5 comments about First Christmas Morning.

1. I was unaware of this work until i saw it at AMAZON. Thank you!
   Dan is the closest thing to a living Mozart or Beethoven we have
   today(in the pop music feild) He is an absolute professional and
   plays 14 different instruments,produces,arrainges all is work.This work
   is excellent,as is all his music. It consists of some old European
   15th,16th century standards(little known in U.S.) and original music
   he wrote.Everything is top of the line and perfect for the perhaps
   more sophisticated connoiseur of fine music.Huge fan Dan,Wish you
   a speedy recovery.



2. I'm not sure which I enjoy more--the melodies or the lyrics--of these beautiful Christmas songs. The cd is worth the purchase price for Dan's rendition of "What Child Is This" alone.
   
   His original compositions "Christ the King" and the title song "First Christmas Morning" are new favorites at my house; the entire family, including my teenagers (!) enjoy these songs.
   
   Dan also does a great job dusting off some old carols. "I Saw Three Ships" is celebratory, both vocals and instruments; "This Endris Night," exquisite.
   
   The medieval style makes the music ideal for sharing at holiday gatherings; the truly Christmas themes, however, make it appropriate for personal meditation during the season.
   
   My only regret about purchasing this music is that I did not do so sooner.
   
   Lift your heart to the glorious season;
   Bid all your sorrows be still.



3. Dan Fogelberg's Christmas CD is so beautiful and every year I listen to it from Thanksgiving to the New Year. It's unique in a way only Dan can give us. Different, yet familiar. In his inimitable style, Dan brought us a season that touches our hearts and makes us sing along with him. Having listened to him since I was in college, I was more than pleased when he put out this Christmas album.
   
   If you are a baby boomer and missed listening to Dan Fogelberg, listen now. For those of us who have seen him live, driven down many highways singing along with him loud and happy, and loved him from the first song we heard him sing, let's never forget this wonderful musician, this beautiful man.
   
   Today is December 16, 2007 and Dan Fogelberg left us today, dying after a three and a half year battle against advanced prostate cancer. He will always live in my heart.



4. I'm a long time fan and am glad to add this to my collection. So sad he's gone.



5. This is an excellent work by Dan Fogelberg, one of his best, and appears to be no longer in print.
   [ASIN:B00001IV8Q First Christmas Morning]]

5 comments about In the Nutcracker Mood.

1. This is the final cd in the Glenn Miller Christmas collection and the one that takes the biggest risks. Hearing the Nutcracker in a big band style is quite jarring (especially for a dancer like myslef), but after I got over the initial shock, I was able appreciate the work. My only problem is that music from the Nutcracker only takes up about half the cd! After the (shotened) Nutcracker Suite, we're treated to swing renditions of classic Christmas carols and even Auld Lang Syne. All the music is good, but the cd is called "In The Nutcracker Mood" not In The Nutcracker and Christmas mood. Still, I enjoy this cd and the Nutcracker segments are always a topic of conversation at parties. Just wish ther was more Nutcracker on this Nutcracker cd.



2. I have to agree with the previous reviewer, while Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite on Side A sounds really good, it would have been great if it were alot longer. It does help that it has the arrangements by the original band members-many of whom have gotten together from all across the country to gather in NYC to record these holiday albums. Side B makes up for everything, though-from the opening cut Jolly Old Saint Nicholas-hearing it makes you think you really are hearing the band plus the Modernaires from back in the 1940s-to the final cut What Are You Doing New Year's Eve. All in all, a bargain at the price listed here.



3. I first became enamored with the Glenn Miller Orchestra's IN THE CHRISTMAS MOOD albums with the second of the three. I've since collected them all, this being the most recent.

   I love the purely instrumental big band tracks on all three of the albums. These guys-original members of the Glenn Miller Orchestra who've gotten together to create these holiday recordings-are OBVIOUSLY the real thing. They interpret traditional holiday songs with an impeccable and immensely fun big band swing.

   My bone to pick-and a major one, unfortunately-is with the "Moonlight Seranaders," who sing on (thankfully only) four of the sixteen tracks on this album. Although my experience of authentic big band recordings from the 1940s is slim, I do have a couple of albums, including a two-disc set of original Glenn Miller recordings. On NONE of these albums do the singers sound as disgustingly saccharin as these vocalists.

   The sound of the "Moonlight Seranaders" is definitely that of the sappy Lawrence Welk singers of the 1960s and '70s. It's truly terrifying and, sadly, interferes greatly with the otherwise fantastic tracks on this album and the others in the series. Personally, I'd much rather have had a single, talented, emotive vocalist on several of the tracks rather than the sickly-sweet chorus, which completely ruins songs like "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" on this album and "I'll Be Home For Christmas" on one of the other two.

