Hemispherism?

does the following look ‘upside down’ to you?..   then you’re a hemispherist! There I said it.

An alternate view..

 

3D music and soundtrack escapism – enter the Empty World..

Close your eyes, leave reality behind and escape into a fantasy world of your choosing.. with Empty World – the atmospheric new soundtrack album by Kevin Kerrigan (or KK to his friends).

It’s an epic experience – The Steampunk Orchestra (backed by a full choir) perform a rich, cinematic work which journeys from grand flights of fantasy to the intimate, reflective, and dreamlike.

KK’s music is as ever, a melting pot of influences – a diverse background, working with the likes of Brian Eno, Bjork, and Hollywood’s James Newton Howard is evident – together with a subtle range of colour drawn from the worlds of film, classical, and electronic (Eno, John Williams, Hans Zimmer, Wagner, Demdike Stare, Korngold and Faure to name but a few).  It’s a postmodern sound which is unclassifiable – part ambient, part filmscore, part something else entirely..

“There’s too much music now. Too much stuff. We live in a time of information overload, so there’s something luxurious and liberating about turning out the lights and escaping, completely immersing yourself in a soundscaped dreamworld”

Paradoxically, Empty World is a soundtrack to a film which exists solely in the mind.   “Maybe there should be a new genre called ISM – Imaginary Soundtrack Music”, says KK, “many of us love a good soundtrack, but it’s not always ideal to listen to, as it’s made to fit a specific picture or story. There’s too much association burdening the music. This is designed to be experienced with the ears alone. To spark the imagination and dream to. I’ve had messages from writers saying they play my music to help put them in a creative headspace – what an honour!  But, yes that exactly where it works best.”

What’s on the bonus disk (special edition)?

“It’s a DVD – a 5:1 surround sound version.  The DVD contains no pictures just music, which you play in “3D” through your home cinema system. I love the completely immersive experience, though some people prefer the good old stereo CD/ipod on headphones – it’s entirely personal.

Empty World is designed to help escape the dull burdens of the real world and just holiday for 45 minutes.   Films and gaming are powerful portals to escape dull reality.  This is less didactic though, and doesn’t require spoonfed imagery or ‘story’.  Our ‘mind movies’ are more incredible than any film could ever be – that’s why reading a great book can be such a surprisingly powerful experience, and waking up from a particularly special (or lurid) dream can be such a disappointment!”

“Empty World” is out now to download from iTunes,Amazon, 7digital etc,  and on Special Edition Two Disk (CD + Surround DVD) at KK’s website – www.KKTheMusic.com

Empty World (sneak preview)

Nuke-a-phobia and the need for perspective in the face of tragedy

A couple weeks since my last blog and here we are yet another horrific disaster in the Pacific.   Whilst these events in Japan are tragic and scary, what is terrifying is the grotesque way the media here in the West are portraying this.   We are glued to interviews and footage of victims which are nothing short of pornographic,  mawkish car-crash fearmonging news of the like we have not seen since “9/11″.  You can almost imagine the directors rubbing their hands with glee and thinking of the ratings as yet another tragic account is tearfully broadcast.

We finally starting to realise the full evils and danger of our energy problems, and the horror of our overreliance on Oil,  and this awful event in Japan comes along and sadly our highly powerful media channels seize it as the raison d’etre to fire up  the old “Nuke-o-phobia” (ie keep relying on oil) arguement once again.

Here is some perspective in the form of a message from my cousin who lives in Japan..

Japan by an expat: One week on.

Hello all. 

Please be assured that I am safe and well.

Whilst we remain on alert for more earthquakes and aftershocks, we are thought to be over the worst.

My friends and I have all been overwhelmed by the emails and calls and general well-wishes that have flooded our way since the earthquake struck Japan almost a exactly week ago. I know you’ve all seen the news. I know you’ve all seen the horrific images of the areas absolutely torn up along the coast. And I know you’ve seen the footage of just how devastating six minutes can be.

On the assumption that even small efforts are worthwhile, I send this email as more of an attempt to re-focus the international effort on the humanitarian crisis; the real catastrophe. Nuka-a-phobia has proved itself so contagious that it seems the population in the west is gripped by the wrong issue. Its an emotive concern, I get that. Why? Radiation; you can’t see it, or touch it, or smell it. Yet past incidents differ greatly from the current crisis, and Japan remains maybe the only country not in a state of frenzied panic.
Take it from me, I LIVE HERE. We are not running around screaming our heads off. Outside the exclusion zone, people are not packing their bags for immediate departure. Facemasks are in prevalence because it’s hay fever season, not because they offer magical protection from radiation leakages.
I implore the international community to take everything they read in the international press with a pinch of salt. Even what many of us usually perceive to be reputable media agencies have shown themselves to be speculative and scaremongering. Use your intelligence and common sense, and please, don’t add to sensation.
The so-called ‘exodus’ departing Tokyo seems to be led by foreigners who have support networks elsewhere, but many Tokyoites are choosing to stay put.

Let’s get some perspective.

A magnitude 9 earthquake, one of the largest ever recorded, hit one of the most densely populated nations on the planet. The fact that the greater part of the country still remains intact after being severely rocked by the tremor is in itself a great testament to the infrastructure of this country. The Ring of Fire has destroyed many other cities on magnitudes that have shook Japan as mere aftershocks. With infrastructure like this, it’s no wonder nationals have trust in their country. Despite the government’s failures after the 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake, that trust exists for the government and more profoundly, in one another. The Good Samaritan has never been more true than in Japan.

The way I see people pulling together makes me fall in love with this place a little more day by day; the humility, the helpfulness, the compassion shown towards one’s neighbours. For those of us living here, the images are incredibly emotive. The towns swept away look just like places we live in; small communities built by families which pass their houses down through the generations, living modest, peaceful lives. If a nation can be this gelled together in the face of adversity, then there is a lesson to be learnt by all.
Stories have started to circulate about this goodwill. During rolling blackouts, road intersections become precarious. Individuals wait patently for long times and refrain from beeping their horns except to thank others for letting them through. Waiting for long periods of time at a bus stop, a man runs off to a convenience store to return with heat packs for his fellow passengers to keep them warm in the freezing temperatures. If small efforts can have an impact, these efforts are certainly doing a fantastic job at keeping the nation together.

Some 500km south of the main destruction, life in Kyoto ticks on as usual. (Kyoto remains one of the recommended areas for evacuees to go to.) My school kids graduated this week. People are in the supermarkets buying their normal groceries, not stockpiling. We’ve all said you wouldn’t even know anything had even happened apart from the odd rumble under our feet. It almost makes the situation more unbelievable and disconcerting, considering the scale of the devastation.

And whilst the nuclear concern is one which has been awarded the international spotlight, it is one which is distracting focus from the humanitarian efforts. Children are orphaned, hundreds of thousands have had their livelihoods destroyed. Thousands have died and scores of individuals are injured. As it currently stands, approximately 100,000 buildings have either been entirely taken out or are structurally damaged, rending nearly half a million homeless. The figures are so high that the numbers become incomprehensible.

I am invested in this country. It has been marvellous to me during my duration here, and I know those of you who have visited were surprisingly taken aback by fortitude and friendliness of those you encountered. Maybe you remember the kind woman who helped you when you looked lost in the subway. Or the train conductor who walked you two blocks from the train station to the wrong Mr. Donut , (ahem Gemma!) Maybe you recall the way you were politely shown to place your shoes upon entering a building, or the way a group of gregarious school kids approached you to practise their English whilst you were out sightseeing.

Like every great humanitarian disaster, the real essential needed right now is cash. Maybe you’ve already donated. Maybe I’m barking up the wrong tree. But I’m asking for you all to focus your well-wishes on investing in the relief of those affected. Donate the money you’d spend on drinks at the end of your work week, or ask your colleagues to bring in their own coffee for the next week to donate the communal kitty to disaster relief. If you work in hospitality, maybe you could donate your tips from a shift, or if you’re feeling proactive, call the RedCross, ask for a donation tins to be sent out and station them in your offices or local pubs or workplaces, give one to your hairdresser and the guy who runs the corner shop. ( http://www.facebook.com/l/c45829Hg4oFaWQtHQU9w2_rvbNg/www.redcross.org.uk/Donate-Now/Make-a-single-donation/Japan-Tsunami-Appeal)

Hundreds of thousands of people here need you to step up. They need you to stop worrying needlessly on nuclear meltdowns and focus on the aftermath of a tragedy. Even if just one individual donates a tenner after reading this email then I will be happy.

So, please make your own small efforts. Stay informed with reliable, responsible media. Spread news, not scandal. Don’t forget your compassion once the (nuclear) hype dies down.

And last but not least, STEP UP FOR JAPAN.

Get those donations in

Many thanks you amazing people!!

Louise xxx.

Up next on the news! :  ‘our’ non-humanitarian efforts to regain control of the middle east (and keep the oil supply going), will be “heroic” and the world will be “safer”..  Stay scared people!  Keep that telly on!  (etc..)

 

KKx 

Christchurch 3 weeks ago..

Christchurch as I’ll remember it..

Our thoughts with our friends in NZ at this difficult time

x

humbug? bloggers review Snowflake (The Rainbow Collections christmas album)

here’s what bloggers this week had to say about Snowflake (KK & Sophie Barker’s brand new, Xmas themed,  Rainbow Collections album)….

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Snowflake (by Sophie Barker & KK)

This is a truly lovely album. I would happily have purchased this and I think that if you like Christmas then you should too.  Children love to sing and listen to Christmas tracks and this CD offers a super twist on the traditional.  It hits the spot for both kids and adults as the songs are known and accessible to the children and there are even some kids singing on some of the tracks but Sophie Barker who sings the tracks has the most beautiful voice and makes it easy for an adult to listen and enjoy.

The kids and I have already chosen our favourite tracks -
Miss E – Santa’s Little Helpers
Miss M – Frostie The Snowman
Me – Let It Snow!
JJ – Little Donkey

…. and for your delight (well that might be going a bit far actually) is JJ singing Little Donkey, accompanied by the CD playing. You will see him using the words in the lovely little hard back book that the CD comes in.

http://mdplife.blogspot.com/2010/11/music-reviews-cbeebies-song-time.html

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Snowflake – Christmas Songs CD

It’s nearly December ! Time to get the Christmas CDs out and leave them permanently in the CD players in the car and the house ! Well, thanks to the lovely people at Sony, I now have a new one to add to my collection. Aptly called Snowflake, its cheery red colour and smiley snowflake design are guaranteed to make you feel Christmassy even before you hit play.

The cover declares that this is a CD of “fun festive favourites for children and grown-ups”, and I totally agree with that. It has the classic songs that most children will know and be able to join in with and the singer pronounces the words extremely clearly so if your little ones are trying to learn the words it’s perfect. It’s parent friendly too because it’s not annoying to listen to, like some kid-oriented music compilations which end up doing your head in after a few listens, and it’s not at all headachey.

Snowflake is the final album in a trilogy created by Rainbow Collections, the first two being Lullaby, a children’s bedtime CD, and Toybox, a collection of nursery rhymes for playtime. Judging by the fact that 5-year-old Juliette can’t help getting up and bopping around the room while singing loudly along and Pierre giggles and bounces in his chair waving his arms around every time I put it on, I’m sure the other two CDs would be great for toddlers and young children too.

The blurb says : “Snowflake brings to life traditional Christmas songs recreated by the voice of trip-hop band, Zero 7, lead singer Sophie Barker and producer KK who has worked with many famous artists including Bjork and Brian Eno.” Don’t expect trip hop or rock music though - this is a very “easy listening” calming CD to listen to that is ideal for calming the kids down ready for nap time (afte a boogie around the room).

It features 16 tracks and many of the popular Christmas classics are on there, including ‘Jingle bells’, ‘Frosty the Snowman’, ‘Deck the halls’, ‘Little Donkey’ and ‘We wish you a Merry Christmas’. The album also features a brand new Christmas song called ‘Santa’s Little Helpers’ sung by Sophie Barker and accompanied by the London children’s choir. You can’t get more Christmassy than a kids’ choir !

Some of the Christmas CDs I’ve got are overly cheesy or sound really old-fashioned (anyone for a bit of Bing Crosby ?!) but that’s not the case for Snowflake. It sounds a bit like the type of songs you’d get on CBeebies which probably explains why the kids have so readily adopted it and sing and dance along happily. But even the adults can’t help grinning and singing along when the kids falter on the words of Frosty the Snowman ! The arrangements are really jazzy and guaranteed to make you do a bit of armchair-dancing which will help to burn off some of those mince pies and Christmas cocktails !

All together now … Jingle bells, Jingle bells, Jingle all the way … !

star rating : 4.5/5

http://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspot.com/2010/11/snowflake-christmas-songs-cd.html
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The Rainbow Collections – Snowflake CD

The rainbow collection – snowflake is a delightful CD filled with Christmas music that is great for children and adults sung with a modern twist.

Initial Thoughts: I have to say I wasn’t filled with much hope for Snowflake, which is aimed at children and adults.  I was sure it would be too twee for me to listen too.  However, the boys were keen to get on in the car where it has remained since.

We liked: This is a delightful CD fill with 16 traditional Christmas songs including Frosty the Snowman, White Christmas, The First Noel and Oh Little Town.  It is sung by Sophie Baker and I have to say that is a really classy Christmas Album.  I love the fact that the boy sign along to all the songs and as of yet I have not tired of hearing this Album.

We weren’t keen: There was nothing at all off putting about this album.  It was a big hit.

Overall: Snowflake is a fantastic Christmas Album which will be played again and again over the festive season.  Even my mum asked who was signing the songs as she loved her voice.  It is a very serene album without the normal lack of tune you often get with arrangement done for children.
Jen [The Mad House]

http://www.greattoyguide.com/2010/11/the-rainbow-collections-snowflake-cd/

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Snowy review

Uh hello? Where’s my snow? I’ve got wellies this year and everything.
London seems to have been bypassed by the snow fairy… it’s frosty but that’s not much fun.

At least I have something snow related… I’ve been listening to Snowflake, the last in the trilogy from The Rainbow Collections. It’s a compilation of festive songs, some traditional such as Little Donkey, some classics like Winter Wonderland and a new song “Santa’s Little Helpers’. All are sung by Sophie from Zero 7 and have the same contemporary edge to them that Toybox did.

K loves jumping around to Frosty the Snowman and it’s definitely been getting us into the Christmas spirit. There’s only so much Cliff Richard, Slade and Shaky that I can take (don’t get me wrong, I love a bit of cheese but when I’ve heard Noddy Holder wail “It’s Chreeeeesmass” for the twentieth time I feel like stabbing myself in the eye with holly).

I’m not so keen on Santa’s Little Helpers, maybe it’ll grow on me, but the other tracks are a lovely mix of calm songs for you to listen to with your little ones, and tunes you can all bounce about to.

It’s available to buy from Amazon, Play.com and HMV.
http://makedomum1.blogspot.com/2010/11/snowy-review.html

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Snowflake: Beautiful Christmas songs for you and your family

This year we’re very excited, ok, I’m very excited, as it’s bubba’s first Christmas. This means I get to go completely over the top with buying Christmas presents, putting the decorations up and generally getting into the Christmas spirit earlier than ever. So I was very happy to review Snowflake, the new CD from The Rainbow Collections.

Following the success of Lullaby, a children’s bedtime CD, and Toybox, a collection of nursery rhymes for playtime, the Rainbow Collections has released the final album in its trilogy – Snowflake. Snowflake brings to life traditional Christmas songs.
The album includes 16 tracks of new arrangements of classic Christmas songs and festive favourites the whole family can enjoy over the festive period. as well as a brand new Christmas song called ‘Santa’s Little Helpers’.

We’ve been playing the CD over the last few days and it’s lovely music to relax too. I’m sure Edward isn’t too aware of what’s going on but he’s happy to watch me sing along and dance with me! The CD features some of my favourite songs including Jingle bells and We wish you a Merry Christmas. This is a definite keeper and will be brought out every year to get us in the mood for Christmas.

http://gingerbreadhouse.wordpress.com/2010/11/28/snowflake-beautiful-christmas-songs/

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Review: Snowflake CD & The Night Before Christmas
Snowflake, The Rainbow Collections (Sony Music UK)

I was sent this CD for review earlier last week. I only bring you reviews of what I actually like. Well… and we like this CD. It has all the classics (Jingle Bells, Let it Snow, Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer) as well as some more American Christmas songs (Frosty the Snowman, Santa’s Little Helpers). It is jolly, it is happy and well Christmassy, can’t say fairer than that. You may say it is slightly jazzier version of the favourites, but I am  not a music expert, so not sure if that is a fair description. The Englishman seems to like it and he is usually the one to reject things. We played this CD whilst making our Christmas cookies and we played it again yesterday, when we decorated the living room and had our first nibble at said cookies. And it worked. I think it’s lovely.

http://www.redtedart.com/2010/11/29/review-snowflake-cd-1st-advent-vanille-kipferl/

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starfish2244
Posted 01/12/2010
I absolutely love it. I particularly like the book with it – it’s fab!!! Thank you!!!!
Report this Post a comment

Hyfryd
Posted 01/12/2010
it’s great, the book is lovely!
Thank you
Report this Post a comment

clarenich
Posted 01/12/2010
its beautifully presented and we all sang along to the christmas tunes over tea this evening.
Has really put us in the christmas spirit, along with the avent chocolate.
Thanks again
xxxx Clare xxxx
Mummy to Emily born 4th Feb 2010, 3 baby angels looking after us all.
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Vibbe
Posted 01/12/2010
BRILLIANT CD. I love it and our little man loved the packaging too. I suspect it will bring many happy years!
xx
Happily married to Christopher since 25/05/08
Baby Jakob born Tuesday 9th Feb, 9lb 10oz - was due 26th Jan 2010. 2 weeks late, but worth the wait!

http://community.babycentre.co.uk/post/a10981855/christmas_cd_review_post

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I Do Love Christmas Music
by Marylin on December 1, 2010

Even though it starts far too early for my liking in shops and such.
When I see the Christmas Coca Cola advert on the telly, I know that it’s almost time to start decorating.

I do have quite a few Christmas cd’s, but none of them seem to have the good old favourites.

Luckily we got our hands on a lovely new album in the post recently, called Snowflake.
“Fun festive favourites for children and grownups” is what it says on the tin, and I’ve got to agree.

Zack knew straight away that it was “Christmas music Mummy!!”

It’s got some of my favourite carols, like Little Donkey, Jingle Bells (every child’s favourite, or at least from those I know!), along with some more recent (and I use that word loosely!) songs like Let It Snow, and White Christmas.

Sophie Baker (singer from Zero 7) does a great job, such a lovely soft voice, often accompanied with a choir in the background.

All in all? Well, the boys are dancing away to this as I type, and I’m not sick of listening to it yet, so it’s a thumbs up for me!

I can see me playing this while putting up the Christmas decorations very soon…
Oooh I do love Christmas time! Don’t you?

You can get Snowflake on Amazon and Play both at very reasonable prices. I’d definitely recommend it to those of us with pre-school aged kids. Even Max loves it. Well, I assume that as he’s swaying to A Little Town of Bethlehem at the moment…

http://www.softthistle.net/i-do-love-christmas-music

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Snowflake : album review

Oh the weather outside is frightful… and yet there’s still something delightful about seeing London and her lambs blanketed with snow in the run-up to Christmas.
As we crunched and shuffled our way to school yesterday morning, Ezra declared ‘Snow is my favouritest weather ever!’

It seems like the perfect moment to tell you about a new CD release called Snowflake filled with songs to get you in the festive mood.

Snowflake compiles various Christmassy songs rejigged, from classic carols like O’ Little Town to more modern ditties e.g. Jingle Bells. Sung by Sophie Barker, lead singer of trip hop band Zero 7 and produced by KK who’s worked with Bjork among others, this is easy listening with a hipster edge.

The Babes and I have been playing the album since November and it always puts a swing in our evening. Ezra digs the jaunty version of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer while Jed likes to get his stomp on to Frosty the Snowman.
There’s even a brand new song called Santa’s Little Helper featuring the London Children’s Choir and guest appearance from Old Red Suit himself!

When you’re feeling more bah humbug than ho ho ho, simply pop Snowflake in your player and before long you’ll be lighting candles, cracking open the egg nog or maybe even giving your neighbours a hug. It’s that full of cheer.

http://babesabouttown.com/2010/12/win-a-snowflake-for-christmas/

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Snowflake

Would could more appropriate to review than a CD called Snowflake ? Scotland is snowy central just now and it is forecast all week . My kids are thrilled.

From the makers of Lullaby, a children’s bedtime CD, and Toybox, a collection of nursery rhymes for playtime, the Rainbow Collections is proud to announce the release of the final album in its trilogy – Snowflake.

Snowflake brings to life traditional Christmas songs recreated by the voice of trip-hop band, Zero 7, lead singer Sophie Barker and producer KK who has worked with many famous artists including Bjork and Brian Eno.

Featuring popular all time Christmas classics including ‘Jingle bells’, ‘Frosty the Snowman’, ‘Deck the halls’, ‘Little Donkey’ and ‘We wish you a Merry Christmas’, Snowflake includes 16 tracks of stunning new arrangements and festive favourites the whole family can enjoy over the festive period. The album also features a brand new Christmas song called ‘Santa’s Little Helpers’ sung by Sophie and accompanied by the London children’s choir.

Snowflake is available from November 6th at Amazon.co.uk, Play.com and HMV.

We have been big funs since the first listen , the kids all love to get up and sign/dance along . It is really the perfect kids Christmas CD and i am sure it will be a well used CD around here every year. It is a great sing along CD for the car also . I admit the slow tempo Jingle Bells gets us each time and the girls have been requesting i skip it lately (when it is normal there favorite ) , but apart from that one song its as perfect as perfect gets.
Posted by Laura McIntyre at 03:43

1 comments:

Emma said…
Very appropriate!! Great review!!
29 November 2010 03:48

Post a Comment
http://allaboutmummy.blogspot.com/2010/11/snowflake.html

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Snowflake CD (Friday, 3 December 2010)

In October I did a review and giveaway with the Toybox Nursery Rhyme CD, this time I have been reviewing their Christmas CD called Snowflake.

The Snowflake CD from Rainbow collections is sang and arranged by KK and Sophie Barker from Zero 7 fame.

I broke my no Christmas Songs before the 1st December to review this for you. It’s a mixture traditional and fun Christmas song with a new original song called Santa’s Little Helpers.

Me and BG both like this CD, BG likes to dance around to it (and me!!) and I like how it’s not annoying. It’s quite subtle and laid back and enjoyable to listen to. It will be playing while me and BG do our Christmas Crafts this year.

Would I Buy It? Yes

http://newmummystips.blogspot.com/2010/12/review-and-giveaway-snowflake-cd.html

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Snowflake–Rainbow Collections CD

By mummymatters, on December 13th, 2010

Christmas has definitely arrived in the Mummy Matters household!!  We were sent this CD to review and I have to admit we’ve been that busy playing it and dancing around that I totally forgot to post our thoughts on it, so that’s got to be good right?  Breakfast time in our house is always a musical time, we put our CD’s or iPod on, eat our breakfast and finish off by dancing around the kitchen.  Little Bean has asked for Snowflake every day since we received it – and dare I say, when the babies are in bed, I’ve put it on whilst I’m doing the cleaning.  It has really got me into the Christmas spirit this year – even Beanie Boy smiles and kicks his legs like a mad thing in his bouncer.

Snowflake is the third album from Rainbow Collections by Sophie Barker (of Zero 7 fame) and KK.  Sophie has a magical voice which really appeals to children, making them an instant winner.  The album includes some of the best seasonal songs such as Jingle Bells, Little Donkey, Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer and Winter Wonderland.  My personal favourite is Santa’s Little Helpers which is performed by Sophie and London Young Voices childrens’ choir.

Snowflake can be purchased at Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, Play.com and iTunes.  This is a cracking pre-Christmas must-have or a fantastic little stocking filler.

I did have a really cute video of Little Bean dancing around to this in the kitchen but my computer hasn’t fallen out with me so I’ve been unable to attach the clip this time (I’m sulking now!).

 

http://deepinmummymatters.com/?p=1388

 

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The Rainbow Collections Toybox and Snowflake – Children’s CD Reviews & Giveaway!

by Ellie on December 10, 2010

There’s nothing quite so sweet as watching your child singing. Especially when they haven’t exactly grasped language yet.

Little E, my youngest at 18 months, loves nothing more than singing and dancing to ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’, especially the version on an album ‘Lullaby’, which we were kindly given to review earlier this year. We absolutely adored the album, and were thrilled when the people at the Rainbow Collections, sent us two more CDs to complete the collection.

Toybox is the second album in the trilogy from Zero 7′s singer Sophie Barker and producer KK. Filled with favourite nursery rhymes such as ‘Ring A Ring O’ Roses’, ‘Old MacDonald’, ‘If you’re Happy and You Know It’ this CD is so much more than your usual brash sounding children’s music. Rich sounds, often bewitching arrangements, and Sophie Barker’s velvety tones, make this beautiful album easy on the adult ear and a treat for children.

To complete The Rainbow Collections, ‘Snowflake’ is a wonderful collection of old and new Christmas songs. From classics like ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’, to nativity staple ‘Little Donkey’ and the sing along loveliness of ‘Jingle Bells’, yet again Sophie Barker and KK, bring their own special magical twist to these well known festive favourites.

Both CDs are accompanied by beautifully illustrated songbooks and make a wonderful addition to any little one’s music collection.

Fancy getting your hands on a copy of ‘Toybox’ as the perfect stocking filler this Christmas? Look no further! I have a copy to giveaway to one luck reader! All you have to do is leave a comment below and tell me your earliest memory of music.

 

http://www.insomniacmummy.com/2010/12/the-rainbow-collections-toybox-and-snowflake-childrens-cd-reviews-giveaway.html/comment-page-1

 

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REVIEW* The other big favourite with the 4yo this month has been the Rainbow Collection, Snowflake CD we were sent. Lots of Christmas songs to really get you in the festive mood. Created by Zero 7 lead singer Sophie Barker and producer KK which those of you who are down with the kids may have heard of – I’m obviously WAY over the target age demographic here, this is the kind of CD that your child will insist on being played on a constant loop.  Luckily it’s even bearable on the eleventybillionth listen which is a pretty good sign.  RRP £9.99, it’s available here for £7.99

 

http://battlingon.wordpress.com/2010/12/12/giveaways-reviews-lately-were-loving-prepping-for-christmas/

 

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Let it snow! (…at 35 degrees)

November 25 2010

OK, so admittedly I’m writing to you from the east coast of Australia

in blistering (mid summer) 35 degree heat… but hey..

Earlier this year, in an England iced in snow and frost,  myself,

Sophie Barker and friends attempted to recapture the lost magical

spirit of traditional, childhood Christmas’ past, by creating Snowflake

- an album full of new arrangements of festive favourites from yesteryear.

Snowflake is Volume 3 of our Rainbow Collections series of music for children (and grown ups too), and features the following lovingly crafted seasonal tracks :

1. Jingle Bells

2. Frosty the Snowman

3. Little Donkey

4. Santa’s Little Helpers (new song!)

5. O Little Town

6. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

7. O Christmas Tree

8. Let it Snow!

9. Have Yourself a Very Merry Christmas

10. White Christmas

11. Deck the Halls

12. Sleigh Ride

13. The First Noel

14. We Wish You a Merry Xmas

15. Winter Wonderland

16. The Night Before Christmas

So, if you have been good this year (or even if you haven’t) -
ask Santa (or Amazon UK,Amazon USA,Play.com or iTunes)
to pop one in your stocking and (geographical location and/or extreme weather conditions related to global warming not withstanding) let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

happy holidays/bah humbug,

KKx

Toybox – Daily Telegraph article 090910

Toybox reviews

here’s what the mummy bloggers had to say about Toybox ..
Toybox; a really fab Childrens music CD

What would you say if you got offered the chance to review a kids CD which featured the voice of Sophie Barker from Zero Seven and producer KK who has worked with Bjork and Brian Eno? It’s a no brainer, for any of you in your mid thirties at least. Zero Seven provided the soundtrack to my trip across Australia, and they still provide the soundtrack to much of my life now. I jumped at the chance and I am really glad I did.

Toybox, the second CD from Rainbow Collections is great. Despite the fact that its a selection of classic nursery rhymes it is so different to any other selection of nursery rhymes you will ever hear. It’s a brilliant CD, without a doubt the absolute best kids nursery rhyme CD that I have EVER heard. It really is really really really good. There are a few songs that I would actually chose to listen to it alone without the kids. A bit like Tim Burton meets nursery rhymes. Not only is is a refreshing change to hear a voice that you actually recognise signing nursery rhymes, but also to get a nursery rhyme CD which is just so well produced.

Music is one of the joy’s of my life and I have to admit I have found it a challenge to find music which isn’t adult for the kids to enjoy with me. We have regular music and singing sessions with shakers, drums and even a ukulele. We have our infamous bedtime disco’s and its a pleasure to encourage the children to sing along. Apparently all these things are very important for child development.

This is a properly produced, enjoyable, well thought out CD of children’s songs and nursery rhymes. It is a pleasure to listen to it with the children and I am really grateful for it. I am going to buy the first CD ‘Lullaby’ and I cannot recommend this one highly enough. The CD comes in its own little book with all the words and lovely illustrations. If you would like to buy it you can get hold of it

http://www.beingamummy.co.uk

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Toybox by The Rainbow Collections

What They Say: Our inspiration for creating Toybox was to give children and parents the opportunity to enjoy some beautiful children’s classics that have been ‘lost’ over the years to synthesised arrangements. The incredible response to Lullaby showed us just how much parents are crying out for real music to listen to and enjoy with their children. With Toybox, we wanted to create a fun and uplifting collection of music for playtime – something that mums, dads and children could listen to again and again and get genuine pleasure from.

What We Say: Tilly and Jasper love music… Jasper especially. He immediately bounces along whenever he hears anything tuneful and even enjoys it when I sing to him! I was so excited to be sent this CD to review and put it on as soon as it arrived.

