No comments about Disney Family Christmas.

No comments about Flora Gave Me Fairest Flowers.

No comments about Love at the Movies: Classic Love Themes.

5 comments about It's Christmas, Of Course.

1. why on earth would you expect the "sound" to be what she was doing over forty years ago with phil spector?
   
   instead, we get a mature, wise and warm Darlene -- great stuff for the holidays



2. Having seen her perform live on numerous occasions and having collected every solo recording that she has made (and most of her Blossoms sides as well), you can imagine how thrilled I was to have some new recorded material from one of the great pop voices of our time.
   Unfortunately, I have some problems with this album. The selection of songs is often uninspired, and the rather sparse arrangements are nothing special.
   But worst of all, John Lennon's "Happy Xmas/War Is Over" is reduced to "Happy Xmas" here. That's right, somebody (WHO?) made the decision to -eliminate the chorus-, "War is over/if you want it" - thereby eliminating both the song's great hook and its very meaning! Does this mean that Darlene likes war? Is it a statement of support about the current war (making Lennon's message as timely as ever)? Whatever the case, it ruined my enjoyment of this album.
   Darlene's vocal gifts are still amazingly strong, but I'm really, really disappointed, and sad that someone eliminated a message of peace when we need it most.



3. Darlene Love has a great rock & roll voice. She lends a a unique sound to the songs. We were disappointed however, that our favorite "Baby Please Come Home" was not on there. It's the one she has sung the last 19 years on Letterman and it's definitely her best, but it's not on the CD. It's still good and nice to get away from the traditional songs that beat in your head at every store for months before Christmas.



4. All forgetable songs - NOT including "(Christmas) Baby Please Come" for which she is primarily known.



5. If you are like me, you probably remember past Letterman shows where this fantastic singer would come out a sing a song around Christmas time. And every year I would listen in awe and ask myself the next day, "who was that?". Lo and behold, that singer was Darlene Love and now regardless of your faith, your religious conviction, let alone the time of year, you too can benefit from her powerful and souldful voice in her lastest CD, Darlene Love - It's Christmas, Of Course.

3 comments about Christmass.

1. This is a compendium of mostly live recordings from Frank Black's latest solo acoustic tour. If you're a fan, you probably already have this, but if you don't, get it while you can.
   
   It's a testament to the strength of his songwriting that so many of these tracks stand up to solo acoustic renditions. As you can see, he also peppers in a few Pixies songs here & there, which is always a treat.
   
   There are also a few *new* songs here, recorded while on the road and remixed. The best of them are "(Do What You Want) Gyaneshwar" and "She's my Way". I can't vouch for the others, which seem to be semi-failed experiments (especially "Demon Girl"... yeck).
   
   The outtakes at the end are quite funny, especially the last one where Charles is dealing with a drunken screaming fan proclaiming that she saw him step out of a UFO before the concert.
   
   Anyway, get it if you dig Frank Black. It's a great tide-me-over until Bluefinger is officially released.



2. Frank Black, a.k.a Black Francis, a.k.a Charles Michael Kittredge Thompson the Fourth is best known as the "inventor" of Alt Rock, while fronting "The Pixies", a late 80s/early 90s Cult band with fans like Curt Cubain and David Bowie (who has covered two Pixies tracks, including one "Cactus", on his 2002 album "Heathen"). But the Pixies have disbanded a long time ago, and despite a financially successful and artistically questionable reunion tour, true fans know that some of the most interesting music our hero has produced is scattered throughout his eleven Post-Pixies Studio albums, various B-Sides, and the soon to be released 2007 album "Bluefinger", which will feature Charles Thompson retaking his Pixies moniker for a concept album about the life and art of a Herman Brood, a Belgian Rock star.
   
   Meanwhile, we have this album. A true oddity, Christmass is a 2006 release featuring assorted live tracks, hotel room recording, and a couple of demo-level songs. Most of the album tracks feature only Frank Black and the guitar, and were recorded on his 2006 solo acoustic tour.
   
