5 comments about A Scottish Christmas.

1. I recently had the chance to see Bonnie Rideout in concert when they came to Fairbanks AK. Having just moved there recently and not knowing many people, I went to this concert as a way to feel at home. I have grown up on this music and this concert was no diappointment. The musicianship of these performers is unquestionable. They are highly talented, extremely friendly, and undeniably one of the best live shows I have see. The perfection in which the music is played is so wonderful it sounds almost as same as the albulm. I will be following this lady's career, because she is such a joy to see and hear.



2. This is a wonderful CD. I listen to it year round when I need to listen to something soothing. Try it--you'll like it.



3. A truly beautiful Holiday CD. Even if you are not an afficionado of Celtic music, this is a CD all could enjoy. The performances are thoughtful and beautifully crafted by caring, diligent artists, yet possess the joyous spontaneity that is the hallmark of Celtic music.



4. Many albums claim to be "Celtic Christmas," but few actually deliver the goods. This one does. It is a collection of traditional Scottish carols, wassail tunes, strathspeys and reels. Nothing synthesized here. No morphing into New Age. Exceptional muscianship, interesting arrangements, authentic sounds fill the album. If you love Scottish and Celtic music, you will love this album. If you hate bagpipes, this is not for you. The hammered dulcimer is beautiful, with an almost music box sound. You get just over 60 minutes of music, definitely your money's worth. I highly recommend this album. Just be aware that it is not for everyone. Listen to some of the clips before purchasing. I am thrilled to have this album in my collection. Many others will feel the same way, but you have to appreciate this style of music to truly appreciate the album. Think of Christmas comes to "Lord of the Rings."



5. This is without a doubt, th best Christmas CD I have. I listen to it all throughout the year. And I'm not one of those Christmas year round people---the music is just that good.

5 comments about Snowed In.

1. I was one of the many tweens who absolutely fell head over heals for Hanson, and now a decade later... I'm still a semi closet fan. I've had this CD since it came out and I listen to it every year around this time. Almost all the tracks are very upbeat which gives you a break from some of the more slower traditional Christmas songs. Although I like everything, my favorites would probably have to be number 1, 2, and 8.
   
   - Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!



2. I loved this cd from the first moment I bought it. Their version of Run Rudolph Run is the best I've ever heard. And the Silent Night Medley is also great. These guys have real talent and you can hear it in their playing. This is one CD I play a lot and would like to hear more of on the radio.



3. Ten years after the release of Snowed In, I still find myself anxiously anticipating the holiday season. Why? Because I take this CD from my shelf, pop it into my CD player, and listen to it once more.
   
   Even though the CD is 10 years old, it remains fresh, new, and exciting. Hanson has chosen the perfect Christmas songs that fit their pop/rock style. Their trademark harmonies and musicianship are clearly evident throughout the CD, especially on songs like "What Christmas Means To Me," "Little Saint Nick," "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)", and Hanson originals "At Christmas" and "Christmas Time."
   
   With all the commercially-released Christmas fluff out there, Hanson stands tall above the rest, and have created a truly classic Christmas album that will continue to stand the test of time.



4. Don't be embarrassed to buy because it's Hanson, this is a really great, upbeat, poppy CD and I absolutely love it. It's my favorite Christmas CD of all time...seriously! Buy it, you won't regret it and your guests won't know it's Hanson.



5. Being a teenager in the late 90s, I was a HUGE Hanson fan. Actually, they were my first concert that I went to! When I saw that they had a Christmas cd out I had to get it. My best friend always borrowed it and it finally wore out and got scratched up. So this year, I bought her her very own copy! She was so excited. The music in this is awesome. They talk about Santa, giving, Jesus - everything that people think Christmas is - or what they see it as. I would recommend this for any Hanson fan or just anyone that loves Christmas music!

5 comments about A Holly Jolly Kids Christmas.

