4 comments about Johnny Cash Christmas 1976.

1. By the mid-1970s, Johnny Cash was a veteran TV performer, and new how to keep a show humming. This seasonal special recalls the roasts and variety shows that were so popular at the time, packed with guests, gags and corny, prepackaged humor... But there's also the obvious sincerity that Johnny and June Carter Cash brought to their holiday cheer...
   
   Filmed in their spacious ranch home, the show is conceived of as a big Christmas party, with their friends coming over for dinner and for a folksy, round-robin "guitar pull," where each guest taking a turn pickin', singing or telling a story. The performers include "Hee Haw" star Roy Clark and pop crooner Tony Orlando, who harmonize with Cash on a long medley of Stephen Foster classics, as well as Johnny's brother Tommy, superpicker Merle Travis (who picks a mean version of "The Cannonball Rag") and Johnny's pastor, Billy Graham, who closes the show with a grim Christmas parable about a rough-and-tumble mining camp that gets civilized through Jesus, but only after all kinds of violent, bloody behavior. (Yikes. What a buzzkill!)
   
   The biggest surprise, though, comes from countrypolitan queen Barbara Mandrell, then at the height of her fame, who Cash remembers as a little girl who played steel guitar when he first met her... And sure enough, she sits down at the pedal steel and plays an impressive version of "Steel Guitar Rag." Who knew?? Although the pacing of the show is clunky, it was in keeping with the standards of live TV at the time, and it's a marvelous time capsule in many ways (especially the fashion: dig those cowboy duds on Tony Orlando!) Cash fans will definitely want to check this one out... students of the 'Seventies as well! (DJ Joe Sixpack - Slipcue)



2. I enjoyed both of the Johnny Cash Christmas shows: 1976 & 1977. They were great. June Nelson



3. It's not quite what I was imagining. It's just one episode from his show, the "Christmas Special". Short, not really worth the money.



4. I am so very pleased with the Johnny Cash Christmas '76. Since Johnny is no longer with us, this is an album to treasure. I am happy that I bought it.

5 comments about A Very Special Acoustic Christmas.

1. My best friend talks about this CD almost everyday (and it's June!) and so I finally sat down and listened to it. First of all, it is amazing that all of the money goes directly to the Special Olympics. I love country music and I love Christmas music - when Christmas comes I know this will be playing in my office!

   In fact - my friend listens to it when waiting on the phone! Needless to say, she has been moved to carry strong opinions about the Special Olympics since hearing it.




2. If you want an upbeat Christmas album for that holiday party your throwing, this might not be it. This is a great album for those relaxing nights next to the fire with those you love. Willie Nelson, Ricky Skaggs, and Patty Loveless highlight this album. If anything, buy the album for Alan Jackson's cut of "Just Put a Ribbon in Your Hair." A version that is so good, could ultimately become a Christmas classic. A true gem. Radio! Play this song!!!



3. Great CD! Some great new Christmas songs, not just a rehash of the old traditionals. If you are looking for a fresh Christmas CD this is it! Some great blues possibilities on this CD. I am really blown away by Alison Krauss' "Only You Can Bring Me Cheer". I never ever even imagined her being able to sing rock/blues. I wish she would release a whole CD like this!!!



4. This set has been out for several Christmas seasons, but has just come to our house this year. It's a lovely set with consistency and variety. Reba McEntire opens with a lovely version of "Silent Night" with twang in her voice. Arif Mardin produced Willie Nelson's aching version of "Please Come Home for Christmas," "If not for Christmas, by New Year's night." Alison Krauss has written a romantic Christmas song with a modern flare titled "Only You Can Bring Me Cheer," "Hey, how about you stay? We could spend the night together. We could rock the night away." Marty Stuart's got swagger in his stocking on his self-penned "Even Santa Claus Gets the Blues," "What I wouldn't give for just one silent night, just me & Momma Claus by the warm firelight." Ralph Stanley's "Christmas Is Near" is a homey tune that speaks to the joys of family being nearby during the holidays. Patty Loveless does a gorgeous version of the traditional "O Come All Ye Faithful," "Sing choirs of angels, sing in exaltation. Sing all ye citizens of heaven above." Sam Bush's mandolin makes a joyful noise of the lovely melody "Let It Snow!" Ricky Skaggs' voice expresses wonder on the beautiful traditional melody "Away in a Manger." Ronda Vincent's self-penned tune "Christmas Time At Home" makes you want to start heading home for the holidays. Tift Merritt's "I'll Be Home for Christmas" is a slow-burning version, "The Lord is my shepherd, so I know I'll make it through; Baby, keep on praying because it's all that we can do." Norah Jones ends the set with a slow song called "Peace" that has a lovely melody and Norah's piano hauntingly echoing the chorus, "Peace is for everyone." This is a good Christmas set with some new songs and a few traditional favorites. Enjoy!



