Pixar Buddy Songs/Various : Pixar Buddy Songs / Various

This Disney compilation has a slightly misleading name: while Pixar Buddy Songs does include some of the songs celebrating friendship that appeared in the Toy Story movies, Monsters Inc., Finding Nemo, and Cars, most of these versions didn't appear in the movies, and there are also plenty of songs that were 'inspired' by the films but never appeared in them. For what it is, the collection is pretty enjoyable, especially Riders in the Sky's performances of Toy Story songs like 'Woody's Roundup,' 'Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl,' and the definitive Pixar buddy song, 'You've Got a Friend in Me.' The tracks by Fred Mollin & the Blue Sea Band aren't quite on the same level, but the Beach Boys -inspired 'Fish School' and 'Turtle Rock' (which also appeared on Finding Nemo: Ocean Favorites ) are more than enough fun to get parents and kids singing along. While it's not as inspired as any of these movies' soundtracks, Pixar Buddy Songs might be the next logical step for families who have worn out those albums. ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide