Comedian Wayne Brady is set to release his first children’s album, Radio Wayne, on Walt Disney Records on May 31st. And to celebrate, three lucky Contest Corner readers will win a copy of Radio Wayne, so read on!
About the album:
Actor, singer and comedian extraordinaire Wayne Brady now adds children’s entertainer to his resume with the release of Radio Wayne, his Walt Disney Records’ debut children’s album. Recreating the world of drive-time radio, Brady plays DJ Wayne on the album, talking to listeners while introducing a hot mix of songs designed help kids with everyday life lessons. Radio Wayne will be available exclusively on Amazon.com starting April 19, then arrives at retailers nationwide and online music stores May 31.
Produced and arranged by the Heavyweights (Jack Kugell, Jamie Jones and Jason Pennock) Radio Wayne features 14 songs, with all of the original tracks co-written by Brady. Touching on a range of musical styles – from jazz and reggae to blues and hip hop – Brady sings about good manners (“Say Please,” “Wash Your Hands”), good habits (“Reading Can be Fun,” “You Are What You Eat”) and just plain having fun (“Hide and Seek,” “Hip Hop Stop”).
The project was inspired by the good times Brady has shared with his daughter, Maile and his commitment to being a parent. “In this day and age, kids are far more mature for good and bad than children of any other generation,” says Brady. “You have 6-year-olds who can quote Lady Gaga’s lyrics. That’s why I did this CD. I wasn’t happy with a lot of what my daughter was listening to. We decided to make songs that are as dance-worthy as other Top 40 songs.”
Songs on Radio Wayne include:
1. “Imagination” – a jubilant pop salute to every boy and girl’s greatest asset: their minds.
2. “The High-Low” – a breezy, hip-hop track about a brand new dance, guaranteed kid-tested and fun.
3. “Good Morning (All Over the World)” – drawing on languages like Japanese, Italian and even Hebrew, Wayne teaches kids that simple phrase that makes anyone smile.
4. “Say Please” — a funky, James Brown-flavored appeal for common courtesy.
5. “Talk to the Animals” – Wayne’s mooing, chirping, oinking remake of the Oscar-winning classic from the film “Doctor Doolittle.”
6. “Greedy Gus” – a funny jazz piece about a naughty child who never wants to share.
7. “Let it Out” – a punchy hip hop song that helps kids deal with angry feelings.
8. “Reading Can Be Fun” – a touch of Sly Stone graces this upbeat track about the joys of reading.
9. “Wash Your Hands” – Wayne’s hip-hop take on an important message for kids.
10. “You Are What You Eat” – a rap about good nutrition.
11. “The Music Song” – fun never sounded so bluesy, as Wayne and the kids build a song note-by-note, instrument-by-instrument.
12. “Hide and Seek” – it’s not Outkast, it’s Wayne and the kids playing everyone’s favorite childhood game.
13. “Monster in My Closet” – what’s the best way to deal with childhood fears? Laugh at them, as Wayne does in this catchy pop gem.
14. “Hip Hop Stop” – a high-spirited rap version of the old game, Red Light Green Light, wraps up Radio Wayne.
A multiple Emmy® winner, celebrated comedian and Grammy®-nominated singer, Wayne Brady is one of today’s most versatile entertainers. He first burst on the scene as star of the improv comedy show, “Whose Line Is It Anyway?,” which led to his hosting “Don’t Forget the Lyrics,” his own “The Wayne Brady Show,” and currently “Let’s Make a Deal” on CBS. He’s also been a featured guest star on shows like “30 Rock,” “How I Met Your Mother” and “The Chappelle Show.”
As a singer, Wayne released his solo album debut, A Long Time Coming, in 2008, while making his Disney debut that same year with a cover of “Tiki Tiki Tiki Room” for the Disney Music Block Party compilation.
Radio Wayne will be available April 19 at Amazon.com. The nationwide release will be available wherever music is sold on May 31. For more information on Walt Disney Records’ releases, please visit Disney.com/music, become a fan at Facebook.com/disneymusic or follow us at Twitter.com/disneymusic.
