There’s a brand new CD out by celebrated group Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem! Ranky Tanky hit the shelves yesterday and is bound to effortlessly weave its way into your musical playlist.

Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem is a highly acclaimed American string band. As their website states, their music “stumps the categorizers.” It’s an eclectic blend of just about everything fitting into America’s music fusion over the past 200 years.

Rani Arbo boasts several rounds being Joan Baez’s backup singer. Her melodic alto voice has bluegrass hints that, to me, hold a likeness to Dolly Parton’s. Andrew Kinsey is the band’s bassist, while Anand Nayak juggles both electric and acoustic guitars. Scott Kessel’s percussion rig, the “Drumship Enterprise,” anchors the proceedings.

Ranky Tanky is the band’s very first family CD and was released under the new independent label Mayhem Music. It’s too good, too enjoyable, to be simply labeled as a “kids’ album.” This is a CD the entire family will enjoy. Many of the songs are covers, songs I sang as a kid. I hummed and sang along, the kids staring at me wide-eyed. “Mommy knows this song!!” Ranky Tanky is pure fun and frolick — an album your entire family will soon enjoy singing all together!

Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem’s Ranky Tanky is available for $15 from a variety of shopping venues: Their online store, from Signature Sounds, and CDBaby.

Win it! Courtesy of Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem and Sugar Mountain PR, one of you can win Ranky Tanky for your own family’s music collection!

Here’s how to enter:

1. MANDATORY: Tell me, in a comment below, something fun or interesting you learned about the band at their website.
2) For an extra entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.
3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.
4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered!

I’ll close the contest next Monday, March 22nd, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry, US entries only. Good luck!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received a sample CD for review, but my review of this product and its company was honest and my opinions are my own. I received no monetary compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

You’ve heard me rave about Prima Princessa in the past.

That’s why I’m so excited to share some terrific news with you today: Prima Princessa has been picked up by NCircle Entertainment, and their Swan Lake DVDs are now available for purchase from several online retailers….including Amazon.com and Target…as well as at select Target and ToysRUs stores near you!

My daughter adores Prima Princessa’s Swan Lake DVD. Performed by the Paris Opera Ballet and narrated by Prima Princessa herself, this DVD is a must-have for any young aspiring ballerina. Dance step clips from young Prima Princessa ballerinas as well as students from the School of American Ballet are intermingled within the story. Basic ballet positions and steps are taught in a fun (and girly!) way.

Be sure to look for Prima Princessa’s Swan Lake DVD online or in select stores mentioned…for your own little girl or for thoughtful gifts!

Win it! Courtesy of Prima Princessa, one of you can win Prima Princessa’s Swan Lake DVD!

Here’s how to enter:

1. MANDATORY: Visit Prima Princessa and tell me something that caught your eye….and who you’ll give this DVD to if you win!
2) For an extra entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.
3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.
4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered!

I’ll close the contest next Thursday, March 18th, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry, US entries only. Good luck!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congratulations to commenter # 23, Julie, the winner of this DVD!

FTC info — Disclaimer: My review of this product and its company was honest and my opinions are my own. I received no monetary compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Debuting this week on DVD and Blu-Ray from National Entertainment Media is a film all about the personal struggles and passions of a blooming mom blogger. Motherhood, starring Uma Thurman, Anthony Edwards, and Minnie Driver, is a raw and real glimpse in the day in the life of Eliza Welch. She is balancing a plethora of responsibilities and wearing a handful of hats: Keeping up with her eccentric and forgetful husband, caring for her toddler son, posting to her mom blog (The Bjorn Identity), navigating sticky neighborhood situations, nurturing a fragile friendship, and planning her daughter’s 6th birthday party (which is scheduled for that very night).

(Sound like too much for one day? Tired yet? Keep reading.)

In the midst of all of her “to-dos,” she finds out about a writing contest that can land her a permanent job in the field of parenting prose. She adds to her list: “Compose a 500-word essay on ‘What Motherhood Means to Me.’”

