5 comments about These Are Special Times.

1. I like the CD. Celine is nice and mellow for Christmas. I didn't know there was also a DVD included. I was surprised to see that there are different songs on the DVD. They are not the same ones as on the Christmas CD.



2. One of the best Xmas CD there are. Beautiful. Awesome. Great. I bought it a number of years ago but I wanted to see the DVD that goes with it. Great. Really good.



3. This is a must-have collection specialy for Celine's fans.Great Christmas music and the holiday performance live in this DVD.I like the part where Celine visited Charlemagne and recalled her humble beginnings.The only thing is suggest/wished that the DVD covers from the entire concert and there was no cuts,although the highlights were there.If we watch any of Celine's performance,it should be to the max.Otherwise,DO NOT miss this collection.



4. This is the most excellent album specially for holiday.
   
   I love Celine so much!



5. This album is so cozy and it's so family oriented. She actually has her family members sing with her. The Prayer became one of my favorite songs of all time as a result of Celine's duet with Andrea Bocelli. This album can be enjoyed year round.

5 comments about Holiday Inn & White Christmas.

1. I think they should place a disclaimer at the top advising would be buyers that Rosemary Clooney does not perform on this CD. It lacks the romance and magic without her. I wish I had read the reviews of this CD before purchasing it, but I was so excited to see the White Christmas Soundtrack on CD that I just one-clicked it.



2. This is not exactly what I had hoped for, but it is still good. I was hoping that it would be selections from the soundtracks of White Christmas and Holiday Inn. It is not. The songs are from the movies, but the artists are not the same. Bing and Danny are there, but it has Peggy Lee instead of Rosemary Cloney.



3. Although the album was hard find due to the obscure title, the CD is excellent. However, there are more regular songs than Christmas songs. If you enjoy music from that era it is an incredible CD.



4. Not all of the tracks are original from the movies and the replacement tracks STINK!



5. This is a wonderful christmas classic cd. I am enjoying very much and would recommend it to all.

5 comments about My Gift to You.

1. Hayley Westenra is the best. I thought this would be Valentines Day music or the like, but it is more like simulated Christmas / religious. The title does say "gift", but when I read the description before buying I did not think Christmas music.



2. I was disappointed when i recieved this cd. Not worth the price.



3. I did not know who Hayley Westenra was until I saw her performing on PBS. She has a really beautiful voice. This cd is a Christmas cd that she has recorded. Some songs are traditional Christmas songs and others are inspirational tunes. I recommend it.



4. What more to say? Haley sings like the angels in Heaven. Especially love the Maori songs.



5. This is the best CD to buy at Christmas, or in July! She has a remarkable voice that comes straight from her heart. I have all the CD's she has made that I know of, and I love them all. I don't hesitate to buy any new one's whether I know the songs or not because I've never been disappointed by any of them. I reccomend it to anyone who loves music.

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

1. I have to start by saying that I love christmas music, especially all the "Golden Oldies" like Bing Crosby, Ray Coniff, Nat King Cole and Andy Williams. I bought this CD to add to my collection because I love the Rudolph the Reindeer movie and thought this CD would be cute. It is NOT cute, it is actually completely awful! He sounds raspy, the songs are completely off tune, and the whole CD is depressing. I have never been so disapointed in a Christmas CD, I gave it away to a charity store. It is not even worth $7.99. DON'T BUY THIS!!!!



2. During the 1950's & 1960's, Burl Ives was remembered for his unique sounding American folk music. Today most remember him for his Christmas music from the TV special "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer". The most famous songs from that series plus a few from the 1950's are in this collection. The production does sound its age, the separation & highs are off, or to write it this way: it sounds thin compared to modern recordings. I collect many records from many periods & most are better upgraded than this CD. Most songs are done rather straight forward, with few instruments & back up singers, which may sound a little corny for some, yet revealing a time of innocence & fun. Try out the Listen to Samples & see if you remember any of the songs & then sing along with your family. The most remembered are: Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, Silver Bells, & A Holly Jolly Christmas.



