5 comments about December's Child.

1. My Own Jo Ellen, Olson's previous release, was a five-star CD in my book and it was on my best of the year list, as well. December's Child treads the same turf but with less successful results. Not to say this is a bad release. It's not, but lacks the some of the innocent charm of 'Jo Ellen.'

   Alta's Song, December's Child, Nerstrand Woods, Climb These Steps, and How Can This Be? are wonderful songs--good feelings abound. I can appreciate the Carter family-styled Cactus Wren, but to be honest I usually skip this track. The inclusion of One Eyed Black Dog Moses--which the band usually closes their live performances with--seems unnecessary and plods along compared to the other songs. Say You'll Be Mine--the ballyhooed collaboration with Gary Louris--is a nice respite from the lo-fi proceedings.

   With each release I grow to appreciate Olson's skill as a songwriter. I can't imagine any other performer penning a song as personal and affirming as How Can This Be. More good news--fiddler Mike Russell has a big role here. Let's hope he tours with the 'Dippers this time around.

   Victoria Williams, whose spirit and nature jumped out of My Own Jo Ellen on practically every groove even though her involvement was minimal, is not nearly as visible here. This is a Mark Olson CD, not an Olson/Williams CD.




2. I hate to be too harsh to Mark, after all he is a talented musician and songwriter, but this CD is just plain wrong. There are times listening to this record that I thought Yoko Ono's worst efforts were dubbed in. Save your money and hope that Mark Olson gets his act back together for future efforts.



3. Mark Olson and the Creekdippers
   December�s Child
   Dualtone

   Any engagement with the songs of Mark Olson is destined to be a heartfelt encounter with a deeply intimate world. From his time as the founder of The Jayhawks through the course five Creekdipper albums, his is a world to which he opens to us completely and unconditionally. Through his music, Mark Olson has treated us moments of joy and hardship, he has offered us the hand of friendship and bathed us in love and he has led us along the dusty trails of the remembrance and paved the road to the future with hope and opportunity. Fittingly, the dynamics of Olson�s recordings have always reflected the tones of his compositions. Always rich in organics, a Creekdipper song has traditionally been imparted with the means it requires to serve its cause yet, an inherent discretion has dictated restraint. And while the Creekdipper recordings might have evolved from what was initially a collaboration between Olson, Victoria Williams and Michael Russell into a more cast orientated foray; the essence of their pursuit has not been lost. Mark Olson's latest Creekdipper sojourn, "December�s Child�, not only encompasses the contributions of Williams and Russell, but those of the band�s live contingent, Joshua Grange and Dave Wolfenberger. It also sees Olson reunited with Jayhawk Gary Louris for the first since his departure from the band in 1994.

   While the latest Olson/Louris co-credit is certain to solicit a little extra attention, it is but one in a number of magical musical moments that constitute �December�s Child�. Even though the honeyed overtones of �Say You�ll Be Mine� is certainly a welcomed addition to the album, the song does resonate a rather familiar 'Jayhawkish' feel. Not that this is a particularly bad thing, as the longing captured within its verses readily aligns itself with the overtones of the album's other recordings. It is simply that the most intriguing moments on this recording seem to be those where Olson explores more eclectic overtures. These can be found in songs such as �Black Dog Mosses� � a sprawling gem that literally jumps up and bites you on the ass. And while it might not be anywhere near as forthright in temperament as the album�s closing contribution, �Cactus Wren� presents yet another glorious encounter with Olson's musical versatility. But if the virtue of �December�s Child� were to be attributed to a single, then it would undoubtedly be Mark Olson�s remarkable empathy. �Climb These Steps (We Will)�, �December�s Child� and the exquisite �Still Have a Friend in You� are all shining examples that highlight this claim. It is indeed a special world into which Mark Olson solicits our presence. And it is one for which �December�s Child� will long stand as an enticing open invitation.




4. I will keep this review short. I love this disc. In fact, I have enjoyed all of Mark Olson releases, back to the Jayhawks, but I find myself playing this album more than any other of his great career. Say you'll be Mine is my personal highlight of the many great songs here.



5. I don't understand how fans could quibble about 'December's Child' - overall it's a quality Mark Olson recording. It contains the idiosyncracies of his earlier stuff which can be endearing enough. Most of the songs on 'December's Child' are well-crafted and the homespun nature of the material manages to comes across as genuine. Perhaps that's because it is. When compared with 'My own Jo Ellen' I found this album to be equally rewarding. This is how music "felt" on rare occasion in the early 70's, before slickness became hipness. Think early, countrified Neil Young rather than Gram Parsons, a little frayed and shabbily endearing. Gram was a genius with a breadth of vision rarely matched in popular music. Mark Olson is a greatly talented musician whose gentle muse can refresh and inspire.

No comments about An Olde English Christmas.

2 comments about Midwinter Night's Dream.

1. Nothing could be better, or help more with seasonal blues, than Boys of the Lough's upbeat Celtic Christmas. Better than British pudding after Irish potato soup! I could go to the mall if they played this! You don't have to be a Celtoholic, or know any, to finish your Christmas shopping fr them all with just this.



2. The Boys of the Lough have been around for almost thirty years now, and this album must be the best thing they've done (at least as far as I've heard from them). This is simply one of the most beautiful of Christmas or seasonal albums. At times it can be extremely solemn and moving. Their arrangement of the Irish language carol "Don Oiche ud i mBeithil" is inspired and inspiring. Another highlight is the fantastic tune medley of "The Mummer's Jig" and the reel "Christmas Eve," with Cathal McConnell and Christy O'Leary in fine form on flute and uillean pipes, respectively. McConnell also does a fine job on the English language version of "The Christ Child's Lullaby" (although these ears prefer to hear it in the Scots Gaelic). Aly Bain and Dave Richardson also acquit themselves admirably on this album, with Richardson contributing more of his fine tunes. The closing track, "The Dying Year," with Bain's fiddle accompanied by a tasty, piano backup, is one of the most moving pieces on the album. I often cannot wait for the Christmas season to come around so I play the album year-round (at least the tracks not so obviously associated with Christmas).

No comments about Best Carols 100.

5 comments about Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.

1. It's clear Elmo & Patsy are ONE person...Dr. Elmo himself! This is the album for which Elmo is most famous for. The classic parody "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer" is the centerpiece of this, one of the most funniest Christmas albums since the "Singing Dogs". You will laugh your socks off...enough to make Karen Carpenter, Bing Crosby, and Burl Ives roll over in their graves! Make this the perfect compliment to your holiday music collection.



2. I got the casette tape when it first came out, before there even were CD's. It is priceless. Other songs on the album are great, too, especially Percy The Puny Poinsettia and the one about the Mexican girl's Christmas gift (can't think right off of the title). I have long been a fan of Patsy and Elmo - went to see them live years ago. Wish they'd do more albums.



3. I got this CD on record, before CDs even came out. The songs are very good and masterfully sung. I listen to this album every Christmas as a family tradition. It makes for good music while opening presents and enjoying eggnog!



4. Dr. Elmo is the best. It's better to order the Grandma song on one of the more recent, Dr. Elmo CD's. The other songs on those CD's are great. Very clever. By the way, "Grandma" is not a "Parody." It is an original novelty Christmas song. Patsy does not sing on "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer". It's ALL Dr. Elmo.



5. I bought this primarily for the title song. The other were OK but not as good as the title song. I am satisfied with the CD though and would recommend it for anyone who wants an upbeat Christmas CD.

3 comments about White Christmas and Other Doo Wop Christmas Classics.

1. This collection features the wonderful, classic, Doo-Wop recording of White Christmas by The Drifters! That one track is worth the price of the CD!!!



2. What a bargain this cd turned out to be! If you like even one song on the record I encourage you to order and be surprised at how fast you will find yourself doo wop'ing and bee bop'ing around your Christmas tree this year. Share these fun songs with your kids and grandkids, make up a batch of cocoa and have some holiday fun!



3. This CD was cheap to buy, and that was a good thing because of all the cuts, only the featured song, White Christmas, is worth the price. The other songs are not recognizable.

5 comments about A Christmas Carol (1995 Original Broadway Cast).

1. The very first time I ever saw this musical, I was in 3rd grade, which would be 2000. I went to see it with a family friend and his mom, and I absolutely adored it. That trip was very special, especially because that friend's older sister was in it, one of the 30 angels in the choir. From that point on, it was my dream to be in the angel choir too. And since she was in it through our school, I knew I would get my chance. 3 years later, in 6th grade, choir auditions came around at school and I made it! You could definitely say that that was the best day of my life. And so I performed with 29 of my friends about once a week, and I remember every moment of it - however, having this CD definitely helps to relive the memories. =) If you didn't get a chance to see this show before it closed last year, buy this CD - it obviously won't be the same but it's pretty darn close! And for those of you who have seen it, you'll love reliving it for yourself. Just get this CD!! It has perfect orchestrations, witty songs and it's an all around joyful experience. And I'm not just saying that because I was in it. =D



2. The very first time I ever saw this musical, I was in 3rd grade, which would be 2000. I went to see it with a family friend and his mom, and I absolutely adored it. That trip was very special, especially because that friend's older sister was in it, one of the 30 angels in the choir. From that point on, it was my dream to be in the angel choir too. And since she was in it through our school, I knew I would get my chance. 3 years later, in 6th grade, choir auditions came around at school and I made it! You could definitely say that that was the best day of my life. And so I performed with 29 of my friends about once a week, and I remember every moment of it - however, having this CD definitely helps to relive the memories. =) If you didn't get a chance to see this show before it closed last year, buy this CD - it obviously won't be the same but it's pretty darn close! And for those of you who have seen it, you'll love reliving it for yourself. Just get this CD!! It has perfect orchestrations, witty songs and it's an all around joyful experience. And I'm not just saying that because I was in it. =D



3. All of Menken's work has had a unique sound that still allows melodic lines to soar in a way unheard since Rodgers & Hammerstein. Whether it be the 60s Do-Wop style of Little Shop of Horrors or the intense soaring classical-romantic style of Der Glöckner von Notre Dame, he creates soaring music. One of these shows would certainly be A Christmas Carol.
   
