Pop Party 10 - A Review

I ear marked Pop Party 10 for Emma as she had received a CD player for her birthday in Sept last year. We often get a blast of what ever CD she has to hand followed by loud and out of rhythm singing and dance moves that make me fear for the ceiling, and after loving Pop Party 4 so much i knew she would love reviewing this for me.

With all up to date songs, which now the whole house knows off by heart, I knew this would be a massive hit with her.

She also loved the DVD which she roped her sisters into watching with her, they all now know Gangham Style off by heart including the dance!!!

As irritating as pop music often gets on repeat, full blast for 2 hours a day this is a CD crammed with catchy songs and really hits home with kids, every home should have one, even if its only to torture the kids with when they hit 30 lol

Pop Party 10 is here! The incredibly successful brand, now onto its tenth release, is back for Christmas 2012 with massive names and the best tracks of the year.

The album is packed full of chart-topping smashes from the biggest names in pop from Justin Beiber, Cheryl Cole, JLS to Katy Perry to name but a few. As always, the album features a bonus DVD packed full of great music videos which budding pop stars can dance along to. The album also includes lyric cards.

This is a must have stocking filler for Christmas 2012!

Pop Party 9 sold a fantastic 322k in 2011 getting to #1 in the compilations chart.

CD Track List:
Psy -Gangnam Style
Carly Rae Jepsen – Call Me Maybe
Maroon 5 – Payphone
Tulisa – Young
One Direction – What Makes You Beautiful
Justin Beiber – Boyfriend
Cheryl – Call My Name
Ne-Yo – Let Me Love You ( Until You Learn To Love Yourself)
Jessie J – Domino
Will.I.Am Feat. Eva Simons – This Is Love
Fun. Feat. Janelle Monáe – We Are Young
The Wanted – Chasing The Sun
Rihanna – Where Have You Been
Cover Drive – Twilight
Olly Murs – Dance With Me Tonight
Katy Perry – Part Of Me
Stooshe – Black Heart
Conor Maynard – Can’t Say No
Alyssa Reid – Alone Again
Rizzle Kicks – Mama Do The Hump
JLS – Proud
The Saturdays – 30 Days

DVD Music Videos:
Psy – Gangnam Style
Tulisa – We Are Young
One Direction – What Makes You Beautiful
Justin Beiber – Boyfriend
Cheryl – Call My Name
Jessie J – Domino
The Wanted – Chasing The Sun
Cover Drive – Twilight
Olly Murs – Dance With Me Tonight
Stooshe – Black Heart
Alyssa Reid – Alone Again
JLS – Proud
The Saturdays – 30 Days

Behind The Scenes:
Justin Beiber – Boyfriend
The Saturdays – 30 Days

For more information visit http://www.poppartyworld.com

Available to purchase now from http://store.universal-music.co.uk and other music stores. RRP 10.99

He's coming are you ready???

Note down 14th Nov on the calendar, circle it red and brace yourself for the next installment of the man, the legend Justin ' Mr Tumble' Fletcher.

His brand new album, Hands Up!

Available now to pre-order here https://bitly.com/sQpZ46

And you can now follow him on Facebook and Twitter at @_JustinFletcher and facebook is    http://www.facebook.com/pages/Justin-Fletcher/170941312992806

We have been lucky enough to get is early and will be bringing you a full blown review over the coming days, my conissuers need time to gather their thoughts!

What colour is your t shirt Review

Like all little girls my girls love 'shaking their thang' the minute music with a catchy beat comes into ear shot, whether we are at home or out, in the street! And YES they have done that!
So when the lovely people over at Monkey and Bo asked me if i would like them to review a fabulous new collection of children's songs i jumped at the chance, i mean who doesn't love watching mini people hit the dance floor!

So heres a little background on the CD we where sent.

What Colour is your t-shirt?
Music for the under 6's- a collection of 10 original songs for children written and performed by Nick Cope.

The former lead singer of the Oxford band The Candyskins has returned to the music industry and now devotes his time to writing and performing engaging folk-based songs for children.

Nick writes songs about rings that really matter to little ones; jumping in the mud, colours, counting along with monkeys and exploring their surroundings. There's lots of chance for kids to join in!

'What colour is your t-shirt?' is an enjoyable collection of songs the will be loved by both children and their parents.

Now I'm not one for taking the word for all press releases, but this CD does really hit the spot! Its a refreshing take on children's song CD's, believe me we have hundreds and i really didn't feel like my ears would bleed if i sat and listened to it all.
Nick has a lovely voice and the kids really took to it straight away, getting in their and having a good old boogie!
Emma took a particular liking to 'As i lie here in my bed'. She has slight OCD when it comes to brushing her teeth and this really seemed to tickle her.
All the songs where lovely to listen to and the lovely guitar accompaniment was a refreshing change. I would happily recommend this for anyone going on regular car journeys, i can see myself singing along in no time!

Nick now runs popular music and movement sessions weekly for early years in Oxford and he is currently putting together a songbook to accompany the lyrics on his first CD and more. Creating a children's book that is not only a companion to the CD but will also be able to stand alone to read and enjoyed by both parents and children.