1. So glad I grabbed this CD now before it's sold out! It's perfect! I'd been looking for a CD that has all the classic Christmas songs to share with my kids. And I wanted the ORIGINGAL songs - none of those annoying renditions that you hear around Christmas. Turns out this CD is the real deal! I put it on today while starting to cook for Thanksgiving and my 4 year old is already learning the words to "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer"! Perahps the best part about this CD is that I don't have to listen to The Wiggles this holiday season! Merry Xmas to ME!



2. Finally a kids CD that doesnt drive me INSANE! These are actually songs i know and the versions i remember from growing up! I love this CD. I hope they make more like these.



3. It's hard to argue with most of the tracks collected here, all but one (Raul Malo's rendition of "Marshmallow World") are bona fide Christmas classics. And as new holiday albums pile up each year, you'll be surprised at how fresh some of these chestnuts can sound to your ears. Sure, you'll hear Bobby Helms "Jingle Bell Rock" and Brenda Lee's "Rockin' About the Christmas Tree" on oldies stations, Elmo & Patsy's "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer" could use a rest, and this year's Alvin & The Chipmunks movie will bring back their "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)." But the Jackson 5's "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" is as charming today as it was when first released in 1970, and Ella Fitzgerald makes "Jingle Bells" as hip as a Christmas song could possibly be. Mavericks lead-vocalist Raul Malo appears here in opportunistic cross-promotion of his recent Christmas album, and while his track is fine, it's not the time-tested classic of the other nine. These selections are sure to keep kids humming and won't tax the patience of adults, but at eleven tracks that run only 28 minutes, this is too short to keep a holiday party going. [©2007 hyperbolium dot com]



4. My 15 month old loved this CD. It says for 2 years plus but I gave it a go. We loved it also (husband/ I). The only thing is that my baby still points to CD player and wants to hear it. So we will be listening well after Christmas now, he likes to sway back and forth to it. Get it and enjoy next year!



5. I bought this CD for my 4 year old son, who LOVES it. The songs are fun and catchy and done by the original artists. I personally don't care for songs being re-recorded in a cutesy "kid style". No complaints whatsoever about this collection. It's my son's favorite CD and he was quite upset when we had to put it away after the holidays.

5 comments about A Very Special Christmas 3.

1. I found many songs I like on the other "Very Special Christmas" albums, but front to back this is easily my favorite. Maybe because it includes alot of "adult-alternative" artists, but probably just because the songs are sooo good. Just look at the tracklist. Sting, Natalie Merchant, and Sheryl Crow all do great covers, and I also love the songs done by Tracy Chapman and Enya. As far as originals go, I was really impressed by the tracks from Smashing Pumpkins and Blues Traveler, both are excellent, and both sound very seasonal. My reason for purchase however was for "Ave Maria". Chris Cornell (Soundgarden/Audioslave) does an amazing job with it, and it's really quite moving. The rest is good at the least. As the holidays approach, I already can't wait to play this. I also suggest "The Edge Of Christmas" and "You Sleigh Me: Alternative Christmas Hits".



2. The artists who stuck to the classics always come out better on these albums. It is a dangerous thing to write a new one unless you can come up with something really significant. Sadly "Christmas Time" by Smashing Pumpkins is not. It's maudlin (meaning sickly sweet and whingey) and the words are worthless. "Christmas time is fun presents for everyone" Ohhh please. Perhaps Bob Geldof and Bono could teach some wealthy rockstars that not everyone gets presents at Christmas and it ain't always fun for those whose families have difficulties or who are under persecution or war. Better to teach the real meaning of Christmas- that Christ was born to offer a new start to everyone. This makes every difficulty you are under fade and is a much better message than "presents for everyone".
   Sorry for the diehard pumpkins fans. I actually like their stuff, but Christmas Time is pumpkin pulp. hohoho



3. This cd is very good and should be in anybody collection



4. This is obviously the third volume in the highly successful Very Special Christmas series. It came out in 1997 and most of the performers here are ones that were popular at that time. Most of the performances are good, with nothing being flat out terrible, which is always a bonus. Which ones you like best will depend on your taste of course. Personally, I think I like the songs by Sting, Natalie Merchant, No Doubt and Chris Cornell the best. But that's just me, you might like some of the others better.



5. Several very good songs and many forgettable ones. I enjoyed songs from Sting, Natalie Merchant, No Doubt, and Chris Cornell...and found myself skipping the others to listen to the favorites.

No comments about Wake Up and Goodnight.

5 comments about Songs of the Season.

1. Randy always sounds like he believes what he is singing and this is no exception. He brings heartfelt emotion to familiar Christmas songs.



2. I could listen to Randy Travis 24/7. Actually, I DO listen to Randy Travis 24/7!!! This is a beautiful CD with a nice mixture of different types of Christmas songs. I dare you to listen along to Go Tell It On The Mountain without belting out loud and clear yourself! And Randy's rendition of O Holy Night is just beautiful and heart warming. His Labor of Love is all Randy too. This is a great stocking stuffer for any Randy Travis fan or a wonderful addition to your growing collection of Christmas CD's. A Must for the holidays!



3. I am very pleased with my perchase. I love Randy Travis and have a Christmas album that he previously released, and I love it. I was a little worried this might have a few new songs and filler from the last CD, but I was all new and add to my great Christmas season.



4. Loved it! The CD was a great mix of old, new and original material. Thanks Randy!



5. This is a terrific album. There is a new Christmas song that Randy wrote and it is a beautiful song that tells it just like it was. Song is "Labor of Love". This is well worth purchasing.

5 comments about Rocky Mountain Christmas.

1. This is a wonderful mix of music. In my family, the favorite song is, "A Baby Just Like You." It's a beautiful song. John Denver had a way with music and a way with songs that can never be equaled. This is a great addition to any Christmas CD collection.



2. I guess it is as good as all John Denver's stuff. This one wne to a Germany lady in southwestern Germany.



3. I have always loved this album. I have it on vinyl, but was happy to purchase a CD version of this recording.



4. I haven't had my hands on this "album" for years. I'm glad I took the time to get it in CD form. To me it does what music is inclined to do. It takes you back and reminds you of good times. I'm sure John would be in agreement.



5. This CD is the best. I had this on tape many many years ago and it brought back such great memories I just had to have a CD. Buy this and you won't regret it. It will take you back to another place in time.

5 comments about A Windham Hill Christmas.

1. This is my first Windham Hill CD, but I have listened to at least one of their artists (J. Brickman) previously. Every year I shop for new Christmas CDs in November, and this one came out in October, so it's good timing.

   For the most part the songs are smooth, mellow, and very relaxing, taking a pretty traditional approach to the songs. The only exceptions are the "Sussex Carol", which is somewhat fast, and "Christmas is Coming", by Vince Guaraldi, which is quite fast.

   As one fellow reviewer noted, tracks 5 and 6 are switched from the liner track listing. When I first listened to [the supposed] "First Noel" I thought, "What kind of version is this?!" until I listened to the other track and realized the mix-up.

   If you want an easy-listening night by the fire this is a wonderful accompaniment. It should enjoy a long life in my Christmas CD collection.




2. A Windham Hill Christmas is a delightful, calming presentation of seasonal favorites -- perfect for a quiet, cozy eve before the fire. The new or veteran WH listener will find a nice collection of the labels best artists - Brickman, de Grassi, ACkerman (guitar), Winston (piano), Nightnoise (instrumental/vocal) -- as well as the lesser known who lend variety and depth to this collection. A Windham Hill Christmas is a pleasant continuation of the atmosphere created in the label's Winter Solstice and December albums and calming contrast to the pop, rock and new age, electronically synthesized tones for a more hectic pace.



