5 comments about Happy Holidays With Bing & Frank.

1. I am sitting here in the living room next to the Christmas tree and with my family watching this video (we just hit repeat, so this is the second time around). It is wonderful. My six year old loves it (we've made him a big Frank fan over the years). It makes me yearn for these simpler times and evokes a wonderful warmth of the holidays. If you like Frank and/or Bing you need this video. I haven't seen the extras so I can't comment on those...just the half hour show is worth $10.



2. This was an entertaining dvd. I especially liked the period decor and the interaction between Frank and Bing. These guys were icons in their time, and they sang excellent together.



3. the film type was older and not as enjoyable. it was just the 2 of them enjoying an evening, it was a very short dvd,Shipped as promised.



4. I was looking for old Christmas specials, and I ordered this, not really knowing what I would get. What a wonderful surprise! My children absolutely adored this special, which features Bing Crosby as a dinner guest being entertained by Frank Sinatra. There's a bit of a time travel sequence back to Merry Old England as well. This made for a delightful veiwing one evening over the holidays.



5. What can I say...a short 30 minute show (then there is another bonus feature on the disk which adds more to the viewing minutes). Great music, very easy listening. I enjoyed this DVD, I think you would too!

5 comments about This Time of Year.

1. CHRISTMAS ALBUMS JUST DON'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS. OF ALL THE CHRISTMAS ALBUMS I HAVE--THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST ORIGINAL AND BEST. CAN YOU IMAGINE ANYONE ELSE DOING THESE SONGS [LIKE "THIS TIME OF YEAR" "THE MERRIEST" "CHRISTMAS HEART" AND THE OTHER SONGS ON THIS ALBUM] OTHER THAN THE LATE AND GREAT JUNE CHRISTY



2. Does the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season make you more than a little blue? Have you decked the halls and trimmed the tree yet still don't feel the warm glow of the holidays? Do all the incessantly cheerful carols and timeworn standards make you want to pull your hair out this time of year? If so, then June Christy's 1961 holiday album should be just the gift you never knew you wanted!
   
   I've been a fan of June's for quite some time now, and when I read that Collectors' Choice Music was re-issuing "This Time of Year," I immediately ordered a copy. My only familiarity with the album was her hit song, "The Merriest" which was included on some other Christmas compilation CD I already owned. I knew nothing of the other songs - production style, lyrical content, vocal styling - and was a bit worried about the lack of traditional fare on "This Time of Year." Would I dig a seemingly non-holiday Christmas album? The short answer to that question is a resounding "YES!" Despite the omissions of "White Christmas" and "Winter Wonderland," among other holiday chestnuts, "This Time of Year" sparkles with the spirit of the season in such songs as "The Little Star," "Hang Them on the Tree," and "The Merriest." June's voice echoes the sentiments that the holidays are not the same wonderful occasion for everyone and provides the flip side to each beloved Bing Crosby, Nat "King" Cole, and Dean Martin carol piped incessantly throughout shopping malls from Thanksgiving till December 24th!
   
   June sums up the theme of "This Time of Year" on the final track, "Winter's Got Spring Up its Sleeve," when she sings:
   
   "So the season makes you sad and sentimental/Memories it brings to mind are things you'd rather leave behind."
   
   "This Time of Year" has something for everybody and if you're like me and often find something lacking in the celebration of the holidays, do yourself a favor and buy this album. Give it an honest listen and I can all but guarantee June's voice will win you over with songs of her sometimes joyous, sometimes melancholy Christmas.
   
   Isn't it nice to know you're not the only one who feels a little blue this time of year?



3. It was great to finally see some of the old great recordings come out on cd now. Being a collector of holiday music, & a fan of Christy's, had me jump at the purchase of this disc. Nice to have refreshing & origional holiday songs instead of the same ones year after year. I had several of these songs on about 6 different cd's, but to have them all together on one is great. Hopefully more of this style of great music will be re-released in the future? You can't go wrong with this one.



4. This CD from 1961 was apparently so different when it was released that it went by without much fanfare. However, this Collectors' Choice reissue of the Capitol LP has gotten better with age. The concept of recording NEW songs written specifically for the project rather than a collection of standards was ahead of its time, but is certainly welcome to revisit 46 years later. The songs deal with feelings people have at holiday time and good wishes. It accents blue feelings that Christmas can generate as we think of things lost and people gone from our lives. "Seven Shades of Snow" is a fascinating song with a lovely arrangement with a cello that adds lovely depth and flutes that trill, "When the lights come on I see snow red as the holly & snow green as a pine tree, Everyone I meet wears a smile just for a little while." "The Merriest" is a delightful uptempo jazz swing track, "Friends for the loners, a song for the singers, grins for the groaners." The opener "Christmas Heart" is a gorgeous track with Christy's vocals oozing sweet sincerity, "For Christmas I would like to give a friend to every lonely heart, a peaceful country stream to the folks afraid to dream, that would be a start." This set bubbles with creativity and is well worth discovering for those looking to celebrate with variety in holiday music. Enjoy!