He is also putting the finishing touches to his next CD which will include many of his other popular songs such as ' Think of an animal' 'Let's take a walk and 'My socks'.

To find out more about this awesome CD or sessions with Nick please contact Debbie at Monkey and Bo debbie@monkeyandbo.co.uk.

Rockfords Rock Opera

Rockford's Rock Opera is a unique audio adventure for children and adults. With an amazing, original ecological story, great songs, narration, sound effects, CGI videos and illustrations all delivered via the web, Rockford's Rock Opera a new breed of 21st century, ipod friendly, audio-visual entertainment.

Think 'Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy' crossed with 'Jeff Wayne's War of the Worlds', 'Jungle Book' meets 'Jurassic Park'.

But, Rockford's Rock Opera is NOT the creation of a global entertainment company jumping on the 'green bandwagon'. It is the work of award winning charitable entrepreneurs, 'Sweetapple', (www.sweetapple.co.uk) and a handful of dedicated people working for the love of an amazing, original story. The project was created in an attic in Barnet, North London, and is entirely self produced and financed.

Featuring and scripted by respected BBC writer and performer, Steve Punt, this is a story is a story with a message - a unique 'take' on the threat of extinction and the effect man is having upon life on earth.

And it's a tale that's already attracting an exceptional response. Since its on-line launch in January 2008 and entirely by 'word of mouth' over 400,000 people have downloaded the story and over 8,000 schools across the world are using the audio story and resources as the basis for ecological lessons, activities, and school plays. 
(STATISTICS AS OF SEPT 1st 2009 - please contact us for the latest figures)

Writing in The Times, audiobook reviewer, Christina Hardyment said:

"Rockford's Rock Opera is an amazing mix of story, songs and sound effects. It has a freshness that makes you smile as you listen and could become a cult favourite as beloved as Wallace and Gromit."

And, in The Guardian's review, Sue Arnold wrote:

"For years I've distributed presents of Peter and the Wolf to children starting flute/clarinet/piano lessons. This year I'm breaking new ground with this thoroughly modern musical for kids... an ingenious story."

What's it About?

Far away in the Sea of Tranquillity lies the Island of Infinity, home to the last one of every extinct species.

Infinity has a secret for the world but Moog, a boy from Battersea in London, and Rockford his dog, are the only one who can deliver its message. Travelling to Infinity Moog and Rockford get drawn into an adventure in sound that threatens the entire human race.

Crucially, the Rockford's Rock Opera website contains loads of information about the threats currently faced by creatures and plants across the world together with lesson plans and resources, plus information about organisations that are trying to make a difference.

Matthew Sweetapple, co creator of Rockford's Rock Opera, explains:

"On one hand Rockford's Rock Opera is simply a great adventure for all ages but we hope, once they've heard our story, that listeners - children and adults - will want to know more about the real issues. The story does have an entirely original and persuasive view of extinction."

Although the Rockford's Rock Opera audio book has many young fans, it is not simply a children's story. Anyone who enjoys great music with an original story will find escape in the unique tale.

Rockford's Rock Opera is not a traditional 'stage musical' with hammy songs, its diverse musical inspiration can be found in The Beatles, The Small Faces, (early) Genesis, XTC and works such as Roger Glover's 'Butterfly Ball', and Harry Nilssen's 'The Point'.

How to discover Rockford's Rock Opera?

• The whole of Rockford's Rock Opera Part One (52 minutes in total) is available as a free audio book to download, podcast and to stream FREE on the web.
• Then, if you like what you hear, you can buy Parts 2 and 3 on CD or as downloads.
• The show is also now going live in UK theatres - email us for details.

Visit www.rockfordsrockopera.com

I was surprised how the girls took to this, as i had not really had the chance to listen to it myself, but they really enjoyed listing to the wonderful story which is accompanied by the most amazing orchestral music.

It really has opened up their horizons when it comes to music, I've noticed how they have noticed more orchestral music in adverts etc since taking the time to listen to this,

To be honest, their attention span with this is pretty limited though, but as we don't drive it limits the time they will sit still with nothing to look at.

The art work isn't the greatest but to be fair you don't really notice the box once you are snuggled down, whilst being transfixed by the music.

We still haven't finished the entire cd but they listen to it regular. Would love to see maybe some moving images or a slide show on their that moves along with the story to keep them listening that little longer at home.

The website is wonderfully informative with a shop and a podcast, which i think is an amazing addition. The website isn't the greatest, and could really do with some amazing design and to be better accessible for children. Maybe some printables to drive children to the site as they are the ones who get the most from this.

Over all a fabulous and unique take on a story time CD!

The Bopps are Back!!

Nickelodeon today announces a second series of The Bopps, Nick Jr.’s live action sing-along show for pre-schoolers. The series starts on 27^th June and will be shown everyday at 7.35am in the Wake Up World morning block. The Bopps is produced in-house by Nickelodeon UK.

