1 comments about Christmas Time Back Home.

1. I have had this album on vinyl for many years and was excited to see that it is now available on CD. The album offers a nice variety of artists, and a nice mix of traditional and more eclectic material. Even the traditional material receives unique bluegrass treatments.

1 comments about Merry Christmas from Our House to Your House.

1. This is a perfectly fine (though short) CD. The problem is, there aren't any songs/versions on this CD that aren't included on one of the other Lawrence Welk Christmas CDs. If you like Lawrence Welk, or just love good Christmas music, pass this one up and get "22 Merry Christmas Favorites", "Christmas Memories", and "Jingle Bells" instead. Those CDs will get you the majority of the recordings that were included in Reader's Digest's splendid 4-record set issued in 1969/1970, as well as a few additional songs and alternate versions, notably the Lennon Sisters' rendition of "Merry Christmas from Our House to Your House". Having said all of that, if you do get this CD, or receive it as a gift, you'll enjoy it just fine. "Merry Christmas from Our House to Your House" and "Ring Those Christmas Bells" alone are worth it.

1 comments about Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker (Complete Ballet); Glazunov: Les Sylphides.

1. Naxos does a very good job here for a Tchaikovsky Nutcracker. This is not the ballet version of The Nutcracker though, this is the classical version, as I can tell that there's no chorus in the Waltz of the Snowflakes track. Ondrej Lenard and the Czecho-Slovak Radio symphony orchestra at times play rather fast and at other times play rather slow and it's really interesting. This sounds like the way Alexander rahbari and Andrew Mogrelia, other members of the Naxos team, would conduct this ballet. The Glazunov Les Sylphides is good as well. The orchestra plays Alexander Rahbari-esque like they did on The Nutcracker performance. The tempo on the Les Sylphides is kind of slow, but in an interesting way. I find Ondrej Lenard about as interesting a conductor as I find Alexander Rahbari, Andrew mogrelia, and Stefan Sanderling. I just can't wait to get the Naxos CD with Lenard's recording of Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf, Britten's Young Person's Guide to Orchestra and Saint-Saens' Carnival of the Animals or his recording of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake.

5 comments about The Choirboy's Christmas.

1. I thought this CD was excellent. Like Anthony, I was a Cathedral Chorister. I used to sing in Peterborough Cathedral Choir, in the UK. Christmas to me is just not the same without some of the great music that is on this CD.

   The recording was really good and St.Pauls Cathedral Choir lived up to their reputation. Anthony was brilliant in the solo parts and backed up well by the choir. The choice of music was great, with all the songs I used to really enjoy singing.

   Get this CD, I can assure you that it will be played Christmas after Christmas.




2. I'm a big fan of the sweet former chorister Anthony Way. His voice on this particular CD has started that inevitable change and is a little huskier than on his previous albums, but no less enjoyable for this.
   My favourite track is Balulalow which is beautifully sung by this unique boy soprano, with much expression and a gentle delivery.
   Anthony is joined by the men and boys of St.Paul's Cathedral on this Christmas release, but it doesn't sound like your average mundane choir recording. Anthony Way's vocals could never be described as mundane and the arrangements of these traditional Christmas carols are also different and very pleasing.



3. A beautiful holiday collection. Anthony's voice is that of a true professional, a hardworking treble who really delivers the
   magic of Christmas, a must have in any collection. This cd is diverse from other "choral collections" as it focuses on the sweet voice of this young former choirster who called St. Pauls home for many years before branching out into other classical vocal recordings.



4. Brilliantly performed Christmas classics. Alone or with the choir of St Paul's Cathedral, Anthony is an amazing vocalist.



5. Anthony Way is revered by many - including myself - as one of the finest treble soloists to have ever been recorded. This disc gives every reason why. His is really as perfect a voice as I have ever heard, and is enjoyable listening for hours on end - more than can be said for some otherwise excellent trebles. I must take issue with the reviewer who claims that Anthony's voice was showing the signs of voice change in this recording. In my opinion, Anthony sounds better on this recording than on almost any of the other recordings I have of him. His voice seems to have reached its greatest potential here. Another recording with his choir made only a month before this one - "Passiontide at St Paul's" - shows him at the same pinnacle of perfection in his little verse tidbit of Gibbon's "Drop, drop, slow tears". His voice inflection, spot-on vocal control, and incomparable musicality are stunning.
   
   The selections on this recording enable it to be far more than a soloist record. They range from the almost obligatory - but never old - Willcocks arrangements of "O Come all Ye Faithful" and "Once in Royal David's City", to a unique performance of Cornelius's "The Three Kings" - with Anthony singing the solo (and it's so glorious that I wish it was always performed this way), to a really spine-chilling rendition of "Do You Hear What I Hear". No, I'm not kidding. That last really is powerful, and the choir sings it full-bloodedly - as though their life depended on it, not as if it were a little candy-song. The "king of cathedral choirs", that of St Paul's, is featured here in all its glory, and in the more "intimate" acoustics of the Temple Church - more "intimate", that is, when compared to Wren's massive cathedral, which is the choir's home. The English Chamber Orchestra comes on board to lend a vibrantly festive air, and all is merry and bright. That the recording was made in July and August seems to have had no effect on the performers. They sound as though there were snow outside, and this church was a warm haven of Christmas joy. In fact, it is the warm fervency of this recording that makes it so special. There are innumerable Christmas carol recordings. Very few sound as though the musicians loved, believed, and adored everything that they were singing. This does. What higher praise can be given? Perhaps I have already given it; crediting this recording, while on NPR's From the Top show, with introducing me to, and entrancing me with the Anglican men and boys' choir tradition. I have never been the same since. This is pure magic!

2 comments about Merry Christmas.

1. The Mills Brothers had some of the best voices in recorded music. I grew up hearing their recordings thanks to my parents and grandparents. You can't go wrong with this collection of holiday music, especially if you enjoy strong harmonies. Highly recommended.



2. The Mills Brothers have voices of gold interwoven in a tapestry of magic. Their records made the world sing along, and we still recognize them instantly. Who doesn't know from the first few notes their songs such as "Paper Doll," "Glow Worm," "Yellow Bird," "You're Nobody till Somebody Loves You" and many others? On this disc they bring the same level of skill and artistry to Christmas favorites like White Christmas, Silent Night, Joy to the World and more, enriching them with comforting warmth and heartfelt performances. For really nice Christmas music this disc is like a group of old friends sitting by the tree.

5 comments about Feliz Navidad.

1. This is one of the best Christmas albums ever recorded. The amazing genius of Jose Feliciano shines thru in every song. This album is probably one of Jose's most special albums and for his fans as well. Longtime Feliciano fans (myself included) have long for this LP to be release on CD and after 32 years it finally became a reality. On this record Jose goes back to a style of simplicity which he's always been known for. All of the songs were recorded with very little instrumentation. In fact the only other instrument that appears on the album besides Jose's guitar is a little of percussion and very little drums too little to really notice. Jose's voice is smooth and clear as a bell and the emotion that he puts into everyone of these holiday standards is evident when you hear the album. I love the guitar instrumentals like "Jingle Bells" and "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" which has Jose really rocking with the acoustic guitar really excellent. "Las Posadas" is a beautiful song like "Santa Claus" that was not included in the original LP released in 1970. Felciano's mellow and easy going style is pure and honest and you can't help but to be deeply moved by this beautiful song sung in his native tongue. This is a beautiful album that is a timeless classic and will be enjoyed from generation to generation. Now that RCA has finally made it available on CD it should reach a wider audience and makes a perfect gift during the holidays or just listening to Jose's beautiful voice and crisp and mellow guitar drinking a glass of Eggnog by the fire.



2. What a pleasure it was to disover this album finally back in print after all these years. Thirty years ago, Jose Feliciano made "Feliz Navidad" a modern-day Christmas classic and it is, of course, the title song on this CD. But wait, there's more. Jose's mellow voice and expert classical guitar playing make every song a treat to listen to. And nearly every song is, to say the least, non-traditional.

   A good example is Jingle Bells. Played as an instrumental with latin tempo, it becomes a real toe-tapper. Then there are the less common carols such as the "Cherry Tree Carol." Well sung, well played.

   This is very simply a great Christmas album, ranking right up there with the holiday albums of Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole. At $11, what a bargain!




3. Okay,so I must have a later CD release of this album, as I have only the 12 original tracks and not the three bonus tracks apparent here (and I bought mine just last year right here on Amazon--dang--I would love to have those extras). Nonetheless, like nearly each review here has cited, I was thrilled to find this wonderful holiday album finally available (it is almost impossible to find on vinyl, being long out of print). Jose Feliciano covers traditional Christmas tunes like "Jingle Bells" and "White Christmas" with a subtlety that is both hip and refreshing, dusts off a few war horses like "Silent Night" and "The First Noel" to infuse them with a surprising poignancy, and discovers more obscure material like "The Cherry Tree Carol" and "Mary's Little Boy Child" to place them at the center of this intelligent and gentle offering. I did buy three copies, two as gifts, as this one ranks as one of the best Christmas albums ever produced, and I love sharing my loves with my loves. Do not hesitate; find a copy of this treasure.



4. From the first time I heard this album in 1979, it has been my favorite Christmas album. I was never able to find the record, as it was already out of print, but my neighbor graciously made a tape of it from his very carefully taken-care-of record. I long ago wore out that tape. About three years ago I began searching for the record online, and though I saw a few on ebay, they nearly always sold for over $75, so I never bought one.
   