5. I guess this isn't what I was expecting - this is mostly the serious side of Christmas, not really any upbeat fun country stuff.

5 comments about Radio City Music Hall Presents Songs of Christmas.

1. In two words- absolutely beautiful! If this CD doesn't put you in the mood to string some beads and set up that special tree, nothing else will. There are songs for everyone, which is a great saving since all types of music are present. Even the great narative "One Solitary Life" is so impressive with the soft background of "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear", that it really lets you reflex on the true meaning of Christmas. A must have for any Christmas lover!



2. This is a good Christmas album to have. It has a jazzy and choral song that makes the Christmas show very special. Good listening for the entire family.



3. I am a dance teacher, and we have a performing group - Kickline.
   This CD had some great music that we could use for our Christmas Dance Performances!



4. This is one of my favorite Christmas CD's. It has a wonderful mix of soft and beautiful music as well as upbeat, peppy songs. The medleys they put together are perfectly orchestrated and very well-sung. It's a lot of fun to sing along with them! I can't help but sing and dance when I'm listening to this album. I think my favorite one is the Ringing of the Bells/Carol of the Bells medley. It is the single most beautiful version of "Carol of the Bells" that I have ever heard in my life. It's gorgeous! I even choreographed a dance to that piece, it inspired me so much.
   
   But the other songs are just as wonderful in their own ways. I love the "Christmas Is Coming" medley and the "New York Christmas" medley. "Sing a Little Song of Christmas" is fantastic, and I love the medley of Christmas classics. This is one CD that should thrill any Christmas lover. It's one of those albums that doesn't contain a single bad song!



5. The second year I went to Radio City Music Hall for their Christmas show, I was so thrilled to buy the "soundtrack" from their gift shop. When I came home, I could hardly wait to play it. I was shocked to see that it was recorded in ENGLAND, and NOT at Radio City Music Hall. The jacket was trumped to look like New York. The organs were DIFFERENT, the choir was that of The Stephen Hill Singers, and it was recorded in All Saints Church, Petersham, U.K.. The Orchestra was the U.K. Symphony conducted by Harry Rabinowitz,O.B., and remixed at Twickenham Music Studios, U.K..
   So next time you're wanting to get a copy of the EXACT musical production you heard in New York's Radio City Music Hall, look in the disc to be SURE where it was recorded.

5 comments about We Three Kings.

1. When I fist listened to the clips from this CD on Amazon I wondered why on earth they put the patriotic songs at the end, and also wondered a little at the other non christmas songs. After listening to it several times however I realized why. They don't leave Jesus in the manger, but take him all the way up to today! Wow. To me that is totally amazing. There arn't many christmas CD's that do that, but I think it really balances things out. I really enjoyed the Drummer Boy, and all of the rest of the songs. I would definantly say that this was a good buy.



2. This was VERY disappointing - too noisy & just the wrong type of music for these guys. I played it once & will try to get someone to take it off my hands - I love listening the them, usually, but this album is just a dud.



3. The 3 Irish Tenors are a joy to listen to in the Christmas season. I thoroughly enjoyed all of it.



4. I love these Irish tenors, and am so happy to hear Finbar Wright replacing John McDermott..BUT - - am disappointed in this CD, mainly in the balance of tone. Sometimes the one carrying the melody is overpowered by the other two, and the orchestra on occasion drowns out the voices. Likely a problem not addressed by the engineer. The voices are gorgeous, though, as usual. My favorites on the CD are the solos and duets. "O Holy Night" is quite stirring. I have the disk on as I write this, and actually, I like it better the 2nd time than the first, but I won't want to play it very often, in contrast to the original trio on video. That one I like to play over & over. IMHO, "How Great Thou Art" is rather pedantic; very little feeling in the rendition by Finbar. In contrast, Anthony does a great job with "The Lord's Prayer." Makes you want to cry.
   
   In these days when so many people are finding fault with America for so many things, it does my heart good to hear the Irish Tenors choose to sing "America the Beautiful"!



5. As an avid fan of the Irish Tenors I thoroughly enjoyed this CD until the last three songs. While I appreciate the Irish Tenors showing their respect for this country and their American fans by recording "God Bless America" etc., I fail to understand what such songs are doing on a Christmas CD. I am especially surprised by the inclusion of "Battle Hymn of the Republic." This song was a marching melody for the Union Army during the civil war and I think it shows a naive misunderstanding of history to include that track on this CD. What has Christmas to do with the Civil War? The tenors need to realize they don't have to include American songs in order to sell to American citizens. Stop catering.