   Nevertheless, for the usually ridiculoulsly low price of these albums, you really can't go wrong. The twelve great tracks on IN THE NUTCRACKER MOOD is well worth its cost-with or without the "Moonlight Seranaders." Buy it and re-live those fantastic days of big band music right in your own home this holiday season.




4. Another fantastic Christmas album from the Glen Miller Orchestra. As others have pointed out, it might not be quite up to the same standard that the other In the Christmas Mood CDs have, but then again, they're a bloody high standard! The Nutcracker suite is remarkably (surprisingly?) cool as a big band arrangement (although, again as others have said, longer would have been cooler - it takes up less than half the CD). The rest of the music is great jazz arrangements of Christmas favourites, and in the wonderful style of the previous albums.
   
   All in all, a fantastic album! An excellent buy, particularly as part of the 3 box set (under "In the Christmas Mood")!



5. If you really want a jazz version of the Nutcracker Suite, get the Duke Ellington version which is available on the "Three Suites" CD. Nothing against the GMO rendition but the Ellington version just swings so much harder. It is a little short but in my opinion it is vastly superior.

5 comments about Kirk Franklin and the Family Christmas.

1. This is my favorite Christmas CD by far. I've had to buy it on 3 different occasions because it's enjoyed by so many in my family that it seems to always come up missing at the end of the holidays. The fact that I've been willing to buy it again and again is a testament to the power that radiates from the songs on this CD. The arrangement is imepeccable with mix of down home gospel as well as up tempo contemporary songs of praise, all the while keeping with the messages of the true meaning of Christmas. I will buy it again and again if I have to. Thank You Kirk Franklin and the Family for putting out a masterful, classic piece of work.



2. Form the first time I heard this CD. And heard many church choir doing "The Lamb of God". I knew that this CD would be a special one.
   This CD is one that you should have in your collection. All of the songs on this CD, is worth having. From "Silent Night" to the last song "Silver & Gold - Remix" can be played each and every day. That is why I say, "These songs can make everyday Christmas" Give it a listen, and You'll see what I mean.



3. Kirk does it right on this and will always be one of the great Christmas albums no matter what type of music you listen to.



4. I have quite a few gospel Christmas CD's and this is my all time favorite. I have now purchased this CD about 5 times. Every year someone wants to do a song from it and I mistakenly let them have my original never to return again. Best gospel Christmas CD ever recorded. I love it!!!



5. This is one of the best gospel Christmas albums of all time. It is on my "must play" list for the holiday season.
   
   As mentioned in other reviews, this version of silent night is one of the best I have heard. Sound nothng like the original tune but is still superb. Other standouts are: The night that Christ was born, Go tell it on the mountain and the very touching "Love Song".
   
   But the best song on the album is hands down - Now Behold The Lamb. This song will give you goosebumps. It speaks of Jesus's sacrifice when he became the lamb of God to die for our sins. The vocals of Dalon Collins will blow your mind. He is truly gifted.
   
   This is a must have for anyone's Christmas collection.

No comments about Praise Baby Collection: Joy to the World.

5 comments about The Jethro Tull Christmas Album.

1. This is an absolutely phenominal collection of holiday treasures. The instrumentals, in particular, are mind blowing. These renditions take you right into the holiday spirit in 3 seconds flat.
   
   I was always a fan of "Songs From the Wood" era Tull and wished they'd spent a bit more time exploring that avenue back in the late seventies. Well, I just never figured it would happen over 20 years later. This one is worth the wait.
   
   This CD was released a few years back but still stands in the front of the line. Other rock xmas albums come and go but this one kicks all of their butts year after year after year!!!!!



2. 
   Good grief Charlie Brown - hopelessness in the human condition, smothering our gasping souls with all of the crass commercialism and focus on materialistic hedonism, you'd think there still may be some promise of redemption in our crazy little corporate dominated world - MAYBE GET BACK WHAT WAS LOST???
   
