No comments about Gospel Christmas Songs.

5 comments about If Every Day Was Like Christmas [Collector's Edition].

1. This CD features all the Christmas songs Elvis ever recorded. It includes the songs he recorded for his 1957 Christmas album, the songs from his 1971 Christmas album and the 1966 single "If Every Day Was Like Christmas". There are also four alternate takes of songs from his 1971 Christmas album. All of Elvis' Christmas recordings are great, so I highly recommend this CD.



2. My wife is the Elvis fan, but even I enjoyed listening to most of the Christmas songs presented on this album. A couple songs were a little too "Bluesy" for me.



3. I bought this CD and I must say I LOVE IT! Who doesn't love a good ol' Elvis song! I also bought Lisa Marie's CD & was very disapointed with all the fowl language in, especially being that she's Elvis' daughter!!!!



4. It's Elvis. He's singing Christmas music. It's all of the Christmas songs released during his career and a couple of alternate takes. What else do you need to know? It's Elvis singing Christmas songs, Heaven on Earth.



5. I did a little research and "If Every Day Was Like Christmas" (IEDWLC from here on out) wasthe best Elvis Christmas CD for me. My mom is an Elvis fanatic and his Christmas songs were always playing in the house during the month of December. Although I rebelled against his music, I found it more and more appealing as I became a young adult and desired one of his Christmas CDs.
   
   Unfortunately, he has many which meant I had to look through quite a few track listings to find which one had all the songs I wanted. This was it. It has secular classics such as "Blue Christmas" "Dreaming of a White Christmas" and "Silver Bells" along with tunes of a more religious tone like "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and "The First Noel." Almost every classic Christmas song can be found on this CD as well as some that became classics because of Elvis -"Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me)" and "Santa Claus Is Back In Town."
   
   Elvis sings many of these songs in a similar vein as his normal music and this is especially true of "Blue Christmas." If you do not like his style of singing normally, I doubt you would like it on this Christmas album. Another reviewer called it "schlock" but one must remember that much of Elvis' work -was- as much; it was a little hokey and a little cheesy and a little overdone but that's why we love it and this is why we love his Christmas songs.
   
   However, not all the songs are over the top. While it could never be Elvis with his thick performance, many of the tracks, especially the religious ones, are more toned down and less "schlocky."
   
   Elvis stays pretty true to the tradition of most of the songs (except perhaps "Blue Christmas") which is what I love. I love when classic songs are done with new voices but retain the classic sound.
   
   If you're an Elvis fan, you're bound to like this CD. It contains all the classics you might want and even a few Elvis originals. If you're not a fan, I would suggest giving this a go but keep in mind that these are very Elvis-y. This is a timeless album.

1 comments about Christmas By Candlelight.

1. If you enjoy a little sax in the background while preparing a nice home cooked meal for your family and friends to enjoy, then this is a must for your home!!! It has something for everyone...

2 comments about Martha Stewart Living Music: Jazz for the Holidays.

1. Those of you who are baby boomers may remember that all the tire companies -- Goodyear, Firestone, etc. -- used to carry an album of Christmas songs by various artists in their stores around the holidays back around the late '60's. Those of you who AREN'T baby boomers are probably thinking "that sounds weird" right about now. Well, maybe it does, but I have to tell you, they were and still are among my favorite holiday recordings. I'm glad to see Martha Stewart bringing back the genre. There's something just FUN about having a collection of holiday tunes from a bunch of different artists as opposed to one artist trying to do 12 Christmas cuts in a way that doesn't sound like a remake. This collection is all jazz. I happen to like them but I wouldn't mind seeing Martha mix it up a little bit on her next edition of the collection. This is a great CD for background music at a Christmas party or dinner. With Martha's orientation towards entertaining, I'd have to say it's a great fit and I hope she keeps them coming.



2. What a nice CD this is. Perfect for using as background music for Christmas dinner, parties, or just while trimming the tree. Would definately recommend.

5 comments about Merry Fishes to All.

1. I admit it. My family and I are Trout junkies...we can't seem to get enough of these 2 talented guys. We have traveled near and not-so-near to see them live. It's because they really get it, and by "it", I mean the BIG it. As in, "what's it all about?" Things like childhood, growing up, being part of a family, having fun, enjoying each other. And they are fabulous musicians to boot! This album has just been nominated for a Grammy!
   
   With the release of this holiday CD, our annual dilemna of "do we listen to Trout or holiday music?" has been solved. We now have the best of both worlds! The songs are for the most part their original works...you haven't heard them a gazillion times before, but they will become instant classics in your family. Every song is someone's "favorite" in our house, so there are no skipped tracks.
   
   "Snow is Falling" is my personal favorite. I can't put it in words any better than another person who wrote that a real love and respect for children shines through. As I often do when I'm listening to Trout music, I find myself inspired to strive to be the kind of parent my children deserve.
   
