5 comments about Vaughan Williams: The Collector's Edition.

1. For lovers of Ralph Vaughan Williams' music, the prospect of obtaining most of his works on 30 CDs for $50 or less should be irresistible. It's a great way to fill in the gaps in your collection, or to become acquainted with RVW's less familiar works. Among the highlights of this box are the Serenade to Music and the Pilgrim's Progress (both conducted by Adrian Boult), Partita for Double String Orchestra (Vernon Handley), Riders to the Sea and Sir John in Love (Meredith Davies), Hugh the Drover (Charles Groves), and On Wenlock Edge and Ten Blake Songs (sung by Ian Partridge). Vernon Handley's recordings of the symphonies have received uniform 5-star reviews on Amazon.
   
   In most cases, the performances and sound quality are very good to excellent. Hard-core fans will appreciate the inclusion of variants of a few works, such as the vocal and purely orchestral versions of the Serenade to Music. As would be expected in a compendium of this sort, a few of the items have performances or sound that is less than ideal. For example, Matthew Best's recording of A Song of Thanksgiving is far better than the one included here, but the Hyperion disc is no longer in print, and a used copy costs half as much as this entire package. The box lacks both notes and texts. Nonetheless, there's more than enough great stuff here to justify the modest price.



2. I know people revere Boult and Handley and Hickox as the best of all possible interpreters for British music, along with Groves and Barbirolli and all of the other artists presented here. So please don't take offense as I pick apart this box set -- because it's not as great as some other reviewers make it out to be. Others can tell you why it's good (and it has LOTS of good stuff). Let me criticize it a little. Or a lot.
   
   First, the packaging. I'm getting really tired of these box sets (Elgar on EMI, reissue of Stravinsky set on Sony, etc.) that are missing biographies or descriptions of the works outside of a track listing. Is it so hard to reprint the liner notes from the original releases? Why on earth do they not include a libretto?? I can barely understand a word of these choruses and unless you've heard Sir John in Love or Hugh the Drover before, I don't think you'll be able to figure a whole lot out without resorting to the Internet and digging pretty deeply. Like the Elgar set, about half of this set has vocal works. So it's a huge drawback not to have texts and librettos.
   
   Second, these recordings are old. Fine. But they _sound_ old. I guess if EMI can't add liner notes, they won't spend the time to remaster their recordings before putting them back on the shelves. People who are replacing their vinyl recordings may be celebrating, but those of us who are young enough to have never owned vinyl or 8-track tapes will find that some of these recordings sound antiquated. This is especially true for those impossible-to-decipher vocal works. The songs are blurry and fuzzy (typical of low-end ADD), and there's nothing to be done without the help of a good sound engineer. It's clear much more care was put into the first half, which is full of the orchestral blockbusters that I'm sure have sold much better over time.
   
   Third, EMI was so lazy that they just put the CDs in this set as they were released originally without any consideration of repetition. There are 3 different versions of the Serenade to Music (one for chorus, one for 16 singers, and one with orchetra) under 3 different conductors. It's a charming work, but not _that_ charming. The Piano Concerto in an orchestral version, and then in 2-piano form? Ugh, there's a reason why Vaughan Williams kept editing it -- it's about as dry and bland as overcooked turkey. Two versions of the Fantasia of the Christmas Carols? On my Scrooge days, one is too many.
   
   I suppose the argument can be made that EMI has given choices, so you can pick the version you like best to put on your iPod. By why do that with such marginal works -- if they're going to have 2 versions of anything, it should be the symphonies. Handley's interpretations are five stars in my book -- they were good enough to convince me to sell my Slatkin set.
   
   So, I guess it's a must-buy only because there's nothing more complete out there at such a low price. But lament the fact that it could have -- and should have! -- been so much better.



3. This is indeed a very good opportunity to have a detailed view at this composer's work at a bargain price. To me, it has always been difficult to get Vaughan Williams's recordings as I'm out of the UK, where most of them are released individually. It is great to have a box like this to get closer to this marvellous orchestrator, with his compositions so full of instrumental colour. The price is excellent, the only disappointment is that thera are no booklet notes at all. At least the CD tracking details are ok.



4. This splendid set, an amazing bargain, provides most of Vaughan Williams's music in various, sometimes relatively recent, vintages of recordings. VW is a vastly underrated composer. Some of the symphonies are bonafide masterpieces, especially numbers 4 and 6, but the London Symphony (#2) and the 8th and 9th are pretty top drawer as well, if not as stunning as 4 and 6. But then, 3 and 5 are excellent in a more "pastoral" way, though hardly the "cow music" written about in a recent New York Times article. If VW has written any "cow music" my ears have never detected it. The First Symphony, however, a choral work based on text by Walt Whitman, is as uncowlike as you can get but too hysterically pitched for my taste (like Mahler's Eighth).
   
   The sublime Tallis Fantasy is given an expert performance, the marvelous Oboe Concerto is well done. The two string quartets are little known but very worth listening to.
   
   In all, at less than $2 per disk, it's hard to see why anyone would turn it down. The set's only serious defect is the pathetically inadequate documentation. One can hardly figure out who's performing what. The disks themselves lack track numbers, very inconvenient, and the booklet lacks notes. But the set is nicely boxed and at this price it seems churlish to quarrel.



5. Having enjoyed the companion Elgar set, I bought this immediately when it came out. It is certainly extraordinary value for money, at less than $3 per disc. I am less taken with the content however. Many of the recordings are choral works which are less compelling to this listener than V-W's orchestral works. Moreover, the latter are just not that exciting when compared to other recordings that I already possess. The organization is also rather parsimonious, and short works--often interesting ones--are tucked away amongst very different tracks, making listening more active than I prefer. So, not actually a disappointment but its not dominating the CD player or replacing other versions in my collection. Kudos for the presentation however; the Elgar box is garish, while this is rather pleasing, although it does of course fall for the 'Shropshire lad' conceit that dogged the composer throughout his life.

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 All I Really Want for Christmas.

1. Steven Curtis Chapman's 1995 album "The Music of Christmas" was so fantastic, that no subsequent album could possibly come close to capturing it's power. But the latest Christmas album from Mr. Chapman, "All I Really Want for Christmas," has proven that assumption wrong. Once again, Chapman has created an album that will surely become a classic holiday collection. The standout songs are "All I Really Want," "The Miracle of Christmas," his new rendition of "Christmas is All in the Heart" featuring Vince Gill on background vocals, and his awesome arrangements of "Angels from the Realms of Glory" and "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day."
   Whether you're a fan of Steven Curtis Chapman, or just enjoy great Christmas music, then "All I Really Want for Christmas" is an album that belongs in your collection!
   Grade: A+



2. Steven Curtis Chapman has a beautiful gift for making you feel his music. This CD is so moving and will really make you feel the true meaning of Christmas. It is one of my favorite Christmas CD's (and I have many)! Some of the songs that really stand out to me are "The Night Before Christmas," "Christmas Is All In The Heart," "The Miracle Of Christmas," and his rendition of "Little Town Of Bethlehem" is the most beautiful I've ever heard. The others are great classics that Steven has added some nice touches to. Every song on this CD is GREAT. I think after a few listens, you, too, will find it a favorite!



3. I'm usually in the habit of purchasing individual tracks from iTunes or the like, instead of purchasing CDs. However, I'm so glad that I went out and purchased this CD solely based on the statements of the previous five reviewers. This CD is awesome! The arrangements are a bit jazzy and remind me a little of Sting's musical genius. Every song is great, and I feel that I got my money's worth. In fact, I'm sure that I'll listen to a few of the songs year-round.



4. I am not the biggest fan of certain types of music but This SCC CD was amazing. The song "The Night Before Christmas" is worth buying the whole CD for. I highly recommend it!



5. SCC does an incredible mix of great Christmas songs on his new CD--some of which are familiar, with new songs as well. His new hit about a child wanting a family for Christmas is very touching. What is especially neat is that there are a couple parts on the CD that are done by his young adopted daughters--the first being the Christmas story read by one of them, and lastly, singing "We wish you a Merry Christmas" as the final cut (especially sweet!)
   
   This is a treat that should be tucked into everyone's stocking. Steven Curtis Chapman is such a gifted singer and songwriter who truly helps us understand the real meaning of Christmas.
   
   "And that's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown"
   (Linus)

No comments about Halloween Party Hits.

5 comments about The Gift.

1. This was the CD I had been looking for. Received in Excellent condition and in plenty of time to enjoy it for Christmas.



2. This is one of the best Christmas CD's that I have ever purchased. I just love it.



3. This cd is fantastic. I fell in love with "Mary Did You Know" and decided I simply must have the cd no matter what the other songs sounded like. It's a must have.



4. I have reordered this because my first copy was loaned out and never returned!This is without a doubt the best recording of "Mary did you know?" that I have ever listened too. It even gave my husband who is a pastor goosebumps! He even played it at our church Christmas program giving full credit to Kenny Rodgers! This album is incredible and I was so grateful to be able to obtain another copy!



5. I was very happy with the product and the service. Received as promised and in the condition as promised.

5 comments about Christmas with the Chipmunks.

1. I have this album still that I had as a child. Of course I don't have a record player so I decided to see if I could purchase this on a cd instead. When I received it in the mail, I noticed that this album had more songs on it than the original copy I have. The extras songs on them were alright but it wasn't the same as the original. Over all it was worth the money because I can play it whenever I want. I think I'll hunt for a record player to play the original.



2. Both my wife and I grew up with Alvin and the Chipmunks. I even had the original album in red vinyl. In anticipation of the movie (which was also good, by the way), we went a little nostalgic. No regrets. A fifty year trip back to Memory Lane made for a very nice Christmas present.



3. The only thing missing here is the ability to play it at 16RPM so that you can laugh at David Seville singing in "slo-mo".



4. This is a great Christmas CD and the Chipmunks did a great job! It has all the classical christmas songs that I enjoy listening during the holidays, including their classic hit - the Chipmunk Christmas song. However, the last track-the Chipmunk Song, i.e. an additional bonus track, does not really fit into the whole theme of the CD. The tune is kind of off key with the new add-ons and I was kind of disappointed. In comparison to the latest Chipmunk soundtrack of the 2007 movie however, they did a much better version of the Chipmunk song with a couple of remixes and they turned out to be very contemporary, upbeat; it truly shows the Chipmunks really have the groove and they continue to rock into the 21st century! Well, 24 songs out of 25 are good, so it is certainly worth it to get this CD.



5. I am so happy to have been able to purchase this item, i have not been able to play it because its a christmas gift. This DVD is a remake of a favorite childhood show of my youngest son who is now 34...........he will be delighted!!

5 comments about Halloween: Monster Mix.

1. I was lucky to find someone at work who had this. I was contemplating buying this and thought that I would giive it a listen first. I am so glad I did! A few songs and a bunch of sound effects that are neither scary or alarming. Chip Davis must have thought that this would would be good for something but I can't figure out what. The songs either have that drum machine sample beat played throughout the song just making it sound so synthetic and cheap. Like something played at the mall on a $50 casio keyboard. I am glad that I didn't waste my money on this and am telling you to be careful and do the same. I wonder if the double CD Halloween is any better at 23 songs over 2 discs than this at 16 tracks. I doubt it. This clocks in at just over 40 minutes, could not both discs been combined on one, we really don't need two different versions of this. It is neither scary, spooky, nor exciting but it is boring. You can find a way to spend 40 minutes better than this.



2. This CD was hyped as an excellent ,'Halloween Treat'.Well,I was one of the many who were 'Tricked' into buying this crappy CD.Listener Beware!Recycle it! Avoid It ! Nuff said.



3. Good seller. Item was shipped quickly. It was damaged, but the seller was willing to replace or refund.



4. Long Review:
   Considering the wonderfully fresh and innovative interpretations of traditional Christmas music that this Techno-Classical New Age ensemble has put out in the past couple of decades, the news that the Steamroller was coming out with an album of macabre Halloween ditties seemed diabolically delicious--a fresh kill for lovers of Halloween to feast on at last. Sadly, the children of the night still hunger.
   
   Either composer/arranger/band leader Chip Davis has lost his touch, or he simply is not in contact with the true "spirit" of Halloween. As every "body" knows, the music for celebrating All Hallows' Eve should be macabre, creepy, or dreary. Certain passages should even make your skin crawl or your spine tingle. However, even though some inspired spooky standards appear on this album--HALL OF THE MOUNTAIN KING and NIGHT ON BALD MOUNTAIN, to name a few--the fact is, most of Mr. Davis' arrangements are just too sweet, light, or downright cheery!
   