3. It's a great CD. Brings me back to when I was a little girl. We shouldn't forget the greats from the past. Besides, no one sings Rudolph better than Burl Ives.



4. I purchased this CD thinking it was the same as a sound recording of Christmas music by Burl Ives released in LP form during the 1960's (remember LP's?). Ives is not in good voice in many of these songs, and in particular he seems to be rushing through "The Twelve Days of Christmas." In fairness, this is more of a 2.5 rating. If you want Burl Ives at his best, give this one a pass.



5. If you're looking for a "Best Of" Christmas album that includes many of the Holiday's staple music, look no further.
   
   This include Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer, as sung by Burl on the Holiday staple Christmas special of the same name.
   
   The remastering is well done and removes any pops, hiss or other similar issues associated with such old analog recordings as these.
   
   If you like Burl Ives' voice, you will like these tracks. If you don't like Sam the Snowman's voice or his vocal tracks from the original Rankin/Bass Rudolph special, then avoid this one.

5 comments about Romantic Christmas.

1. I play this CD every Christmas as I wrap presents. When my nerves are shot from Christmas over-activity, this music soothes the soul. Very beautiful.



2. I am not a huge John Tesh fan, but I do love this CD. In fact, this would be the second time that I have bought this particular collection of music. The first time was when the CD first came out, and you could only buy it on cassette tape! A decade later I have finally replaced it to CD and am delighted that I have. The whole CD is one that you can put in the player, curl up on your couch with some spiked eggnog and watch the fire burn down. It is an inspiring as it is relaxing, brings back memories of a quieter, and somehow nicer world than the one we all currently live in. It is not a piano pounding John Tesh, but the musical arrangements do have his mark on some of them. And this CD has my favorite rendition of Ava Maria. A mixture of classical, contemporary, choral and instrumental, I believe this is "THE" Christmas CD to own.



3. We had lost this CD and were able to repurchase it through Amazon. Item was received in excellent condition and was pleased with the prompt service.



4. I love music, and I love Christmas. This is one of my two favorite Christmas CD's. I recently bought a second copy to give my Mom (she loves music... and Christmas) as well. Simply wonderful.



5. I had lost my original copy and am so glad to replace it ... my Christmas music isn't the same with this selection.

5 comments about Harry Connick Jr. - Harry for the Holidays (DVD & CD) (Amaray Case).

1. I bought this CD -Harry Connick Jr. - Harry for the Holidays and I love it. The music is to die for and makes you feel warm, loved and special for the upcoming Holiday Season. A remake of "This Christmas" originally sung by the late Donnie Hathaway made tears well-up in my eyes. It's jazzy, soft and unique as Harry takes this song to a new level. The first song "Frosty the Snowman" is a big-band song, with a big-bang sound. It's a fun rendition of all Frosty songs. Harry has the charisma and knows just how to do it when he sings, "I'll Be Home For Christmas." Get this for the Holidays and buy it for the special people in your life they will thank you for seasons and seasons to come.



2. I'm a Connick fan, and think his Christmas CD's are great. But this was disappointing. Very short for the money, but I guess it was a TV show.



3. This DVD may be shorter than any true Harry fan would like, but is still Harry and the Band at their best, as always. Anyone who loves Harry's music will love this DVD. If you have seen Harry in concert, you will miss his great banter with the crowd, as they've cut it out. This is absolutely worth the money, and a must-have for fans of Harry and the Holidays!



4. As a Harry Connick, Jr. fan, I already had good expectations for the DVD before buying it. Having purchased the "Harry for the Holidays" CD quite some time ago, I had put in that corner of my mind where I keep the memory for good records. I really love the choice of standards and the renditions, not to mention the original compositions from Harry's musical vault. However, I have also experienced some let-downs along the way, given the unconventional musical path Harry has trodden in the last ten years or so (Star Turtle would be, in my opinion, a remarkable flop).
   With that scenario in mind, I harbored some misgivings about the consistency of the performances, because sometimes Christmas specials are anything but special. Yet, as I went through the songs, my doubts vanished and I just got carried away by quality of the arrangements, specially those of Auld Lang Syne, in which both Harry and Marc Anthony prove how a very traditional, melancholic song can be transformed into an upbeat work of art. Way to go, guys.
   I definitely recommned this DVD.



5. I love Harry, I love this DVD, was disappointed the Xmas CD wasn't the actual songs on the Christmas DVD with guests and all, but it is awesome anyway. His version of Blue Christmas is better on the DVD than on the CD. That Trio needs to release "Silent Night" from the DVD and record more together! The harmony is so fabulous it makes you cry!
   Of Course, I would like Row, Row, Row Your Boat if Harry sang it!

5 comments about The Harlem Nutcracker.

1. I am afan of the play and i have the cd playing all the time. Than during the christmas holiday i saw the metro...perform the harlem nutcracker and let me tell you my entire family enjoyed it....it swings but it still has the enchantment of the play....this is a must have...



2. The arrangements and performances are outstanding!
   I'll put this up against any swing music, now or from the 40's, it really swings, and it's excellently written and the musicianship is great.
   
   Oh, and it includes some jazz-arranged Nutcracker Suite tunes.
   
   If you like good swing jazz, you'll like this!



3. david berger's entire career is almost completely based on transcribing other musician's genuis - most notably Duke Ellington. to any of those who think that these are new "jazzy" arrangements of the nutcracker you should be interested in picking up the original, scored and arranged by Ellington and Strayhorn on a CD entitled "Three Suites". dont get me wrong - his band is good and he has some very accomplished musicians - but c'mon now - you really need to go with the Duke on this one.



4. As I understand it, Billy Berger was commissioned by the choreographer Donald Byrd, who wanted to create an evening-length ballet called Harlem Nutcracker. (As you may know, Tchaikovsky composed two scores -- a full-length Nutcracker, which is used in the evening-length ballet, and a shorter Nutcracker Suite. Ellington's jazz arrangement is of the shorter "Suite.") Donald Byrd used all of the original Ellington music, and commissioned Berger to fill in around it to create an evening-length work. (For the record, I have never met Billy Berger, though I do know Donald Byrd.) Thank you.



5. An excellent variation of Ellington's arrangement of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker. Sound quality was excellent also.

5 comments about Christmas with the Smithereens.

1. It's already beginning to look (and sound) a lot like Christmas with the Smithereens "Rockin' Around The Christmas tree" on their own "cool yule" holiday album. And they really do rock the house here. Listen to Dennis "The Little Drummer Boy" Diken "bash away, bash away all" during the intro to the Smithereens' own version of "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree" while Jim Babjak's electric guitar decks the halls with reens riffs, Severo's bass pumps along at full "thrilla throttle" and Pat DiNizio croons in maximum rock `n' carolling mode. This is obviously not your average piped-in holiday music at the mall snoozefest.
   
   There is much to enjoy on this Christmas album beginning with its majestic opener "Waking Up On Christmas Morning" written by lead guitarist Jim Babjak. It is one of three Smithereens originals on this CD that also includes "Christmas (I Remember)" and a rerecording of their song "All Revved Up" that's been re-revved up and revamped as "Christmas Time All Over The World". The Smithereens also add their own holiday dressing to some Christmas classics and semi-rare covers. Pat contributes some exuberant harmonica playing to Elvis' "Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me)" while the guitars chug along like a runaway "Polar Express" train. The Smithereens also surf the yule tide with an excellent cover of the Beach Boys' "Merry Christmas, Baby" and do a really rollicking version of Chuck Berry's "Run Rudolph Run". The album later takes a side trip to Who-ville when Jim Babjak sings "Christmas" from the Who's "Tommy" album "and you know that can't be bad" when the Smithereens joyously revisit fab four territory with the Beatles' "Christmas Time Is Here Again". They even salute the Ramones with a catchy punk vs. Motown re-arrangement of their holiday song "Merry Christmas (I Don't Want To Fight Tonight)". The band also rocks in the New Year with their Christmas carolers on steroids version of "Auld Lang Syne".
   