   "Snow Day", "Bob & Bob", a great song about 2 "flaky little snowflakes with ordinary names", "You Gotta Get Up" and "The Christmas Letter" are also on my list of favorites. This last one is a touching and pretty song, written much like the familiar Christmas letter sent by many families to keep in touch with loved ones.
   
   "My First Christmas" is a very fun song that cleverly uses titles of popular Christmas carols to tell the story of a baby's first Christmas. "Just Because, Mrs Claus" is a plea for Mrs. Claus to help Mr. Claus lose a few lbs, because "when he was walking rooftops last year, ceilings started cracking." The words are hysterical! After listening to "I Got a Cheese Log" I guarantee you will find yourself humming this catchy little tune at your next holiday party when you come across the obligatory cheese log. "The Eleven Cats of Christmas", or as they call it at our house, "Meow-y Christmas", is The 12 Days of Christmas meets We Wish You a Merry Christmas. Fans of the album My World will be happy to hear a reference to Chicken Joe in this song.
   
   To summarize...great words and music as always. Thanks Keith and Ezra and congrats on the Grammy nomination. I highly recommend this CD. There you go. There you have it.



2. This is a terrific album by a folk music duo. At least they are ostensibly a folk duo. Many of the songs here have accompaniment from additional musicians and have more of a rock or jazz feel to them. This album was nominated for a Grammy for Best Children's Album. And while it is indeed an album that can be enjoyed by children, it is also quite enjoyable for adults too. In fact, some of the songs here have lyrics that are a bit too sophisticated to be really appreciated by children. Most of the songs are humorous, but there are a few songs that are played "straight". To sum it up, this is a fun Christmas album that can be enjoyed by both the young and the young at heart.



3. Every year, I have to get a couple of new holiday CDs--especially, the different ones. Instead of "White Christmas" this album starts with chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate...
   
   This isn't just a happy album, though. Trout Fishing shows you the good and bad side of Christmas. How many of you lament the year you got a cheese log, clothes---or the fact that your birthday is too darn close to Christmas?
   
   And the "Christmas Letter" at the end is just too good. If you're feeling down this year, this CD will definitely get you smiling.



4. Really loved this so much so that I gave it for presents this Christmas.
   "The Eleven Cats Of Christmas" soon became a favorite of my grandson's and there are too many to list that are my favorites--"I Got A Cheese Log"; "Clothes for Christmas"; etc. Such good vocals, not heard since the 60's groups.



5. This is wonderful music for families. The music and the musicians are very entertaining--the humor can be appreciated by young and old alike. The music is creative and the musicians are very talented. We as a family highly recommend this CD.

1 comments about Hits of Halloween.

1. Not all of these songs are sung by the orginal singers. Like Rockwells "Somebodys watching me" doesn't have Micheal Jackson singing it. Don't buy it if you looking for the orginals of these songs.

2 comments about Jan Peerce Sings Hebrew Melodies.

1. The Kol Nidrei arrangement by Max Bruch is sheer "heavenly".



2. Descubierto por Arturo Toscanini, como tantos otros notables (recordar al menos al gran tenor español Miguel Bienvenido Fleta), el gran tenor neoyorkino de origen judío Jan Jacob Peerce será uno de los artistas titulares del Metropolitan Opera House de Nueva York durante los años treinta, cuarenta y cincuenta. A pesar de ser una grabación de los años cincuenta, en ella descubrimos a un Peerce en plena forma, con una capacidad vocal extraordinaria, un fraseo y una dicción imposibles de comparar, no creo exagerar con esto, con otro cantante del momento.

   Pero Peerce no era solamente el gran tenor de los escenarios norteamericanos y europeos. Era, probablemente junto con Richard Tucker, uno de los exponentes de un judaísmo agraviado por los acontecimientos recientes de entonces al que se le había dado el don y la gracia para expresar, cantando, el orgullo de su procedencia hebrea. Una auténtica demostración de fuerza interpretativa que es calidad vocal, por supuesto, pero que es también un maravilloso despliegue del caleidoscopio cultural y folklórico del que, afortunadamente para nosotros, se enorgullecía. Es decir, presentes todos los elementos para hacer de éste un registro entrañable.

5 comments about Christmas with Robert Shaw.

1. In short, this CD is fabulous! If you like choral music, Robert Shaw just does it perfectly in this CD. From the hushed entry of the voices over the distant bells in O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, through the exceptional Gloria in Excelsis, past the Et in Terra Pax (my personal Valium --the music takes you down and down until every muscle is limp--try it with earphones), to the Dona Nobis Pacem and Hallelujah, it's a glor-i-ous trip. (Unfortunately, the double-album version of this collection with twice as many pieces, entitled Nativity, no longer seems to be available.)



2. This CD has been a family favorite since it was released. I'm glad I finally have my own copy! It is incredibly moving and gorgeous. No sappy pop hits, just extremely glorious music.



