5 comments about We Three Kings.

1. Quite enjoyable, but rest assured that a bit of grit (and frolick) comes through. If you're looking for the polish of, say, Manhattan Transfer, forget it. But if you're willing to just let go and have fun, this CD makes you feel as if you should (and could) be singing along, even on one of the great harmony parts.



2. This CD includes the trademark Roches touches - quirky humor and lovely harmonies - but also includes some superior production and arrangements (the title song in particular). A very fine holiday collection, perhaps my favorite.



3. I never get tired of this CD. I've owned the tape since sometime in 1991, I think. My enthusiasm builds more each year to hear it again. It is crisp, unique, fun, packed with favorite songs. The Roches' harmonies impress you and invite you to sing a long Besides being a GREAT Christmas CD, this music may have been the first music to move me from a exclusively Top 40 hits listener to being a fan of a much broader range of music. I just so enthusiasticly endorse this CD. Myself, my kids, my classic-rock only husband adore this CD.



4. I've listened to this tape with my daughter for the last 10 years. I want the CD and have ordered two (one for a friend). (...)



5. I bought this CD on a whim, and came away disappointed. I knew nothing of the Roches, but I thought that I couldn't go too wrong with a 24-track Christmas CD sung in harmony by two (or three) folk singers.

   Yet, despite my love of Christmas music, I can hardly listen to this CD. These girls sound like a cross between Crosby, Stills & Nash and the Chipmunks. Their voices have no depth, and they really sound like munchkins. I was looking forward to an accapella version of the Hallelujiah Chorus, for instance, but after hearing many powerful and beautiful versions of that elsewhere, I just have to wince at the Roches' version. Chipmunky all the way.

   The other thing I didn't like was some of the hokey arrangements which almost seem like mockeries of the original tunes sometimes. "Winter Wonderland" (done in an annoying Bronx accent) and "Frosty the Snowman" are two egregious examples. I'm not a strict traditionalist, and I really look for Christmas CDs that show some innovation or imaginative arrangements -- but this is NOT it.

2 comments about Happy Holidays.

1. I usually purchase 3 or 4 holiday albums each year. So far, I have barely listened to the other two new albums. Why? Simply put, this recording is excellent! The song selection is delightful ranging from up-tempo country to a "jazzy" version of "Have youself a merry little Christmas". In my opinion, this "jazzy" version is one of the best arrangements of the holiday classic. Also included is "Blue Christmas", of which Elvis' version sets the standard. Kelly Willis' version has to come in a close second to that of the King.
   
   From a technical standpoint, this recording is fairly clean with limited background hiss or noise. Those songs recorded live maintain the live concert feel and are quite cleanly recorded as well. My only criticism is the total recorded time is only slightly over 38 minutes. Total play time aside, this recording belongs on everyone's CD changer!



2. Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison are amazing, as usual. Add this to your Christmas collection. You won't be sorry!

1 comments about Carnival Steel Drum Collection: Christmas Classics, Vol. 1.

1. I love steel drum music and having spent time recently in the islands with my family I thought this CD would add some fun to the holiday. The music was boring.

1 comments about Classic Rockin Christmas.

1. Enjoyed the music from rock N rollers! not your traditional Christmas Songs

3 comments about En la Fete de Noel/O Holy Night.

1. I confess to liking French Christmas carols, and these are performed extremely well by La Petite Bande de Montréal under director Martin Dagenais. There is a lively folk quality to so many French carols, and others are more lyrical.

   A number of the tunes will be familiar to English speakers, of course, such as Sainte nuit (Silent Night), Les anges dans nos campagnes (Angels We Have Heard on High), perhaps Le sommeil de l'enfant Jésus (The Sleep of the Infant Jesus), Jesous Ahatonhia (Huron Carol), Carol of the Bells (a Ukrainian carol, sung in English), and Adeste Fideles.