   In truth, this is just a rehash of the two-disc set released by the band's American Gramophone label the previous year. Because it has one less disc, it does have fewer songs and only a few of the sound FX offered on the first release, but most of the offerings are the same...with a few new tracks to try to hook those who purchased the first edition into yet again parting with their hard-earned green stuff. The reduction in the number of sound FX on this re-issue is actually a blessing, as Mr. Davis' computer-generated night noises are obviously created with a synthesizer and, frankly, just aren't that convincing nor are they particularly scary.
   
   Short Review:
   The reputation of Mannheim Steamroller and the cool jack-o'-lantern on the jacket art promise much more than this CD--either the first two-disc version or this one-disc rehash--actually delivers.



5. Ok, yes, most Halloween music is creepy and macabre. However, its kind of nice to have beautiful Halloween music for dinner and cocktails. Nobody ever said all Halloween music had to scare the heck out of you. Its actually All Hallows Eve - not "let's all be creepy" day.

5 comments about Home for Christmas.

1. This compilation of Christmas songs has some of the most wonderful holiday songs ever written. They range from Christmas classics as "Jingle Bell Rock" and "The Christmas Song" (the latter sung most soulfully by Mr. John Oates) to cover songs performed in the "rock & soul" manner that Hall and Oates became famous for. ("Christmas Must Be Tonight", "Children Go Where I Send Thee") My personal favorites are "The First Noel" and "O Holy Night"; they're sung with such soul and depth that I come close to crying whenever I hear them. This is one album that almost anybody can treasure during the holidays and throughout the wintertime.



2. This is not another promo of old stars singing old songs in an uninspired way just to get a buck at Christmas. This is the best Christmas CD I've purchased in years. It is fresh and inspired but is full of very beautiful Christmas arrangements as only Hall and Oats can accomplish. Daryl Hall & John Oats still have it and are only getting better! They have applied their unique blending of voices to their unique renditions to make you remember why you were originally a H & O fan. They make the songs seem new. My favorites are "Children Go Where I send Thee" and "Everyday Will Be Like A Holiday" but their all good.



3. The arrangements on this CD are great, and of course Daryl Hall's voice lends a very soulful feeling to "Jingle Bell Rock" and "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear". This album also contains one of the very best renditions of "Oh Holy Night" I've ever heard. Unfortunately, whoever produced or mixed the album decided to start the CD tracks in the middle of songs (after the instrumental intros, at the start of the vocals). This also means that each track ends with the intro to the next song, making each song hard to listen to individually. If you skip to your favorite track, you won't hear the start of it. So forget about using these tracks on your holiday mix CD - or was that the point of starting the tracks in the wrong places?



4. Enjoyable Christmas CD, with pattent Hall and Oats soul added. Best cut, their classic version of Jingle Bell Rock.



5. Daryl and John were very inspired when they worked on that album.
   I could count on a lot of good surprises when I bought HFC.
   First, the original tracks: "Home for Christmas" and "No child should ever cry on Christmas", they are very good! They can stand out among all those traditional ones, great work.
   I couldn't tell which are my favorite tracks, it's quite difficult, since they are all so good.
   John does an amazing job when singing "The Christmas song", his voice is perfect for it, completely soft, just like the song.
   "Children go where I send thee" allowed Daryl to show how his voice gets better with time, he's giving us his best, I'm sure.
   "Jingle Bell Rock" has found its best interpretation now (compared to the several ones it has), it's even better that the one Daryl and John recorded in the 80's.
   Believe it, this album is amazing!

5 comments about A Winter Garden: Five Songs For The Season.

1. This is great to have in addition to her classic "To Drive the Cold Winter Away" CD. This has slightly more "traditional" selections but they are flavored more heavily with the Loreena sound that has become so popular the world over. And for good reason. Even though this CD doesn't contain a large selection of songs, the ones that are on here are amazing. It feels like Loreena and the musicians that accompany her on this have spent years gearing up for this one release. ENJOY!!!



2. Albeit short, this album is a perfect companion piece to Loreena McKennitt's "To Drive the Cold Winter Away", a sparse, classic album of older Christmas /Solstice songs while this presents a shorter, very soothing and lush recording. Kind of like a glimpse into what a full length Christmas CD by McKennitt might sound like if she incorporated the sound she and her band have cultivated over the years. Every Christmas season we look forward to hearing these albums. There just seems to be so much commercial sounding holiday-overload tunes, obsessed with Jesus and forgetting that this time of year is based in an older tradition of the seasons changing and forgetting the wonder of a winter sky at sunset... Even Enya's few Christmas tunes last year (with the exception of the haunting "Christmas Secrets") seemed hollow. This however is a well-thought and expertly crafted EP. It is not long but the songs are quality. If you are a serious fan then you no doubt own this already but if you are interested in Loreena McKennitt or non-traditional Christmas/Solstice CDs then you can't beat this.