   "Christmas with the Smithereens" delivers a much needed kick in the Christmas balls to an often tired and tiresome holiday music industry. It's the perfect antidote to overly treacly Christmas "pap music" and sugar shock inducing holiday elevator music. If you like your seasonal music "sugar free" rather than piped-in and played-out, then you should spend your "Christmas With the Smithereens".



2. It seems like every season we come to accept the force-fed nostalgia of Christmas originals we've heard a zillion times or worse, treacly covers of these same done by "contemporary" artists (you know who you are - paging Sting,Celine and you "American Idols"). Not since Ray Davies and the Kinks snuck "Father Christmas" under our proverbial tree has a set of holiday tracks rocked this hard -- and good.
   
   What if there was a Christmas record that you actually wanted to listen to for more than just teary-eyed nostalgia? Sure, there's nostalgia here with the boy's own covers of Chuck Berry, Elvis, Ramones, and Beach Boys Christmas tunes. But there are also some nice originals and surprises: a cover of the Who's "Tommy" set piece and their own take on the Beatle-fan-club-only "O.U.T. spells out" Christmas sing along. All this and great guitar riffs, thumpin' bass, killer drumming, and a chance to hear Pat and the other Smithereens show off their vocal chops.
   
   If you are a Smithereens fan, or just a fan of great straightforward pop a la the aforementioned Kinks, the Who, Beach Boys, Phil Spector, etc. you will enjoy this record. Speaking of Phil, his other recent troubles not withstanding, he should watch his back: the Smithereens have arrived with a collection of holiday tunes to rival his '63 classic.



3. Every year, we hear the same Christmas songs and although we know them and love them, it's always nice to hear new and rare versions of even the most loved favorites. The Smithereens are giving you both new and rare! Along with Pat DiNizio, we also get Jim Babjak and Dennis Diken taking over the vocals on a few songs.
   
   Just when you think you've heard every version you ever wanted to hear of "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree"....the Smithereens deliver their electric punch flavor of the classic. I love their version of Auld Lang Syne. It starts with acapella then turns into a full blown rock song. The new original songs along with the classics really make this well rounded. There is a little something for everyone on this "classic in the making" Christmas CD.
   Simply put, it rocks!



4. The Smithereens have been one of the most consistent and genuine no frills rock bands for over 25 years and have now produced a Christmas album in keeping with tradition of quality. In many ways, "Christmas with The Smithereens" can be considered a tribute to the rock legends that the group admires and by whom they have been influnced. But there are also 3 brand-new Smithereens songs that reflect their own unique blend of styles.
   One thing to keep in mind is that while The Smithereens are covering well-known versions of past Christmas classics they are not attempting to best the original hits. From start to finish they are simply having fun doing their own takes on songs. You'll hear songs originally done by the Beach Boys, Chuck Berry, Elvis, and The Ramones (you can tell the group has a real affection for the original punk band. There's a cover of the rare Beatles song "Christmas Time is Here Again" and if you've already heard The Smithereens Beatles tribute ("Meet the Smithereens") you'll know how well they cover the Fab Four. There's also a nice surprise in their sharp cover of The Who's "Christmas" from the rock opera Tommy. It's amazing that this song hasn't become a rock yule tradition--until now.
   As for the three original songs, The Smithereens make use of their own personal memories of Christmas and create songs that are lively as well as sentimental. These are not sing-songy compositions but they'll grow on you with repeated listenings.
   If you're looking to break from the usual tradition of well-worn holiday covers then "Christmas with The Smithereens" is a great NEW tradition to start.



5. Remember the two types of Christmas albums that you listened to as a kid? There was the 'reverential' album of devotional songs and hallelujah stuff. It was the one that you put on late at night during a soft snowfall and looked at the Christmas tree and remembered Christmas past.
   
   Then there was a the album that captured the fun and the joy of the holiday. You know what that was. It was the album that you put on when the cousins came over to visit. The one that you reached for automatically when the party started. The one that captured the fun and the excitement when the family was all together and the kids went one way and the parents went another. The album that was on when the kids would wonder what they would be getting when the presents were opened later on.
   