   There are many typically French carols, such as Noël nouvelet, Ah! Quel grand mystère, Dans cette étable, Il est né le divin enfant, and what I think is the most beautiful of all carols, Bel astre que j'adore.

   Bel astre has such beautiful words, compressed and full of meaning, which cover most of Christian spirituality. I love Bel astre and have sung it many times as a solo. La petite bande de Montréal gives it a smooth and beautiful rendition, and every word is clear.

   The organ accompaniment is restrained and very beautiful.

   If I could give this a Rosette, as in the Penguin Guide, I would. This is a very special disc. The recording is excellent, middling forward in presentation, yet very smooth and natural. The performances are outstanding, very expressive. This group doesn't know how to sing a dull note! A very lovely disc, whether you understand any French or not. This is a must have Christmas disc.




2. EN LA FETE DE NOEL is one of those "why not?' choices that find a way into my music library. It looked interesting and the price was right. Why not take a chance? I'm glad I took the chance because it's worth far more than its modest price.
   
   It's not the most complex recording in the world. The choir La Petite Bande de Montreal under the direction of conductor Martin Dagenais sing Christmas carols, sometimes accompanied by the organ and at other times without any accompaniment at all. Most of the carols are sung in French, and some that do not translate easily into French are performed in English. Each carol is sung with great beauty and the performance allows the simplicity of the carols to bring out the musical and spiritual qualities so inherent in these works. While each carol is performed well, the real treasure of this recording would be the French carols. There are a variety included in the collection such as the well known "Les Anges Dans Nos Compagnes" (Angels we have Heard on High) and favorite of many "Il Est Ne Le Divin Enfant" but the set also contains a number not included on most standard collections in English.
   
   Most of the carols are religious pieces, with the exception of "The Carol of the Bells." For me this is a plus. While I do love so much of the music associated with the Christmas season, both religious and secular, I have a special spot for music that is beautiful and conveys the spiritual message of Christmas, and this is something I believe this set does well. Since Christmas recordings can often be as commercial as the holiday itself is becoming, it's refreshing to find a disc that evokes the beauty of Christmas while recalling what the season is all about: the birth of Christ.



3. En la Fete de Noel/O Holy Night: I wanted French carrols with an emphasis on sprituality rather than the lighter Santa Claus emphasis (which I also enjoy). This is a special and beautiful cd and reminds me of my childhood in France.

5 comments about Enchanted Christmas.

1. THIS IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS MUSIC I HAVE EVER HEARD. IT REALLY BRINGS THE TRUE FEELLING OF CHRISTMAS TO YOU, AND REMINDS YOU OF THE REAL REASON FOR CHRISTMAS AND ALL IT'S GLORY. I HAVE THIS CD, AND I AM BUYING 2 MORE! ONE FOR WORK AND ONE FOR MY CAR. YOU WILL NEVER REGRET HAVING THIS MASTERPIECE IN YOUR COLLECTION.



2. This album contains some of the most beautiful harp music combined with Stevan Pasero's New Chamber Ensemble that I have ever heard. Ms. Mendieta's mastery of the harp is in this reviewer's thinking probably the best I have ever heard, and I believe harp truly is an angelic instrument. But it's not just her harp playing that makes it so good, it is also the arrangements made possible through the players of the ensemble that bring out her mastery, and make this must listening for the Christmas season, or any other time. One word of caution, however. As it is playing, you must sit down, relax, close your eyes and listen. You'll be rewarded with the most enduring listening pleasure you've ever heard!



3. I had to send from the UK to the States for this one... Heard it in a shop in NYC while on holiday, fell in love with it but could not get it anywhere! This is beautiful, nostalgic and easy to listen to....I must now buy the other CD about Broadway hits, can't wait!



4. This is beautiful christmas music that is soothing, traditional without
   being heavy or religious or carol-y, great backround music, I find we
   have it on a lot during this season.



