3 comments about The Holly & The Ivy.

1. My parents first bought this collection when it was in record form--it was one of our family's favorite albums and we played it constantly throughout the Christmas season. When the record started to wear out, we couldn't find a copy in CD form in the United States. Not to be deprived of such beautiful music, my brother finally found a small music store in Washington, DC that special-ordered it from England.

   Although most of the carols on this disc are well-known, the new arrangements for orchestra and chorus produce fresh and inspiring interpretations of these deservedly well-loved songs. The Scottish National Orchestra and Chorus' performances are exquisite. Even Christmas cynics will be moved by this collection--buy it!




2. I concur with the reviewer from the San Francisco area. I purchased this from the Musical Heritage Society a number of years ago and have been awaiting its appearance on CD. Thank you ASV for reissuing one of the best Christmas Albums ever.

   The arrangements of these carols are stunning and listeners will be pleased that they stray from the beaten path too often taken by large ensembles doing this type of material. Listeners I think will also agree that the playing and singing are excellent. The album has just the right mix of vitality and reverance befitting the spirit of the season.

   This albums deserves a spot on record shelves and in listeners' hearts along with the Bernstein/Mormon Tabernacle "The Joy of Christmas" and Ormandy's "The Glorious Sound of Christmas."




3. I purchased this recording when it was released through the Musial Heritige Society in the old LP format. It quickly became one of my favorite Christmas recordings. When released as a CD, I did not hesitate to purchase a copy in that format as well. The orchestrations are crafted with creativity and richness that breathe new life into traditional Christmas favorites. This CD should be in every listening library of seasonal music.

No comments about McGuffey Lane Christmas.

1 comments about Santa Claus' Christmas Party.

1. I grew up listening to this album on tape and loved it. It is, admittedly, very dated from the 80s, but anyone ordering something which includes the Chipmunks would hopefully expect that. It is definitely a good children's album of some well-known Christmas songs and others you might be less familiar with. So glad to find it available!

1 comments about Smartsleep With Classical.

1. We've used this with all 3 kids. Love it. Peaceful and relaxing it's not just for bedtime, but any time you want to calm kids down and set a peaceful tone.
   
   Perfect gift for baby showers and new babies or even toddlers whose parents are looking for a way to include a peaceful hour in the day.

3 comments about Christmas With Ozzie and Harriet.

1. This 2 episode DVD is really only 1 episode, since you can not watch the first episode. 'The Late Christmas Gift' which is from 1954 is so grainy that it is difficult to watch without getting eye strain or a headache! I was very disapointed to have spent the money on what I thought was 2 shows, and I could only watch the second episode from 1956. The one thing that makes this worth buying is a commerical by Ozzie & Harriet for the New York World's Fair (1965). Since I went as child, it brought back some found memories. Again let me stress the second episode is fine and very enjoyable. Even Ricky sings a Christmas song at the end, so it was not a total waste of money.



2. First let me say that I love Ozzie and Harriet but this DVD is a major disappointment. One of the shows is so grainy and blurry that it could pretty much only be listened to as it was hard on the eyes to view. I hope in the future so see these shows digitally remastered and will check for that before purchasing any more DVDs of theirs. I gave it two stars for the stories but it did not deserve more due to the quality of the DVD picture.



3. Saw these episodes when I was 12 % 14. Stories good...Of course theme music great...many memories... video quality questionable.

5 comments about Kirk Franklin and the Family Christmas.

1. This is my favorite Christmas CD by far. I've had to buy it on 3 different occasions because it's enjoyed by so many in my family that it seems to always come up missing at the end of the holidays. The fact that I've been willing to buy it again and again is a testament to the power that radiates from the songs on this CD. The arrangement is imepeccable with mix of down home gospel as well as up tempo contemporary songs of praise, all the while keeping with the messages of the true meaning of Christmas. I will buy it again and again if I have to. Thank You Kirk Franklin and the Family for putting out a masterful, classic piece of work.



2. Form the first time I heard this CD. And heard many church choir doing "The Lamb of God". I knew that this CD would be a special one.
   This CD is one that you should have in your collection. All of the songs on this CD, is worth having. From "Silent Night" to the last song "Silver & Gold - Remix" can be played each and every day. That is why I say, "These songs can make everyday Christmas" Give it a listen, and You'll see what I mean.



3. Kirk does it right on this and will always be one of the great Christmas albums no matter what type of music you listen to.



4. I have quite a few gospel Christmas CD's and this is my all time favorite. I have now purchased this CD about 5 times. Every year someone wants to do a song from it and I mistakenly let them have my original never to return again. Best gospel Christmas CD ever recorded. I love it!!!



5. This is one of the best gospel Christmas albums of all time. It is on my "must play" list for the holiday season.
   
   As mentioned in other reviews, this version of silent night is one of the best I have heard. Sound nothng like the original tune but is still superb. Other standouts are: The night that Christ was born, Go tell it on the mountain and the very touching "Love Song".
   
   But the best song on the album is hands down - Now Behold The Lamb. This song will give you goosebumps. It speaks of Jesus's sacrifice when he became the lamb of God to die for our sins. The vocals of Dalon Collins will blow your mind. He is truly gifted.
   
   This is a must have for anyone's Christmas collection.

3 comments about Christmas Collection: 20th Century Masters.

1. THE CD OPENER 'GIVE LOVE ON CHRISTMAS DAY" IS THE NOW CLASSIC THAT WAS COVERED BY THE JACKSON 5, AND IT STILL SOUNDS JUST AS GOOD, EXCELLENT CD QUALITY REIGNS! "CHRISTMAS ALL OVER THE WORLD" IS A VERY SING-A-LONG, MELODIC TRACK."HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU" IS SOULFUL AND ENJOYABLE."ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS (IS MY GIRL) IS TOO MUCH BUBBLEGUM..IF YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN-OTHER STANDOUTS ARE "JOY TO THE WORLD" VERY WHIMSICAL AND AN AWESOME CHORUS BOTH ADULTS/CHILDREN WOULD ENJOY AND "SINGING MERRY CHRISTMAS" IS A NICE CHRISTMAS BALLAD. ANOTHER GEM IS THE BONUS TRACK "GIVE LOVE ON CHRISTMAS DAY" WITH JOHNNY GILL DOING HIS SOLO THING- A CD EVERYONE CAN LISTEN TO ..AT A GREAT PRICE ...ORDER YOURS TODAY !



2. New Edition is without a doubt the greatest R&B of all time. Their Christmas All over the World CD features the bys singing catchy Christmas tunes and ballads. All I Want For Christmas Is My Girl can't help but make you smile while Happy Holidays To You, It's Christmas All over the World and both version of Give Love On Christmas sound as good as ever.



3. Your Christmas music collection isn't complete without this CD! "Give Love on Christmas Day," and "It's Christmas (All over the World)" are two of the most beautifully sung Christmas songs of all time. This CD is a true classic.

5 comments about Christmas with the Academy.

1. This is excellent Christmas music. Of the choir Christmas music I have heard, I think this is great because there seems to be such a great balance between the male and female singers. Its exactly how I'd want Christmas carolers to sound. If you like how the music previews sound then you will like this cd.



2. In 1994 I worked at a music store where I was considered "the classical music expert." How did I earn this distinguished honor you may ask? Well, I had music lessons as a child, had a somewhat good knowledge of classical music as a hobbyist (I am a die hard opera buff and love the symphonic repertoire too), and I was the oldest sales person in the store. I was in my early thirties but most of the other employees were either in or recent graduates of high school. Since I could answer a few basic questions, I was the expert. I was also the jazz expert, movie sound track expert, easy listening expert, and vocals expert. If my life depended on my expertise of these areas, I wouldn't be writing this review right now, but that's another story.
   
   The manager asked me to select some Christmas CD's for the store and in the catalogue, I saw that there would be a new release by The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields under Sir Neville Marriner's direction. I had not heard the disc and we did not have a sample, but I had a hunch it would be well received and since the store catered to customers who loved good music, I figured that the recording would be well received. I remember when it arrived and we put it on the store stereo. From the church bells at the beginning to the first simple tunes of the disc, I knew this would be a great collection of holiday music. Customers agreed. It received airtime on the local classical station and we could not keep it in stock.
   
   Since that time CHRISTMAS WITH THE ACADEMY has been a staple in my Christmas collection. It has three major strengths. First, the wonderful orchestra and beautiful chorus of the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields under the direction of founder Sir Neville Marriner. Second, there is a variety of carols and traditional holiday music. We hear tracks we would expect from an English ensemble, but we also hear those wonderful melodies that when performed well add so much to this season. Third would be the overall excellence of this recording. This great ensemble has produced excellent music over the years and this collection is simply another example of its quality.
   
   I loved the recording when it was new, but now it has become a classic. For anyone who loves good holiday music that is performed well and has the spiritual quality that is so much a part of the season, this is a disc you will love.



3. I am enjoying this CD, however I must continually adjust the sound level. Some selections are recorded quite low and some are quite loud. I am constantly reaching for the volume.



4. This album features a large English chorus singing traditional Christmas songs. Songs are sung not just in English, but also in French and German. It's certainly well sung, but it's pretty boring to my ears. Most of the songs don't have that much energy, other than the bombastic "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing". But fans of classical music will probably enjoy it more than me.



5. There are hundreds -- maybe thousands -- of bogus Christmas CDs in the world, but there's still hope: if you love this music as I do, or know someone with good taste that does, this album is essential. The relatively small chorus rivals the Mormon Tabernacle even in their prime, and the playing from the ASMF is as close to perfection as one could possibly imagine. This is the best disc of holiday music available today and a tremendously underrated recording of superb choral music.
   
   Marriner's expert conducting is subtle yet richly detailed; arrangements (many by Willcocks) are intelligent and full of warmth; the chorus work (led by Heltay) is vivid and dynamic; and, most impressively, texts are totally lucid: words and phrases are poetic but not heavy or forced, sincere without being sentimental. The stirring "Give my heart" that ends "In the Bleak Midwinter," for example, falls gracefully on the ear; the "O, that we were there!" in (the typically unintelligible) "In dulci jubilo" also comes to mind.
   
   For the most part, solo performances are first-rate. The academy soloists are more than adequate, and Rosemary Joshua is just fine; the featured male soloists, however, are other-worldly: Ian Bostridge provides clear, focused, perfectly heartfelt and nuanced singing, here at least the equal of great tenors of the golden age like Simoneau, Alva, Wunderlich, Dermota, et al., while Gerald Finley's rendition of 'The Three Kings' (not the one you think) is transcendent. The chorus, on the whole, err on the side of understatement: they're appropriately reverent for this delicate music, and the effect is remarkable. Some listeners (see below) claim to dislike the song selection on this album. I can't say I agree: there's plenty to enjoy here, and more than a few surprises.
   
   A highlight? It would have to be the quiet, pensive "Es ist ein Ros entsprungen," here sung in glorious German, which leaves me spellbound nearly every time. The perfect sentiment, especially for this unique record. If you think shopping for Christmas music is generally bleak, then give this a try. It's a miracle!

5 comments about My Favorite Time of the Year.

1. 
   Anyone Who Has a Heart for music will not be able to resist this Christmas album. Dionne Warwick has long been one of my favorite singers and a cd by this artist has been long anticipated. Just to know that we can still enjoy one the great singers of the '60s,70's,80's, and 90's is a treat.Her singing is clean, clear,and lyrical. I especially enjoyed her duet with Bebe Winans. As long as I know that she is still singing I can never Walk on By a musical encounter made by this great lady. Thank you Dionne!



2. I enjoy searching out and collecting Christmas/Holiday music
   of all types and this new addition is exceptional.THANKS AMAZON
   and others for getting to sample the music FIRST. Dionne's
   voice continues to amaze even though she's lost some of its power
   from the 60's & 70's radio heyday, she more than makes up for any shortcomings in range with
   spirit and style on many classic songs and a few newer surprises. Shes restrainted at times but very soulful and the lighter
   jazz treatments work best with this music. I was most impressed
   with her take on "O Come all Ye Faithful", just a great track,
   she still has a one of a kind vocal delivery. Her guests compliment these songs, especially BeBe Winans((I believe in Christmas) and Gladys Knight(Have yourself a merry litte Christmas), an especially soulful standout track here. Gladys
   has another wonderful voice. A nice touch from Paulinho Da Costa on percussion and
   of course Dave Koz is especially gifted with his contributions
   to many artists Christmas music attempts. "MY FAVORITE TIME OF THE YEAR" is a welcome addition for the Christmas music collector, for Dionne Warwick one of the smoothest vocalist to come out of the 60's and 70's and still
   a gifted singer and song stylist, a keeper!



3. When I bought this Christmas CD by Dionne Warwick I really did not expect it to become my staple for Christmas music over the season. But, as I listened to the new interpretations of old classics by this old master of pop - I realized that is seems as this Diva of the 60s moves into her 60s - Dionne has settled into a genre that is suited for her unique sophisticated style and phrasing once again. The more I heard the more I was drawn to the music and genuineness of her interpretations of what Christmas must represent to her. The melodies and music mixed with her matured voice are soothing and lush. Christmas feels relaxed and warm and less hectic and cold and I remember why Christmas is "My Favorite Time of the Year" too. Dionne thanks once again for the music - may you have many happy and peaceful Christmases ahead



4. In the context of great vocal artistry,musical arrangement and production this album is a phenominal piece of work.As an audiophile,my taste for music is very sensitive to quality particularly in the area of sound quality.This disc exceeded my expectation and in my opinion is probably among the greatest holliday album ever made.In this regard,my respect is due to the absolutely amazing artist Dionne Warwick who has establish a new benchmark for holliday albums.A must buy for any serious fan but an absolute collectors item for the sensitive audiophile...highly recommended.



5. My stepfather turned me on to Dionne when I was very young, I was about seven or eight years old. Dad bought a reissue of Dionne's single "Trains And Boats And Planes" and although I was too young at the time to understand the context of the storyline, I loved the melody and the quacking of the "ducks." Now, as an adult into my 40's, I can trace my own following of Dionne's career and I'm proud to say that this cd is one of her finest, and a welcome return. Dionne's voice has matured to a smokey, deep alto that doesn't have to try to be warm. The song choice and the compassionate arrangements suit her delivery, which is filled with emotion. Some of these songs are traditional carols heard time and time again with each Christmas season, but Dionne's interpretations of these standards will make these old chestnuts seem new again.

1 comments about Greatest Children's Christmas Hits.

1. This is my favorite collection of Christmas hits. But that's just because these were the songs I listened to as a kid. Aww, brings a tear...