Giveaway time!
THREE lucky Contest Corner readers will win a copy of Radio Wayne! Here’s how to enter:
1. For your first entry, just leave a comment on this post and tell me why you’d like to win! This step is required to qualify for the drawing.
Want extra entries? Do any of the following, and leave a separate comment for each one:
2. Write a post on your blog linking to this giveaway and Walt Disney Records. Then come back here and leave me the link!
3. Write about this on Twitter, then come back and leave me the link to your tweet! One Twitter entry per person. You can use the button at the bottom of this post to tweet with one click!
4. Subscribe to my blog updates by clicking here. Then come back and leave me the email you subscribed with!
5. Become a follower of my blog by clicking the “Follow” button in my sidebar! Then come back here and let me know in a separate comment!
6. Post my button on your website – just copy and paste the following code, and let me know where you put it:
Rules, regulations, and other important stuff: Giveaway ends on May 26th at 11:59 PM, PST. Winners will be chosen the following day via Random.org. Winner has 48 hours to respond to my notification email, or a new winner will be chosen in their place. Giveaway is open to US residents. I received no compensation for this post – other than the joy of giving a prize to one of my loyal readers!
When I was little, I remember going to the library and checking out a Lady and The Tramp book and tape set – remember those? My favorite song on the tape was the “Siamese Cat Song”; I remember rewinding the cassette several times so that I could listen to it again and again.
Well, now this and other classic songs have been preserved for the next generation in Walt Disney Records’ new compilation, Disney Villains: Simply Sinister Songs. In addition to my childhood favorite from Lady and the Tramp, there are a number of great songs from other timeless favorites like Dumbo, The Jungle Book, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and The Beast, and many more. I loved that the songs selection spans across the eras – this great album will bring back fond memories for adults as well as delighting younger listeners!
Disney Villains: Simply Sinister Songs track list:
1. Pink Elephants on Parade: Dumbo
2. Siamese Cat: Song Lady and the Tramp
3. Cruella De Vil: 101 Dalmatians
4. I Wan’na Be Like You (The Monkey Song): The Jungle Book
5. Every Little Piece: Pete’s Dragon
6. Poor Unfortunate Souls: The Little Mermaid
7. Gaston: Beauty and the Beast
8. Oogie Boogie’s Song: The Nightmare Before Christmas
9. You’re Only Second Rate (The Return of Jafar): Aladdin and the King of Thieves
10. Be Prepared: The Lion King
11. Snuff Out the Light (Yzma’s Song): The Emperor’s New Groove
12. Yodel-Adle-Eedle-Idle-Oo : Home on the Range
13. Friends on the Other Side: The Princess and the Frog
Giveaway time!
One lucky Contest Corner reader will win a copy of Disney Villains: Simply Sinister Songs! Here’s how to enter:
1. For your first entry, just leave a comment on this post and tell me who your favorite Disney villain is! This step is required to qualify for the drawing.
Want extra entries? Do any of the following, and leave a separate comment for each one:
2. Write a post on your blog linking to this giveaway and Walt Disney Records. Then come back here and leave me the link!
3. Write about this on Twitter, then come back and leave me the link to your tweet! One Twitter entry per person. You can use the button at the bottom of this post to tweet with one click!
4. Subscribe to my blog updates by clicking here. Then come back and leave me the email you subscribed with!
5. Become a follower of my blog by clicking the “Follow” button in my sidebar! Then come back here and let me know in a separate comment!
6. Post my button on your website – just copy and paste the following code, and let me know where you put it:
Rules, regulations, and other important stuff: Giveaway ends on September 12th at 11:59 PM, PST. Winner will be chosen the following day via Random.org. Winner has 48 hours to respond to my notification email, or a new winner will be chosen in their place. Giveaway is open to US residents.