5. Having discovered June Christy only a year or so after she passed away in the early 90's, and having had so many holiday albums and CD's over the years, this one has to be the best. For those who long for a non-religious holiday album with sharp arrangements, witty lyrics, and superb singing need look no further! I can't remember a holiday album with all the "stars aligned" from conception through rendition. The vocal stylizings of June Christy, probably too difficult for many other vocalists to emulate, save perhaps Sarah Vaughan or Keely Smith, explains why others simply haven't tried to re-create this wonderful ode to the sophisticated holiday season.

5 comments about A Festival Of Carols / Robert Shaw Chorale.

1. I bought this cd long ago, and have enjoyed it immensely each year. It is the perfect blend of celebration and meditation. Orchestra and choir combine in four distinct groupings, and a capella arrangements complete the masterful collection. The orchestral arrangements will make the hairs on your neck stand up, and your stomach quiver with all the excitement you ever felt as a child at Christmas. Adeste Fidelis is performed as few other ensembles have ever come close. The a capella arrangements will all, without exception, be on your yearly list of must-hear holiday arrangements. Truly a top list Christmas CD, essential for every family who celebrates this feast.



2. This recording seems to elicit universal and heartfelt praise. Who am I to dispute that? The performance is terrific, just as described by the other Amazon reviewers, no doubt about it.
   
   However, I do have one bone to pick with this recording. There just isn't enough of it. With material as good as this, that is a real loss!



3. If you love traditional Christmas music, done in traditional style (i.e., no rock or jazz influence), this CD is for you. The Robert Shaw Chorale, the "gold standard" of quality choral music, sings much loved carols, with some lesser-known pieces as well. Some are a cappella; some include a full orchestral accompaniment. My favorites on this CD are "We Three Kings," "Bring a Torch, Jeannette Isabella," and "I Saw Three Ships."



4. Wow--I got goosebumps all the way through this CD. This is an absolutely beautiful recording of timeless Christmas music. Well worth the money.



5. This collection of carols by R. Shaw one of the best I have had the pleasure of experiencing. It is truely a joy.

4 comments about Christmas: Winter Nights.

1. What!! A Christmas album by DiMeola!!

   I must admit I was a bit sceptical at first because so many Jazz/Fusion artist have made overly sweet and sentimental Christmas albums, but of course I shouldn't have doupted the master, this album is really good.

   Al playes acoustic guitars on the album along with percussion, keyboards and a multi string harp Herman Romero plays additional guitar and percussion and then there is a player from Ukraine, Roman Hrynkiv who playes an ukrainian instrument called Bandura which is a plucked string instrument with a bright sound which fits this music wery well.

   The music is a mix of well known Christmas songs and new compositions by DiMeola, there is of course a Christmas feel to the album but it's all in great taste and underneath the calm surface Al is burning.

   I'm going to give the c.d a rest for now but come December this c.d. is going to be played a lot. This Christmas is definitely going to be fun, musicaly speaking at least.




2. I bought this CD after hearing a Christmas track played over the radio. It is absolutely fabulous. Winter nights includes some seasonal tracks as well as eclectic choices - the arrangements are wonderful. Check out his version of the beautiful Peter Gabriel ballad "Mercy Street ". Done as an instrumental in Dimeolas style it fits perfectly with the winter theme of this CD. Don't just save it for the holidays - select the great non seasonal tracks for any gathering.



3. What a challenge ? Conceptualize the beauty and spirit of cold winter nights. Well to my ear, these instrumental interpretations distill that chill in the air and render a meaning from the twinkling stars.Eight songs are original, five imaginary revisions of seasonal standards, and two inclusions of popular pop tunes stripped of vocals yet bellowing like the changing wind. The talented trio of artists creative echoing of a fresh blanket of snow and the darkness of night upon melody, their quite complexity between percussion and other playables,and their use of todays mixing techno all combine to answer. .... Post Script~ Great background seasonal drumel and even better headphone dozing.buyit...save it...



