5 comments about Let It Snow Baby... Let It Reindeer.

1. What a great CD! This CD is amazing in that Reliant K manages to be both a fresh AND nostalgic mix. Some of their songs make you reminesce fondly, some are thought-provoking theology, and others are just plain fun, or loud, or both. My kids and I love this CD. I hope you enjoy.



2. Fun and more fun on this music CD. Relient K is a super band who appeals to a wide range of ages. My household has ages from 7 to 65 and we ALL love this album.



3. I really enjoyed this CD. It makes me smile and gives me energy. I even played it into January because I didn't want to stop listening to it. The bonus song at the end of the CD really makes me laugh.



4. if you like Relient K, then you will LOVE this Christmas album! if you like great harmonies and music that is reminicient of the Beach Boys, then this band is for you! i listened this album to death this past christmas and shared lots of the songs off of it with friends during the holidays. My only disappointment was that in their awesome acapella version of "Auld Lang Syne", the band members started talking in the middle...otherwise, though, LOVE IT!



5. A GREEEEAAAAAAT CD! These guys are so talented and amazing. A very funny rendition of the 12 days of Christmas as well as some not so average Christmas season songs mixes things up and makes it a great addition to your Christmas music selection! I must have listened to it at least 10 times the first week I had it! :)

5 comments about Halloween Party Music.

1. This is not the best Halloween Party music, butI guess it's ok. I just don't think that you should buy this CD, you won't get your money's worth!



2. Not only are none of these the original recordings of the songs in question, but they aren't even decent remakes! The TIME WARP is an especially poorly butchered piece.



3. Ditto to what everyone else said. The songs are all remakes, (poor ones at that) and many of the songs on this CD do not belong on a halloween track. I wouldn't buy it if you are looking for a good Halloween CD. But it's decent if you like Disco.



4. First of all, these songs are all remakes, and not very good ones at that. Second, where did anyone get the idea that "Macho Man", "Let's Go Dancin'", and "Disco Inferno" are Halloween songs? All in all, I was very disappointed in this cd. Save your money- this is not worth it.



5. I bought this a couple years ago. Half the music on this CD has nothing to do with Halloween. Whatever happend to 'Thriller', 'Werewolves of London' and other timeless classics? They are not on this CD.

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 Jazz Piano Christmas.

1. Great music for dinner party or just background music while you are busy doing other things. Same old Christmas tunes with a jazzy flair that is really enjoyable. Never heard of Beegie Adair before, but plan to buy more of her great piano pieces.



2. This and the "Jingle Bell Swing" cds make an excellent playlist for a Christmas dinner party (which is what I used them for). Had many compliments about the music from the guests.



3. Excellent jazz piano CD of Christmas standards that are played in anything but a "standardized" fashion. It swings, it soothes and it's done with a lot of style and taste. If you dig jazz piano and Christmas tunes, you can't go wrong with this one.



4. Beegie's style and technique are so incredible, yet at the same time so relaxing to listen to ! I feel she is one of the rarest musical treasures to come out of the south in decades. My whole family loves her music....



5. I highly recommend this cd. Relaxing music to listen to during the holidays. You feel like sitting inside on a cold winter's night reading a book and listening to this.

5 comments about Dvorák: The String Quartets.

1. I have heard multiple recordings of these quartets, including the Chiligirian quartet, and selections by the Amadeus quartet, Hagen quartet, Melos quartet, Vlach quartet and Cleveland quartet. However, these renditions are (in my opinion) the most adherent to the Czech folk roots. I'm sure it helps that the ensemble is in fact Czech-for that reason they seem to have an edge over some of the other notable groups which have made recordings. Everyone has obviously heard the American quartet, but just as fine are quartets 10,11, 13 and 14 (as well as 7-9). I am less entranced by the early works, but they are not without their merit as well.
   Overall, the sound seems a bit better in this re-release than in the previous version available on CD. Not much better, but better. And at this price, it is an absolute steal. Highly recommended for lovers of chamber music, or Dvorak in general.



2. Wow! Great quartets played with real gusto and dynamism by the Prager String Quartet. The sound is incredibly crisp and clear. The performances are impeccable. You won't be disappointed!



3. Compaired to the Vlach on Naxos, this exelent recording left me a little cold. Where is all the emotion that these quartet's should have.