StarStruck is a Disney Channel Original Movie that premiered on February 14th. The movie follows the adventures of pop idol Christopher Wilde (Played by Sterling Knight), and its corresponding soundtrack is a feelgood compilation of enjoyable teen pop. I’ve spoken before about my lifelong love of bubblegum pop, and I’m unashamed to admit that I loved this disc from start to finish. It’s upbeat and consistent – we all know that teen pop albums are usually composed of two singles and a bunch of dire filler. But that is not the case with StarStruck; if you enjoy the video below, you’ll probably like the rest of the album too. So whether you’re the parents of tweens or an unabashed pop fan yourself, check out the Starstruck soundtrack!
StarStruck Soundtrack Track List:
1. Starstruck Performed by Christopher Wilde 2. ShadesPerformed by Christopher Wilde and Stubby 3. Hero Performed by Christopher Wilde 4. Something About the Sunshine (Duet) Performed by Christopher Wilde and Anna Margaret 5. What You Mean to MePerformed by Christopher Wilde 6. Party UpPerformed by Stubby 7. Got to Believe (Bonus Track)Performed by Christopher Wilde 8. Hero (Unplugged) Performed by Christopher Wilde 9. Something About the Sunshine (Solo) Performed by Anna Margaret 10. New BoyfriendPerformed by Anna Margaret 11. Welcome to HollywoodPerformed by Mitchel Musso 12. Make a MoviePerformed by Jasmine Sagginario
One of the hottest kid’s movies this year is Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure. So what better gift to tuck under the tree than the companion soundtrack of songs from and inspired by the movie? The little girl on your list would be thrilled to receive this – and mom and dad might just find themselves singing along, too!
When I first received the Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure album, I assumed that it would be aimed strictly at little kids. So I was pleasantly surprised to see that the album boasts music from popular artists like Jordin Sparks, Jesse McCartney, Selena Gomez, Lisa Kelly of Celtic Woman, Demi Lovato, and many more. All 13 tracks on here are classic soft rock ballads in the vein of hits like Christina Aguilera’s “Reflection” and the Céline Dion/Peabo Bryson “Beauty and The Beast” duet – these songs may have been written for beloved Disney cartoons, but they have mainstream crossover appeal. Tinker Bell is the kind of album that parents could enjoy listening to even when the kids are in school! There are no loud and obnoxious anthems on here; in fact, I probably wouldn’t have even realized this was a children’s album if I hadn’t known it upfront.
Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure also comes with an illustrated lyric booklet, so that kids can learn the words and join in! Click here to listen to clips from the album.
Tracklist includes:
01. Gift of a Friend Performed by Demi Lovato 02.Take to the Sky Performed by Jordan Pruitt 03.Where the Sunbeams Play Performed by Méav Ní Mhaolchatha 04. Road to Paradise Performed by Jordin Sparks 05. I’ll Try Performed by Jesse McCartney 06. If You Believe Performed by Lisa Kelly of Celtic Women 07. Magic Mirror Performed by Tiffany Thornton 08. The Magic of a Friend Performed by Haley O 09. It’s Love that Holds Your Hand Performed by Jonatha Brooke 10. A Greater Treasure than a Friend Performed by Savannah Outen 11. Pixie Dust Performed by Ruby Summer 12. Fly Away Home Performed by Alyson Stoner 13. Fly to Your Heart Performed by Selena Gomez
Walt Disney Records shared some exciting news with me today – musical legend Brian Wilson has signed with Disney and plans to release two albums on their Pearl imprint. Here’s the full scoop:
BRIAN WILSON SIGNS WITH WALT DISNEY RECORDS
BEACH BOYS CO-FOUNDER TO RECORD TWO ALBUMS, INCLUDING COVERS OF GEORGE AND IRA GERSHWIN CLASSICS
WILSONTO CRAFT COLLABORATIVE COMPOSITIONS FROM PREVIOUSLY UNPUBLISHED MUSIC FROM GEORGE GERSHWIN
Burbank, CA – October 8, 2009 – Two giants of popular entertainment have come together as Brian Wilson, the pioneering musical genius who co-founded the Beach Boys and wrote many of the band’s greatest hits, has signed with Walt Disney Records.