5 comments about The Best of Jackson 5 - The Christmas Collection: 20th Century Masters.

1. Great purchase at a great price . Would gladly recommend to all. Perfect for the holidays but great year round as well.



2. What's better than hearing classic songs? Hearing them sung by The Jackson 5. Whenever I bring up J5 someone mentions their christmas songs so I had to get this and am glad for it.



3. I had a 8 track tape of this album when I was a kid and when X-Mas rolled around I played that tape till my family couldn't take it anymore! LOL! I'm 44 now and still don't know what happened to that tape, truly tragic! ^_^
   Happy holidays to all!



4. 
   I searched for the Jackson Five Christmas Album because my sons had played it on Christmas morning when we opened gifts. We only had the LP version. Now my sons and several of their friends from childhood have the Jackson Five Christmas Album to enjoy over the years.
   
   The CD recording is great and the music is as good as we remembered.



5. I ORDERED THIS CD FOR MY DAUGHTER AND SHE REALLY LOVES IT. I AM TIRED OF IT BUT SHE LOVES IT. THIS WAS MY FIRST TIME ORDERING FROM AMAZON AND I REALLY ENJOYED THE EXPERIENCE. I GOT MY PACKAGE ON TIME AND EVERYTHING WAS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION AND WORKED PROPERLY. THANK YOU.

5 comments about Making Spirits Bright.

1. This compendium from Martin's Capitol and Reprise years provides Christmas cheer aplenty. Dean does Elvis proud with his version of I'll Be Home For Christmas, gives Bing plenty of competition on White Christmas and scores on Blue Christmas as well. There are no misses on this cd.

   Dean was given choice material on both his Capitol and Reprise Christmas albums so this cd is not burdened with some of the insipid junk that Dean was forced to perform during his recording career (especially at Capitol).

   Two of Deans least known but best numbers are a treat to hear again. Winter Romance and Christmas Blues. The former will have you imagining yourself sipping eggnog around a roaring fire with that special "someone", while the latter captures the forlorn feeling of a breakup during the holiday season.

   Turn on this cd, start the fire and trim the tree!




2. Lovely collection of Christmas music. I especially enjoy the songs we don't hear over and over on typical Christmas albums, such as "Marshmellow World" and "Winter Romance." In my ever-growing collection of holiday music, this is one that gets played over and over again. Pity Christmas comes only once a year.



3. Dean may be gone, but he's still the coolest thing around. This is the music of Christmas. Of my 50 or so Christmas albums, this is the one I played over and over and over. Buy it...Dean won't let you down.



4. As a longtime Dean Martin fan, I have had this CD and Seasons' Greetings for a few years and everytime I listen to Making Spirits Bright I get chills. That man could sing with such an ease and charm you do not get today. His witty way of having fun with a tune as in Jingle Bells, his voice in I'll be Home For Christmas and Blue Christmas make me want to cry for Christmases past that were missed. His Rendition of White Christmas is right next Bing Crosby and his Silent Night can make you picture yourself in an old beautiful church decorated for the season listening. It was 10 years ago this Christmas Dean Martin left this earth, but he left us a totally lastly legacy.



5. If there is one word that describes Dean Martin's singing style, it would be "smooth." This wonderful album contains fifteen Christmas songs, all given that great Dean Martin sound. Most of the tunes are upbeat, such as Let It Snow, Jingle Bells, and A Marshmallow World, but there are some more mellow ones, like Blue Christmas, I'll Be Home For Christmas and The Christmas Blues.
   
   (The fifteenth track on my CD is Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! But, it is a different version than track one.)
   
   Overall, I think that this is great Christmas album, one that sounds excellent when the lights are turned off and the Christmas tree provides all of the light. If you want a great Christmas CD, then this is the one to get. I give it my highest recommendations!

5 comments about The Star Still Shines: A Diamond Rio Christmas.

1. There's always something special about a Diamond Rio CD. This one is no exception-- and yet, an exceptional disc. The title track will be a holiday 'must-hear' for years to come. There really aren't any strange versions or wild twists to these songs- just the quality harmony and sound you might expect from DR. The mix is a little different, though, and has more vocal low end on many of the songs. The acappella version of 'Hark! The Herald Angels Sing' is a purest's delight, while the bluegrass-hinted Sleigh Ride will give your spirits a lift. Make sure you add this to your collection, whether you're a die-hard DR fan or just looking for a new, quality disc to throw in the player for the family holidays.



2. Diamond Rio shines beautifully on this traditional Christmas cd. Songs are sung Diamond Rio "style" with perfect harmony and music. I've been waiting for this cd for years and am delighted with each song; no disappointments here! The guys give each song their own personalities..
   An awesome holiday music cd for everyone. Thanks guys!



3. This is an awesome Christmas CD, I've played it over and over and never get tired of it! Definitely would recommend this to anyone, not just Country fans! Happy Holidays :)



4. I just love to hear them sing iv met them a few times they are so nice to their fans .



5. Diamond Rio still has what it takes to make an enjoyable CD and this Christmas one proves it. The title song proves it.

1 comments about The Wonder of Christmas.

1. I am a musician at heart (read: critical and difficult to please, but very moved by good music) and this is my absolute favorite christmas album. The arrangements are incredible and the performances will blow you away. This is a must have for those who truly appreciate music and even those who just love christmas music (who doesn't?). Even my hubby, who listens to rap and thinks choir music is not cool, looks forward to the Choir's Christmas concert every year.
   I'm lucky enough to live in Salt Lake where I can see them perform, and this album contains most of my favorite performances from the past several years. Each song on this album can stand on its own, but my favorites are Joy to the World, What Shall We Give to the Babe in the Manger, Angels From the Realms of Glory, and of course the Hallelujah Chorus.
   If you are moved by music this beautiful, like I am, be sure to get a box of tissues as well!

3 comments about The King's Singers Greatest Hits.

1. Everything from madrigals to the Beatles with a little Christmas music for color. Even if you're not a big fan of madrigals or folk songs, the King's have a way of making them thoroughly enjoyable and very easy to listen to. The track "You Are the New Day" will bring tears to your eyes - it's that beautiful. Can't say enough good words about the work of this group, from their beginnings to the present day, all reflected in this CD.



2. Kings Singers was a happy surprise to me when I bought "Beatles Connection", then I did not stop buying these extraordinary group and I fully recommend this double disc album, because it is a collection of the best of each album.



3. King's Singers Greatest Hits was disappointing. The contemporary music included did not have the smooth feel that one expects, and the classical pieces were all right but not spectacular. I did not feel that some of these pieces were greatest hits. I will probably go back to listening to older collections of their music.

5 comments about Bonanza Orig TV Cast: Christmas on Ponderosa.

1. Like many 50's and 60's families, we were glued to the TV every Sunday night for the latest episode of Bonanza. I was a Bonanza junkie and bought all the albums they produced. My favorite was the Christmas album. As newlyweds decorating our first tree, I suggested to my very cynical husband that we listen to the album together. He scoffed but lovingly agreed....and he too fell in love with the album. For 35 years our tradition has been to listen to the album when decorating the tree and many more times during the Christmas season. What do we love so much about this album? It's hokey and folksy evoking a simpler time. The neighbors gather at the Ponderosa to trim their tree. While partying they sing together not only classic religious carols but also whimsical songs of Santa and the lighter side of the holiday. Many of these songs I have not heard anywhere but here and they are such a refreshing change from the mall or pop radio station holiday repertoire. The Cartwrights and their friends reminisce together and tell legends of Christmas traditions all over the world. This is life at it's best: neighbors gathering, singing, having fun. Not only is the music uplifting, but so is the message.
   
   So my husband was an instant convert. We obsessed when we thought we had lost or misplaced the album. We vowed to make a tape. Then last year our 22 year old son, who grew up with a taste of Bonanza every Christmas, surprised us with the CD that he found on Amazon. Now we can listen to it in the car. I am giving the CD to several friends this year. They will be converts, I am sure, and so will you.



2. I have tried to find this my whole adult life, My mom use to play this album every Christmas and we loved it. I couldn`t beleive when I had given up all hope of ever owning this that Amazon.con would have it. This brings back such great memories.This made my Christmas special!! Thanks Amazon ya`ll are the best!!!



3. When I set out to search for this CD, I really thought my efforts would be fruitless, but was pleased to find that many people have the same fond memories of the Bonanza TV show. The quality was excellent and it warmed my heart to listen to those nostalgic songs. It put me right back in my parent's livingroom when I was a child.



4. The item that I received was exactly as it was pictured. It was great it was exactly as i remember it from my childhood all the old songs were on there. The delivery was really fast, I received it in time for christmas and was very pleased.



5. I have always been a big fan of Bonanza. Growing up, it was our family's "sit down together and watch TV" show. I have such fond memories of that time in my life. I never knew that this record (now a CD) was ever released. It was great to hear the Cartwrights all together again. It made me feel like I was a kid again watching my favorite western family.