3. I THOUGHT I WAS GETTING SOME NEW ARRANGEMENTS OF TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS MUSIC OR EVEN THE OLD STANDARD ARRANGEMENTS, BUT THIS
   IS MAILY PIANO AND GUTIAR AND I DON'T CARE MUCH FOR THAT TYPE OF CHRISTMAS MUSIC. FOR THOSE WHO LIKE THIS TYPE OF MUSIC IT IS A GOOD CD TO HAVE.



4. This CD is "copy protected" and will not work in iTunes or on your iPod. So much for the holiday spirit .. I buy a CD and they won't even let me listen to it on my iPod!



5. 1 Sussex Carol - Brian Dunning 2:22
   2 Angels We Have Heard on High - Steve Erquiaga 4:08
   3 O Holy Night - Jim Brickman 3:34
   4 In Dulci Jubilo - Barbara Higbie 3:59
   5 Christmas Is Coming - George Winston 3:48
   6 The First Noel - W.G. Snuffy Walden 3:48
   7 It Came Upon a Midnight Clear - Tim Story 3:06
   8 Silent Night - Thea Suits-Silverman 3:38
   9 Christ the Apple Tree/Once in Royal David's City - Alex de Grassi 3:40
   10 Deck the Halls - Liz Story 3:02
   11 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel - Paul McCandless 3:50
   12 What Strangers Are These - David Cullen 3:20
   13 The Holly and the Ivy - Nightnoise 4:14
   14 Lo, How a Rose - Paul Schwartz 3:55

5 comments about Handel - Messiah - Mormon Tabernacle.

1. This CD is terrific, I have the original vinyl version and this is true to the original, it's clear and crisp and is great to listen too.



2. I had this particular works on the old LP records and liked it so much we just about wore out the record and, so when I found it on CD I knew I had to get it. This is one of my favorite musical works.



3. Although not every aria and chorus is included, this version of the oratorio is outstanding.



4. This is the first recording I had of Messiah and the basis for all other versions I heard since then. I now own recordings by the Robert Shaw Chorale (my favorite), the Atlanta Symphony with Shaw (my next favorite), Neville Marriner, the BBC Philharmonic with Harry Christophers doing Mozart's arrangement, and the huge Sir Thomas Beecham recording. Most of the newer recordings seem to use the faster Baroque tempi, which is fine, but, after hearing so many of them, I really enjoy some of the older recordings using slower, more Romantic tempi like Beecham's and Ormandy's.
   
   David Cunningham's voice has a bit of an edge on it, and he is my least favorite tenor in these recordings. I think William Warfield is in the same class as Giorgio Tozzi with Beecham, and Thomas Paul and Richard Stillwell with Shaw. He is lyrical and handles the faster passages nicely.
   
   I would not suggest this recording over the Shaw ones, but it is nice to go back to the bigger sound and slower paces once in a while.



5. I have known this version of Messiah since my early childhood in the 'sixty's. You need to remeberthis is Scripture set to music. In making this both Handel and those you hear on the recording have affirmed my belief in both beautiful music and Our Lord Jesus Christ. You experience both the spiritual and sublime here.Mr Ormandy with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir have brought the highest Praise and Glory ever known on Earth to God in this presentation. I am not am expert in the music of this, I am a consumer who is now 51 and blessed by it every time I hear it.

5 comments about Elvis Christmas.

1. what more can you say its ELVIS singing the best Christmas songs only like ELVIS can......



2. Great CD of a collection of Elvis Christmas songs in which I enjoyed very much. Great listening.



3. The CD is exactly what I wanted for a true elvis fan. The receiver loved all the songs and now has a true ELVIS christmas Album.



4. It just isn't Christmas until you have heard Elvis sing Blue Christmas on the radio. A must have for all Elvis fans!!



5. Known as the King of Rock and Roll,Elvis surely showed his musical talent
   in preforming these great Christmas ballads.A must for everyone who likes
   traditional and up beat Chrismas songs