.Records.com. |