I have previously been put off buying music specifically for the children because it usually makes me grit my teeth and want to turn it off within seconds. Toybox is completely the opposite. The music is beautiful… a collection of classic nursery rhymes and children’s songs that have been arranged with modern twist by the creative geniuses of Sophie Barker (singer of Zero 7 fame) and KK (producer who has worked with many famous artists of the likes of Bjork, Dido and Brian Eno). Just knowing this alone made me want to listen to the CD!

It is a fab CD… there are lots of old familiars on there that I’ve been singing along to, and now I can only hear these new versions in my head whenever I think of them. My particular favourites are Ring A Ring O’ Roses and Hey Diddle Diddle.

We’ve also had Lullaby on every night too… another beautiful CD full of beautifully arranged lullabies and songs perfect for bedtime.

The Verdict: 5/5… Love, love, love it! I’ll definitely be getting the next album, Snowflake, which is out at the beginning of November.

The Supplier: Toybox and the other albums by The Rainbow Collections can be found on Amazon and Play.com

http://www.twobecomefour.com/

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Toybox – album review

From an early age Harriet has loved music, so the Toybox CD was a big hit with her! The CD has a range of nursery rhymes, to suit any mood or time of day and is a great bonus if I fancy half an hour of rest – as I can sit and sing with Harriet, while she giggles and sings along too.

Harriet especially enjoys Old Macdonald and The Grand Old Duke of York, which were on repeat on the five hour car journey we took to Cornwall recently. The Toybox CD is a great distraction for tired or grumpy babies too…!

The full Toybox track listing is:

* Humpty Dumpty
* Ring A Ring O’Roses
* Old Macdonald
* If You’re Happy And You KNow It
* Hickory Dickory Dock
* I’m A Little Teapot
* 1,2,3,4,5 (Once I Caught A Fish Alive)
* Teddy Bears Picnic
* The Grand Old Duke Of York
* Ten Green Bottles
* Hey Diddle Diddle
* London Bridge
* This Old Man
* It’s Raining, It’s Pouring

All these classic nursery rhymes included on Toybox showcase the unique and enchanting sound created by the Grammy nominated voice of Zero 7, Sophie Barker and KK (Producer for Bjork, Dido & Brian Eno). The sound is great for adults too – however many times you listen to it!

The album is beautifully packaged, and comes with a hardbacked book crammed full of colourful fun illustrations and lyrics, so you can sing-a-long

http://www.parentingwithouttears.com

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Weekend review: Toybox

Ez and Fonz have always been big music fans, so when I was asked if we would like to review a new album of classic children’s songs and nursery rhymes, I jumped at the chance.

Toybox is the second part of a series of albums for kids, created by The Rainbow Collections – singer Sophie Barker from Zero 7, and successful producer KK. The album includes songs such as ‘Old Macdonald’, ‘If You’re Happy and You Know It’, and ‘The Grand Old Duke Of York’ (one of our all-time favourites). Sophie and KK have produced their own unique and modern take on the original classics, without making the tunes unrecognisable, and there are some fantastic rhythms – I love the calypso-style version of ‘If You’re Happy And You Know It’. The album’s been a big hit with the babies, and it’s the sort of thing I don’t mind having playing, because it’s actually very pleasant to listen to!

I’ve noticed that Fonz in particular, really thrives on music and rhythm. Here’s a little clip of him enjoying Toybox…

Family and parenting expert Jenni Trent Hughes has shared some top tips to help parents get the most our of music and playtime with their children:

Play music and sing daily and as often as possible
Make instruments out of household items. An empty plastic bottle and a handful of beans; a wooden spoon and the lid of a pan. The more imaginative, the better
Act out the songs with wild exaggerated gestures. Children love laughing at their parents
Use music to enhance the child’s mood. Sitting on the sofa, having a cuddle and ‘singing along with mummy’ is a memory that will be treasured forever
Write songs about pets, siblings, food and favourite toys – anything that will expand a child’s imagination, vocabulary and knowledge base.

Toybox is available now from Amazon.co.uk, Play.com and HMV.

http://youngandyounger.blogspot.com

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here’s just a sample of what Amazon customers had to say about our first Rainbow Collections album ‘Lullaby’…

“I love this CD – it is absolutely fab. My mum bought this for my children and I love it. The songs are just lovely and soothing and we listen to it every night. One of the best CDs for lullabies and I would definitely recommend it.”

“Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! What a great collection for children and amazingly grown ups will love listening too. Beautiful arrangements and the chill out style make it unlike any other nursery rhyme CD I’ve heard before and a lot easier on the ear for us adults who have to listen along. You might even find yourself listening when the kids are already asleep! I will probably be buying this for anyone I know who has a baby now! Very highly recommended.”

“Arguably the best CD I own. We were bought this when our baby was born as a present and it has been indispensable. I have heard it every night for seven months and am still not bored. It is calming and gentle and I now cannot imagine life without it!”

“Just as sweet as when Mum sang them. Real instruments give an unimitable touch. My Husband and I simply fell asleep when we first listened to the album !”

“Lovely to listen to, for children AND parents… As a parent it’s easy to get sick of listening to the same old CDs over and over especially awful ones made with synthetic music. This is totally different, she has a beautiful voice and is accompanied by ‘real’ music. Really recommended. Helps my 4 yr old drift off to sleep.”

“Intelligent, thoughtful chill-out style harmonizations of well-known children’s songs, along with some spoken verses to add variety. These spoken tracks did cause my daughter’s eyes to pop open again when we first listened to the CD to send her to sleep, but I’ve now loaded a few of the most sleep-inducing tracks onto my Ipod and these send my daughter to sleep (and nearly myself too!) every night.”

“Not your average rubbish kids CD. All the tracks have real instruments like guitar and harp and flute and the voice is soft and nice to listen to. An adult would find this relaxing, not annoying.”

“I think this cd is lovely to listen to. Our 2 year old daughter was a nightmare to put to bed and I bought this as a last resort hoping it would work and from the first night of playing it she just laid down and went to sleep, calm and happy, listening to the lady’s soft soothing voice singing songs like Twinkle Twinkle and Somewhere Over The Rainbow. It is almost hypnotic by the end you just can’t help but feel relaxed listening to it. If you are buying it for the same reason I did then definately give it a try because bedtime for us is now a much more relaxed and enjoyable experience and I never thought I would be saying that!”