In the months ahead, Wilson will record two new solo albums for the label’s Disney Pearl imprint, including one featuring covers of classic songs by great American songwriters, George and Ira Gershwin. For that recording, the Gershwin estate has given Wilson access to rare, unfinished pieces of music by George Gershwin, with which he will craft collaborative compositions unlike anything the world has seen.
He will follow that with an album of classic Disney songs, which the artist promises to “Brian-ize” with his trademark vocal stacks and unique arrangements. Release dates for each album have yet to be determined.
Said David Agnew, Walt Disney Records president and general manager of the Disney Music Group, “We are honored to be in business with one of the greatest musical artists of all time. It is impossible to overstate the impact Brian has had on contemporary music and culture — it has been nothing less than profound. We look forward to partnering with Brian on this exciting new voyage in his musical journey.”
“I’ve always tried to make music that entertained people,” Wilson said. “I also wanted my music to last, to be able to speak to any generation. Thankfully, nearly 50 years since the Beach Boys were born, that seems to have come true. Now, a new musical chapter begins for me, and teaming up with Disney means it’s going to be a chapter to remember. I promise.”
Wilson chose to record George and Ira Gershwin songs because he considers the late composers of classics like “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “Rhapsody in Blue” and “Summertime” as a critical influence on him. “I’ve always loved George Gershwin. The earliest music I remember hearing is ‘Rhapsody in Blue,’” says Wilson, referring to Gershwin’s groundbreaking 1924 orchestral piece. “Along with Irving Berlin, Gershwin basically invented the popular song, but he did something more. He had a gift for melody that nobody has ever equaled yet his music is timeless and always accessible. This is the most spiritual project I’ve ever worked on.”
Said Todd Gershwin (George Gershwin estate) and Michael Owen (Ira Gershwin estate): “The Gershwin families are delighted that the legendary musician Brian Wilson has chosen to record a collection of George and Ira Gershwin songs for his next project. In every generation, American music has been pushed forward by visionaries, from the Gershwin brothers to Brian Wilson. This latest interpretation will be a new opportunity to discover the magic of Gershwin music.”
Like Gershwin, Brian Wilson is one of the great composers of the last 100 years. The Southern California native, along with his brothers, a cousin and a friend, formed the Beach Boys while still in his teens. With Wilson as chief songwriter and arranger, the band not only enjoyed dozens of hits, but changed music forever thanks to Brian’s innovative melodies and harmonies. Songs like “I Get Around,” “Help Me, Rhonda,” “California Girls,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” and the #1 smash “Good Vibrations” remain indispensable staples in the rock ‘n’ roll canon. The band’s “Pet Sounds” (1966) is regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time.
Wilson continued to make great music after the Beach Boys, with 10 solo albums including his breathtaking “Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE,” which he began recording in the 1960s and finally completed in 2004 to thunderous critical acclaim and Top 20 chart success (as well as earning a Grammy). A member of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, a Kennedy Center honoree and recipient of multiple Gold and Platinum records, Brian Wilson has earned his well-deserved pop music immortality.
They Might Be Giants have long pleased music fans with their quirky “Geek Rock” tunes – and now they have a whole new generation of fans thanks to their recent foray into children’s music. Their upcoming release, Here Comes The Science, is sure to delight children and parents alike. Our friends at Walt Disney Records have provided us with a first look at their new video, as well as an exclusive free MP3 – here are the details:
It’s a unique concept to grasp, a CD / DVD directed towards kids that adults can enjoy, but 2009 Grammy winners, They Might Be Giants, are back with their fifth of its kind:Here Comes Science.
The 2-disc set will be available exclusively physically on Amazon and digitally on iTunes September 1, full-scale release September 22 on Idlewild/Disney Sound. You can pre-order the set on Amazonhere.
The Johns (Flansburgh and Linnell) are taking their catchy, educational tunes on the road, but not leaving their older fans hanging. They will be playing double header performances in many cities, offering adults a later show. See below for full list of dates!
