3 comments about A Christmas Album.

1. I have always loved this album. I have it on vinyl, but was happy to purchase a CD version of this recording.



2. For the most part, this album features classic songs, sung in the traditional manner by Barbra. Barbra really didn't need to do any more, given her wonderful voice, but she does have a few surprises in store. The opening Jingle bells is not done in the traditional way as Barbra gallops through most of it at breakneck speed. I appreciate Barbra's attempt to do something different but I prefer the standard arrangement. After that brisk opening, the album slows down and never again rises above mid-tempo as the remainder of the album is dominated by ballads.
   
   Barbra may have been the first singer to include My favorite things (the Julie Andrews classic from the Sound of music) in a Christmas album. Nobody is surprised any more that this song sometimes gets included in Christmas albums. The only original song is The best gift (about a baby). Barbra sings it beautifully.
   
   Of Barbra's two Christmas albums, I prefer the other one to this, mainly because the songs are more interesting to me, but I know that a lot of Barbra's fans prefer this one, which was recorded when her voice was at its finest - however, Barbra was still in good voice on the other album.
   
   If you love Barbra's music and you enjoy Christmas music, you will want both of her Christmas albums, but if you only want to buy one of them, you have a hard choice to make.



3. If you are a fan of Streisand, or just a fan of Christmas music, you need to get this CD. My all time favorite!

No comments about Tennessee Christmas: a Holiday Collection.

1 comments about Baby Einstein: Baby Santa.

1. I gave it as a gift to a relative who has a 8 month old and it is a big hit...

5 comments about Christmas With the New Christy Minstrels: Complete.

1. This CD arrived in perfect condition in less than a week. This is the first time I ordered anything from Amazon and I am very pleased with the price, quality, and service.



2. When I was a young married mother, I owned the album of Merry Christmas by New Christie Minstrels. Every year my husband and I played it all through the holiday season for both our daughters. My 36 year old daughter told me last year that she had found it in cd on Amazon and asked for it as a gift. I bought two, one for her and one for me. We now play it for my 5 year old grandson. The music evokes memories of a kinder, gentler time and youth. It contains some of the merriest Christmas tunes I've heard. The music spells Christmas to me and to my grown daughters.



3. These are the songs I listened to when I was a little kid. It's so much fun to hear them again. The sound quality is surprisingly good.



4. Christy Minstrel's were a sixties band. This Christmas collection I grew up listening every year. It brings me great memories of Christmas' past. For someone hearing it for the first time will bring you such joy for the season, it really is up-beat and very well done! It is a must. If you like their style check out their non-seasonal music as well.



5. The music on this CD is a family tradition at Christmas. It is unique and most enjoyable for all ages.

5 comments about Rejoyce: The Christmas Album.

1. This CD got boring after the first few songs. They all began to sound alike...for me not a good mix.



2. No problems with the sender. Very nice and without issues. The CD however, was terrible. I bought it for my fiance and I dont think she listened to more than about 2 songs.



3. I love the songs that were on this cd and thats why I bought it. However she over does many of the words in the song turning a listener off. Nick and Ashlee both do good jobs which saves her in some of them. Would not recommend, rather go with Trans-Siberan Orchestra.



4. Rejoyce: The Chirstmas Album by ditzy Jessica Simpson is the worst Christmas-themed cd I have ever heard, and I am serious here guys! The only breathtaking song is Little Drummer Boy, a duet with her sis Ashlee, and you are not gonna believe it but Ashlee sounds better than Jessica on this track! Poor Jessica's voice is too breathy, flat, and just annoying. Jessica has never sounded this dead on an album, what happened to that girl who could belt her heart out? She does a cover of Amy Grant's Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song) and she does not pull it off like Grant's verison. Jessica really messed this up, all the other songs sound hideous, hopefully Jessica won't release another X-mas cd ever again!



5. It's a perfectly plain and digestible Christmas album, just don't expect to be moved. You're better off with Mariah Carey's "Merry Christmas" instead.
   The best example of how bland this album is her and ex-hubby Nick Lachey's version of "Baby it's cold outside."
   It's just about the deadest rendition of this song ever. It's a nuanced and funny song that's she turns humorless and forgettable -- no easy feat. Listen to just about any other version and you'll see, I recommend Brian Setzer's duet with Ann Margaret.
   Do yourself a favor and look for a Christmas album that's a little more heartfelt.

5 comments about Twisted Christmas.

1. Twisted Sister plays Christmas songs as if other rockers from the 80s were playing them! Fun album and really gets people talking at the Christmas party!
   
   Twisted Sister plays "Silver Bells" like they think AC/DC would, and it ROCKS!



2. Awsome CD, Twisted Sister is still great. This is no exception. The album rocks, and not one single carol was messed up. The meaning of Christmas can be felt in any medium and I am very proud that bands like Trans Siberian Orch. Joan Jett and Twisted Sister have stepped up to the plate in a time where just saying Christmas could offend someone. If you love to rock, pick this up for the next yule time season.



3. I bought this CD as a joke for my husband for Christmas. Unfortunately, we could not even listen to it with a sense of irony. It is unbearably bad.