We follow Eliza as she deals with the pressures and inconveniences of living in a big city, car towing woes, shops for last-minute birthday party supplies, gets groceries (for her family and also her elderly next-door neighbor), meets her friend for a one-day-only sample sale, takes her son for a playground playdate, all the while toting around her laptop. By the end, she feels as if she’ll be lucky to get a sentence written, much less 500 words.

Though there is a ton of hearty humor in this film (exaggerated stereotypes of mom types, interpersonal communnication, and parenting styles), there is a heavy underlying theme of every mother’s struggle to hold tight to her identity as a person once motherhood becomes part of her persona.

The complicated, somewhat misaligned communication between she and her husband add even more stress to her day, showing glimpses of a deeper and underlying relational struggle, a battle to keep a marriage strong amidst the stresses of parenting (and life).

I enjoyed this movie…there were laugh-out-loud parts, for sure, and several moments where I nodded my head and said, “They got that right on the money!” Though most of the movie left me feeling, well, tired, I did appreciate the happy ending, albeit it a little too tidy. I felt as if this movie was shorter than it needed to be….perhaps a television series or miniseries would do this scenario more justice and allow the characters to become more developed and explored.

Still, it was an enjoyable film, and as a lover of writing and a mom blogger myself, one that I could easily relate to. The tear-invoking words near the end of the film sum up a tenet of mine very well, words that just go to show that parenting is a learning process….not just for child, but for moms, as well:

“Things are always changing, no matter how much you want things to stay the same. You could take a picture of your kids every single day and every single day, they’d just be getting older. That’s a fact; a heartbreaking fact, but still a fact. So seize your days and dwell in them fully. Look to your children, because they know how to inhabit brief periods of time with extreme passion….and for nothing more, really, than the sake of those moments. They can help you remember that….if you only slow down and let them.”

You can find Motherhood in stores near you, wherever DVDs are sold, or via Amazon on either DVD or Blu-Ray.

Win it! Courtesy of National Entertainment Media and Sugar Mountain PR, TWO of you can win a copy of Motherhood on DVD!

Here’s how to enter:

1) MANDATORY: Leave me a comment below telling me why you’d like to see this film…or what part of Eliza Welch’s life you think you’ll relate to the most.
2) For an extra entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.
3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.
4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered!

I’ll close this contest next Sunday, March 7th, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US entries only. Good luck!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congratulations to commenter #20, Sandy, and #99, Jenna, the winners of this DVD!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received this product for free for review purposes; however, my review was honest and my opinions are my own. I only received the product itself; I received no other monetary compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Brand new from Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Michele Valeri is an album intended for the littlest ones among us! Little Ditties for Itty Bitties is a CD just for babies and toddlers….the ones who are just forming their language and learning to love music and movement.

Michele Valeri has worked for over 25 years as a master artist and workshop leader for the Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts. Her passion is in this area and it’s evident by the joy and excitement exuding from her music! Not only in vocals, Michele is fluent and talented at the guitar, ukulele, and banjo.

Michele Valeri states: “Early childhood teachers frequently told us they were looking for new songs to share with babies and toddlers….I wrote these songs with their needs in mind, songs that they can learn easily and sing on their own even with the player turned off.”

Little Ditties for Itty Bitties is simple and sweet. It resembles and reminds me of music my parents used to have playing in my room when I was just a tot. Uncomplicated music with simple, invitational, interactive lyrics that make any little one want to get up and move. The bilingual songs (English/Spanish), Walking/Caminando and Toc Toc Toc bring in a small element of cultural appreciation….while still keeping it fun and cool.

Fishies in the Water is my favorite….caribbean/calypso beats that bring to mind warmer weather and tropical locales. Busy Day also brings a smile to my face, since, as a toddler, telling people that I was having a “busy, busy day” was one of my namesakes. I am glad to be able to share this album with my own two, since it’s nostalgic in nature for me.

Little Ditties for Itty Bitties would be an excellent soundtrack for a children/parent music & movement class, as well a compliment to a nursery setting.

You can purchase Michele Valeri’s Little Ditties for Itty Bitties at Cathy & Marcy’s Song Shop for $12. Each CD includes a PDF document with song lyrics and suggested activities.