   But grief can be good when channeled toward a higher purpose with the caring LOVE of well-made, purposefully created and uplifting, beautiful MUSIC. Ian and the band have carried home the needy, sad little laughable (Christmas) tree and transformed it - neatly arranged with baubles, bangles and shining colorful lights into a heart-warming centerpiece for the holidays (topped by the angel of PEACE offering prayer for better days). Orpheus has struck up the Lyre and the heavenly spheres are in motion (as are the nagging feelings that a true Christmas healing will not materialize EVER unless we begin to see the inequality that we engender with our cold, calculated system of blame-shifting, bean-counting and Calvinistic us vs. them hording). Listen can you hear:
   
   "... So how can you laugh when your own mother's hungry, and how can you smile when the reasons for smiling are wrong? And if I've just messed up your thoughtless pleasures, remember if you wish, this is just a Christmas song ..." (Christmas Song)
   
   "... Now, as the last broad oak leaf falls, we beg, consider this: There's some who have no coin to save for turkey, wine or gifts. ... As holly pricks and Ivy clings, your fate is none too clear. The Lord may find you wanting, let your good fortune disappear. All homely comforts blown away and all that's left to show is to share your joy at Christmas time with Jack Frost and the hooded crow." (Jack Frost and the Hooded Crow)
   
   The messages shared are too important to over-emphasize the great instrumental performances throughout this whole recording by all band members (and Barre is such a pro! there is some fantastic playing on here by him) - really classy! If that is the test, you should be pleased that, as usual, quality and consistency are up to the high-water mark in general (Tull fans know THAT is never an issue). The package is excellent with a nice insert full of lyrics, track notes, pictures and drawings. There are a couple of great songs you may not have heard before and many less-heard old staples consolidated here. Enjoy some true Christmas spirit with 62+ minutes of twinkling Tull ... Hope for better days Charlie and put a nickel in the jar for Lucy's thoughts:
   
   "... Good Morning Weathercock. Make this day bright. Put us in touch with your fair winds. Sing to us softly, hum evening's song. Point the way to better days we can share with you." (Weathercock)
   
   "... Praise be to the distant sister sun,
   joyful as the silver planets run.
   Seven maids move in seven time.
   Sing the song the bells call, loudly chiming ...
   RING OUT THESE BELLS [emphasis mine] ..." (Ring Out Solstice Bells)
   
   Blessings to ALL and PEACE ON EARTH!



3. This is the definitive Christmas with Jethro Tull. This could be played year around but Being a 'Boomer' I will save it for Christmas. It is a 'must have'.



4. I bought this CD for my husband, who is an avid Tull fan. He listens to it everyday. He says it is an excellent fell good CD. It is not a "normal" Christmas CD. It is just great Tull music.



5. I have been looking for this CD in stores since I first heard one song last year. No store had it so I searched on line. I really enjoyed the whole alblum. I have shared it with my family and will continue to play it long after Christmas. I would recommend it highly.

5 comments about Christmas with the Rat Pack.

1. I have alway loved the Rat Pack and this CD was just what I needed to remember why I love Christmas. Thanks



2. a must have. perfect listening while putting up the tree and sipping on some spiked nog!!!



3. When this came out in 2002 I grabbed a copy from a fast-diminishing pile at my local record store. And I now regard it as one of my all-time seasonal favourites.
   
   The opening lines from the insert tells it all: "Forget about ho-ho-ho and bells that jingle. This Christmas will be strictly ... Ring-A-Ding Ding. Yep, Frank, Dean & Sammy are serving a heaping helping of yuletide cheer featuring classic versions of holiday standards, rare first-time CD performances and hitherto unreleased bonus tracks."
   
   This is followed by two pages of brief anecdotes from each of the stars, some of it related to the origins of the nickname The Rat Pack, as well as a note from Frank's long-time pianist Bill Miller relating their appearance in Las vegas while filming Ocean's Eleven.
   
   A picture spread in the middle shows the three in action on stage, followed by three pages showing the contents and when the song first appeared on record. The earliest [track 11] dates to 1954 and the Capitol LP Merry Christmas To You while most of the remainder are culled from albums originally reeased in the late 1950s to early 1960s. Track 20 is from Dean's TV special on December 21, 1967 and track 21 is from his December 31, 1970 show. The only one previously unreleased is track 3, Christmas Time All Over The World by Sammy, and when you hear it you'll wonder why it was held back at the time.
   
   Thank you Capitol for what is now surely an essential addition to any Christmas collection.



4. Just like "Christmas Story" and "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation", this compilation of Rat Pack classics has become an absolute favorite and a Christmas ritual. This was the frist Christmas CD my wife and I bought when we got married and with hours of holiday driving to see our families, we have never regretted it. While there are other albums from these artists, it's tough to get such a great collection on a single CD. It would be nice to have a little more from Sammy Davis Jr, but as a whole, this is a fantastic mix, and you won't be disappointed.



5. I have had to buy at least ONE new copy every year--someone always talks me out of my copy! Absolutely the greatest holiday music for kids (and grown-ups) of all ages!

5 comments about Maybe This Christmas.

1. This is by far the most hideous compilation of Christmas songs I have ever heard. Besides tracks 9 and 15, the rest are pathetic at best.
   
   My Dad came how saying nothing but good things about the Barenaked Ladies version of God Rest Ye Marry Gentlemen, I decided to think about getting it for him as a Christmas gift, but after listening to Vanessa Carlton butcher Green Sleeves, my favorite Christmas song, and Jack Johnson sing the worst version of Rudolph the Red nose reindeer, I decided this would be the worst Christmas gift ever. I then proceeded to listen to Phantom Planets attempt at a rock version of Winter Wonderland which was just as bad as the other songs.
   
   In short I found very few, if any, good songs on this CD, and would not buy it even if they payed me to take it.



2. Yet another Christmas compilation, but this one stnds out thanks to the unique choice of songs and performers. Most of the songs on this album are traditional for the holiday season: "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" performed by Barenaked Ladies with Sarah McLachlan, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" sung by Jack Johnson with his trademark beach sound, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Coldplay, and many others. But it also throws in a few new songs: "What A Year for a New Year" by Dan Wilson, "Snow" by Celtic songstress Loreena McKennitt, "121/23/95" by Jimmy Eat World," and "Bizarre Christmas Incident" -- which is a bizarre little story -- by Ben Folds, among others. This is a great addition to the holiday music catalog, bringing a fresh update to older songs and introducing quite a few new ones.



3. I really like most of this christmas album. The Barenaked Ladies take on God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen is already a classic. Likewise Jack Johnson's Rudolph, which is my favorite version of that song by far.
   
   The two gripes, GreenSleeves is not a christmas song. It's a traditional english song about rejected love, rumored to have been written by Henry VIII about Anne Boleyn. Nothing christmas-y about it. The song What Child is This, which is sung to the same tune, is indeed a christmas song. But that's not the song that's included here. I think the compiler confused the two, and assumed that, if it sounded like What Child is This, it must be a christmas tune. Nevertheless, I don't skip that song when it comes on. The one I do skip is Ben Folds' jarring Bizarre Christmas Incident. This is a relatively mellow, melodic cd, with a positive vibe. That song is both jarring and decidedly negative. It doesn't work here (though it may well work in other compilations) and I always skip over it.



4. This compilation album features Christmas songs by alt-rock performers. The songs are more mellow than you might expect. This is kinder, gentler alt-rock. Around half the songs are originals, with the other half being familar Christmas favorites. All the originals are at least decent, with my favorites being Ron Sexsmith's charming "Maybe This Christmas", Ben Folds' humorous "Bizarre Christmas Incident" and Dan Wilson's New Year's song "What a Year For a New Year". The traditional Christmas songs are all well performed, with Sense Field's cover of John Lennon's "Happy Christmas" being particularly excellent. This is a solid Christmas album, with some of the proceeds going to Toys For Tots.



5. i was excited to listen to this album from the moment i read the track listing and artists. i must say that some of the songs take time to grow on you (and some never will). but all in all - it was a fantastic album. "God rest ye merry gentleman" by the barenaked ladies and sarah mclachlan was beyond perfect. the voices and styles blended wonderfully. coldplay's rendition of "have yourself a merry little christmas" was chilling and beautiful. phantom planet added thier touch of playful seriousness to "winter wonderland." it was a great listen. jack johnson, sense field, and ben folds also brought their full-on style to the mix. and the last track worth mention was "blue christmas" by bright eyes. this song was a glorifed version of the one you hear in a diner around the holiday season. it was dark but still kept that countryesque charm.
   
   i would recommend this album to anyone trying to mix it up with regards to holiday music. enjoy (i know i did).

5 comments about Noël.

1. Christmas is not Christmas without this beautiful recording.
   
   After having given this album/cd to friends throughout the years, I discovered recently that I didn't have my own copy anymore. I looked everywhere--big box stores, used music stores, etc.--but to no avail. I finally checked Amazon, and was happy to find it in this new, remastered version, along with additional tracks not present on the original.
   
   This recording is an amazing combination of Baez's impeccable soprano, extraordinarily nuanced arrangements, and an 'x' factor that I can only call "sublime." Most Christmas music (to my ears) bounds forward in an unreflective, mechanized glee. Not so here. The pathos inherent in Christ's birth--so often overlooked in most Christmas music--is fully present in this gorgeous album, and serves as a necessary counterpoint to the joy and wonder of the nativity.
   
