5 comments about Home Alone Christmas.

1. This Home Alone Christmas CD is the Ultimate Christmas CD. It has all types of music, and different types of Christmas songs. My mom bought it, because she saw it was a good buy. But now, every Christmas, this is one of the only CD's we play. Definately buy it!



2. FROM: John, age 37 (12.21.66)
   I grew up in the greater New York area - Western NJ was where my younger christmas memories start: Christmas country-style in the 1970's meant grandma cooking dinners on a woodburning stove adjacent to a modern day one, "fetchin'" wood, a driveway chiseled into the hillside, coal-burning furnace in the mostly dirt-floor basement complete with coal room for climbing through (Yeah I got yelled at plenty!), the excitement of seeing aunts, uncles and cousins, and simple Christmas gifts accented with a money card from Grandma who spoke of Santa like he lived down the road (Maybe that is why every year I STILL write a letter to him for all to read)! The Alan Jackson style of country music captures that feeling. The John Williams track is one that should give goosebumps to anyone that LOVE (Like I still do) Christmas or has had the season bless them with cherished memories. I listen, close my eyes and I can see photos that I haven't looked at in 25 years+ and they look it. Remember those BAD colors, some blurry because the cameras of the day, that weren't manual focus were just plain bad? Remember the smell of all the cookies mom made whilst you tried to helping her, usually by making a mess? Be sure and remember that she still loved you for it! Then consider that all that is all in this CD. I am a true fan of Christmas and New York City just like the person that posted his/her review on July 28th, so obviously I felt that their review was on target!



3. FROM: John, age 37 (12.21.66)
   I grew up in the greater New York area - Western NJ was where my younger christmas memories start: Christmas country-style in the 1970's meant grandma cooking dinners on a woodburning stove adjacent to a modern day one, "fetchin'" wood, a driveway chiseled into the hillside, coal-burning furnace in the mostly dirt-floor basement complete with coal room for climbing through (Yeah I got yelled at plenty!), the excitement of seeing aunts, uncles and cousins, and simple Christmas gifts accented with a money card from Grandma who spoke of Santa like he lived down the road (Maybe that is why every year I STILL write a letter to him for all to read)! The Alan Jackson style of country music captures that feeling. The John Williams track is one that should give goosebumps to anyone that LOVE (Like I still do) Christmas or has had the season bless them with cherished memories. I listen, close my eyes and I can see photos that I haven't looked at in 25 years+ and they look it. Remember those BAD colors, some blurry because the cameras of the day, that weren't manual focus were just plain bad? Remember the smell of all the cookies mom made whilst you tried to helping her, usually by making a mess? Be sure and remember that she still loved you for it! Then consider that all that is all in this CD. I am a true fan of Christmas and New York City just like the person that posted his/her review on July 28th, so obviously I felt that their review was on target!



4. The CD was good however some of the better songs from the movies were not on it. I think it could have been better.



5. The stupid TLC song! I don't even know why that is on there....
   Anyways I love the movie, it reminds me of Christmas. I guess it dates me since I am 25, so when this was popular i was just a kid. When I hear the music, it reminds me of the movie, but more importantly, it gives me that "Christmas feeling." That is really hard to feel sometimes, so a $10 CD is well worth it.

No comments about Gospel Christmas Songs.

2 comments about Smorgasbord.

1. Dear Amazonians,
   
   I cannot tell you how many times I listened to this album as a kid. With the friendly voices of Sharon, Lois & Bram, I would spend long hours listening and singing along at my framily's vacation home in East Hampton, New York. My first recording of "Smorgasboard" was a record, and by the time CDs made it into the marketplace, this album was nowhere to be found. I had long wanted Smorsboard to be available on CD, and would periodically search the Web and Amazon.com for it, but to no avail. That is, utnil today!
   
   I am very happy to be reunited with fond memories, and now a CD recording, of Sharon, Lois & Bram's Smorgasboard. I can once again spend time listening to the soothing voices of this album's singers and remember the good times I had growing up. I will also be able to share this CD with my close friends and my family, telling them and reminding them of the first times that I listened to it.
   
   I hope you all enjoy this as much as I do,
   
   --Daniel



2. This CD is great for children and adults! It is foot stopping and you simply can't get the songs out of your head.

5 comments about Chipmunks Roasting on an Open Fire.

1. My kids and I love this cd, having been introduced to it by one of our local radio stations.
   
   Where we live we're surrounded by the far-right Christian republicans who have signs on their lawns saying things like, "Jesus is the reason for the season," so to be able to laugh with this cd, despite the guilt-inducing, holier-than-thou contest around us, is quite cathartic!



2. I love all the Bob River's CD's but I think the "Chipmunk song" is one of my all time favorites. I used to watch the "Chipmunks" on TV when I was a kid but I used to think their Christmas album was annoying. Well, Bob Rivers hits the mark with his parody of the Chipmunks. He captures them in all their annoying glory. Thanks Bob!



3. Okay, maybe you need to be a little twisted to enjoy this, and luckily I am. I laughed over and over again till my sides hurt. Start a new tradition at Christmas with a Little Chipmunk roasting on an open fire...... Hilarious!!!!



