Now's The Time - Charlie Parker

Advantages: Charlie Parker of course.
Disadvantages: None.

..., lovely smooth key changes. Not sure who the trumpet player is, I supect Dizzy Gillespie, it is superb and he goes head to head with Parker. 3. Groovin High Much more edgy from Parker, using more register jumps and very much in keeping with the drummer. I would imagine this was (as is) ultra cool at the time. 4. Hot House Great drum solo starts us off then in comes Charlie with a horn full of sharps and quirky key changes, sticking very much to the high notes, this is the Parker I like, doing his own thing. Up and down the sacles and arpeggios, seemingly at will, brilliant. 5. Be Bop a Lula Ah! I hear you cry, now I know where the 'other' song has it's roots, this aint the rock n roll version. This is sheer bebop, incredibly fast piano playing matched by parkers playing. Disjointed, quirky and sublime. 6. Crazeology More... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: An original sounding double disc
Disadvantages: Some of the songs are a little dated

...the sitar and wooden flute. It’s what I would call a “happy song”. My only criticism is that the outro goes on a bit too long. 4. I COULD NEVER TAKE THE PLACE OF YOUR MAN This is more “rock” than the rest of the album, although it doesn’t seem out of place. Lyrically, it’s quite fun, and it always merits a place on my Prince compilation albums. It also works very well live, as the Sign O’ The Times concert video demonstrates (although that recording is quite hard to get hold of. I got mine from the Black Star website, a company which I believe is now going under the name of sendit.com). 5. THE CROSS This track is terribly overrated, and I actually think Prince intended it to be far more touching than it actually is. One of those songs that takes itself far too seriously, I’m afraid. 6. IT’S GONNA BE A BEAUTIFUL NIGHT A shout back... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Pure joy for Charlie and Lola fans, both children and parents alike
Disadvantages: The track 'Bat Cat' does not go on long enough.

...If you are fed up of nursery rhymes, pop or childrens stories on car journeys and have a Charlie and Lola fan this CD is fantastic for them and you. It has saved us from hell on many a car trip, for the pure sillyness and fun of the songs and lyrics. The CD combines out takes from the TV series of Charlie and Lola talking, with music from the show, and tracks I haven't heard before. Highlights include, 'The bestest in The Barn' which has the lyrics on the inner sleeve (and apparently you can watch the video by loading the CD in your computer, but I haven't tried this yet), 'Germs' which has the best bug noises you will ever hear (I challenge you not to laugh), and 'Bat Cat' which is pure genius. I can't wait for an excuse to put this on in the car, it has us all in a good mood and singing along, in no time. The best value childrens CD... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful