5 comments about Silver & Gold.

1. One lonely night I sat watching TV and happened to see a beauty like none else on stage soulfully rendering the classic"The Drummer boy". I was entralled. Vanessa Williams performance on A&E live by request was simply fabulous. I immediately bought the album and Iwas not disappointed. Holly and the Ivy is a classic. Well done and special appreciation to the guy on the flute and guitar. My favorite track? "Rise up Shepard" this is gospel in the making! What's a better way to welcome the lord Jesus Christ into our hearts than to stand and sing our hearts out to him and follow when the time be. Vanessa thank you for recording such a beautiful album.



2. This Holiday album was a real treat. This album had such a relaxing jazzy feel to it throughout. "December Lullaby" is a spunky upbeat song featuring her four year old daughter Sasha.
   "Merry Christmas, Darling" a dedication to Rick Fox. This song, kind of gives you an insight of how Vanessa or anyone feel when they have that special someone missing for the Holidays.
   Ossie Davis is also featuring on this album in a reading of Langston Hughes "I Dream a World". This album is definitely a great Holiday album and the best Holiday Album I own.



3. Quite simply this is the best holiday CD ever made.
   Every song is a treasure. You can't help but feel the
   "Joy" of Christmas when you hear Vanessa and Brian sing
   "Joy to the World". "The Holly and the Ivy" will capture
   your Christmas spirit with its intriguing melodies. But
   the best track has to be "December Lullaby" which you will
   keep in your head for a long time. Vanessa Williams proves
   once and for all that she is one of the best artists we have
   today. Enjoy every track!!



4. I already have her previous Christmas album which I've enjoyed every year since it came out: 'Star Bright'. I had not been paying attention and therefore missed out on this musical treat for the past two years, only finding it quite by accident in November 2006. Like some other reviewers, my favorite on the album is 'The Holly and the Ivy', with 'Silver and Gold' being the best rendition since the master, Burl Ives, made it an annual Christmas tradition.
   
   Contrary to some other reviewers, I thought that 'Joy to the World' detracted from an otherwise fluid, relaxing experience. It's just a bit too frenetic for my taste.
   
   Still a 5-star album, by any measure. Heck, just the cover shot is worth the price. A very beautiful lady in every way.



5. I have to preface this by saying that I'm a huge Vanessa Williams' fan, as I think her voice is very clear and true. I own both this CD and her 1st Christmas CD, Star Bright, and really enjoy both of them. The one thing I like about this CD is that she doesn't just have the 'same old, same old' Christmas songs that you end up hearing over and over. The title track, Silver and Gold is really beautiful and different, and The Holly and the Ivy is a welcome addition and a song you just don't hear very often from other artists. Rise Up Shepherd is a terrific gospel-inspired song, and December Lullaby is wonderful, featuring her daughter. Vanessa still does include some of the traditional,(her Mary's Boy Child/O Holy Night brings tears to my eyes) and she does a very good rendition of the Carpenter favorite, Merry Christmas Darling. Amazon had this for $3.97 and I bought several as gifts this year and everyone that has listened to it has really loved it.
   
   If you're just looking for all the traditional songs, chances are you won't like this, but if you're looking for something a little new and different by a singer with an amazing voice, you won't be disappointed!!

1 comments about Christmas with the 50 Guitars.

1. An excellent CD. Nearly so good as Tommy Garrett & 50 Guitars was. Only 10 titles.

1 comments about Christmas Goes Baroque, Vol. 2.

1. This album is wonderful. The blending of classical baroque pieces with original Christmas carols is a wonderful idea. My favorite is track number 3, "White Christmas." Take a listen!

5 comments about Steven Spielberg Presents Animaniacs: 16 Original Songs From The Hit TV Series [Limited Edition Blisterpack].

1. I recently purchased this CD for my 5 year old. He enjoys the silliness of the songs. I like that many of the songs teach him about the planets, states and capitals, countries of the world and even manners. I didn't give the CD 5 stars because some of the songs are dated and probably only strike a chord with fans of the animated series. However, for the most part it's a fun CD.



2. This is the best collection of songs! My girlfriend and I bought this and listened to it for over 2 hours straight on a roadtrip and literally laughed the ENTIRE time. Tracks 3 & 10 are the best. Had we not been strapped into a moving vehicle, we would have collapsed on the floor! And by the way, we are both over 30! My husband and kids love it too. Highly recommended!



