1 comments about Bluegrass Christmas Collection: Christmas Time's a Comin.

1. Great CD with both "classic" Christmas songs with excellent bluegrass music, along with some songs that I was not familiar with. Recommend this for any bluegrass fan who loves Christmas!

2 comments about Halloween Party Music, Vol. 2.

1. First I bought Drew's Halloween Party Music #1 and loved it!! Now I found this one ordered it and love it MORE!! If you love Halloween half as much as I do!! Check out this CD!!



2. I purchased one of Drews series years ago and it still is my favorite cd. ( I'm a part-time DJ)Since then, Drews series don't seem to be the original artists. If you dont mind that and your guests cant tell or dont care, its a good party cd.

No comments about A Child's Christmas.

No comments about The Christmas Story; Words And Music.

5 comments about The Jackson 5 Christmas Album.

1. I've listened to this Christmas album since I was a little kid. Never fails to cheer up the holidays. A real classic and my most favorite Christmas album ever. J5's Christmas songs and Elvis's Christmas songs are the best.



2. All of the brothers were talented, but Michael was definitely the superstar! If the song, Give love on Christmas Day, doesn't impress you, you know nothing about music! He was only about 10 years old! Have you ever heard another 10-year-old with such an incredible voice? Hell no! This whole album is great, the price is such a bargain too!



3. I was born in the 80s so this CD was before my time but my parents always played the Jackson Five's music for me. I was shocked that even though we owned the Temptations Give Love At Christmas (another five star great Christmas album) that we didn't own this one so I bought it last year for the first time. It was only 8 bucks but boy was it EVER worth it. It easily became one of my favorite Christmas CDs and it showcases the Jackson Five at it's absolute best. You can see that yes Michael was the dynamic singer in the group though the others were good Michael just shined on songs like Someday at Christmas and I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. Everyone also knows their energetic versions of Frost the Snowman and Santa Claus Is Coming To Town and if you've ever heard them then you love em. The energy and beautiful vocals in each song will mesmerize you while filling you with the spirit of the holiday.
   
   I believe you are not celebrating Christmas nor is your Christmas music collection complete until you make the Jacksons apart of it. This is a must have for the holidays.



4. This is a really great Christmas album. It's got that funk/bubblegum sound that the Jackson 5 is famous for. The Jackson 5 were rightly known for the great singing of young Michael, but the songs that Jermaine sings lead on here are great, too. The best known song is their hit cover version of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town", but they also do the best version of "Up on the House Top" ever. Of course, the ironic thing is that as Jehovah's Witnesses, the Jackson 5 didn't celebrate Christmas! But if Jewish people like Barbra Streisand, Neil Diamond and Kenny G. can record Christmas albums, so can Jehovah's Witnesses.



5. We loved this album growing up with my siblings and cousins. I found this CD on Amazon and bought it immediately. Now I'm playing it the day after Thanksgiving for my son who's 3. He absolutely loves it just like I did when I was a little girl.

No comments about Medieval Songs & Dances.

4 comments about Sharing the Season, Vol. 3.

1. I have a love/hate relationship with Lorie Line. I love about 1/3 of her releases and hate the others. Her first Sharing the Seasons release was, in my mind, superb from start to finish. I love the peacefulness and simplicity of her music, when she doesn't let it be overcome by technology. I was disappointed in this release. I could be off target with my assessment, but it seems heavily influenced by Manheim Steamroller, of which I am not a fan. Lorie does best when she sticks with her roots and the simple, exquisite piano arrangements and leaves the tech music to others.



2. I love Lorie Line's work and this cd is perfect, especially for the Christmas Season. Her music is so strong and powerful. I love listening to it over and over! This is a really good cd to buy!



3. Contrary to other reviewers' notions, I believe Line's technological additions to this CD make it even more spectacular. Lorie Line continues to spread the magic of the holiday season through her upbeat and unique style! A must have for any Holiday celebration!



4. Classy, though not one of my first picks off the self during the holiday season. Because it has a non-traditional flavor which gives the album some good points and a few drawbacks. The performance of Lorie Line and her Pop Chamber Orchestra vividly present a variety of music on this volume. What I love is the touch of harmonica in most of the songs, especially notable in Go Tell It On The Mountain. Plus Lorie Line's piano playing is as beautiful as a music box in track number five: Once In Royal David's City and number eight: Gesu Bambino, as well as number ten: I Wonder As I Wander. These songs plus a few more, share that trait of sweetness, coupled with timely background harmonies from the orchestra strings, (that include; mandolin, violin, cello, guitar and Celtic harp). The real show stopper is the rendition of Frosty The Snowman, a fun and energetic song that really lets out the brass, and will often make me hit the repeat button once or twice. Track nine; Auld Lang Syne, also has a bit of that same characteristic, though it's not quite as strong.

   But when it comes to track numbers six and seven I once again remember why I often over look this album during the holiday season. Hark The Herald Angels Sing has an atmospheric sound of wind through the trees. An attention getter of course, if you like that kind of stuff, but for me it's one special effect that I could have done without. Then there is The Little Drummer Boy that starts with an almost African beat of drumming, an interesting distinction, but it still sounds a bit out of place.

   If you're looking for a slight departure from the common holiday instrumental music this CD has the fine quality and variety of instruments that will likely fulfill your fancy. Nicely composed, the combination of songs offered here will round out your holiday selection. [review author: tilley_traveler]

5 comments about Hey Santa!.

1. I HERD THIS MUSIC WTH MI MOM IN THE CAR AND IT WASUNT VERY GUD. IS RALLY (...). YU SHUD GET MY HUMPS AH-STED.



2. Pleasant outing by the Wilson sisters (Carnie and Wendy, that is--not Ann and Nancy). Why they harmonize like they've been singing together all their lives! But seriously, folks, I don't think I'm alone in saying, you usually want your holiday albums to be a mix of something old and something new, and the Wilsons only really serve up one new (at the time) tune, namely the title track "Hey, You With The Beard"--I mean, "Hey Santa." But on the strength of that now perennial seasonal fave (at least on my local radio stations), I thought this might be worth checking out. And it is, for the most part. Their takes on what have now become holiday standards are neither too outlandish nor too old hat. Even their version of "Rudolph" sounds reasonably fresh,and that says something. It's all very seasonal, and enjoyable, and they certainly don't do anything to disgrace the family name.
   
   Carnie Wilson has a warm, rich alto--somewhat reminiscent of Karen Carpenter's. Sister Wendy is a bit "reedier"--which is scarcely a bad thing. Her voice has a distinctive quality--not unlike Cyndi Lauper's lower register. They blend beautifully on the title track, as indeed, they do on throughout the album. And on tracks like "Winter Wonderland" and "Let It Snow," they sing of wintry landscapes with a kind of ingenuousness that only native So. Cal. gals could muster.
   
   As a budget line offering, HEY SANTA is worth the price of admission. There seem to be some collector type prices being flung around for the product too, however. And those are a tad on the outrageous side, to put it mildly. Charming as it is, I don't think the album merits top of the line prices, especially when there seem to be plenty of available copies on hand. Unless the disk is gold plated, I'd avoid the pricier listings.



3. Pleasant outing by the Wilson sisters (Carnie and Wendy, that is--not Ann and Nancy). Why they harmonize like they've been singing together all their lives! But seriously, folks, I don't think I'm alone in saying, you usually want your holiday albums to be a mix of something old and something new, and the Wilsons only really serve up one new (at the time) tune, namely the title track "Hey, You With The Beard"--I mean, "Hey Santa." But on the strength of that now perennial seasonal fave (at least on my local radio stations), I thought this might be worth checking out. And it is, for the most part. Their takes on what have now become holiday standards are neither too outlandish nor too old hat. Even their version of "Rudolph" sounds reasonably fresh,and that says something. It's all very seasonal, and enjoyable, and they certainly don't do anything to disgrace the family name.
   
   Carnie Wilson has a rich, warm alton--somewhat reminiscent of Karen Carpenter's. Sister Wendy is a bit reedier, which is scarcely a bad thing. They blend together beautifully on the title track, as indeed they do throughout the entire album. And on tracks like "Winter Wonderland" and "Let It Snow," they sing of wintry landscapes with a kind of ingenuousness that only native So. Cal. gals could muster.
   
   As a budget line offering, HEY SANTA is worth the price of admission. There seem to be some collector type prices being flung around for the product too, however. And those are a tad on the outrageous side, to put it mildly. Charming as it is, I don't think the album merits top-of-the-line prices, especially since there seem to be plenty of copies on hand. Unless the disk is gold plated, I'd avoid the pricier listings.



4. This is a Christmas CD that I had not heard done the by Carly and Wendy
   Wilson. I had always liked the song, Hey Santa, and couldn't find it anywhere. So I ordered it online... The whole CD is wonderful... Love it...



5. I'm really glad I found this CD. It was hard to find. All the songs are great Christmas songs but I especially love Hey Santa and that's why I purchased this product.

1 comments about 60 Christmas Carols for Kids.

1. Excellent collection of Christmas and holiday songs. My girls enjoyed listening over and over again and singing along.

5 comments about A Thistle & Shamrock Christmas Ceilidh.

1. I was sorely disappointed by this album, which is a fine collection of Celtic music, mostly instrumental, but I was expecting an album with the word "Christmas" in it to have some, I don't know, Christmas music? There ain't none. It has a misleading title.



2. I was looking forward to this album, but as with many Celtic Christmas albums I have purchased, this was a major diappointment. It didn't particularly have anything to do with Christmas. The album title and list of artists made me think that this would include traditional Christmas songs from the Irish and Scottish traditions. I would love to find such an album. This definitely was not it. On the other hand, unlike my other Christmas music, it is something I can play year-round as well as at Christmas time. I just would have liked to know that before I bought the album.