4. This was the fourth Christmas album by Bob Rivers. It features parodies of Christmas songs and parodies of non-Christmas songs which are turned into Christmas songs. These songs are very well produced; they sound almost exactly like the performers they are imitating. There are songs done in the style of the Chipmunks, Nat "King" Cole, the Beach Boys, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Louis Armstrong, the Carpenters, Bruce Springsteen and others. This is a funny album, with the hilarious title song being the highlight.



5. We purchased the previous Bob Rivers Christmas CD and it was great. This one had nothing to do with Christmas songs and is so off the wall. I would love to return this CD. Yuck!

5 comments about Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas.

1. I know that I am swimming against the tide on this one, but I was sort of dissapointed by this album. I am a huge Ella Fitzgerald fan. I think she is the greatest female American singer of the Twentieth Century.
   
   When she sings the standard Christmas songs in the generally accepted manner, her performances are simply superb. What's unfortunate is that the producers of this album wanted to give it a "swing" touch. Her swing take on some of the standard Christmas songs unfortunately end up sounding gimmicky. The single most dissapointing track on this album is the alternative take of Frosty the Snowman. Ella does it with an annoying kid's voice and it is absolutely atrocious. I was so surprised. This is the only time in my opinion, where Ella has absolutely blown a song. It goes to prove that even a genius can make musical mistakes.
   
   Some of the individual songs are real classics. My suggestion is to purchase the classic songs from I-Tunes and avoid purchasing the whole album.



2. I listened to this CD all during the holiday's this past year... Ella Fitzgerald is certainly the Lady of Song... she has such a unique voice; and everything she sings is just so classy; and takes you back in time... I love this CD and wholeheartedly recommend it!



3. This was a very jazzy album and just seemed to try too hard. I know singers must get tired of singing the same type of songs, but I didn't enjoy this one at all and gave it away. Didn't even want to keep it for my Christmas collection.



4. Ella has one of the best voices I have ever heard and this CD is the best collection of Christmas songs I have ever purchased. I love to collect Christmas CDs but this is the best by far. I actually bought two, one for the house and one for my car.



5. Without doubt, Ella's better with the jazz standards than she is on these Christmas standards.
   
   Still, this is a nice, upbeat, jazzy presentation that lets Ella swing things a little. It's definitely worth a spin or two each December.
   
   But note before you buy - a more recent release adds six additional tunes. See Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas [Remastered]
   
   Eric Alan Isaacson

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.

4 comments about Memories of a Winter's Night.

1. Personnel: Dave Koz (alto saxophone); Gigi Worth (vocals); Ray Parker, Jr. (guitar); Michael Thompson (guitars); Doug Pettibone, Phil Parlapiano, Bruce Watson (acoustic guitar); Paul Jackson, Jr., Tony Maiden (electric guitar); Jeff Koz (nylon-string guitar); Jim Culbertson (trumpet); Nick Lane (trombone); Eddie Miller (Hammond b-3 organ); Brian Simpson (keyboards); David Piltch (acoustic bass); Bill Sharpe, Alex Al, Fernando Perdomo (bass guitar); Gerry Brown, Stephen Theard (drums); Brian Kilgore (percussion); Brian Culbertson (drum programming); Ester Nicholson, Sandy Simmons, Bridgette Bryant (background vocals). Additional personnel: Brenda Russell (vocals); Peter White (acoustic guitar); Rick Braun (trumpet); David Benoit (piano); Kelly Sweet, Kimberley Locke (background vocals).
   Good music ability by Dave as he expresses his ability in the Christmas songs.
   A little too predictable and...a product of mass Christmas destruction...
   It's light jazz to sell his stuff...That's pure commercial music.
   Why is this talented guy following Kenny G's footsteps ?
   Funny enough: he started so well with a great album titled Off the Beaten Path....
   Golden Slumbers: A Father's Lullaby
   Smooth Jazz Christmas
   December Makes Me Feel This Way
   Peter White Christmas with Mindi Abair and Rick Braun



2. Like his last Chritmas cd, Dave Koz repeats a few songs instead of letting go and creating an album of unrecorded performances. "December Makes Me Feel This Way" is a fine album of carols, his Christmas follow-up "Smooth Jazz Christmas" features songs from his live show, basically a studio soundtrack featuring vocalists Kenny Loggins and Brenda Russell performing repeats from the first disc, two sides from that cd, "Little Drummer Boy" and "Boogie Woogie Santa Claus" are here and truthfully they serve no purpose. I think Mr Koz is in search of the perfect Christmas cd and will keep trying until he gets it right so expect more releases, maybe enough to fill a "Best Of" holiday edition similar to Kenny G's and Dave will have what he's pining for, the perfect cd. About this cd's overall performance, it is classic Dave Koz.



3. We saw Dave for the first time in December - it was a Christmas show. It was one of the best concerts we have seen in y ears. This cd is great!!!



4. I love the way Dave Kozz handles his music; it is well constructed and very honest!

No comments about When My Heart Finds Christmas.

5 comments about Rejoyce: The Christmas Album.