4. Wow! This CD is excellent for christmas. Basically, this is a christmas CD in the Hard Rock category. T(h)is "10" track disc actually has 11 tracks (the 11th one being a hidden bonus track). Due to timing reasons I will only review my 4 favorites.
   
   Track 1 is one of my favorites on here, a cover of the classic "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas". Twisted Sister's version starts out as a ballad for nearly one minute before turning into a 10 second drum solo, and then erupting into headbanger's paradise featuring nearly a one minute solo.
   
   Track 2 is a cover of the holiday classic "O Come All Ye Faithful. The catchy drum rhythm for "We're Not Gonna Take It" is recycled into this awesome cover song (which gets my vote as the best song on here, it being my personal favorite).
   
   Track 10 is a parody of "The 12 Days of Christmas" with the most comedic, catchy lyrics being "10...,9...,8...,7...,6...,5...,4...,3...,2 something something, and a tattoo of Ozzy".
   
   Finally, the bonus track: running for just over :30, this is good finisher and a good way to say FAREWELL, THANK YOU FOR LISTENING, AND HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! A parody of "We Wish You A Merry Christmas", the beat/rhythm of the former is used, while there's a slight catch lyric-wise: "We Wish You a Twisted Christmas!!!"
   
   Perfect for Christmas(!!!) and worthy of 5 stars and your money. BUY "A TWISTED CHRISTMAS" SOMETIME BEFORE CHRISTMAS DAY!!!
   
   THANK YOU FOR READING



5. I haven't heard too many hard rock Christmas albums. This one was a lot of fun. Most (but not all) of the songs were pretty well done. Their version of O Come all Ye Faithful is hands-down the best version I've ever heard; that includes the way it's traditionally played. I can't wait each year to pop this thing into my CD player. Or from my iPod nowadays, I guess.

5 comments about A Scottish Christmas.

1. I recently had the chance to see Bonnie Rideout in concert when they came to Fairbanks AK. Having just moved there recently and not knowing many people, I went to this concert as a way to feel at home. I have grown up on this music and this concert was no diappointment. The musicianship of these performers is unquestionable. They are highly talented, extremely friendly, and undeniably one of the best live shows I have see. The perfection in which the music is played is so wonderful it sounds almost as same as the albulm. I will be following this lady's career, because she is such a joy to see and hear.



2. This is a wonderful CD. I listen to it year round when I need to listen to something soothing. Try it--you'll like it.



3. A truly beautiful Holiday CD. Even if you are not an afficionado of Celtic music, this is a CD all could enjoy. The performances are thoughtful and beautifully crafted by caring, diligent artists, yet possess the joyous spontaneity that is the hallmark of Celtic music.



4. Many albums claim to be "Celtic Christmas," but few actually deliver the goods. This one does. It is a collection of traditional Scottish carols, wassail tunes, strathspeys and reels. Nothing synthesized here. No morphing into New Age. Exceptional muscianship, interesting arrangements, authentic sounds fill the album. If you love Scottish and Celtic music, you will love this album. If you hate bagpipes, this is not for you. The hammered dulcimer is beautiful, with an almost music box sound. You get just over 60 minutes of music, definitely your money's worth. I highly recommend this album. Just be aware that it is not for everyone. Listen to some of the clips before purchasing. I am thrilled to have this album in my collection. Many others will feel the same way, but you have to appreciate this style of music to truly appreciate the album. Think of Christmas comes to "Lord of the Rings."



5. This is without a doubt, th best Christmas CD I have. I listen to it all throughout the year. And I'm not one of those Christmas year round people---the music is just that good.

5 comments about Heart Presents a Lovemonger's Christmas.

1. One of the best holiday Cds I've heard in a long time, with fresh new Christmas music. Most of the songs on this Cd were written by Ann and Nancy. I highly recommend this one!!



2. This is an excellent album. Ann Wilson sings most of the leads and does her usual outstanding job. The lovemongers sing 2 leads and do an equally great job. The last Noel is a melancholy take on the first Noel, sung beautifully by a male singer of the lovemongers. Nancy Wison leads on "Christmas waits", which sounds like a Dione Warwick song. I think there are no weak cuts on this cd. Very original and there seems to be a "Renisance" theme. Oh Holy Night is done occapella style and you hardly notice that there is no musical backing because it has such a full, rich sound.William and Rose is a nostalgic piece about love coming home for Christmas as families get together for Christmas.If you like heart, especially their accoustic, mellower stuff, you'll love this cd.



3. I am always wary of rock and roll Christmas albums. They are usually hit-and-miss at best. Ann and Nancy Wilson prove that they are far above the rest with their (originally titled) "Here is Christmas" by their band, Lovemongers (not Heart). The album is filled with beautiful melodies, new ("Here is Christmas" and "The Last Noel" my favorites) and old (Ann's vocals on the adapted "Ave Maria" and "O Holy Night" are among her best--truly stunning). "The Last Noel", with lyrics, music, and vocals by Frank Cox, is one of the best new Christmas songs I've heard in the past thirty years. I can't imagine a Christmas without this CD. BUY IT! It's a wonderful gift, even for yourself. Get yourself in the right Christmas frame of mind with Lovemongers.