3. This woman can SING. This CD, rather short of course since it has only 5 songs, is a wonderful Christmas CD.
   
   Song 1, Conventry Carol, is my least favorite, but that may be because it is a depressing story which is being told about King Herod killing all the babies in Bethlehem.
   
   Song 2, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, is a good arrangement of the traditional Christmas song.
   
   Song 3, Good King Wenceslas, tells the story of the good king and how he helped a peasant on a cold day. It too is nicely sung.
   
   Song 4, Snow, is my favorite. I can imagine the snow falling as she sings this song. Archibald Lampman's lyrics are as good at imaging a snowy evening as Robert Frost's are in "Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening." "White are the far-off plains, and white the fading forests grow" is the first line of the song and it builds from there.
   
   Song 5, Seeds of Love, is a new one for me. I'm not sure it belongs on a Christmas CD as it talks about spring and summer, but of course, the reason for Christmas is love, so I'll let it be.



4. We bought our original copy of this album at a crafts fair, years ago. It quickly became a new favorite. My folks and I look forward to listening to this album all year long. It contains well loved favorites like "Good King Wenceslas," and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen." Yet Loreena McKennitt also sings two other hardly known favorites like "The Coventry Carol," and "Snow." Her rendition of "Seeds of Love," brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. I highly recommend that you add this to your holiday collection. You won't regret it one bit.



5. Being a relatively new McKennitt fan, I had high expectations of this mini-album, especially for God rest ye merry gentlemen (one of my alltime Christmas favorites). The album didn't disappoint, but didn't manage to really blow me away either. Perhaps it has to grow on me, or maybe I'm just spoiled rotten with "A celtic heartbeat Christmas" on the Celtic Heartbeat label.

5 comments about Christmas at the Brooklyn Tabernacle.

1. I ordered this CD and was not disappointed. Brooklyn Tabernacle always has high quality Christian music...but I ordered this CD for the song Happy Birthday Jesus. A very touching tribute to Jesus in honor of his birthday, and IT IS ALL SUNG BY CHILDREN!!!
   In the midst of the hustle and bustle, one child's voice says it all....Happy Birthday Jesus!!! You must hear this one song...it is a great tribute.



2. My wife and I had been searching for the song we heard on K-Love called "Happy Birthday, Jesus". It's sung by a little girl (beginning and end) with a backing choir in the main part of the selection. After enough Googling, we finally found it on this CD.
   
   Neither of us had even heard of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Mormon? Yes. Brooklyn? No. The other selections on the CD are enjoyable and soulful. Still, our favorite is "Happy Birthday, Jesus" with the little girl. Sure, some say it's sappy and most so-called "progressives" and "intellectuals" would write it off as emotional fluff. Fine, so be it. Everyone's entitled to an opinion. I however prefer to focus on the reason for the CHRISTmas season, and that sweet, innocent little girl in "Happy Birthday, Jesus" can make even a big, rough old guy like me tear up when I hear it.



3. The transition between the first two tracks speaks volumes about the quality of the engineering and production of this CD. In fact, the placement of the tracks on the album add to the overall experience of the this Christmas album.
   
   That being said, I will admit that the BTC has done better, but there is little to complain about with this CD; it achieves its purpose--it glorifies God and uplifts your spirit!
   
   Of course, there are complaints about "Happy Birthday, Jesus." How can this be? Oh, how cute! Yes, I purchased this CD primarily for this track. Despite the age of this CD (now over ten years), this single track remains on airplay.
   
   This CD is well worth the few dollars that are required. Buy it...you won't be disappointed!



4. IT'S A CLASSIC, EACH SONG IS PERFECTLY PERFORMED. I THINK THIS IS THE BEST CHRISTMAS CD I'VE HEARD. THE VOICES, THE CHORUS, THE MUSIC... SUPERB!



5. It is a wonderful CD! The music is fantastic. I love blended choral music and Brooklyn Tab fits the mode for me!
   
   Several songs I had not heard so it was a delight to hear new Christmas music.