The Bopps duo are Stan Cullimore (founding member of 80s British pop group The Housemartins) and Keith Littler (producer of hit UK kids shows such as Merlin and Little Red Tractor). Each episode begins with a slapstick comedy sketch usually featuring Stan Bopp playing a trick on poor Keith Bopp. Expect squirrel costumes, invisible bikes and even a magic remote control that changes people’s clothes! The Bopps then perform one of their catchy songs, which will bring out a love for music in pre-schoolers. Songs include Hungry Squirrel, Dizzy the Dragon and The Holiday Song.

Stan Bopp says “I can’t wait to see what kids think of this new show. I think it’s funnier, sillier and boppier than ever before and I just hope they agree.”

Keith Bopp adds “This has been a spontaneous and wonderfully collaborative project from the very beginning.....I’m very excited and hopeful that everyone will enjoy it.”

The album from the first series went to number one on the Amazon Children’s Chart. This summer The Bopps are booked to play three festivals and numerous theatre gigs across the UK.

The Nick Jr. channels are the number one commercial pre-school offering in the UK. The audience ratings up a staggering +63% year-on-year in May 2011.

The Bopps series 2 premieres Monday 27^th June at 7.35am

…only on Nick Jr. (Sky 615, Virgin 715 and TalkTalk 318).

Check out a couple of videos here..

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/22037026/THE%20BOPPS_PR%20Clip%2001-desktop.m4v

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/22037026/THE%20BOPPS_PR%20Clip%2002-desktop.m4v

Featuring ... The Bumblejums

MPM cares about the planet and is doing something about it. The ‘something’ they are doing is educating toddlers and youngsters about the environment and how not to be careless consumers of its resources.

It started as a daydream...Des Shanahan, founder of MPM, was contemplating the perfect gift for his soon-to- be-born son and as he looked out of the airplane window through the billowing clouds, the droplets of rain and then the bright sunshine a magnificent rainbow appeared and his thoughts drifted to the wonder of nature and how incredible it was. That was it, the perfect gift – sharing stories with his son about both the power and frailty of nature.

Not only was the Shanahan son born shortly after that daydream, but so were the Bumblejums, four amazing characters each with natural superpowers – Jem, Jo, Jay and Jon - who work together in harmony taking care of the word around them in Bally Bo. The Bumblejums are guardians of the environment and use their great powers to help their friends and foe understand and respect the environment.

The Bumblejums characters were designed to be representative of their elements (earth, air, water, sun) by Mike Collins who has worked on hit shows at Cartoon Network. The backgrounds were created by Oliver Akuin an animator at Warner Brothers Online. Shanahan who studied World Musics and Media at the University of Winchester in Hampshire creates the story lines.

In addition, Shanahan creates the lyrics and music for each adventure, collaborating on production with Marcus Cliffe whose resume includes numerous heavy hitters: Eric Clapton, Mark Knofler, Rod Stewart and Phil Collins.

MPM is set to launch the first of its series of books and music CDs in October 2009, titled, Meet the Bumblejums. The book will be printed using 100% recycled paper and soya ink. The CD will include numerous songs accompanying the book’s storyline but is also envisioned to be the perfect sing-along for car journeys.

MPM is targeting children 2 years to 6 years and each story will focus on respect and responsibility toward nature and delivered with song, humor and a moral.

The Bumblejums books and CDs will be sold through their website www.bumblejums.com and through selected retailersAbout My Planet Media Ltd (MPM)

My Planet Media Ltd (MPM) is a privately held company established in 2009 and located at “The Barn”, 489 Station Road, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 7QR. MPM creates media with environmentally friendly themes for the next generation.

MPM partners with 1% For The Planet, an alliance of businesses donating at least 1% of their annual net revenues to environmental organizations worldwide. The Bumblejums are licensed exclusively by My Planet Media Ltd (MPM) All rights reserved.

For more information, contact Des Shanahan at des.shanahan@bumblejums.com or visit us at The Bumblejums website, www.bumblejums.com

This gorgeous book was a true delight to read with my daughters, it was fun and informative and was educational too. We went and learnt more about the planet and recycling after reading Bumblejums and it seemed to really make a difference to the girls about what happens with their rubbish after they dont want it anymore. The drawings inside where lovely and bright and caught the attention of all my daughters who age from 18 months to 7 years, and i also found them endearing. 

The CD was a lovely collection of songs that where cute and strangely soothing and the girls really enjoyed dancing about to it in the lounge.

Their website is lovely to navigate with lots of info, a shop and lovely images throughout, there is even the lovely Bumblejums sound track playing on though the pages. My 7yr old thoroughly enjoyed navigating though the bio of the characters and there is even a tab for Eco tips! There is a parents section at the bottom of the pages which gives you a mission statement to what Bumblejums is all about encouraging parents to get children on board to take care of the planet we live on.

I would most definately recommend this lovely book to other mums and dads for children of all ages! And would love to see something in schools.

Thanks to Des Shanahan for letting me and my girls review this lovely book and CD

and you can buy your very own set here Bumblejums Shop

L xx