5. I first heard this collection back in '93, and I haven't had a Christmas season without it. Anna Maria's blend of music is absolutely wonderful, and makes for THE essential listening music, and also perfect melodies to have floating thru the house whilst cooking, decorating, etc.

1 comments about O Holy Night/Christmas Card.

1. I will purchase anything that comes along regarding IL Divo...
   
   This is a marvelous group of young men who sing beautifully and this
   item just reminds me of how much I enjoy hearing and seeing them.
   
   And I purchased it for myself.

2 comments about Christmas Present.

1. As soon as Christmas Club checks are distributed the first week of November, I get out my Christmas music. My favorite is The Statler Brothers Christmas Present. The homegrown songs transport me back to my small town roots and bring tears of happy memories to my eyes. In the rush and jostle of city life, "An Old Fashioned Christmas" has the power to pick me up from these city streets and take me back home to Mt. Solon Virginia, a small town about twenty miles from the home of the Statlers. I need a new copy of this CD!



2. This album is one of the Christmas memories as I have from childhood. My parents would get tired of me listening to it SO much, but it was my favorite I would play it again and again and I still love it. My parents loved it too - it was there tape after all. I would reccomend it to anyone wanting to get the old fashion country Christmas spirit. - Listening to it just makes me want to snuggle up with some hot cocoa in a log cabin and watch the fire and Christmas lights.

5 comments about Christmas Album.

1. Ms. Streisand's powerful voice is outstanding in some of the well known Christmas songs-Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and of course Silent Night. Also, her personality comes out in Jingle Bells. She is one woman who can sing anything-her generations Judy Garland. Buy it! You won't be disappointed



2. One of my all time favorite Christmas CD's. Gave several as stocking stuffers this year.



3. I was very happy with the CD. I had an album years ago and the Cd is the same as my album only much better sound. It contains beautiful christmas songs.



4. I love this album. I have had it for years - first on a vinyl album, then cassette, and I am finally buying it on CD. When I hear it, it says Christmas to me! Streisand's voice is fantastic.



5. Barbra has two Christmas albums recorded thirty years apart. I bought the second one ("Christmas Memories") and all it did was make me miss the first one even more. I was happy to find "A Christmas Album" (digitally enhanced) available through Amazon. This is a great Christmas classic, especially for those who grew up on Barbra's incredible voice and interpretations. >>>Forty <<< years later, we're still buying this recording; what else could it be but a GIANT and timeless hit.

5 comments about Narada Christmas 3: Christmas Blessings.

1. i'm not a fan of new age. now that that's out, i have to say that this is the best christmas album i have ever heard. it is simply beautiful. that is all.



2. THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST CHRISTMAS CDS ON THE MARKET. THE SELECTIONS ARE GREAT, AND THE ARTISTS ARE WONDERFUL. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS CD FOR EVERYONE WHO LOVES CHRISTMAS MUSIC.....



3. YOU CAN'T GO WRONG WITH ANY OF THE NARADA COLLECTIONS OF THEIR
   CHRISTMAS MUSIC. I HAVE ALL THEY HAVE PRODUCED AND HAVE JUST ABOUT WORN THEM OUT (IF THAT IS POSSIBLE)..THE MUSIC IS GREAT
   AS ARE THE ARTISTS. YOU WILL REALLY ENJOY THIS CD AT CHRISTMAS
   FOR MANY YEARS TO COME......



4. IF YOU LOVE CHRISTMAS MUSIC YOU WILL LOVE THIS CD. AS WITH ALL THE NARADA CHRISTMAS COLLECTIONS THIS IS WONDERFUL. I HAVE A 5-DISC PLAYER AND I PUT ALL NARADA MUSIC ON IT AND LET IT RIP. I
   CAN SIT BACK FOR HOURS AND LISTEN TO THE BEST MUSIC ON THE PLANET I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS AND ALL THE NARADA COLLECTIONS...



5. I own around 25 Christmas CDs and this one is my favorite.