5 comments about The Edge of Christmas.

1. a good christmas cd to me has either 1) new songs with off-beat lyrics or 2) traditional songs updated, say, with a rock tempo. this cd delivers both. every cut has something going for it. the eerie first cut by 'queen,' which i had never heard before, had me hooked. the production quality of this album is superb. it will make good use of latest technology in speakers and headphones. you are gonna love this one!



2. This is easily one of the better Christmas collections I've seen. Sure I'm a fan of most of the bands, but the songs are really good. Just look at the tracklist. It opens with three tracks from Queen, Pat Benetar, and a superb one from The Pretenders. Then, how cool is it to have Christmas songs from Kate Bush and The Cocteau Twins, not to mention the classic from Bing and Bowie. Also worth a mention are the tracks from The Smithereens, the infamous Ramones, and the must have "Christmas Wrapping" from The Waitresses. The rest is good as well. I also suggest "You Sleigh Me: Alternative Christmas Hits" and "A Very Special Christmas 3".



3. In terms of modern rock, this is the greatest Christmas cd ever recorded. While Queen's Thank God It's Christmas seems out of place here, every other song succeeds. Sure there are a few Christmas classics missing (Do They Know It's Christmas?, XTC's Thanks for Christmas, and Billy Squier's Christmas is the Time to Say I Love) but you'll want to play this cd year round, it's that good. Shane Mcgowan and Kirsty Macoll's Fairy Tale of New York is one of the most hilarious, scathing, yet beautiful Christmas songs ever made. Most songs are originals: The Pretenders' gorgeous 2000 Miles, Kate Bush's majestic December Will Be Magic Again, The Ramones (!) delightful Merry Christmas I Don't Want to Fight and the new wave classic Christmas Wrapping by The Waitresses (my favorite Christmas song ever). However, there are brillant renditions of yuletide favorites too. Pat Benetar's bluesy, heart-aching Please Come Home for Christmas, the timeless duet of Bing Crosby and David Bowie on Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth, the dreamy Winter Wonderland by the Cocteau Twins are just a few highlights. The only downside besides not being able to listen year round as one user pointed out, is that there never were other installments of this excellent, most festive, compilation. This is a must own before it possibly goes out of print.



4. 
   Ok, I've been browsing the site here for countless hours (seven minutes) looking for the perfect Christmas album to put my stamp of approval on. I had many things to consider, first.. Has to have CHRISTMAS WRAPPING by THE WAITRESSES. This in my book is the most important Christmas song ever recorded, any christmas collection without this gem is flawed. Second, it has to have nothing to do with the NOW THATS WHAT I CALL MUSIC series, at first I was a little nervous because, the NOW series was the only place where I could find The Waitresses. I refuse to give that industry a dime of my hard earned money. And thirdly, well I figured I'd leave it up to the mix. I expected there to be some Bing Crosby you know. Some Sinatra. Oh well, none of that here.. and I looked at this and I thought to myself "this is pretty rockin'!" Yeah that's what I thought. FAIRYTALE OF NEW YORK is another biggy for me. It is truly a beautiful song, and I guarantee that you will agree. I love the accent on that girl who sings along with THE POGUES. Then you get THE RAMONES' MERRY CHRISTMAS-I DONT WANT TO FIGHT, I haven't heard it in years. THE SMITHEREENS come in and do a Rudolph. HEY! BING CROSBY is on here! all right, Grandma will be happy too! Not a bad traditional style LITTLE DRUMMER BOY even if it does have DAVID BOWIE on it. PAT BENATAR and THE PRETENDERS, I'm psyched.
   I get to play Christmas music for the family AND keep my dignity. Yeah. I wish it had FATHER CHRISTMAS by THE KINKS but I ain't complaining.



5. I'm always looking for modern/alternative holiday songs, and this CD contains a motherlode of great songs. The disc starts off with the two weakest tracks by Queen (kinda boring) and Pat Benetar (painful). Happily the remaining ten songs are all great. Contibutions by Kate Bush, The Smithereens, and The Payolas were new to me, and they are all excellent. The Ramones song doesn't appear on many compilations. The Cocteau Twins verison of "Winter Wonderland" is good, although not as good as their verison of "Frosty the Snowman" from The Coolest Christmas CD. The remaining tracks can be found on other several other compilations, but if you don't have "Fairytale of New York" or "Christmas Wrapping" on your holiday mix tape, buy this CD now!