Win it! Thanks to Michele Valeri, Cathy & Marcy’s Song Shop, and Sugar Mountain PR, one of you will win your own copy of Little Ditties for Itty Bitties.

Here’s how to enter:

1) MANDATORY: Comment below with the track name from Little Ditties for Itty Bitties that you find the most adorable or fun.
2) For an extra entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.
3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.
4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered!

I’ll close this contest next Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US entries only. Good luck!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congrats to commenter #18, Heidi Donahue, the winner of this CD!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received this product for free for review purposes; however, my review was honest and my opinions are my own. I only received the product itself; I received no other monetary compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

If you want an album that spans across the musical tastes and genres of our entire nation, then Earthworm Ensemble’s debut CD is meant for you!

Earthworm Ensemble is a fresh, new group which includes members of the acclaimed Los Angeles alt-Americana band I See Hawks in L.A. This CD also hails more notable musical figureheads such as Mike Stinson, The Chapin Sisters, Zachariah, and Brantley Kearns.

About as many instruments grab some limelight on this album, as well: Steel guitars, mandolins, drums, horns, and more! Every single song is different and unique. You’ll jump from a strumming guitar ballad (folk style, almost lullaby-like) to a rap song about making pizza (”Pizza Moon”)….then jump next to a bluegrass tune about a buffalo, showcasing a very deep-throated singer (David Jackson). This is a CD of many moods, many styles….and they’re all performed exceedingly well.

The 11 songs on this family-collaborated album are all terrific….and we’ve been toting this CD around the house with us, as well as into the car. Earthworm Ensemble’s self-titled debut CD is packaged in recycled cardboard and plastic, and can be ordered from their website for $15.99 (either by mail or via iTunes).

Win it! Courtesy of Earthworm Ensemble and Sugar Mountain PR, one of you can win this fun debut album for your own family music collection!

Here’s how to enter:

1) MANDATORY: Comment below with the song from Earthworm Ensemble’s CD that you like the very best
2) For an extra entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber
3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below!
4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered!

I’ll close this contest next Sunday, February 28th, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US entries only. Good luck!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congratulations to commenter #16, DanielleJ!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received this product for free for review purposes; however, my review was honest and my opinions are my own. I only received the product itself; I received no other monetary compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Brand new & just out from kid-approved and appreciated folk singers Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer are two musical/educational DVDs! Cathy & Marcy’s Song Shop releases today two fun, interactive DVDs geared toward toddlers through kindergartners. These “Meet the Instruments!” DVDs are the perfect introduction to musical appreciation for little guys & gals.

Things with Strings introduces kids to the stringed instruments that below within folk music: The guitar, banjo, mandolin, hammered dulcimer, and six more! Cathy & Marcy tell about each instrument, demonstrate its sound and technique, then put them to play with several of their most beloved songs and singalongs.

Clap and Tap shows kids that percussion instruments come in many varied forms. They’ll learn about clapping, drums, and even musical spoons!

My daughter is enthralled by these presentations. She sits up and listens to every word, then smiles and sings along with the tunes. Giggles escape every now and then, since Cathy & Marcy are so effortlessly good at entertaining kids through their music and dialogue….and are really funny at times!

These DVDs follow an award-winning CD by Cathy & Marcy. These talented artists have already won 14 consecutive Grammy nominations and hundreds of independent awards (such as Parents’ Choice).

You can order both the Clap and Tap and the Things with Strings DVDs from Cathy & Marcy’s Song Shop together for just $25 (or separately for $14.99 each)! These would be excellent additions to the musically diverse home, as well as the homeschool or public school classroom OR childcare center.

Win it! Thanks to Cathy & Marcy and Sugar Mountain PR, I can give away one each of the Clap and Tap and Things with Strings DVDs!

Here’s what you do to enter to win:

1) Comment below with an interesting fact from Cathy & Marcy’s website, as well as which DVD you’d prefer to win if you’re chosen
2) For an extra entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber
3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below!

I’ll close the contest next Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US entries only. Good luck!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congrats to commenter #21, Merrie L, the winner of the Things with Strings DVD, and commenter #34, Ellen Brower, the winner of the Clap and Tap DVD!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received this product for free for review purposes; however, my review was honest and my opinions are my own. I only received the product itself; I received no other monetary compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Just in time for President’s Day, Scholastic introduces another terrific volume within its Storybook Treasures collection.

So You Want to Be President? and More Stories to Celebrate American History is an in-depth animated retelling of some of the latest and most notable children’s literature pertaining to the presidents and other political milestones in our nation’s past.

The favorite of ours is the first story, the animated telling of Judith St. George’s Caldecott Medal-winning book, So You Want to Be President? This is no short story….it is a lengthy yet highly entertaining collection of random and interesting facts about the presidents who have served our country.

From White House pets to presidential dining to presidential children’s mischievous antics to the past leaders’ dancing abilities, there’s a little bit of everything in here, factoids and tidbits that are fascinating and fun. You’ll feel a bit of connection with our past leaders knowing that they’re a whole lot like you and me.

The rest of the DVD will not disappoint! There’s also:

~ My Senator and Me: A Dog’s Eye View of Washington D.C. (told from the perspective of Splash, the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy’s canine companion)
~ Madam President (a girl’s dreams of becoming president and sitting within the Oval Office)
~ I Could Do That! Esther Morris Gets Women the Vote (telling the story of this woman’s triumph in aiding the women in Wyoming Territory the ability to vote)

There are also bonus segments including a meet the author vignette and a story about Senator Kennedy and the real-life Splash. The total running time of this presentation is over 75 minutes PLUS special features.

A wonderful supplement to historical curriculum for teachers or home educators, this So You Want to Be President? DVD would also strike a chord and fit right in with a household who lives and breathes history, much like the household in which I grew up. Who said that learning about history is limited to memorization of dates and names? This will get even wary history students interested in learning more about the paths of our past.

You can purchase So You Want to be President? and More Stories to Celebrate American History directly from Scholastic/NewVideo for $14.99…or look for it wherever your favorite childrens’ DVDs are sold (online and locally).

(**As always, enter musereviews at checkout for 10% off your total purchase from NewVideo!**)

Win it! Courtesy of Scholastic/NewVideo, one of you can win your own copy of So You Want to Be President? Just tell me, in a comment below, another one of Scholastic’s Storybook Treasures you’d like to add to your DVD library. I’ll close the contest next Thursday, February 18th, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US entries only. Good luck!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congratulations to commenter #5, Grace, the winner of this DVD!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received this product for free for review purposes; however, my review was honest and my opinions are my own. I only received the product itself; I received no other monetary compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

For any kid who’s fascinated about the brain and how it works, there’s now music for him/her to enjoy….all about the cranium and the amazing stuff inside it!

Roger Day has released his new CD, Why Does Gray Matter?…and Other Brainy Songs for Kids!

Roger Day is a former camp counselor who began playing at college coffeehouses…and is now a renowned musician for kids, not to mention a Parents’ Choice Award winner.

He’s worked with several talented musicians and takes his musical inspiration from U2 and The Beatles. His music on this album in particular has been termed “Schoolhouse Rock meets Bill Nye the Science Guy,” and the expertly written lyrics prove that’s a valid description.

Our kids have fun with this album! The songs are fun and rock the house….yet the lyrics hold educational value and “brainy” facts that are sure to sink in! There’s the oft-asked question about why we get headaches when we eat ice cream in the track “Brain Freeze.” “The Left Brain/Right Brain Song” shows, with music of course, the difference in those halves of our head….and how each side controls different functions.

“The Brain Train” takes us on a tour of the brain’s anatomy…from the frontal lobe to the basal ganglia. Flashbacks of biological psychology classes appear in my memory’s recesses….why couldn’t learning that stuff have been THIS fun back then?!

You can purchase Roger Day’s Why Does Gray Matter? CD from his website, CD Baby, or Amazon.com for $15.

