Known Yet - Cornelius Bumpus

Advantages: Cool, arty, relaxing, rocks in places
Disadvantages: Lacking in cohesion, quirky

...A really nice little album. I first heard this on BBC Radio One's Rob Da Bank show and was deciding whether to buy it when I saw a review in the San Francisco Guardian, and it was mentioned by an artiste in the UK music man NME, so it's creating a buzz. Cornelius's real name is Keigo Oyamada and he's Japanese, so think minimalist, arty and clever. He makes atmospheric but quirky music that's somewhere between ambient, dance, pop and jazz. It opens with an ambient tune that never does much but from there onwards he mixes experimental sounds some nice melody that's got a crystal clear sound. The downside is the album lacks any real backbone or even a handle to hang it all on but if you can live with that, it's very enjoyable. Synths figure highly as do guitars, played cleverly and in a jazz style but it also rocks in places: "Gum" pounds... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Good fun, colourful and reads like a rap
Disadvantages: Pronunciation of the dinosaurs names can be tricky.

...Bumpus Jumpus Dinosaurumpus by Guy Parker-Rees, Tony Mitton, is a really good read. My four year old son loves this book and wants to know about all the dinosaurs that we see. The illustrations are colourful and typical of Tony Mitton's style, being bright and friendly. It can be read to a really good beat and uses a chorus on every page (although this does change slightly through the book). It is quite difficult to read, the dinosaurs names are a challenge and there are a few tongue twisting parts but once you have read it a few time it gets easier. There is not much of a story but the dinosaur antics and their associate noises make up for this. Overall it is a very good read.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: An okay soundtrack.
Disadvantages: Mishandled comedy, lazy direction, writing and performances.

...Having impressed girlfriend Suzanne sufficiently in "Are We There Yet?" she and Nick have now married. He's determined to be the perfect father to her two kids, but is prone to being distracted by his work. When Suzanne announces she's pregnant, Nick decides it's time to up sticks and move to the country to give the family the best possible start. He's talked into buying an apparently ideal house by enthusiastic estate agent Chuck. But as soon as the Persons move in, it becomes obvious their new home is far from perfect. Nick swears he can fix it up himself, but a few minor repairs turn into a whole heap of big DIY mishaps? Ah, here it is - the sequel nobody asked for. Apparently family audiences lapped up the slapstick shenanigans of "Are We There Yet?" so we're being subjected to more of the same by "Daddy Day Care" director Steve... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful