Review and Giveaway: All Around Ralph's World

Thank you to Bar None Records and Ralph's World for participating in the Bloggy Birthday Blowout Event at Goodie Goodie Gumdrops!

Summer vacation may be over but that doesn't mean we can't still explore new worlds and new places with our little ones. With just a little imagination, it's easy to take flight wherever and whenever you want to go. First stop on our imaginary tour? A little place known as Ralph's World.

Grammy-nominated musician and esteemed playwright Ralph Covert began his career with the critically-acclaimed, Chicago-based indie rock band The Bad Examples in the 90's. He also penned several adult dramas and children's stage musicals, including "The Hundred Dresses" and "A Nutty Nutcracker Christmas", before becoming the kids music sensation he is today. You've probably heard his catchy collaboration from the new Huggies Pull-Ups commercials, "The Potty Dance". (You know, "Do the...*clap, clap*...potty dance...")

All Around Ralph's World is Covert's ninth family release, containing sixteen original songs that run the gamut from rock to pop to country to showtunes. Through Ralph's compelling storytelling, we blast off to the limits of our imagination as we encounter a robot, a dog, and a caterpillar - just to name a few of the endearing characters on the album.

Track Listing:

1. The Great Outdoors
2. My Magic Trick
3. Wiggle Your Lah-De-Dah
4. Easy Ryders
5. All About Bob
6. All Around the World
7. Black Hole Boy
8. Blue Airplane
9. The First Time
10. Pickle Me Juice
11. Sally's Trip
12. Bubblegum
13. The Funniest Joke in the World
14. A Dog Named Bruce
15. The Robot Looked at the Stars
16. I'm Not Tired

All Around Ralph's World is officially our new go-to car ride companion. Its laid-back, free spirit vibe makes it the perfect soundtrack for travel. I love that the music doesn't make my son too hyper like some of our more rock-oriented albums and the track lengths are palatable for the shortest of toddler attention spans. It's a gentle album that will have your little one's imagination soaring to new heights.

The stand-out songs for me were the intergalactic vaudeville tune "My Magic Trick", the effortless soft pop ballad "Blue Airplane" and the silly, bluegrass tune "Pickle Me Juice", which was co-written with Ralph's daughter, Fiona. I also really enjoyed the dreamy, "The Robot Looked at the Stars", which immediately brought to mind U2.

Whether you're looking to escape on four wheels or only in your mind, you'll definitely want to detour to Ralph's World.

BUY IT: You can purchase All Around Ralph's World at most major music retailers and online at Amazon.com or Ralph's World Store (ARV $13.98).

WIN IT: Bar None Records is generously offering two lucky winners a Ralph's World prize pack including the All Around Ralph's World CD, a Ralph's World Rocks t-shirt and autographed goodies!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Visit Ralph's World, have a listen to the playlist on the homepage and tell me which song you like most. Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile or if you are not a blogger!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count!

1.) Follow my blog or subscribe via reader or email. Comment telling me which method you chose. If you already follow or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry)

2.) Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this contest. You may use the following tweet or come up with one of your own:

#Win a Ralph's World prize pack w/CD, tee and autographed goodies from @kris10chumley! Ends 9/10 http://bit.ly/aJkK3M

Just leave a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry)

3.) "Like" Goodie Goodie Gumdrops on Facebook. (1 entry)

4.) Become a fan of Ralph's World on Facebook. (1 entry)

5.) Add my button to your site and leave a comment with the link to where I can find it. (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on September 10, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. only. Winners will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this album from Mark at Bar None Records to facilitate my candid review. I was not compensated in any other way for this post. The opinions expressed in this review and solely my own. Your experience may differ.