5 comments about Christmas with Carnie.

1. I bought this cd and am very glad I did. Have no doubts that it's worth every penny. My favorite songs are "Sleigh Ride" and "Merry Christmas Darling". I hope this means we are one step closer to a pop record from my favorite member of Wilson Phillips!



2. I bought this CD for the holiday season and I absolutely love it! It's one of the best Christmas CDs out there right now. All of my roommates love it too! I'd highly recommend anyone buying this CD for the Christmas-lover in their life!



3. Surprising gem that popped up this year, with pleasant melodies and fine production. This is good background music for trimming the tree or shopping at Crate&Barrel...
   
   My major complaint is the cover artwork: Did she see the finished product before it hit the shelves? if so, who would approve of this? it is terrible.I feel badly that such a decent records is represented by such a poor cover. The sales will undoubtedly be affected by this poor choice.



4. Carnie Wilson at her absolute best! It was like listening to the Christmas Angel sing! Incredibly beautiful and moving. This is a must for any Carnie fan and a must for anyone who really loves Christmas music.



5. Carnie Wilson provided a nice collection of Holiday tunes, truly suited to her vocal styling! Carnie's rendition of "Merry Chrsitmas, Darling" is a delight reminiscent of the Karen Carpenter's classic recording with the lush background vocals.Other worthy selections include: "Sleigh Ride", "Jingle Bills" and the new tune of "Warm Lovin' Christmas." Definitely a keepsake for the Holidays!

1 comments about Rockin' in your Stockin'.

1. I picked this holiday collection up a few years ago & it quickly became a MUST-PLAY Christmas cd. Some of the tunes are true rock & roll yuletide classics-such as Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer by The Smithereens, Rock & Roll Christmas by George Thorogood, along with Christmas Is The Time(To Say I Love You)by Billy Squier. However, I was thrilled upon first hearing Lovin' Little Christmas by Danny Tate! This song immediately caught my attention & I found myself playing it at least another 3 times before letting the cd play to the end. I wish Danny Tate had recorded an entire album of Christmas songs, also that Lovin' Little Christmas would receive some air-play around holiday time! This guy is a major find & while I did see 2 albums for Danny Tate here on Amazon, I can't help wondering why he's not up there with other major rock acts. Anyway, while I'm not too crazy about The ... Surfers or The Red-Hot Chili Peppers, it is a fun album all in all and you can't go wrong by sending for this collection & listening to it for years to come. Very highly recommended.

5 comments about James Brown's Funky Christmas.

1. Among the many joys of the holiday season, James Brown's Funky Christmas is very near the top of the list. For eleven months, my life is a little bit empty, until sometime between the day after Thanksgiving and December first when I break out this album and decide to officially start acknowledging that it's Christmas time. In fact, I'm amazed that this hasn't become a national ritual akin to lighting the Christmas tree. There isn't a thing on this earth that better prepares me for the season than Brown's soulful ode to yuletide joy.
   
   Throughout the uncharacteristically lengthy holiday album, there are the obligatory sprinklings of holiday "chestnuts" - "Merry Christmas, Baby", "The Christmas Song". Though far from definitive, James gives them the soul treatment and they are definitely enjoyable. It's the bevy of original music that makes this recording a masterpiece, however. Unlike the annual deluge of insipid offerings from artists inspired more by cashing in on a quickie than by visions of sugar plums, Funky Christmas is a well-thought-out, well-written, full-length album that has a ton of heart. James obviously approached this as more than a side project. Take "Santa Claus, Go Straight to the Ghetto" or "Hey America". They are undoubtedly Christmas tunes, but with thoughtful political lyrics, and nowhere near as corny as "Feed the World" or "Happy Christmas (War is Over)". "Sweet Little Baby Boy" is a gorgeous ballad, and ought to be a standard by now. "Soulful Christmas" is right up there with "Christmas in Hollis" as the best holiday song that Andy Williams never sang.
   
   Although Funky Christmas isn't exactly as funky as some of James' other work, it's got a lot going for it. You can tell from his voice that he's truly embracing the spirit of the season as he sings, howls or just plain talks over the music. Musically, of course, the album is top notch. Every song is warm and quaint, however, as if Bootsy is jamming on your sofa or Maceo is hanging out in front of the fireplace. Now, that's a Christmas party I want to go to.
   
   I have to confess, I'm a sucker for Christmas music anyway, but never do I have the urge to throw on Bing Crosby in the middle of the summer. One time, on my birthday (in August), a friend asked me to pick out a CD. I chose Funky Christmas and it was one of the most transcendent moments of my life. A little too transcendent, in fact. I've since decided to relegate the album to only the appropriate month for fear that I might somehow dash its funky holiday magic if I abuse the privilege.
   
   P.S. - RIP James!



2. Wow, it's Christmas 2006, and James Brown has left to spend Christmas in Heaven. I've listened to this disc a number of times this holiday season, and last. I like the unique tracks, and I find it hard to believe that I've never heard any of these on the radio before. I hope they'll be played every Christmas this day forward, because these songs are too good to not be heard.
   
   In truth, a few of these gems might be a bit too funky for shopping or driving. For example, a radio station might feel socially responsible for risking drivers listening to these tracks in traffic to put their hands in the air and wave em' like they just don't care (dangerous). Rest assured, the only risky driving tracks here are Go Power, Santa Claus...to the Ghetto, and Soulful Christmas. Just make sure to keep that funk in your trunk.
   
   The rest of these songs are safe for driving and beautiful, with awesome renditions of the classics such as Merry Christmas Baby (good for the yummy-yummy) and The Christmas Song. The rest of the album is filled with what I believe are original gems, with Let's Unite the World at Christmas and Let's Make This Christmas Mean Something This Year being just 2 fine examples. Must we endure the same classic holiday tracks every year?
   
   12-25-06 RIP James Brown. We LOVE you!



3. now i was not too hip on this one until my mind grew and became more open. my two faves on this one is LET'S MAKE THIS CHRISTMAS MEAN SOMETHING THIS YEAR and SOUND OF CHRISTMAS. i go absolutely INSANE when these joints play within my vibe doggone!!!! they almost NEVER play his christmas stuff on the radio where i am. AN INJUSTICE!!!!!



4. Many thanks to all the wonderful reviewers who shared their love on this page. I don't own it now but you can bet I will! Can't wait!! Isn't it just so fitting that he left us at this most perfect time?
   
   Rest in funky peace, Mr. Brown.
   
   Thanks to all.



5. I love this Christmas album! Tons of original tracks without a lot of covers. High energy for the most part and is great for holiday party mixes. You have to at least give it a listen. Stand out tracks include:
   - Santa Claus, Go Straight to the Ghetto
   - Soulful Christmas
   - Let's Make Christmas Mean Something This Year (James goes OFF in this one!)
   
   RIP

3 comments about Wassail! Wassail! Early American Christmas Music.

1. I find this album to be an exciting and moving holiday cd. The singing is robust, lively, exciting and fun. It is both moving and rejuvinating. A must for the Christmas season.



2. With John Langstaff and Jean Ritchie's names on the front, any folk music fan should know that this is an album to grab. While there is a Christmas theme to the album several pieces are not seasonal - The Young Convert (a Sacred Harp number), Shall We Gather at the River? (turn of the century gospel), I Will Bow and Be Simple (Shaker). My favorite track is Wondrous Love from Kentucky Harmony - a song a am frustrated is so little known.

   This album presents a broad spectrum of the American folk cultures. They are performed well, as one always expects with Langstaff's projects. But most importantly, the performers clearly love the material they perform and want you to have as much fun listening as they have performing.




3. I truly love the Christmas Revels. They evoke a spirit of Christmas seldom found anymore. I find this especially true of Wassail! Wassail! perhaps because it is from the roots of our American culture. From the Native American carol to the Kentucky clog dancing, this CD is sure to get you ready for Christmas!

5 comments about Christmas With the Kranks.

1. So I just saw the movie (which was just OK) and I caught this cool, almost surfer, 60's version of "White Christmas" during the credits - - turns out to be sung by a verrrry cute girl Tina - - worth listening to - - it just makes ya' feel like you're in a snowglobe and ya' chill.



2. As soon as I heard that Little Steven was involved in this CD I knew it would rock. Little Steven also wrote the song All alone at Christmas for the Home Alone soundtrack. Great, Great X Mas Album. Crack out the Vino, Krank up the music......



3. I got this CD *FREE* when I bought the movie DVD. However, it was nothing spectacular. Just another CD with Christmas music on it. I wouldn't suggest buying it.



4. This is a very good CD. It contains all the tracks from the movie. Also, almost every soundtrack has its holiday feel. For track 1, good start with its rock Christmas feel. Oh, strange. For track 2, it is okay. For track 3, it is quite relaxing and it is played in the beginning of the movie. For track 4 and 5, they are so-so. For track 6, it is good again. For track 7 and 8, they are good with rock feeling back on. For track 9, it is excellent with the real Christmas feeling. For track 10, it is a bit odd because it doesn't sing well in this version. For track 11, it is long but this really surprise me. It is because it breaks into about 5 phases. From rock to soft and then rock again, during the soft part, it is the traditional Christmas music that I like for all time. So, track 11 is excellent. Finally, for track 12, it is a good conclusion for this soundtrack. So, it is a good CD overall.
   
   (Recommended tracks: All)
   
   (My favorite track: 11)



5. This was a movie inspired by an excellent book "Skipping Christmas"
   Unfortunately the movie was not so good. The soundtrack did'nt fair to well either. There is a few good tracks on it but over all just "OK". "Merry Christmas To All Of The World" by Jean Beovoir is probably the best track along with "The Christmas Song" by The Ravonettes and "Frosty The Snowman" - The Charms. I'm a sucker for Christmas music and it sounded like a decent soundtrack.

1 comments about We Wish You A Merry Christmas.

1. Un disque compact CBS MK 39093, compilation de 1985 de plusieurs chants de Noël ou Christmass Carols, de superbes arrangements, orchestrations ou originaux sur le thème de Noël, un album concept proposant deux versions de certains titres et dont l'enchainement des plages est savamment choisi, ordonné et équilibré, finissant notamment par des pièces méditatives.
   
   Des exemplaires au Catalogue des bibliothèques et médiathèques de prêt de la Ville de Paris, il sort en deuxième réponse par une recherche avec les mots clef [A medley of Christmas carols] (sans les crochets) plus facilement qu'avec son titre.
   j'en ai acheté plusieurs sur amazon.com, tous d'excellente qualité, les prix étaient dérisoires, seuls les frais d'expédition en ont fait monter les coûts.
   
   Un album que toute bonne famille fêtant Noël de près ou de loin devrait posséder dans sa discothèque, à faire consommer aux enfants sans modération pour la formation de leur oreille musicale, tant on y trouve presque tout ce qu'on peut faire en musique : Choral orné, fugue, contrechant, riches orchestrations, du classique à la musique récréative, de l'orchestre au chant choral, du comique caricatural au méditatif. On a l'impression d'entendre chaque morceau dans sa version originale tant les arrangement sont beaux (mis à part l'Hallelujah ! de Handel qui est réellement un original).

5 comments about Christmas...A Time for Peace.

1. This is my all time favorite Christmas CD. It combines the sounds of nature with beautiful renditions of Christmas favorites. I have just about worn out my CD, and am planning to order another one, so one can be in my car as well as in my home CD player. Light the fire, have a glass of wine, and put this CD in for a truly romantic Christmas evening.



2. Wonderful! I purchased this music on Cassette in 1992-93. I have been looking for it on CD ever since. I too need this Christmas music for car and home, and concerned that I might wear out the tape before finding it on CD.
   Christmas a time for peace, takes you on a holiday journey through the sounds of the Season.....it is the first holiday music I put on & the last to be put away for another year! Today I found Dino Collector's series, 2 cd's, in my Christian Book store WOW. Beautifully arranged classical & Gospel Music. The most beautiful music I have ever purchased!
   Enjoy, Marilyn Lewis



3. I first heard this album when my sister brought it home from a shopping trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, with the words, "You have GOT to hear this."
   
   If you're looking for a unique sound to Christmas, this is the album for you. In addition to the familiar tunes, the background sounds add a whole new level of listening enjoyment. A crowd of folks coming in to town from the train station accompany "Merry Christmas, Darling." The sounds of lambs baa-ing are in the background of "O Little Town of Bethlehem." And my personal favorite - quite unique! - is the sounds of crickets and other summertime insects during "Silent Night" played on, of all things, the harmonica. When Dino's piano plays "O come let us adore him" in time with the harmonica's "Silent night, holy night"...well, it makes for auditory magic. I heartily recommend this to anyone wanting something a little different for their Christmas music fare.



4. This is hard to find, but cokesbury.com may still have a few copies left.



5. I got this CD as a mistake from one of the vendors at Amazon. I was going to send it back but never got around to it. So one hot evening in August I came across it again and thought I'd give it a spin for giggles. Was I taken by suprise. This is a great piece of work ( yeah it's full of fluff, but it's so much more...). What a mind picture this produced for me. I was taken back in time to a more innocent age, with PJ's on in front of a glowing fire with a warm feeling of peace in my heart, and family past and present all around. It took me home to a lot of good places. When I got to track 7 it just took off from there. Not sure where it will take you, but I think it's worth the trip..........Don't forget the hot cocoa. Keep safe and warm, peace to all.........

2 comments about Christmas Comedy Classics, Vol. 2.

1. This is my very favorite Christmas comedy cd i have ever owned and i recomend it to any one



2. This is an okay CD for a few good laughs as well as a bit of good old fashioned silliness. It's certainly nowhere nearly as good as Christmas Comedy Classics Vol. I. But it does have its moments like when Doug & Bob McKenzie (STRANGE BREW and Second City TV) sing their version of "Twelve Days of Christmas" ("On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me: A beer-") and Allan Sherman's version of the same song:

   A simulated alligator wallet (4th day)
   A calendar book with the name of my insurance man (3rd day)
   Green polka-dot pajamas (2nd day)
   And a Japanese transistor radio.

   If you already own Volume I, and it was good enough for you, then you could probably do without this one, but if you're just starving for Christmas comedy (a really sorry state in which to find oneself), then this is probably what you're after.

4 comments about Elisabeth Schwarzkopf - The Christmas Album.

1. There are hundreds of classical Christmas-themed albums by now but none exceeds this one for sheer joy and pleasure. Originally released as a mono Lp in the 1950's with a non-seasonal title, it reappeared on CD for the first time in stereo for Christmas. The last cut is actually an Easter offering, but no matter, this is perfect seasonal entertainment.
   Schwarzkopf is warm, polylingual and technically impressive. Sir Charles Mackerras on one of his earliest albums does splendid work as both arranger and conductor. Star peformers like Julian Bream and Denis Vaughn turn up like tinsel on a glittering tree. But ultimately what matters is the spirited music-making in excellent sound. No allowances need be made for its age.
   This disc comes out every year with the ornaments, and lights up the holidays every year.
   A truly great recording!



2. I bought this album after hearing the arrangement of "Stille Nacht" (Silent Night) which is full of Austrian charm. (You get it twice on this album with the duet version finishing the disc.)
   Mackerras's arrangements are wonderful, a good blend of sacred and secular material, and unfamiliar songs like Humperdinck's "Weihnachten" and "In einem kuhlen Grunde" are performed impeccably by madame Schwarzkopf.



3. If you are a fan of Madame Schwarzkopf, you will not be dissuaded from buying this dismal CD. The arrangements are fine, Charles Mackerras' conducting uniformly competent, the sound OK for an album originally recorded in 1957.
   
   The only thing missing is a great voice as the centerpiece. Schwarzkopf is one of history's most overrated singers and this album demonstrates her monumental shortcomings. Her voice is small, uniformly poorly supported, and lacking in any exceptional beauty. She resorts to straight tone and scooping to reach and maintain any note near the top of the staff or beyond mezzo piano. Her high note at the end of "Vom Himmel hoch" is truly excruciating.
   
   There is a real "Florence Foster Jenkins" element to her singing that shows up in every cut. I feel certain that if you played a few excerpts from this album for someone who had a good ear for singing, but was unfamiliar with Schwarzkopf, their reaction would be one of indifference. Schwarzkopf sounds like the best singer in a small local choir, but the idea that she was a world famous singer, applauded by millions, is an alarming testament to the art of selling an artist to the masses whose fame far outreached her talent.



4. I'm not write very well in english, but I'll try to share my opinion of this great cd, especially, about the Schwarzkopf's performance.
   Some people think that the voice is small, but I'm not agree with that opinion because Schwarzkopf -with her stylish art- sings diferent, for example, in "Stille Nacht", sweetly and all most in piano, than "Panis Angelicus", piece singing with more power and intensity.
   Her performance is in armony with the text, caracter and style of each song. Also, her voice is clear and full. In 1957, she was in perfectly form. In a few words, her colocation is perfect, her sounds are beauty, the dinamics are used with inteligence, the respiration is amazing, the articulacion is excellente, the vibrato is used with moderation -not like other singers, and after all, the colour of her voice is rich.