They Might Be Giants Tour Dates
NJ @ Union County Music Fest @ Oak Ridge Park 09/19: Raleigh, NC @ North Carolina Museum of Art 10/01: Ithaca, NY @ State Theatre 10/02: Albany, NY @ Hart Theatre/The Egg 10/03: Albany, NY @ Hart Theatre/ The Egg 10/04: New York, NY @ American Museum of Natural History 10/08: Detroit, MI @ St. Andrew’s Hall 10/09: St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant 10/10: Chicago, IL @ Vic Theatre 10/11: Madison, WI @ Barrymore Theatre 10/13: Indianapolis, IN @ The Vogue 10/15: Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom 10/16: Millvale, PA @ Mr. Small’s Theater 10/17: Kutztown, PA @ Kutztown University – Schaeffer Auditorium 10/18: New York, NY @ NYU – Skirball Center for the Performing Arts 11/14: Los Angeles, CA @ Royce Hall @ UCLA 11/15: Santa Barbara, CA @ Campbell Hall @ UCSB 11/21: Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre of Living Arts 11/27: Uncasville, CT @ The Wolf Den at Mohegan Sun Casino 11/28: Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
And Contest Corner will be hosting a special giveaway to celebrate the release of Here Comes The Science, so stay tuned!
Earlier today, I reviewed the latest CD from the Imagination Movers, For Those About To Hop. If your family would like to catch this fun group live, then you won’t want to miss our on their latest tour, kicking off on October 10th! Here are the dates:
10-Oct Sat – Shreveport, LA // The Strand
11-Oct Sun – New Orleans, LA // UNO Lakefront
13-Oct Tue – Knoxville, TN // Tennessee Theatre
14-Oct Wed N – Charleston, SC // North Charleston Performing Arts Center
15-Oct Thu – Durham, NC // Durham Performing Arts Center
18-Oct Sun – Houston TX // Verizon Wireless Theatre
20-Oct Tue – Paducah, KY // Carson Center
21-Oct Wed – Davenport, IA // Adler Theatre
22-Oct Thu – Kansas City, MO // Midland Theatre
23-Oct Fri – Sioux Falls, SD // Washington Pavilion
24-Oct Sat – Minneapolis, MN // Target Center
25-Oct Sun – Merrillville, IN // Star Plaza
28-Oct Wed – Mansfield, OH // Renaissance Theatre
30-Oct Fri- Indianapolis, IN // Murat Theatre
1-Nov Sun – Waukegan, IL // Genesee Theatre
2-Nov Mon – Champaign, IL // Star Theatre
4-Nov Wed – Rochester, NY // Auditorium Theatre
5-Nov Thu – Syracuse, NY // Landmark Theatre
7-Nov Sat – Boston, MA // Orpheum
8-Nov Sun – New York, NY // Nokia Live
11-Nov Wed – Morgantown, WV // Creative Arts Center
13-Nov Fri – New Brunswick, NJ // State Theatre
14-Nov Sat – New Haven, CT // Shubert
15-Nov Sun – Frederick, MD // Weinberg Center
18-Nov Wed – Wilmington, DE // Grand Opera House
19-Nov Thu – Pittsburgh, PA // Byham Theatre
20-Nov Fri – Staten Island, NY // St. George Theatre
21-Nov Sat – Philadelphia, PA // Keswick
22-Nov Sun – Huntington, WV // Big Sandy Arena
4-Dec Fri – Mesa, AZ // Ikeda Theatre
5-Dec Sat – Los Angeles, CA // Club Nokia
6-Dec Sun – Oakland, CA // Fox Theatre
8-Dec Tue – Thousand Oaks, CA // Fred Kavli Theatre
9-Dec Wed – Fresno, CA // Saroyan Theatre
11-Dec Fri – Portland, OR // Theatre of the Clouds
Dubbing themselves as “The Beastie Boys Meet Mr. Rogers”, the Disney Channel’s fun-loving Imagination Movers have won the hearts of children everywhere with their hit TV show and catchy music. Two lucky Contest Corner readers will have the chance to win a copy of the Imagination Movers’ latest album, For Those About To Hop, so read on!