1. This CD got boring after the first few songs. They all began to sound alike...for me not a good mix.



2. No problems with the sender. Very nice and without issues. The CD however, was terrible. I bought it for my fiance and I dont think she listened to more than about 2 songs.



3. I love the songs that were on this cd and thats why I bought it. However she over does many of the words in the song turning a listener off. Nick and Ashlee both do good jobs which saves her in some of them. Would not recommend, rather go with Trans-Siberan Orchestra.



4. Rejoyce: The Chirstmas Album by ditzy Jessica Simpson is the worst Christmas-themed cd I have ever heard, and I am serious here guys! The only breathtaking song is Little Drummer Boy, a duet with her sis Ashlee, and you are not gonna believe it but Ashlee sounds better than Jessica on this track! Poor Jessica's voice is too breathy, flat, and just annoying. Jessica has never sounded this dead on an album, what happened to that girl who could belt her heart out? She does a cover of Amy Grant's Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song) and she does not pull it off like Grant's verison. Jessica really messed this up, all the other songs sound hideous, hopefully Jessica won't release another X-mas cd ever again!



5. It's a perfectly plain and digestible Christmas album, just don't expect to be moved. You're better off with Mariah Carey's "Merry Christmas" instead.
   The best example of how bland this album is her and ex-hubby Nick Lachey's version of "Baby it's cold outside."
   It's just about the deadest rendition of this song ever. It's a nuanced and funny song that's she turns humorless and forgettable -- no easy feat. Listen to just about any other version and you'll see, I recommend Brian Setzer's duet with Ann Margaret.
   Do yourself a favor and look for a Christmas album that's a little more heartfelt.

5 comments about Brian Setzer - Christmas Extravaganza.

1. This DVD is truly great. Quality of video is outstanding and Brian really rocks the house. Crank this baby up on your 5.1 surround system and it feels like you're in the audience. Audio quality is superb. Overall, fantastic DVD. I've watched it twice all ready. This has definitely moved to my must see list for the holidays. If you love up-beat swing style music reminiscent of the "Stray Cats" you'll really enjoy this. I guarantee your foot will not stop moving during this really extravagant concert. Kudos to Brian and his talented orchestra.



2. Sit back with your friends and have a good time with Brian and the band. You need to like the rockabilly roots. If you are looking for Bing and the classics ... keep looking.



3. Brian Setzer and the Brian Setzer Orchestra's "Christmas Extravaganza" is a holiday joyride of Christmas favorites and Setzer classics in a 1 hour and 40 minute concert from the Universal City Amphitheater in California, December, 2004. Setzer's blend of Rockabilly and Big Band sound is phenomenal and every song he plays is a major winner! This DVD is pure fun and energy, perfect for background play while decorating your tree or during a Christmas party, and just as great to sit and watch, making you feel like you're right there at the concert! This DVD is sure to get repeat play in your home should you pick it up, and I highly recommend it! Here are the songs in the order they are played:
   
   Dig That Crazy Santa Claus
   This Cat's on a Hot Tin Roof
   Boogie Woogie Santa Claus
   The Dirty Boogie
   Winter Wonderland
   Sleigh Ride
   Santa Claus is Back in Town
   Everybody's Waitin' for the Man With the Bag
   Caravan
   Pipeline
   Stray Cat Strut/You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch
   Jump, Jive, an' Wail
   'Zat You Santa Claus?
   Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!
   Run Rudolph Run
   Gene and Eddie
   Blue Christmas
   Jingle Bell Rock
   Rat Pack Boogie
   Fishnet Stockings
   Rock This Town
   Nutcracker Suite
   Rumble in Brighton
   Gettin' in the Mood
   Jingle Bells
   
   You can skip from song to song on the DVD, though since they're all so great there's really no need to. In addition to all those fabulous tunes, the DVD has a behind-the-scenes look at Brian creating a big-band arrangement of My Favorite Things, backstage footage, and interviews with fans at the concert. Great stuff!!! After seeing this, you'll probably want the two Christmas CDs: Boogie Woogie Christmas and Dig That Crazy Christmas. And if you also like a slightly more mellow/traditional big-band experience, I recommend the Christmas CDs and programs of Harry Connick, Jr.



4. Ask any brass player if they like Brian Setzer. They all say "no" and then try to hide all of their Setzer CD's, DVD's, etc etc etc. I think they say no because he can PLAY ANYTHING and he plays it better than most! He never misses a lick and this album is proof of his virtuosity. The big band is as good as you will EVER find and they do a fantastic feature piece of Tschaikowsky's Nutcracker.
   
   My personal favorite is the trombone feature of "Pipeline". (Don't tell any of your trombone friends, though, it makes their slide stick when their chest puffs up like that).
   
   Highly recommended family entertainment! Great special features on this DVD, too.
   
   ps...pssst....Brian.....how about a Christmas Extravaganza 2 with the 'My Favorite Things" live?



5. If you like Brian Setzer and Christmas songs, you can't go wrong!! The video and sound quality are excellent. This is one concert that is as fun to watch as it is to listen to. Crank it up and enjoy!