3. I purchased this album in the late 70's as a 2 record LP. It is the only LP I still have as I was hoping that they would release it on CD. What a delight to finally discover it on CD! I am a lover of Christmas music without end and this is my very favorite. The music and the performances are simply glorious.



4. This is an outstanding album - my favorite of the season.



5. If possible I can easily award 7 Stars since it's a Holy number!
   Even Sir Robert would have agreed...Because I believe he spoke of this 1975 recording several times as one of his favorites!! When we recorded that 4th night of the Christmas With Robert Shaw Concerts, all of us choristers were tired. We quickly came to attention when our conductor said, "There is sizzling in some darn lights up there!" We were surprised that he did not use the other popular 4-letter word beginning with D___!
   
   That was my last evening to rehearse or record with our creative genius of a Choral Maestro. Since early in his time of coming to Atlanta, I had wished for the privilege of singing under him for more than just a single week's workshop at Princeton...so here I came every Monday from Marietta to enjoy a choral feast!
   
   Although Donald Neuen, along with Greg Jessup of newest Mormon Tabernacle Fame are two Examples of Choral finesse, I still hear Sir Robert's voice when his Vivaldi, "Gloria" his favorite Bach
   "B-Minor Mass," or Berlioz's "Requiem" ended with..."Well-done, People!" Much like his Biography is titled Dear "People...Robert Shaw."
   
   This reprinted CD from December, 1975 is a wonderfully lasting testimony to the fabulous choral excellence of Mr. Shaw Himself. Even after singing with him dozens of times he was always to me, MR. Shaw. So when Advent rolls around in Nov-Dec I break out "Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light; "Kyrie Eleison and Dona Nobis Pacem"; "Shepherds' Farewell to the Holy Family!" What superb glorious memories they conjure up in the mind and heart of this eternally older Chorister... Sincerely, Retired Chaplain Fred W. Hood

5 comments about Have Yourself a Looney Tunes Christmas.

1. This is the perfect album for your children at the holiday season instead of the old fashioned carols the adults are used to. But it isn't just limited to kids if YOU are a Looney Tunes fan yourself. Full of humor and familiar voices. If you or your kids are Looney Tunes fans, I recommend you pick it up for the holiday season



2. I received this as a gift last year. It's very funny and unlike some holiday "humor", not mean-spirited. The track list above is a bit misleading since I think it shows the name(s) of the songwriters and not the Looney Tunes characters who perform the songs. For instance, Pepe le Pew sings "Christmas in Paris" or as he says it, "Paree." And Daffy Duck sings my favorite song on this CD, "All I Want for Christmas is More, More, More." Snap it up while you can.



3. This CD was better than I thought it was going to be. Why was I skeptical? The voice impersonations were not Mel Blanc. These are more recent knock-offs. Some work better than others. Tweety is passable. Bugs is...ok, as is Yosemite Sam. Foghorn Leghorn is pitiful. But Taz is good and Daffy and Sylvester are spot on.

   The highlights for me are the two original compositions, Daffy's All I Want for Christmas (is more more more), and I Twaght I Twaw Old Santee Claws by Tweety. Both are far more witty lyrically than I thought I would find in a knock-off product like this.

   The standards are given a looney spin which works most of the time. All in all, a decent holiday purchase. It's become required listening in the car on trips over the river and through the woods. My son sings all of Taz's parts, including his burps.

   Recommended




4. This is fantastic! I actually have it in cassette and am trying to get it in CD. I bought it for my sons in `94. They are now 17 and 13 and bring it out each Christmas and play it until spring. I recommend it to everyone who likes Looney Tunes. It's Cwazy!



5. I love this CD. Usually I would never bother to write a review, but this CD has been in my little Christmas heart from 6 years old to now (with is 12 full years) If I has a child I would play this right after Thanksgiving, and probably before then. It's so adorible and catchy you'll suddenly get a pang of wanting to hear Daffy or Tweety, and you'll go running for this tape. Kids who were raised on Loony Toons, or simply enjoyed it would love this little bouncy gift to put them in the "Twismass Sprit"

2 comments about Rejoice! A String Quartet Christmas, Vol. 2.

1. #2 of the Rejoice! triumvirate is equally fresh and satisfying as the first.Christmas music for all year long. John Marks proves again there is much excitement in the unfamiliar.Bravo to this masterpiece of sound and performance.I hear the angels and I Rejoice! But alas,Santa came down the chimney,left the cookies and milk and made off with my copy.I'll need another ASAP.



2. This second disc is from the same performers of REJOICE: A STRING QUARTET CHRISTMAS and it basically follows the same formula. Christmas carols are arranged for a string quartet. The arrangements, which are in styles similar to the great classical composers' works, suit the music rather well. The major strength of this recording is the variety. The first disc has all the traditional holiday favorites, but this disc has a few well known carols as well as some lesser known works which makes the collection interesting. People who enjoyed the first collection will certainly enjoy the second as well.