Win it! Thanks to Roger Day and Waldmania PR, I can offer one of you Roger Day’s Why Does Gray Matter? CD to enjoy at your house! Just tell me, in a comment below, the track you find most “intellectually stimulating” after listening to the track samples on his site. I’ll close the contest next Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US entries only. Good luck!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congratulations to commenter #1, Darcie K!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received this product for free for review purposes; however, my review was honest and my opinions are my own. I only received the product itself; I received no other monetary compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

You may have remembered my earlier post about Rainbow Brite — where I announced that the 80s childhood favorite is back and up to new adventures!

Rainbow Brite bounds back onto the scene this year with brand new characters, adventures, and even toys! Rainbow Brite and her friends are now available at Target, and will appear at Toys ‘r’ Us later this month. Aren’t these dolls precious? I don’t know who would love to have them more — me or my daughter!

This week, courtesy of Hallmark and MomSelect, I was sent a handful of Rainbow Brite CDs with interactive games, puzzles, and videos….just to share with all of you! My daughter and I sat down at the computer with our CD and had SO much fun with the art poster designing, customizable coloring sheets, and interactive games. I can’t wait to share some of these CDs with you!

Win it! I have FOUR Rainbow Brite CDs to give away to you guys! These CDs are both PC and Mac compatible. Here are the rules to enter: (Pay attention — I’ve added some extra entry possibilities, so be sure to take advantage of those!)

1. Mandatory for first entry: Head over to Hallmark’s Rainbow Brite page and tell me, in a comment, one thing you or your child liked about it — one of the activities, videos, products, or a favorite character.
2. 1 extra entry: Tweet about this contest (using @MuseReviews within your tweet), then leave another comment with the tweet link below.
3. 1 extra entry: Subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed, if you haven’t already, by clicking on the feed button in the address bar above. Leave me a comment below telling me you’re a new subscriber.

I’ll pick the four winners next Friday, February 12th, 2010 and ship them out the next week! Sorry; US entries only. Good luck!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.
Congratulations to the winners: Tracy, Renee, Michelle, & Melissa N! I’ll email all of you to get your addresses.

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received this CD for free for review purposes; however, my review was honest and my opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Charity and the JAMBand is a funky, fresh, fabulous musical group that just likes to have fun, fun, fun. It’s utterly obvious when you hear their brand new 2-CD album, Party Like a Twinkle Star.

The bright colors and funky graphics on this fold-out CD’s cover catch your attention right off. Then you open it to find two very different, very unique music listening options: One disk (”Party”) is for dancing and playtime…the other, for settling down at night for sleep (”Twinkle”).

The ten “Party” tunes will get you moving, swaying, and singing along. Your kids will giggle at the intro track, “Get Your Booty Out of Bed.” There are songs about camping (and making ooey-gooey s’mores), fun at the beach, and a make-believe rocket ship. The music ranges from psychedelic-reminiscent guitar rock to more eclectic, tribal sounds with percussion galore.

The ten “Twinkle” tunes are hauntingly beautiful, with melodic interludes and soothing vocals. Soft guitar strumming and unlikely chord changes keep this “lullaby” album in a category of its own.

Charity and the JAMband is led by Charity Kahn, a Stanford trained mathematician, musican, and teacher. She’s also a mom of two boys, so clearly. she has much inspiration for her clever tunes! The JAMband’s music has been termed “Phish for Kids” by Sirius-XM radio. They’ve won Parents’ Choice awards and have received national heralding via magazines and the CBS Early Show!

It’s a hippie-esque album with earthy roots and fun riffs and words to sing. Your kids will certainly enjoy Party Like a Twinkle Star as much as ours do!

You can download the full Party Like a Twinkle Star album or order the 2-CD set — both options are $20 at their website.

**Be sure to visit their website for a free “Song of the Month” download and information about Charity and the JAMband’s upcoming live performances!**

Win it! Courtesy of Charity and the JAMband and Sugar Mountain PR, TWO of you will win the Party Like a Twinkle Star album! To enter to win, just comment below with your favorite song from the double album (you can listen to the song clips from the album page). I’ll close the contest next Thursday, February 11th, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US entries only. Good luck, everyone!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congratulations to commenter #5, Julie L, and commenter #8, Dana, the winners of this CD!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received this product for free for review purposes; however, my review was honest and my opinions are my own. I only received the product itself; I received no other monetary compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”