3. Don't expect traditional Christmas carols here, or (unfortunately) any narrations by The Thistle & Shamrock's Fiona Ritchie, but nonetheless, this is an enjoyable collection of boisterous party music and a few wistful winter recollections from artists on the Green Linnet label. Featured is an all-star cast at their best: Altan, Andy M. Stewart and Manus Lunny, the House Band, Liz Carroll, Capercaillie, John Renbourn, Touchstone, Milladoiro, Phil Cunningham, Patrick Street, Cherish the Ladies, Niamh Parsons and the Loose Connections, Wolfstone, Lunasa, Manus McGuire, the Tannahill Weavers, and Kips Bay. Radio host Fiona Ritchie's selections are always well-chosen, and the tracks on this album are no exception. And while we don't hear her voice, the liner notes do contain a lengthy narrative penned by Fiona, as well as a recipe for Mrs. Walkinshaw's Dundee Cake. Beannachtai na Feile!



4. There is something about playing a disc of Celtic Christmas music that brings the whole spirit of the season closer to home; and Fiona Ritchie has done a marvellous job putting together this disc. She has picked out her favourite Green Linnet selections in order to echo the spirit of her village's Christmas Ceilidh. Fiona is the host and producer of National Public Radio's The Thistle and Shamrock, which is one of the most popular and longest running music programs on public radio in the States.
   
   You won't find anything here to disappoint you, but much to put you in the mood for trimming the tree, wrapping gifts, and of course for baking those yummy Christmas goodies for family and friends. In fact, included is a recipe for Mrs. Walkinshaw's Dundee Cake! I'll be trying this one out next week!
   
   With 17 different tracks and artists I could be easily driven to distraction trying to figure out which three to share with you. The entire disc is that good! So I went with one which has some familiar history, and then one of the two traditional Christmas pieces which are recognizable world-wide. And I had to choose the one which stood out above all others for the final pick. So without further ado - here we go!
   
   Andy M. Stewart and Manus Lunny give us a delightful track entitled At It Again. It is a humorous tale, believe me, and nobody could deliver it like this talented artist, once the renowned vocalist for Silly Wizard. And when you join this incredible voice with the Uillean pipes, well, you have the beginnings of something compelling and passion filled! This track will bring a smile to your heart and a laugh to your lips!
   
   John Renbourn provides a seasonal staple with I Saw Three Ships. Johnís a very gifted guitarist, and shows his stuff with this piece, embellishing the chorus with extra notes and picking the melody out quite clearly. I could sit and listen to him play for hours, but all too soon the piece is over.
   
   The Moving Cloud by Kips Bay is the piece which leapt out and stayed in my mind with each and every listen. It is taken from a live performance, and the disc Into the Light. This group is incredibly unique, well gifted, and very diverse in its background! Front man Pat Kilbride is amazing on the guitar, as is button accordionist John Whelan. Steve Missal once played in Ted Nugent's band, and was also Billy Idol's drummer. Richard Lindsey is a stellar world beat bassist, and Kenny Landrum is a keyboardist with flying fingers! I love reels, but this one is supercharged!
   
   This is a spectacular taste of Celtic talent and will add much to your festive spirit! From Altan to Wolfstone, you'll find it here, as well as the included tale of a village Ceilidh. Treat yourself this Christmas; you'll be glad you did!
   
   Review Originally Posted at LinearReflections.com



5. Fiona Ritchie, the host of NPR's Celtic music program "The Thistle & Shamrock," compiled the 17 tracks found on this wonderful collection of Celtic music. For those disappointed reviewers who thought they were buying a collection of well known American Christmas songs, they obviously didn't read the track listing. [Did you think "Maneo Da Ulla" was perhaps Gaelic for "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"?]
   
   So what is a "ceilidh" (pronounced kay-lee)? After a quick google.com search, I learned that it is simply "an Irish or Scottish social gathering with traditional music, dancing, and storytelling." The hour's worth of music on this disc (taken from the vaults of Green Linnet Records) is--to quote the liner notes--"to echo the spirit of her village Christmas Ceilidh." It is not Christmas music per se (only John Renbourn's solo guitar rendition of "I Saw Three Ships" and the Tannahill Weavers' gorgeous reading of "Auld Lang Syne" are recognizable holiday songs), but the music certainly captures the feeling of the holiday as Fiona Ritchie envisioned it. [As a bonus, the booklet includes a recipe for Mrs. Wilkinshaw's Dundee Cake--one of the prizes awarded as part of the Christmas Ceilidh raffle.]
   
   One benefit of this not being recognizable holiday music is that you can enjoy it year 'round. So throw another yule log on the fire, hoist a pint of your favorite ale, and enjoy! [Running Time - 62:43] HIGHLY RECOMMENDED