   If you need a cure for the overwhelming commercialism that has become Christmas, just play this album. It will reconnect you in a profound way with the simple beauty of Christmas.



2. This Christmas album is a gem in a sea of mediocrity. It seems that every renowned singer feels obliged to produce a Christmas collection - and we have been inundated with lack-luster performances of boring old Christmas songs ever since Elvis gave us Blue Christmas.
   
   It is not so with this wonderful collection. Here we have Joan Baez with her purest simple soprano singing from her heart set against a background of inspired orchestral arrangements. The songs are both familiar and strange. The entire cd evokes an atmosphere of love and wonder. We are reminded of the true meaning of Christmas throughout.
   
   A classic for me. I urge you to share my delight.



3. How can you beat P. Shickele and J.Baez? The original songs are a wonder. Thank you for putting these musical treasures into CD format so that 'new' listeners can discover the sublime match of musicology, true talent, and old Christmas songs. For us 'old' fans, it remains perfectly produced, perfectly sung, and a magical, musical treat.



4. Even if you own this album on vinyl or on the original CD, as I do, the remastered CD is very much worth buying -- for the excellent sound, for the revealing new liner notes by Peter Schickele, and, above all, for the added tracks, previously unreleased. Most thrilling among these tracks is Virgin Mary, a signature song for Baez in the early 1960s but heretofore available only on an obscure album of poor sound quality consisting mostly of non-Baez material. Baez does not so much sing this song as call it out to the angels -- a haunting performance on a gorgeous album.



5. This is not an album to enjoy only during the holiday season. It is an album to enjoy anytime you want to hear the exceptional voice of Joan Baez. Although "Very Early Joan" is my favorite, I find myself selecting this album just to hear Joan's pitch-perfect voice.

2 comments about A Ty Herndon Christmas.

1. 
   This is the best Christmas CD that I have heard in a long time. Ty voice is so sweet. If you but one Christmas CD this should be the one that you buy.



2. While browsing [...] during the holiday season, I ran across Ty Herndon's Christmas CD. It was a great suprise to find this gem of a holiday recording. I had enjoyed Mr. Herndon's earlier works and was unaware that he was back releasing music once again. His voice was and continues now to be one of the best in country music. His tonal quality and ability to hit a range of notes makes his voice special in the world of country music. It's a shame he's not getting the air play he once did. His Christmas CD was played constantly throughout the holidays in my home and car and everyone who heard it was very complimentary. Here's hoping Mr. Herndon has a long and successful career.

5 comments about Merry Christmas.

1. My parents bought the LP in 1956, when it first came out & this will be my 48th Christmas listening to it now via CD. A friend at work & I both have copies we play at work, we always get favorable comments every December when its playing which is constant. IMHO
   this even top Sinatra's classic Jolly Christmas CD from 1957. Its playing while I write this review as we Boomers love to turn others on to Jackie Gleason's talent. He wasn't called "The Great One" for nothing. A little Christmas music Sammy & "Away We Go"



2. Simply the most beautiful Christmas music ever heard! We play this each year while opening gifts, or sitting by the fire enjoying another's company. We've given this cd to about a dozen friends and family, they all love it as much.
   Just makes you close your eyes, smile and sigh with happiness.
   Thank you Jackie for your music, and Merry Christmas to all!



3. I JUST PURCHASED THIS CD IN SEPTEMBER. I COULD NOT PASS UP THE GREAT ONE AT ANY TIME OF THE YEAR. HIS OTHER ALBUMS WERE WERE KNOWN TO ME IN THE EARLY SIXTIES. WHILE ROCK WAS GREAT, HIS ALBUMS LEFT AN IMPRESSION ON ME TO THIS DAY. I LOOK FORWARD TO THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON HAVING MR. GLEASON AROUND THE FIREPLACE. TO ME ,HE HAS NO EQUAL IN THE INSTRUMENTAL FIELD.



4. In 1956, we were driving home to PA from AR when a song from this album came over the radio. My father, having a discerning for the ultimate in good music, stopped the car. He found the closest payphone (not easy in 1956), located the phone number of the station, and got the name of the album. He bought it the next day. We listened to it from then on. In later years, when the LP was worn out, and the album out of print, we still listened to the scratchy version. A few years ago I was ecstatic to locate it on CD. This year, I realized that I have been listening to it for 50 years! There is just no other CD of Christmas music like this one!



5. I grew up listening to Christmas music by Jackie Gleason so I was so glad to find this on Amazon. I will be playing it all through the coming holidays as the music is so soothing to listen to and brings back sweet memories of a better time.