   I am so thrilled that this album is again in print, and I hope that many more people find it as wonderful as I do. The extra cuts are fabulous.
   
   Thank you, Jose!



5. I bought the CD for a Christmas gift as my boyfriend loves his version of Feliz Navidad. We have played that song over and over again but the rest of the CD is just OK.

No comments about Have Yourself a Merry Little....

No comments about Classic Soft Rock Christmas: One Bright.

5 comments about Please Come Home for Christmas.

1. Being from New Orleans, this song always reminds me of Christmas. Charles Brown's original rendtion of this song is my favorite by far. This song has been covered other more mainstream artists like Aaron Neville, Don Henley and Jon Bon Jovi. But none match the same soulful plea as Charles Brown does when he sings, "please come home for Christmas."



2. After spending entirely too many years giving in to my Mother's desire to listen to Judy Collins' insipid Christmas album, I brought home this album for her. The songs are beautiful, bluesy and delicate in classic Charles Brown style, and it just makes for such a nice change from all the old standards. This album is truly wonderful and every Christmas library should have it.



3. If you want the best christmas CD out today, This is the one. Charles Brown has been bring the Soulful sounds of christmas to this household since the mid-sixty's, And the sound is good. This CD is #1 and the first to be played at Christmas time in this household.



4. Wanted this CD to remember the days of old and it really helped. Great
   music.



5. It's nice to see 10 other 5-star reviews, as this is a classic and under-appreciated Christmas album from a blues giant. Charles was in a slump and largely forgotten by the record-buying public when he recorded this in 1960-61. The original hit version of PLEASE COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS is here (Charles wrote it with Gene Redd), and you can't really find it anywhere but on this King release and other King releases "Charles Brown Sings Christmas Songs" and "The Very Best Of - Original King Recordings". (There are re-makes on several CD's including Rhino's Christmas Classics - shame on them).
   
   I recommend the King CD "Charles Brown Sings Christmas Songs", because it features the original 12 song album (see note below), without the Bill Doggett instrumentals, and it also features the original album art. However, it is much harder to find.
   
   Collectors note: the original 1961 LP featured a song called "My Most Miserable Christmas". The LP was available in mono and stereo. It was later reissued with a 1968 re-recording of "Merry Christmas Baby" replacing the "Miserable" track. The CD versions feature "Merry Christmas Baby" - "My Most Miserable Christmas" has never been on CD.

5 comments about Croon & Swoon: The Classic Christmas.

1. When I began looking for Christmas CDs, I wanted a collection of the "classics." This CD, as well as Croon & Swoon 2, fits the bill pretty well. This particular collection contains, among other things, such standards as Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride," Andy Williams "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," Perry Como's "There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays," Gene Autry's "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," and Judy Garland's "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." The music is soothing and nostalgic--perfect background music for a Christmas gathering or as you run around the house organizing things. The linear notes contain some fun nuggets of information about some of the best-loved holiday songs. I think this CD is definitely worth checking out. The songs and singers are familiar, but there are a few less familiar pairings, so it'll keep your Christmas music selection interesting.



2. this is such a great cd! personal favorites: peggy lee's "christmas waltz," andy williams' "it's the most wonderful time of the year," leroy anderson's "sleigh ride," and angela lansbury et. al.'s "we need a little christmas," but they're all good. you won't regret buying this at all.



3. I really enjoy this album, except for Judy Garland's insufferable vibrato on the song Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (did people back then really think that this sounded good?). Her "singing" is more of a warble. My next major objections are the different lyrics she sings from any version I have ever heard of this song, and I have heard many (instead of "from now on our troubles will be out of sight," she sings "next year all our troubles will be out of sight." Then, at the end, instead of "hang a shining star upon the highest bough," she sings "until then, we'll have to muddle through somehow." I am usually very much of an anti-revisionist, but if these are the original lyrics, now I now why everyone else has changed them. They are awful. (Sorry, I'm not interested in waiting until next year for my troubles to be out of sight, I want to start right now, and I'm certainly not interested in "muddling through somehow.") "A" for the concept of this album and the many great tracks. "D minus" for including this version of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, when there are so many other great ones they could have chosen from.



4. It's amazes me to read people in this (and other reviews) lament Judy Garland's "version" of 'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas." Her version is the definitive and original version from the classic film "Meet Me in St. Louis." The POINT of the song is sad and is about being separated from loved ones during the Christmas season. It is yes, about trying to "muddle through somehow." If that offends your sunny sensibilities, then you might not like this version. But sometimes Christmas is merry, sometimes not. Just like life. Other artists wanting to put a more positive spin on the song- changed the lyrics. I love her "version." I think it is poignant and moving. Great album overall.



5. This is one of my all-time favorite Christmas CD's that I own. If you love the Christmas classics sung by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, etc.....then this is the CD for you!!! I kept this one on repeat on my CD player and never tired of listening to it. It's a GREAT buy!