About The Imagination Movers:
“The Movers – Rich Collins, Scott Durbin, Dave Poche, and Scott “Smitty” Smith – formed in 2003 when a group of New Orleans friends started writing songs together and testing them out on their own kids. The band’s dynamic, high-energy shows and wide-ranging pop sensibilities (with a special nod to 1980s alt rock) made them an immediate hit at the local parks and children’s museums. Not even losing homes to Hurricane Katrina (during which Smitty served as a first responder) scuttled their dreams. After signing to Disney, the Movers released their label debut Juice Box Heroes in March 2008, and are now currently working on the second season of their Playhouse Disney (Disney Channel’s learning-based programming block for preschoolers) show.”
My Take:
Fun and quirky, the Imagination Movers will please parents and children alike with their cheery tunes and tongue-in-cheek lyrics. For Those About To Hop is the latest collection of songs from the Movers, featuring 27 tracks from their Disney TV series. Children will love hearing new tunes from their friends Rich, Scott, Dave, and Smitty; adults will love the catchy pop-rock melodies. Listing their genre as “Alt Rock For Kids”, the Imagination Movers’ charm and sense of humor compliment the sassy guitar licks of playful songs like “Sunblock” and “Playing Catch”. It’s challenging to write children’s music that will be enjoyed – and not just tolerated – by parents, but the Movers have succeeded in crafting infectious songs that will have adults rocking out alongside their little ones.
Giveaway Time!
2 lucky Contest Corner readers will win a copy of For Those About To Hop! Here’s how to enter:
This step is required to qualify for the drawing. Be sure to leave an email address with your comment, so that I may notify you in the event that you are the lucky winner!
Want extra entries? Do any of the following, and leave a separate comment for each one:
2. Write a post on your blog linking to this giveaway and the Imagination Movers website. Then come back here and leave me the link! 3. Write about this on Twitter, then come back and leave me the link to your tweet! 4. Subscribe to my blog updates by entering your email into the “Subscribe” box in the sidebar. Then come back and leave me the email you subscribed with! 5. Become a follower of my blog by clicking the “Follow” button in my sidebar! Then come back here and let me know in a separate comment! 6. Post my button on your website – just copy and paste the following code, and let me know where you put it:
7. Anyone who donates a Lifestraw qualifies for an extra entry into all my giveaways during August – click here for more details.
Rules, regulations, and other important stuff: Giveaway ends on August 26th at 11:59 PM, PST. Winners will be chosen the following day via Random.org. Winner has 48 hours to respond to my notification email, or a new winner will be chosen in their place. Giveaway is open to US Residents.
Wizards of Waverly Place star Selena Gomez will be answering questions from fans in a live Facebook chat today! Here are the details:
Selena Gomez will be doing a live webcast on her official Facebook this Friday at 7pm EST, 4pm PST!
To RSVP to the event, go to www.facebook.com/selena and click on the tab “Selena Live” and “Enter Webcast”. When users ask questions, it will automatically update their status on Facebook with a link to “Selena Gomez Chat”.
And if you’re a Selena Gomez fan, you also won’t want to miss my upcoming giveaway of the Wizards of Waverly Place soundtrack – stay tuned for more details!
Contest Corner is your resource for the best giveaways on the net! Journalist Beeb Ashcroft gives you her upfront opinions on the newest & coolest products - along with a chance for you to win one for yourself!
. The nationwide release will be available wherever music is sold on May 31. For more information on Walt Disney Records’ releases, please visit Disney.com/music, become a fan at Facebook.com/disneymusic or follow us at Twitter.com/disneymusic.
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Contest Corner is your resource for the best giveaways on the net! Journalist Beeb Ashcroft gives you her upfront opinions on the newest & coolest products - along with a chance for you to win one for yourself!