3. If you like the music from old cartoons (cleaver and well performed) then you will love this!



4. Bought this CD along with a VHS and my kids loved it! It's really too bad they quit doing the show,I now have to get the other CD which I will for a birthday! Makes a great kid entertainer while traveling!



5. For the newcomer to their casual fan to the hardcore "maniac" for Animaniacs, this is a great soundtrack to have. Its songs span the seasons, choosing fan favorites that are funny and "in" enough to please animation nuts, yet varied and fun and silly enough to please the most clueless of kids. After all, it's not on television anymore; though I'm sure on its own, or accompanied by the new dvd sets that are out, this is a gift any kid can adore. Don't pay the amazon marketplace prices unless it's below 30 dollars. Every few weeks a few of the cds make their way to ebay, usually selling for 25 dollars. I got mine by completely lucking out, finding a "buy it now" just as it showed up (costing me 10 dollars). If you find it, buy it. It's fun, zany, and educational, just like the show.

1 comments about Christmas Time.

1. In the early 1970s, my parents bought a compact stereo. This was the first
   stereo phonograph our family ever owned. We didn't have any albums to play
   (only a few old monaural 78s and 45s). So, I went down to the local
   Woolsworths store (long since gone) and looked for an album to buy. I found
   there "Christmas Time" by Roger Williams. It has been a favorite of mine
   ever since. Unfortunately, I have never been able to find a compact disk
   version of this album (I bought the cassette tape version several years
   ago). There is a much later CD album entitled "Golden Christmas" by Roger
   Williams, but it is not nearly as good (it lacks the orchestral
   accompaniment present in the older album).

5 comments about Christmas Joy.

1. Overall, this is a pretty good CD, but it just doesn't match their album from the 60s (The Ventures Christmas Album). Some of the sounds on this album sound a bit more modern, but to my taste, the guitar work is nowhere near as good or interesting as the earlier album. On most songs, the next verse is note for note identical to the first verse - even in the same octave. Some variety would have been nice.
   
   Yet, there are highlights - especially "Silent Night," "We Three Kings," and "Feliz Navidad."
   
   It's not my favorite and not as good as the original, but it is worth owning for guitar and / or Ventures as I am.



2. Made a big difference to our Christmas, and it arrived well before Christmas which was a plus seeing I ordered it so late, well done Amazon



3. The Ventures are always fun to listen to. They have done a good job on this Christmas album.



4. Almost 40 years after the Ventures released their classic Christmas album, they recorded this second Christmas album. On that first album, they grafted the intros of recent hit songs, like "I Feel Fine" and "Wooly Bully", onto the Christmas songs. This time around, they dispense with the intros, more or less, but several of the songs do include subtle echos of classic rock and roll songs. For example, "Joy to the World" is reminiscent of "Pipeline" and "Feliz Navidid" is reminiscent of "La Bamba". Anyway, the songs are all played in the classic Venures instrumental style, with one exception. That exception is the last song on the CD, which is not an instrumental. It is an original Christmas song written and sung by Ventures founding member Don Wilson, who turns out to have a decent singing voice. This is a very good Christmas album that upholds the standards set by their first Christmas album. And it's twice as long as that first album.



5. No wonder this was one of Bob Bogel's favorite albums to record. The Ventures here put an even newer twist on their Christmas favorites even with an added vocal. Talk about a diverse group! You get to hear your favorite Christmas songs with a modern adaptation of the Ventures guitars. This album also features the lead guitar of Jerry McGee which is a treat in itself. Jerry is a class guitarist with a great sound. I'm sure you will enjoy this album for the holidays as much as I did. Merry Christmas!

1 comments about Cold Enough to Snow.

1. This is a fairly mellow album, ideal for playing during those quieter moments around Christmas. It will appeal especially to fans of folk, country and bluegrass music who enjoy their music in a fairly traditional setting, but may also appeal to some fans of small jazz combos, soft rock and light orchestral music who appreciate musical artistry at its finest.
   
   The music here is mainly acoustic featuring piano, acoustic and bass guitars, mandolin and dobro. You will occasionally hear electric guitars and drums but neither these nor the other instruments ever get in the way of Stacy's wonderful voice although there are a few instrumental breaks to allow you to hear how good the musicians are. On the acoustic tracks, the instruments are often played in such a way as to create an enchanting ripple effect.
   
   The opening track (Some children see him) is an old but very thoughtful song about different people's views of Christianity. Next is the title track, a song about a broken relationship - the mention of snow is sufficient excuse to include this excellent song on a Christmas album. The third track (Christmas morning 1969) is the only original song here. Written by two members of Stacy's family, Stacy sounds very convincing even though 1969 was long past by the time of her birth.
   
   We then come to the first of the Christmas standards (I'll be home for Christmas). Maybe Stacy relates to the song in some way as she delivers one of the finest versions of this song that I've ever heard. Next is a Joni Mitchell song (River) about a broken relationship - here the first verse discusses Christmas so again it's a good enough excuse to include it here. Thus far, the album is hugely impressive but it gets even better.
   
   I've heard several incredible versions of Away in a manger, but Stacy and her musicians easily match those versions - indeed, this may best of them all. However, even ahead of that, my favorite track here is Ave Maria, which I've never previously heard with a simple acoustic backing. This song provides a severe technical test for any singer, ruthlessly exposing any vocal weakness. By including it here, Stacy leaves nobody in any doubt that she is a world-class singer. I compared Stacy's version with other covers of this song including those by Jewel, Barbra Streisand and Elaine Paige (three of the finest female voices I've ever heard who all sing the song superbly) and Stacy's version is definitely my favorite.
   
   Further brilliant covers follow - Silent night, Have yourself a merry little Christmas (these two tracks are listed the other way round on the CD packaging) and Winter wonderland. Stacy then closes the album with a fine cover of a song that Peggy Lee wrote in the eighties (Angels on your pillow), which isn't really a Christmas song but it mentions angels so that's a good enough excuse to include it.
   
   I've reviewed over 100 Christmas albums on Amazon including some at other Amazon sites and (after reminding myself of them while preparing this review) I know that this is the best of all despite those other albums being recorded by many of my all-time favorite singers. Back in the sixties, the Beatles did a magical mystery tour. Now you can roll up for another magical mystery tour, in which you will discover Stacy Sullivan's musical artistry.

No comments about It's Jewish Holiday Time.

5 comments about Christmas with Mahalia.

1. Just listen to HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU,OUR LORD and you will remember what Christmas is all about. I found this album years ago and it is not "Christmas" until I listen to her beautiful renditions of these wonderful Christmas songs. I defy anyone to remain a "grinch" after hearing this angel's voice!



2. This song epitomizes Mahalia Jackson. . . she is eternally magnificent. And her voice in this song is rich, full and powerful. Her contralto is perfectly controlled as it
   meanders up and down the scale. No Room At the Inn is stunningly soulful. Listen to her curlicues. . . how does she do that?! The spirit of the album is great and I recommend it.



3. As already stated, "Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming" holds it own. Such a lovely arrangement, and Mahalia 'butters' it up a little.

   As a child, there is one song from this particular album that was always played on the Gospel station around Christmas. The song that I'm speaking of is "Happy Birthday To You Our Lord." When I hear this song, it sometimes makes me teary-eyed, because I begin to think of the Christmas' when my grandmother was still living- the times when we would be driving around, and this song would come on. Such good times.

   "There's No Room In The Inn" is my absolute favorite on this CD. That song skips so much, b/c I always put it on repeat. As Mahalia sings this song, I can just imagine Mary & Joseph searching for a comfortable place to stay- I can see their faces as they're turned away. I can feel their pain. I just get goosebumps thinking about it.

   EXCELLENT CD!




4. Mahalia Jackson is one of the greatest gospel singers of all time even better than Shirly Ceaser.She has an rare and unique voice which makes her stands out more than anybody.Also she is original and an natural for gospel.My favorie Mahalia Jackson Christmas songs were;Hark The Herald Angels Sing,O Come All Ye faithful,Away in A Manger,Silent Night,Joy to the World and among others.Like I said she can really sing gospel and you dont really hear good music like that in the old days anymore!



5. Mahalia Jackson is one of the greatest gospel singers of all time even better than Shirly Ceaser.She has an rare and unique voice which makes her stands out more than anybody.Also she is original and an natural for gospel.My favorie Mahalia Jackson Christmas songs were;Hark The Herald Angels Sing,O Come All Ye faithful,Away in A Manger,Silent Night,Joy to the World and among others.Like I said she can really sing gospel and you dont really hear good music like that in the old days anymore!

1 comments about Auld Lang Syne: A Fine Selection of Popular Robert Burns Songs.

1. The CD has some of Scotland's best songs and poems of Rabbie Burns - all performed by Scotland's folk artists. Anyone in for a quiet evening with their 'ane thoughts' and a wee dram or twa o' malt, thwn this for you.