4. In 2001, Heart released their eighteenth album entitled, HEART PRESENTS A LOVEMONGERS' CHRISTMAS. Yep, you guessed it, a Holiday album. But there is a twist to this album. Back in 1998, Ann and Nancy, with their side band, The Lovemongers, released a Holiday album entitled, HERE IS CHRISTMAS. Well, HEART PRESENTS A LOVEMONGERS' CHRISTMAS is the re-release of The Lovemongers' Christmas album. But Ann and Nancy decided to have the album go under a Heart name as well. This is a joyful Holiday album
   
   HERE IS CHRISTMAS
   Great way to start off your Holiday album.
   
   BALULALOW
   A beautiful Holiday song, that sort of separates itself from the usual Santa Claus concept and goes into the Jesus Christ sound. This is a beautiful song displaying the real reason to why Christmas is celebrated. Not only is this a beautiful song, but it is also sung by both Ann Wilson and Nancy Wilson, who both take the lead vocals position on this song. Beautiful song.
   
   CHRISTMAS WAITS
   Great Holiday tune.
   
   WILLIAM AND ROSE
   Not bad.
   
   AVE MARIA
   It's on to the traditional Christmas classics.
   
   HOW BEAUTIFUL
   Great.
   
   THE LAST NOEL (Performed by Frank Cox of THE LOVEMONGERS)
   This song was actually song by Frank Cox, who is a member of THE LOVEMONGERS. A very nice Holiday song.
   
   IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME
   Great.
   
   OH HOLY NIGHT
   Another Christmas Traditional Favorite.
   
   BRING A TORCH
   Great.
   
   This is one the greatest Christmas Presents any Heart fan could receive. Make sure to put this on your Christmas list, and remember one thing: "...They're making a list, and checking it twice, Heart's gonna find out who's naught or nice. Heart is coming to town..."



5. If you love Heart then you will want their very first Christmas cd and yes it has the classic this is christmas so go out and get you an copy of Heart presents a lovemonger's christmas and sit back and enjoy.
   
   Rondall Banks

5 comments about Joy to the World - Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra.

1. A truly great collection of classical Christmas music. Highly recommended.



2. This wonderful CD has everything to celebrate the great joy of the Christmas season. Recorded in the early 1970's it still sounds as fresh and timeless as it did way back then.
   The orchestrations are majestic and imaginative without being mushy or too symphonic in structure.The addition of the chorus in most of the carols is an added bonus. The singers and orchestra blend wonderfully without either dominating the other too much. The programme of selected songs is excellent and with some lovely orchestra only tracks the CD is not tiring to listen to creating a well balanced programme.
   Maestro Eugene Ormandy conducts the Philadelphia Orchestra with great zeal and a passion for the music that is felt by the listener.The chorus master is the very talented Robert Page and the carols are arranged and orchestrated by the great Arthur Harris.
   The sound quality is excellent and the CD has been beautifully remastered without any loss of crispness or dynamics.The stereo balance and instrument placement sound superb with the singers centre stage.
   This is a remarkably good CD from the RCA Gold Seal range and is a must for lovers of really good seasonal music played with love and passion for the joys of the Christmas season.
   Thank you for taking the trouble to read my review and I wish one and all much enjoyment from this lovely CD.
   
   Happy listening!



3. Since I am a musician and director of music also, I really get into the listening of music. Christmas music is my favorite next to religious choral pieces we do in my church. This particular CD ranks quite high on my list because of the fullness of the music and the selection of pieces. The use of dynamics is quite effective as well. It really puts me into the spirit of Christmas and in particular, the reason for Christmas, the birth of Christ. Enjoy!!



4. I have always preferred classical Christmas music as opposed to something like Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas is You" and the 10,000 versions of "Silver Bells" so this album really fit the bill. Great pick if you prefer classical music to pop Xmas songs.



5. This music represents what Christmas joy is all about,the thrill of old favorites presented in top quality form. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

5 comments about The Oak Ridge Boys Christmas.

1. I had this on vinyl, and on cassette. I'm happy to now have the CD also.
   This recording has been a Christmas staple in our house for over 20 years. I love all the songs on the album, and I think the Oaks have done the most beautiful version of O Holy Night, I've ever heard.



2. great job; good product and it sounds lovely ;;;in the good ole-days !!! thanx C



3. Service was excellent. We really enjoy the music of the Oak Ridge Boys. The CD sounds great.



4. This was an album I used to listen to with my Dad and brothers at Christmas time every year as a kid. It was great to hear the songs again and to share them with my husband and kids. It brought back a lot of Christmas memories



5. This album came out in 1982, the year before I was born. My father had the album and the cassette tape of the Oak Ridge Boys Christmas. Every year around Christmas, we would get it out and listen to it. Both finally wore out last year. When I saw this, I couldn't resist to get it not only for my father but for me and my future kids as well. I love how they have all the things about Christmas. Right from a Christian's point of view to Santa Clause with children singing and about giving. If you want an all around awesome Christmas CD that has awesome music, then this is the CD for you!