“This album is fantastic! so soothing and relaxing. The vocals are beautiful and very atmospheric. Gorgeousness.”

“The Perfect Sleeptight CD. A great buy for anyone with kids, or even just for yourself. The perfect chillout and relax music, it sent the kids to sleep in the back of the car and left us totally tranquil. As a secondary school teacher I have also known people use it to calm a room in no time. Really good arrangements of some well known lullabies that you never get tired of.”

“I cannot recommend this CD enough to all those with children who find it hard to relax, and I use the term “Children” loosely.. Enjoy and do not fight the urge, when it comes, to sing along.”

“The Perfect Bedtime Album for Kids. As a parent I’ve bought loads of bedtime music for my kids and they all drive me nuts with their irritating & twee arrangements. This album is world away from that. Sophie Barker’s soothing voice is perfect & the musical arrangements are mellow & even help sending me to sleep! I have a 1 year old boy and 3 year old girl and this album works perfectly for both. It makes them instantly calm and sends them to sleep really quickly. Steer clear of all the other dreadful nursey rhyme albums. For the sake of your own sanity, get this one!”

“I discovered this album about 5 months ago and it has worked pure magic on my little 18 month old son. He loves it and as soon as I put it on he knows it’s time to sleep (even in the afternoon) and calmly lies down and within moments is out for the count. Best of all I love it! Most children’s music is far to ‘tinkle plonk’ and drives me round the bend. My only gripe is I was looking for another cd as i dont want to be 100% reliant on only one cd and i havent’ found anything else that comes close!”

“I can’t recommend this CD enough. Ever since I’ve been using it, my daughter goes down for her naps and for bedtime in a completely different state of mind. Bedtime is no longer a struggle!! The soothing tones have helped us establish a calm and enjoyable bedtime routine, where previously we had come to dread bedtime. This CD of what we call her ‘sleepy songs’ has become indispensable in our household, and is really pleasant to listen to for us adults too.”

“Great C.D. worry that I like it more than kids. Only downside is that I played it in the car to them and I almost fell asleep at the wheel. Really good album of children’s songs beautifully sung – wish these people would do more (have they?) Much better than a lot of the amateur night tosh that is available!”

“My sister gave this CD to my kids for Christmas. I just love it and so do my kids. They want to listen to it at naptime and bedtime – so it stays in the cd player all the time. I usually lie down with them at naptime and love listening to it. It is so relaxing and actually puts me to sleep. Sophie has a beautiful voice and the harp in the background is heavenly!”

“THIS IS A BEAUTIFULLY DONE, RELAXING CLEARLY SUNG CD. I WOULD AGREE WITH ALL THE POSITIVES PREVIOUSLY WRITTEN ABOUT THIS ALBUM AND ADD THAT AS A SCOTTISH MUM I FOUND THE ACCENT GENTLE AND SOOTHING UNLIKE SOME OTHERS OUT THERE.
MY LITTLE GIRL FALLS ASLEEP TO IT EVERY NIGHT AND I AM AMAZED THAT AT 2 YEARS OLD SHE CAN SING LOTS OF THE SONGS ON IT.
BUY IT!”

“A unique calming oasis of loveliness in a vast desert of scary/irritating/terrible lullaby CDs. If you’re a fan of chill out, and specifically Zero 7, this CD should appeal. And it has a lyrics booklet too, which is great because even though I can’t sing, my babies love it when I join in “

“I downloaded this collection of lullabies for my two month old baby to help her sleep. It is a lovely collection of classic lullabies, sung by a soothing British female singer. We often play the lullabies at bathtime and sing along! The only downside of the collection is that there are one or two nursery rhymes spoken randomly between the lullabies and these are quite abrupt and wake up our sleepy baby! Therefore, i would advise to remove these tracks if you want to use the collection to send a little one to sleep!”

“My baby loves this CD and I can play it in the car or bedroom. Very soothing and relaxing. Has lullabys you can hum along to”

“i have an 18 month old who ALWAYS cried before going off to sleep at night – sometimes for 2 minutes, sometimes for 20. since playing this cd softly as she gets ready for bed – starting just 8-9 days ago…she hasnt cried once! The habit is broken! hooray! i was worried the cd would be irritating – as so many of them are – but it is just gentle with a womans soft voice both singing and narrating. i would recommend this to any parent who would enjoy a calmer bedtime experience!”

“I bought this on the other recommendations and was not disappointed, bought for 18 month old – but would be good for older or younger. Soothing is the appropriate description and works a treat. All the old favourites and the final track is simply wonderful, works in bed and car – drivers beware!”

“I play this cd for my daughter every night. It relaxes her and she falls asleep with it very quickly (don’t think she’s ever heard the last few songs…). The voice of Sophie combined with the mellow music makes this a very soothing cd. I’d recommend it to everyone!!!”

“This is the second time I have bought this cd. The reason? We have worn it out! My baby boy has loved it as have his Mummy and Daddy. Amazing, perfection and an absolute must buy for the night time routine.”

“I bought this for my grandchildren and the feed back I’ve been given is excellent. My 2 year old grandson goes to sleep much sooner when listening to this so it has to be great! He’s not easy to put to bed and I bought this hoping it would help and it has.”

“This CD is wonderfully soothing and calming not just for babies and small children but for adults too. A great collection of songs that we all know and love with great music to go with it. A great asset for the bedroom to get the little ones to sleep and one of those cds you don’t mind having in the background in the car or anywhere for that matter unlike some of the others which can be quite annoying sometimes! A fantastic buy would recommend to anyone with young children.”

“I just wanted to add to the list of favourable feedbacks just how lovely this album is. If you are looking for a simply beautiful music cd to play to your little cherubs then this is one not to be missed. Quite simply, you will never regret making this purchase, and no, I am not on commission! Just wanted to pass on this little piece of ‘wonderfulness!’”

“We wanted something that wouldn’t great with us while soothing our baby who had forgotten how to fall asleep herself, and this is just the job. Knowing Sophie Barker’s voice from Zero 7 was enough incentive to buy this, and the songs do not disappoint. A couple (the names escape me now – it could be Baa Baa Black Sheep) has an almost epic instrumental far beyond the nursery rhyme we all know. Basically, it’s all good – great soothing voice and excellent musical accompaniment. Oh, and it calms down our baby girl who loves it too! Recommended.”

