You're Invited To Mary-Kate & Ashley's Birthday Party [ECD]
In the over-the-top kids' party arena, it may not come as a huge surprise that the Olsen twins have managed to take the birthday cake. OnYou're Invited to Mary-Kate and Ashley's Birthday Party, the intrepid pair of partyers invites listeners along for a splashy poolside affair where chicken fights and Marco Polo highlight the activity list ("Pool Party"). Listeners also get a south-of-the-border-style soiree in which revelers will "have the whole enchilada / when the stick hits the pinata" ("Pinata Party"); an amusement-park romp for some "twistin', turnin', zoomin'" fun ("Screamin', Steamin', Slammin', Jammin', Really Scary Rides"); and a camping trip cool enough to command a four-song slice of this 12-cut outing ("The Bare Necessities," "Come On," "Critters on My Crackers," "Raptor"). Interspersed are an opportunity to free fall out of space on "Moon Bounce Madness" (a bonus for bolder birthday-bash attendees), and to flick the switch on the "Makeover Machine" (a good option for mellower guests). The excitement temporarily bottoms out on the "Lazy Rainy Afternoon" song, which is weirdly placed on this CD, but so what--the lovable look-alikes make for more than mediocre company even when they're not the life of the party.--Tammy La Gorce