4. I first encountered Al Di Meola as the lightning-fingered guitarist for the fusion group Return to Forever and later on solo albums like ELEGANT GYPSY and SPLENDIDO HOTEL. But on WINTER NIGHTS, he is in a more subdued mood. Many of the tracks feature Ukrainian musician Roman Hrynkiv on bandura, a folk instrument similar to a lute. The two perform together to marvelous effect like on the Di Meola original "Zima" and the more traditional "The First Noel." In addition, Hrynkiv plays solo on several shorter pieces ("Winterlude No. 2, 3 and 4"). With only a scattering of recognizable Christmas songs, you can enjoy this album year 'round. [Running Time - 51:25] HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

5 comments about Just Can't Get Enough: New Wave Halloween.

1. This is one of two Halloween cds I keep in my car year round. Sometimes when you're coming home after a hard day or just driving around on a beautiful day, there's nothing better than rolling down the windows and blasting this disc.
   
   It's not as thematically relevant as Halloween Hootenany (my favorite Halloween cd!) but it's definately a great runner-up.
   I wouldn't say all the tunes are "New Wave". I prefer to think the title referes more to it being a new wave of Halloween music instead of the type of music on it. If you're looking for something with more to offer than the standard Ghostbusters/Thriller/Bad Moon Rising/Etc compilations, this is your ticket.



2. the first track is just fine. "time warp" i must say if you want that track get the rocky horror picture show sound track or the rocky horror show original london cast.now as for this cd for the most part it is just
   a lot of filler and a god awful cover the price is $11.98 at that price
   i think you might as well just thow it out the car window.



3. Anyone who enjoys the Halloween season, and if you are really into it you know it begins on September 1st and doesn't let up till sometime on November 1st when you get the time to take down your dozens of decorations...this one is for you. Of course it's edgy you know with the New Wave title, and for fans like me who were searching for alternative Halloween rock that caters to a mainly hard rock/alternative, punk, whatever other label fits, and new wave audience. If all that appeals or has a feel for you, then you will have a great time like me listening to these on a daily basis for a couple months.
   
   This one along with a standards CD which would include the song "Monster Mash" etc.. and the excellent by Rob Zombie and co. called "Halloween Hootenany" make an excellent accompanyment to a thrilling, chilling holiday. Being in the Midwest, or in my case the Cental (Central...I need to figure out how to edit that boo-boo!) U.S. and the changing of the season's makes it all the more fun. Watching scary movies from the 80's and listening to this music is the most fun you can have in the fall by far!



4. I ordered the cd 2 days express and 2 days later Amazon sent me an email saying it was going to be delievered late! I ruined my Halloween Party!
   I was so dissapointed! The CD is great the service was horrible!



5. This CD has Halloween music that I have not found elsewhere. As a matter of fact, some of the songs on this CD are now my top favorites!
   The best songs on this CD are:
   Every Day is Halloween
   Dead Man's Party
   Pet Semetary
   Time Warp (of course.. but you will probably find this on many halloween CDs)
   
   Some of the songs called Halloween were so bad I didn't include them in my playlist for my party.
   
   
   But all told, the great songs on the CD are GREAT so it is worth it if you want cool music for your party, or if you just love Halloween music!

5 comments about Hear Something Country Christmas 2007.

1. The product is fabulous and the delivery was excellent and it arrived in time to play before Christmas.



2. There's a variety of styles and artists here, all pleasing renditions of your Christmas favorites, from cute to spiritual. I would have preferred a song other than "Merry Christmas from the Family," however, which is too silly for the rest of this collection. I like Kellie Pickler's rendition of "Santa Baby" better than Marilyn Monroe's! Alan Jackson's "Let it be Christmas" is one of the best!



3. This CD has some old recordings on it that sound ok. It's the new recordings that make a difference. Carrie Underwood and Kelly Pickler sound great!



4. This is a fantastic collection of country Christmas songs; it's one of my new favorites.



5. one of the best country christmas albums to be released in the past few years very enjoyable to listen to

5 comments about Greatest Christmas Songs.

1. I've been in love with Perry Como since I was teeny tiny and I'm still in love with him today. This CD of Christmas songs is beautiful. My only complaint is...it's too short! Not enough songs on it! So, I'll be adding more PC to my crooner collection anyway. This CD is a beautiful addition to my Christmas collection. I can picture this heart breaker singing each and every song directly to me. He always seems to be smiling when he sings and you can hear him smile! His voice has never been copied by anyone because it's impossible to do. Someone like this only comes along once in a lifetime. I'm glad it was mine!



2. Thanks for the quick arrival. Bought this for my mother for xmas, she had to have it. Also, it was in excellent condition. Highly recommend this cd, has all the classics on it!



3. Our family loves this Christmas cd! Perry Como's voice is smooth and melodious! We like it so much we bought two more for our mothers for Christmas!



