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Jack Johnson Album - Sing-A-Longs & Lullabies for the Film Curious George (Jack Johnson)
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Customers rating:
(220 ratings)
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Release Date:2006-02-07
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Type:Audio CD
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Genre:Adventure, Animation, Children's Music, Comedy, Family, Film Music, Pop, Pop/Rock, Rock/Pop, Soundtracks, Soundtracks & Film Scores, Soundtracks & Scores
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Label:Umvd Labels
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UPC:602498796986
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Approx. Price:$13.98
(USD)
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Review - Description :
Faced with the task of giving a voice to a central character that does not speak, Universal Pictures turned to Jack Johnson to craft songs that could provide a voice for Curious George. As a new father, it gave him the opportunity to make an album for both parents and children. Presented with early animations and the story line, Jack crafted new songs that capture the emotions of Curious George as he leaves the jungle to follow the Man with the Yellow Hat. He also turned to friends Ben Harper, G. Love, and Matt Costa to contribute songs that might bridge the gap between parent and child. Joined on the record by his band (Adam Topol, Merlo Podlewski, and Zack Gill), Jack duets with three of the other songwriters (Ben Harper, G. Love, and Matt Costa), and does a cover of the White Stripes' "We're Going to Be Friends." Parents who watched Schoolhouse Rock on Saturday mornings when they were children will recognize Jack's take on the classic "Three Is a Magic Number," reinterpreted with the 3 R's as a call to protect the environment and Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Sing-a-Longs and Lullabies feels like so much more than your standard soundtrack due to its unified creative vision. While the songs have a universal appeal, their themes speak to a child's experience (or in this case, a curious monkey's experience) of the world. More from Jack Johnson 
In Between Dreams | 
On and On | 
Brushfire Fairytales | 
Sprout the soundtrack | 
Jack Johnson--A Weekend At The Greek & Live In Japan on DVD | 
The September Sessions on DVD |
Review - Amazon.com :
Admit it: If you had to pick an artist to give voice to the wackadoo thinkings of a monkey beloved by most of the American populace over age 3, you could do a lot worse than Jack Johnson. Black Eyed Peas? Too hyper. Death Cab for Cutie? Too ironic. They Might Be Giants? Too eggheaded. Johnson, though the object of much rightful jealousy--here, after all, is a guy who only stumbled into music and vaulted himself up the charts after a successful career as a pro surfer--turns out to have the goods to do H.A. Rey, Curious George's creator, proud. Fans familiar with Johnson's earlier discs will recognize a certain laconic sprawl and easy fascination in his songs that suits the theme of perpetual puzzlement perfectly (here, let's not forget, is a guy who racked up fans with songs called "Bubble Toes" and "Banana Pancakes"). That the music takes a childish turn barely registers--songs like opener "Upside Down" are classic Johnson, all wonderment and groove, and the collaborations with friends Ben Harper, G. Love, and Matt Costa warm up, wink, and scamper off before packing on the weight of excess meaning. "We're Going to Be Friends," track seven, seals the deal--when you can make the White Stripes sound compatible with the Man with the Yellow Hat, you know you've got a multi-generational winner. --Tammy La GorceCustomer review - 2006-02-13
- Music that enhanced the movie, stands solidly on its own This is one of those lovely soundtracks which kids will love and adults will find nearly as wonderful. Even better, it will encourage children to think creatively, with such lines as "I'll find the things they say..can't be found". Johnson has some notable musicians along for the trip, including Ben Harper.
If you saw the movie, this CD will be just that much more special.. If you missed the movie, you'll still love this CD.
Customer review - 2006-02-23
- Breezy & LightJack Johnson is the perfect choice to contribute songs to the film Curious George. His breezy, carefree & whimsical style captures the essence of the book and film's main character. "Upside Down", "Lullaby" & "Questions" all effortlessly float along while a Hawaiian flavored version of the White Stripes' "We're Going To Be Friends" makes for an interesting cover. This album is perfect for both children and adults as the kids will love the Curious George tie-in and parents won't have to put earplugs in while the kids listen.
Customer review - 2006-03-15
- All aboard, all ages!This CD makes me remember the good times I had when I was a child listening to music with my mother and father. My mother especially wanted me to get to know about music and the arts from an early age onward. This CD is exactly what I loved to listen to--and I am still impressed by it when I first heard it at my neighbor's home as they babysat their grandson!
So, then, it should come as no surprise to you when I write that this CD by Jack Johnson is truly great family entertainment. No wonder--he is a Grammy nominated writer who has a magnificent voice! It is to Jack's credit that he can write such catchy, fun songs for children that adults listening along won't mind one bit. I agree with other Amazon reviewers that the music is very well arranged with great lyrics and the quality of the sound is excellent.
Although the cover art is nice, the music is what really shines here. This guy can capture the attention of children, adults and even my twelve week old puppy dog! They love the songs.
A particularly beautiful song here is "We're Going To Be Friends." This is a song first performed by a group called "White Stripes." The song is both thoughtful and warm; and the lyrics encourage children to share not just material goods but emotionally as well. Friendship is an integral part of life; and so this song is excellent preparation for real life.
Look for Jack Johnson to be joined by Matt Costa on the song entitled "Lullaby;" and Jack and Ben Harper do another duet on "We're Going To Be Friends." Awesome! The song "Talk Of The Town" is another duet with Jack and Kahu Kawika Kahiapo. And again, on "Jungle Gym" Jack is accompanied by G. Love.
In addition to singing on this album, Jack plays both the guitar and the ukulele. Zack Gill plays the piano and Merlo Podlewski is on bass guitar.
In short, this CD has a track set that is much more than just mellow and relaxed: The message each song sends out are very sweet and the melodies WILL leave you wanting more. Put some extra time aside before listening to this CD; after your very first listen you'll be sure to play it again right away and crank the volume up loud! Thank Goodness for Jack Johnson and his peers! Enjoy! SMILE
Customer review - 2006-02-28
- Curiously Strong Song WritingThank George, people are starting to listen to songs again. Songs by real people that aren't all about fashion and image and machoism or sexiness. Songs, like these have been missing from the musical landscape for a while now. If it takes a cartoon monkey to bring this type of music to the masses, then run little monkey, run. Do your best to spread the word. Because, the people out there really are curious.
Jack Johnson's sense of wonder and melody and innocence and mood sit well here. Sunny yet touching, like the music of School for the Dead The New You, or The Winterpills The Light Divides, or Henning Ohlenbusch Looks Like I'm Tall, or Harry Nilsson Nilsson Schmilsson, or Paul Simon The Paul Simon Collection: On My Way, Don't Know Where I'm Goin', or even some Fountains of Wayne, these songs speak volumes.
Customer review - 2006-05-20
- Not many things really ARE "fun for the whole family"I'm a 46 yyear old music junkie with a 2-year-old daughter. So when I find an album that passes muster as kiddie fare but I can groove to it as well, that's gold. And if that's your criterion, this is one of the records of the year.
Laid back Hawaiian surf bum Jack Johnson's easy breezy whimsy goes just right with the George oeuvre. Happy strumming, never in any hurry, and with cheery little stories and lessons embedded into the lyric, which you don't even have to pay attention to. Playful words, playful music. The kind of record I love, and that I want my little girl to love-- which she does.
If you're in the same boat as me-- looking for happening tunes for daddies and babies alike-- also check out Dan Zanes and Friends, Catch That Train!
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