   This is not an album for the uninitiated fan, although Pixie-heads would appreciate the various Pixies songs here. Ever since it has been featured in David Fincher's classic Fight Club, "Where is My Mind?" became one of the Pixies' best known tunes. The rendition here is absolutely brilliant, Frank's powerful singing and the crowd's enthusiasm are both apparent. Of the other Pixies tunes, I quite like "Wave of Mutilation" which received subtle reworking, but am less fond of Cactus.
   
   The assorted studio recordings vary between the cool-and-bizarre "Radio Lizard" which features only vocals in one of Frank's most experimental recordings in recent years, "(Do What You Want) Gyaneshwar" which is a fine, fast Frank song, and "Demon Girl" which is a silly and forgettable love song.
   
   People who have been privileged enough to attend a Frank Black concert know that he's a phenomenal performer, and indeed, the live tracks are the highlight here. Though accompanied mostly by a guitar alone, Frank delivers rendition that routinely match or supersede the album versions. Although he doesn't hit gold every time - "Massif Central", probably the best track off Frank's 2003 album "Show Me Your Tears" sounds good but not nearly as powerful as the original - for the most part he delivers. So "Bullet" from "Dog in the Sand" sounds completely different (with the main riff muted) but every bit as powerful. "Nadine", not one of my favorite tracks, receives a spooky and subtly powerful reading, and "Living on Soul" a B-Side, sounds less like a hard rock track as in the original but as a powerful and effective pop/rock tune which narrates a sense of hopelessness, with cool cultural allusions to boost "You can't get off your stop/ like Old Charlie on the MTA".
   
   The highlight of the album, for me at least, is the new track "Dead Man's Curve" first recorded in an as-yet-unreleased session with long time collaborator Eric Drew Feldman, "Dead Man's Curve" is one of the best Frank Black songs of all time. Hard rocking, musically clever and lyrically disturbing "I've seen the lights on the valley
   /From Dead Man's Curve/Down lover's alley/I never lost my nerve". I have seen Frank perform this song live with a band, and it was an absolute peak in an outstanding show.
   
   The CD comes with a bonus DVD which features Frank alone on the stage. While Frank's trademark energy and intensity takes an unusually long time to load, once Frank Black gets to the groove, he offers a mesmerizing performance, with special highlights including 2002's "California Bound" and the Pixies' classic "Ed is Dead".
   
   Ultimately, this is a recording for those in the know. It shows a stripped Down Frank Black which may come as a shock to those who only know him from his Pixies or early solo days. For a new comer I would recommend the recent best-of collection. But for those who have already had a taste of Frank Black's music, and would like to go beyond step one, this is a worthy recording.



3. not only do you get a cd w\ unreleased F.B. songs, solo acoustic versions of his classics(and a couple of PIXIES hits!, you get a dvd of a solo acoustic frank black performance! it's like he's in the room playing just for you! you need this...

5 comments about Christmas Through Your Eyes.

1. Although other reviewers do not like Gloria's "I'll Be Home For Christmas," I consider this arrangement of the Christmas classic worth the price of the CD. The complex harmonies sung a cappella by the American Boy Choir with only a hint of orchestral bells before the chorus create a hauntingly beautiful rendition like none ever before enjoyed. The impeccable diction and precision of this fine choir adds to the grandeur of this performance. This amazing track along with the other songs on this CD have made me into a tremendous fan and admirer of Gloria Estefan.
   
   Merry Christmas!



2. When it is time to break out your Christmas collection once a year you might want to add this disc;you will definitely play it year in and year out. Gloria Estefan does a very good job with the traditional songs of Christmas , adding a little flair, extended notes that swing but never over done. There is a certain Latin jazz feel to this disc because of the percussion and the background singers at times harmonizing like The Manhattan Transfer. There is plenty of variety so really it is a mix of styles but always with class. She reminds me at times like the late female Karen Carpenter of The Carpenters who have a good Christmas disc too. Her voice is very sweet yet forceful enough to grab your attention. The arrangements are elegant and impeccable. The top notch production is by Phil Ramone with various arrangers but most noticeably beautiful when the orchestra is conducted by Patrick Williams. Top tunes include the Mel Torme penned made famous by Nat King Cole song "The Christmas Song," the swinging ""Let it Snow," the simple yet eloquent "I'll be Home For Christmas" that has an inspiring choir that elevates the song to another level, the Irving Berlin masterpiece "White Christmas" that is stripped to guitar and bass and programmed music, Gloria Estefans own composition and title track "Christmas Through Your Eyes" and the only Spanish song that has plenty of sabor "Arbolito de Navidad." If you are loking for some fine Christmas music for your collection try Gloria Estefan, you won't be dissapointed.



3. I Love Gloria Estefan...but this album is not her style. Songs sound forced, sometimes out of control. One or two songs are ok.



4. The warmth and talent in this artist's songs are thoroughly enjoyable! Miss Estefan's arrangements and orchestrations for all 11 tracks on this album are well-done. The list of songs includes some more-traditional and some more-contemporary...



5. I think the title says it all. If I could give 1/2 stars, I'd give it 3 1/2.

3 comments about Zat You, Santa Claus?.

1. I'm sorry to say that I didn't even know who Banu Gibson was until I heard her in person on stage in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. It was an outstanding performance that received a standing ovation. I loved her stage presence and her report with the audience. She sang most of the songs on this Cd, but on the CD she is singing with her 10 yr. old son, aBing Crosby favorite - "I'd like to hitch a Ride with Santa Claus". I could listen to that one over and over again, but the whole CD is GREAT! I'm hoping that she returns to Manitowoc soon.



2. I'm sorry to say that I didn't even know who Banu Gibson was until I heard her in person on stage in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. It was an outstanding performance that received a standing ovation. I loved her stage presence and her report with the audience. She sang most of the songs on this Cd, but on the CD she is singing with her 10 yr. old son, aBing Crosby favorite - "I'd like to hitch a Ride with Santa Claus". I could listen to that one over and over again, but the whole CD is GREAT! I'm hoping that she returns to Manitowoc soon.



3. There are not many christmas cd jazz and swing fans can truly enjoy, but this one is a classic all the way thru. Banu sings some Christmas standards as well as forgotten 1920's/30's Christmas jazz tunes. Banu sounds similar to Conne Boswell with a touch of Helen Ward! A grea tcd, with a great backup band that have an authentic 1935 sound! Hot jazz and great vocals, make this worthy of listening to all year 'round...

2 comments about 12 Songs of Christmas.

1. The gentle voice of a true Country singing legend,Jim Reeves presents 12 wonderful Christmas songs.His career was cut short by a tragic plane crash in 1964. We know that his music will live on and on. I just wish there was a song in this collection, "Snowflake" to add to the great Christmas songs on the C.D. Personal favorite...The Christmas Polka!



2. THIS IS MY 5TH COPY I HAVE BUY. EVERY HOME MUST ONE FOR CHRISTMAS

1 comments about Tchaikovsky: Ballet Suites; Capriccio Italien.

1. If your looking for a Tchaikovsky Ballet Suites version that's conducted and interpreted by Tchaikovsky's countrymen, this is it. This was my first Tchaikovsky Ballet suites CD and I really enjoyed it a lot. It also features other Tchaikovsky works, specifically Capriccio Italien and the Eugene Onegin: Waltz & Polonaise. I'll recommend this cd for Tchaikovsky fans who like to own different versions of his works.The Sleeping Beauty Suite in this CD is a delight and the Pas D'Action, Panorama, and Waltz is more romantic than my Karajan and Dorati versions. My only complaint is the recording is not as loud as my Karajan and Dorati versions. If you only want one copy of Tchaikovsky's Ballet suites, go for the Karajan version. If you prefer the complete versions, the Dorati CDs are the right ones to grab.

1 comments about Sleigh Ride And Other Original Hits.

1. I've heard many different versions of Leroy Anderson music but none can compare to the origional artist. This is an extremely good recording (made in Czech republic) and the selections just bubble along. The only one I like not on this recording is 'Buglers Holiday' but is available at Amazon as 'Best of Leroy Anderson: Sleight Ride'. 'A trumpeter's Lullaby' and 'Blue Tango' are highlights but the whole album is good. Completely monaural recording which is good because it doesn't suffer from being stereophonically processed.