4. A bountiful collection of Christmas favorites. Though the arrangements are uninspired, there's no denying the creaminess of Mr. C.'s voice. Sure to be favorite for those who grew up with this gentlemanly entertainer.



5. Perry Como's smooth voice and talent shine on this album. Great for Christmas parties or just for listening. I highly recommend this album. A talent not to be replaced.

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)

5 comments about The Best of Aaron Neville - The Christmas Collection: 20th Century Masters.

1. I bought this as a gift and the person who received it, loves it. Great value.



2. Great sounds - played it thru out the holiday season. Can't wait for next year so I can play it again. I have several of Aaron's CDs & love them all.



3. This is the best Christmas CD ever. Aaron Nevelle's beautiful voice makes all the classics seem fresh. Next year, I'm buying these CDs for friends.



4. I love this collection of Christmas songs by Aaron Neville. He is one of my favorite singers and his rendition of Ava Maria is beautiful.



5. What can I say.....two of my alltime favorites, Christmas music and Aaron Neville. His amazing voice and unique arrangements are always a treat. "Please Come Home for Christmas" and "Louisiana Christmas Day" are "Such a Night" are favorites. Rev up your Christmas spirit with Aaron's amazing voice! I'm treating myself to his other Christmas CD next year.....the heck with waiting for Santa!!

5 comments about A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols.

1. Do yourself a favor and buy this CD - even if you don't think you like Christmas music. People stand in line for hours to hear the Choir of King's College's annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, and when you hear this recording, you will understand why. Rarely does a choir sound quite as pure, smooth, and "together" as they do on this recording. The selection of music is wonderful. You get a few traditional favorites like "O Come All Ye Faithful", recorded live with the choir and the congregation singing along (I thought this would annoy me but it really doesn't - it only makes me feel the spirit of the ceremony even more). You also get plenty of wonderful choir-only pieces that you've probably never heard before unless you're a big cathedral music enthusiast. It all begins, of course, with a single choirboy singing the first verse of "Once in Royal David's City". It's impossible for me to pick an absolute favorite from this recording. I find "The Fayrfax Carol" by Thomas Ades to be particularly haunting and beautiful. Vaughan Williams' "The Truth from Above" is also very, very lovely. And how could you not enjoy "Up! Good Christen folk, and listen"? There is also Ord's short, but beautiful, "Adam lay ybounden". I like all of these pieces in and of themselves, but I think having them sung so expertly and sweetly by the choir makes me like them even more.

   To top it all off, you get about 20 minutes worth of readings and prayers recorded live at the service, interspersed among all of the music. I suppose this could be seen as the recording's only drawback (people talking), but I think it makes the recording much more authentic as a representation of the world-famous service. The readings make the recording more than just a musical experience, but a complete Christmas experience - which is what the ceremony is supposed to be. Besides, if you really hate the talking, that's what the skip button is for.

   Go ahead and buy this -- you'll be very glad you did.




2. A holiday classic. It has been a tradtion in our family for years. This is the first time I've seen it available on CD. I would highly recommend it to anyone.



3. A DIVINE DISC FOR THE DEVOUT!
   
   Listening to this one and one-half hour recording is one way to experience the meaning of Christmas. It must be a joy for those who can attend such a service as the "Festival of nine-lessons and carols". To hear the beautiful voices of the King's College Choir and their marvelous organist, Benjamin Bayl. This is all under the direction of Stephen Cleobury, and provides a treat for music lovers everywhere. The carols are related directly to the scripture readings that tell the Christmas Story in its entirety, all read skillfully by various people involved in the program. They are not lengthy, but quite to the point. The related carols are varied as to composer and mood, running the gamut from the traditional to the more recent such as : 'The Truth from above'(Vaughan Williams)-'Illuminare,Jerusalem' (Judith Weir)- and 'The Lamb' (John Tavener). The soloists include:Edward Moore (treble)-Thomas Bullard (baritone)-Adrian Kelly (tenor)-Edward Harries (treble)-and Julian Perkins (baritone). All sang well as did the entire choir. The English sound, that is boy sopranos and male altos, appeal to me personally and show up very well in this particular group. It's all quite emotional and very moving, especially to those who celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday. I've had this disc for several years, and would not think of celebrating Christmas without listening to it several times during the season.



4. A great experience combining Christmas carols with the reading of Holy Scripture (the lessons). It's a beautiful Christmas worship service in the Anglican tradition. I highly recommend it.
   
   In our age when thing change so fast, it's good to know that some great traditions continue. This recording is one of them.



5. This is familiar, traditional Christmas music, very well-crafted and performed in the Anglican style of hymnody. One of the best ever Christmas albums.