“I bought this for my little girl when she was approx 6months old – have played it nearly every night for nearly 5 months and still not fed up with hearing it! Good collection of songs and nicely put together. Would definately recommend this to anyone looking for a bedtime cd for their little one.”

“I’ve struggled to settle my 10 week old daughter for weeks but this cd is a miracle. She falls asleep within 3 or 4 songs – and so do I!! Really lovely music and gentle voice – not your typical lullaby CD. It’s like chillout music for babies! I think I enjoy it as much as my baby. I’d highly reccommend it to any new parents – and have done already!”

“My 14-week old daughter and I listen to this every single evening as I bathe her and feed her to sleep. It is very soothing and has some beautiful songs on it that you wouldn’t find on other nursery rhyme CDs.”

“I’m not sure I can say anything that hasn’t already been said about this lovely CD. The music is spellbinding and sends me and my baby off to sleep during her last feed before bed! Worth every penny and I will definitely be buying more for pregnant friends. Highly recommended!”

“We have used this as part of our bedtime routine since our son was 6weeks old. He is now 8months and he still loves it.Its a job for me too stay awake to be honest during the goodnight feed its that good.
Ive bought 3 so far as presents and they are all going strong! “

“Excellent service (arrived two days earlier) and CD which includes a book with the lyrics. Heard it twice myself and both times almost fell asleep towards the last couple of songs! It also includes some read nursery rhymes! Very complete and I will definitely be buying the second volume!”

“The strength of this CD is in the beautiful arrangements, each lullaby is a refreshing retake on the versions we had heard before. Our baby boy is only just starting out with the CD but even in this short space of time we had already got fed up of several other nursery music CDs. Its a brilliant collection of songs that payoff time and again. Beautiful music for our beautiful boy, highly recommended. “

“This CD is genius. We played it before putting our little boy to bed at 7pm, every night from when he was born. He’s now 9 months old and it never fails to send him to sleep. I’ve heard it hundreds of time and still find it lovely. Highly recommended.”

“Both my baby boy & myself for that matter, enjoy this CD very much. It never fails to send him off to sleep. The singer has a lovely voice that doesn’t get on your nerves like other CD’s do after a while. I would highly recommend it to any parent.”

“We use this CD every night as part of our little one’s bedtime routine. We bought it based upon the Amazon reviews and haven’t been disappointed. My husband is notoriously critical and cynical, yet he enjoys this CD – we both find the singing very relaxing and the musical arrangements are well put together. The music is not invasive or annoying despite the fact we have now listened to it approx 40 times. A lot of thought has obviously gone into the production of it. Our little one is instantly soothed by it. She cries as we take her clothes off for the bath, but as soon as Twinkle Twinkle starts…she quietens down. Amazing.
AFter little one’s bath, I also have a bath whilst my husband does the last feed of the day, and I actually enjoy listening to this as I have a nice relaxing soak! – how many children’s music CDs can you say that about?! A great product and highly recommended to use in your child’s wind-down. Good for parents too “

“This CD is wonderfull. I’ve had the CD for nearly a year now and my daughter is now approaching her 2nd birthday. I play it every night as part of her bedtime routine. The vocals are beautiful and the songs very endearing – row your boat being my absolute favourite. I have listened to it countless times, often falling asleep to it myself on the floor in my daughter’s bedroom! She loves it to and lunges for the CD at bedtime and says ‘mucis’ (‘music’ to her!!) I would recommend this to anyone and am going to buy a copy for my friend who’s just about to have her 1st baby. “

“I’m exceptionally pleased with this purchase. The CD is very enjoyable and for those Mums and Dads who don’t know many nursery rhymes the book that comes with it lists all the words which is just perfect.”

“Our baby boy is only 4 months, but this CD helps us all to fall asleep ! Great selection of songs, perfectly arranged and beautifully sung – very very soothing vocals and musical arrangement. I am sure this CD will get lots & lots of use in the years ahead. As some reviewers have mentioned, 1 or 2 of the “voiced” lullabies are a bit jaring and do not sit quite so easily on this CD as the vast majority of the tracks. However, this reason is not enough to not recommend this CD. Usually Baby and I are fast asleep by the time the last track ends. Priceless !”

“I felt I must write a review as I have been playing this CD to my 16 week old baby boy, since he was about 4 weeks old. I absolutely love Sophie Barkers voice (if your a fan of Zero 7 then you’ll love this CD) and the lullabies are just beautifully sung. It is part of his bed time routine and we are lucky if we get to Silent Night…”

“This CD is just the most gorgeous, relaxing and chilled music for babies and children. Sung by the girl from zero 7, it’s a ‘cool’ alternative to some of the cheesy and really annoying CD’s for kids out there. You can play this over and over, and never get at all annoyed! It’s a brilliant present for new babies – makes a change from clothes! I buy these in bulk and post them off to friends whenever a new baby arrives. The dads also love it – my husband is really into his music, and he loves this. Only problem is, it’s far more likely to send you to sleep than your baby…”

The Rainbow Collections Vol 2 : Toybox

Have kids? Tired of hearing the usual irritating cheesy keyboard arrangements by the likes of tweenies, postman pat etc?.. Is the soundtrack to your kids playtime becoming unbearable?…

Enough is enough, throw away the junkfood kids musak and put on our new childrens’ album, “Toybox” !

The album was created by myself and Sophie Barker (of Zero 7) as the second
part of our Rainbow Collections series of quality music for children. Volume 1
‘Lullaby’ was released a few years ago and has become a word of mouth success amongst children & grownups alike (I even heard of an old couple who play it nightly to their dogs)

If you’re familiar with Lullaby, you’ll get the idea.. Again we tried to re-imagine these classic songs which have been ‘lost’ over the years, spoiled by countless awful arrangements, and for once make music of quality for children (and the grown ups around them).

It’s a record for daytime, a soundtrack for playtime, featuring all the classic fun kids songs from Grand Old Duke Of York to Humpty Dumpty.. And as they’re the traditional nursery rhymes and childrens songs, here’s also some history, english language and all round education your kids (and you!) might pick up along the way..

Find out more and hear clips etc at : www.therainbowcollections.com

KKx