   Christmas With The Smithereens captures perfectly the feeling and the memories of that time and makes it fresh. The Smithereens bring new life to the old classics. You can tell that they aren't just going through the motions but actually enjoying themselves as they play common Christmas tunes like 'Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree' and not so common Christmas tunes such as their take on Art Carney's version of 'Twas The Night Before Christmas'. You can HEAR the Christmas Spririt Of Fun in these recordings. The band must have been smiling all the way through the recording sessions.
   
   As I write this we sit on the edge of summer. So what? What law says that you can't play Christmas songs past the 'Christmas season'? Who says that you can't rock out for the summer to The Smithereens playing Christmas tunes? Do you only play 'Autumn Leaves' in autumn? Do you only play 'Riders On The Storm' when it rains? Do you only play 'Here Comes The Sun' when it's sunny? No! You don't.
   
   Indulge yourself! Get 'Christmas With The Smithereens' NOW!!

5 comments about The Christmas Album, Vol. 2.

1. With a velvet voice what more could you wish to listen to,sat next to a blazing log fire,with snow gently falling outside



2. Neil Diamond's second Christmas album is a rare treat. It's debatable as to whether it's better than volume 1. Some may say it is; I personally say #1 is the superior. But most are agreed that they're both enjoyable and memorable Christmas albums. My favorites are "Joy to the World" (it begins with sharp piano notes and is eventually joined by a young gospel choir); "Mary's Boy Child" (a little-known and little-heard Christmas hymn and Neil does a wonderful job with it); "Away in a Manger" (nothing unique here, it's just that this classic song, for whatever reason, is missing on most Christmas albums); and the "Hallelujah Chorus" (an admirable effort that pays off very well).
   
   Most of the others are sung in the good old fashioned traditional style--the way they were meant to be sung, if I may be so bold. The only song I don't really care for that much is "Deck the Halls/We Wish You a Merry Christmas". It seems to have a little of that musical style somewhat similar to his rendition of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" on volume 1. Except this one does not have as much of the "barbershop quartet" style to it. Whatever it is, it's an approach that Neil Diamond does not have the right voice for. But even that one is tolerable.
   
   Overall, this is an excellent Christmas album which will not disappoint the average Christmas music enthusiast.



3. I may be giving this a rating that's slightly too high, but because he is much better this time around, this will get a four star rating. These songs are still "Neil Diamafied"(A description of the stately way that he kind of talk-sings), but at least I could sit and listen to this volume without wanting to leave the room or vomit. I don't know if these songs suit his singing style, or that he worked harder at singing them correctly or what, but I think I might not sell Volume II like I did my Volume I a couple of days ago on the Amazon website. I am kind of dumbfounded how a Jew who doesn't believe that Jesus is the messiah, can sing songs about Jesus being the savior, but whatever floats his boat. Who knows he might be in the organization JEWS FOR JESUS, which are Jews who believe Jesus is the messiah. He doesn't ham up this set of songs like he did on the first volume, so that makes it a much more enjoyable listen. If you're a big Neil Diamond fan, you need not hesitate.



4. Awesome! Neil does it again. I love his voice, his choice of songs. Volume 2 is almost as good as Volume 1!



5. o' come all ye faithfull. when i think of christmas my thoughts are of christmas trees, a warm fire, a tall glass of a fine coniac, and an old jewish man singing carolls. this is the only christmas cd that will really bring the hollidays home. if you want your family home for the hollidays, just let them know that neil diamond will be there wanting, singing and steeling the good china.

1 comments about Christmas Lullaby.

1. As usual, Kim has combined her unique, non-pedestrian arrangements, wonderful musicality and fabulous technical performance to give us another great Christmas album. I bought a half dozen of these to give as early Christmas presents. Everyone I have given it to has worn "grooves" in it - they won't even get in their cars without taking it with them. Thanks Kim for another fabulous musical offering.