   The music starts out perhaps a slight bit weak, lacking in melodiousness, but Ahrens (of Once On this Island and Ragtime Fame) is able to redeem this with important story characteristics which allow the second half to be a ton of fun musically as well.



4. What this show lacks in originality or variety, it makes up with charm and pure enjoyment points. We all know the story, Scrooge regects the Christmas spirit and is, in result, is visited my three ghosts to show in the past, present and future of Schrooge's Christmas'. What makes this show unique is that it is almost entirely sung through. However, this is also the downfall of the show. There is not quite enough material to merit a the opera-esque elements of the show. Unfortuantely, there are a lot of reprisals of the music, and it is the weaker songs that are repeated again and again, which makes it occasionally tedious. Also, it borrows elements from menkins other musicals, like Hunchback of Notre Dame and Beauty and the Beast. The same mediocre material moves from tedious to boring when streched across three shows.
   
   However, the show is a lot of fun, and will make you begin counting down the days until Christmas!
   The best songs are LINK BY LINK, the song Marley sings to forsee the arrival of the three ghosts, ABUNDANCE AND CHARITY, a sort of MGM big chorus number by the ghost of christmas present, and DANCING ON YOUR GRAVE, the song the gost of christmas yet to be sings. Its atmospheric and a little creepy.
   
   Overall, its a great family musical for the christmas season.



5. I'll agree this is nothing new, but this CD has great music on it. Very exciting and fresh, to go with this old story. The vocalists are great, the lyrics fit right into the story, and the orchestrations are wonderful. After listening to this CD I never want to see "A Christmas Carol" any other way. I strongly suggest this CD for everyone. It is a family show, as well as being a wonderful one for new and old listeners. This CD tells the entire story, there no need to read a synopsis because its all here. Favorite Song: "Dancing On Your Grave"

1 comments about Holiday Musik.

1. A wonderful accompaniment to the holidays. Davis' selections and performance enhance any get-together.

5 comments about Linda Eder - Christmas Stays the Same.

1. From the first fabulous note to the last, this is a Christmas CD/DVD that will be a classic forever (step aside Bing, Andy, and Nat). From poignant to jazzy, this show has something for everyone. I especially really enjoyed the number of "Here Comes Santa Claus" and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" - really cool "Broadway-ish" transitions. "Silent Night" is a revelation and a very unique and gorgeous 'take' on a classic -- fabulous! The concert shows off Linda at her best and is very poignant and heart-breaking at times and really happy and uplifting at others. I've had the CD since it was first published and will definitely be buying the DVD this season (or putting it on my Christmas list)! Linda Eder is by far and away the best female singer of the last hundred years (maybe with the exception of Ella Fitzgerald) and certainly the best female singer of our generation. It's never ceases to catch my breath to hear her voice with it's range, clarity, and interpretation of song. Frankly, if I could only listen to one female singer for the rest of my life, it would, without a shadow of a doubt, be LINDA EDER (OK, maybe with an occasional Ella thrown in).



2. Linda Eder's Christmas album has been a favorite of mine for the past six years, but I never got a chance to see her concert special on DVD until now. I wish I had picked it up sooner. The concert is just as good as the album, if not better, as Linda sings many songs from the album, plus some songs from her own repertoire including Vienna, Gold and her mesmerizing performance of Don't Rain on My Parade from Funny Girl. Linda is in top-form, and it's quite an emotional performance -- it was filmed not too long after September 11th, so many of the songs take on a new meaning in this context. A must-have.



3. Don't get me wrong. Linda eder can sing. but the deal with dvd is that she didn't pick her best songs for this dvd. The songs are good and she sounds fabulous on them but she has so many better one. I'm sorry Linda but i think you can do better.



4. If you haven't ever heard of Linda Eder like me, please take my word for it this is a great dvd! She is the best unknown singer in the world. I caught this performance on Bravo a few years ago and taped it. I have watched it so many times I have wore it out. I got the dvd this year and am in the process of doing the same thing to it. My wife loves it as much as I do. I took it to my Sunday school class to share with my friends over Christmas. "Oh Holy Night", Silent Night" are great favorites. My personal favorite on the dvd is "Vienna" WOW!! You're going to discover an amazing talent if you don't already know Linda.



5. Her favorite part of Christmas is being home with family and friends, so gather your family and friends and sit down with her. The DVD is better than the CD. You feel more in the Christmas spirit when you are watching the songs be sung "live". You also get some non-Christmas songs, like "God Bless America" and "Son of a Preacher Man". Linda Eder gives a high quality performance and I recommend this DVD. Merry Christmas! (If you like her, then you would probably like Christmas music from Martina McBride (special Target version with 16 songs), Suzy Boggus, Jo Dee Messina, and everything from Amy Grant.)

1 comments about Spectacular Christmas Party.

1. J.aimerais savoir quand mes sélections seront disponibles et coment me les procurer sans avoir a utiliser une carte de crédit conventionnele?Puis aler tous simplement aler ches hmv oudites moi coment faire pour me procurer mes sélections?