4. One of the best composers for chamber music together with Joseph Haydyn, I think. Thank you.



5. I must admit up front that when it comes to classic music, I prefer chamber music (any era or style). If you like chamber music, buy this set. If you are are curious about chamber music and Dvorak's work, buy a budget single CD of any Dvorak string quartets. When you've fallen in love with Dvorak's work --- and you will --- then buy this set.
   
   These are simply some of the finest string quartets ever written. Lyrical and inventive, they will make you understand why Brahms and Dvorak were such good friends and admired each other's work so much. There are other recordings out there of various quartets, particularly the late ones. But the value in having a complete set is that you get to hear the composer's development, and you get to hear infrequently played yet brilliant works. A good example is the Quartet No. 5, which is intense --- as full of bite as, say, "Death and the Maiden," yet as richly melodic as anything Dvorak ever wrote. The recording is clean and warm, the playing precise yet soulful. The set is now selling for about $12 more than I paid for it, but it's still a bargain. You will never regret having bought it.

4 comments about Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker (ballet suite)/Swan Lake (excerpts)/Sleeping Beauty Waltz/ Bernstein, NY Philharmonic.

1. This is the best composed music I've heard in my life. It is relaxing and enchanting. Everyone should listen to it, at least once in their lives.



2. Crisp and lively! This CD offered all my favorites from the Nutcracker Suite, Swan Lake along with Sleeping Beauty. What more could I ask? Sound quality is supurb!



3. I purchased this CD for my six year old grandaughter who was dancing in the local production of The Nutcracker for the second year, and she loved it. It contains the best pieces of the three ballets without being so long as to cause little listeners to lose interest, and is a good quality production as well. We enjoyed it throughout the Christmas season.



4. First let me say, I am a huge fan of Leonard Bernstein. I have some outstanding recordings of his that match no other. He has contributed greatly to keeping classical music alive and to my personal library as well. But I have to say that I have better recordings than these of the Nutcracker and Swan Lake. Overall, if you listen to this CD it's fine with some impressive sound that you get from a large tight orchestra such as the NYP (after all, Bernstein was the one who directed them to be as closely knit as they are). The overall interpretation is big and loud with swift movement through the pieces. I personally like the music to sound a bit more expressive and intimate. That's not to say that these lack any emotion. But they are slightly off in tempi and expression to my liking.
   
   For the Nutcracker, Karajan puts more depth into it and the orchestra is just as large. As for the Swan Lake, the interpretation by Wolfgang Sawallisch and the Philadelphia Orch. (EMI) is richer and brighter than this Bernstein recording. It also happens to be the complete work and not just the highlights which, now that I have heard it in its entirety, there is no reason to have highlighted excerpts which take away from this phenomenal work by Tchaikovsky. It happens to be a low budget CD which is just an added bonus. So if you really want the highlights version, burn the same pieces from the Bernstein excerpts and there you go! Sorry Lenny.

1 comments about Birthday of the World, Part 1: Rosh Hashanah.

1. This CD is volume 1 of a two-volume set (each sold separately -- volume 2 is for Yom Kippur). It was originally produced for Public Radio International in 1995, and not only features the voices of Western Wind Ensemble & Chorus, but also has guest cantors Alberto Mizrachi, Faith Steinsnyder Guerney, Jacob ben Zion Mendelson, and Charles Osborne. It's narrated by Leonard Nimoy, who is best known for playing Spock on Star Trek, but who also has a deep and abiding love for his Jewish heritage, which shines through in this performance. Together, this gathering of male and female voices is a feast for the soul.

   Unlike many Jewish holiday albums which come across as mere concerts, this one has the feel of a genuine Rosh Hashanah service. For one thing, it's done a capella, just as it would be on the holy day itself, when musical instruments are not used (except for the shofar, or ceremonial ram's horn, which is included on the CD). And it includes some of the longer prayers, such as the complete "Hineni" and "Ha Yom Harat Olam." (In consideration of those who feel the Name of God should not be pronounced except in real worship, the Name is rendered "Adomai", with an "M" instead of an "N.")

   Each liturgical piece is introduced by Nimoy, reading an inspirational script written by Rabbi Gerold Skolnik. These introductions set the proper mood and make the spirit of the service accessible even to those listeners who don't know any Hebrew. The narrations are recorded on separate tracks so, if you just want to listen to the music, you can program your CD player to skip the commentaries. (There's even a note on the back cover suggesting this possibility!) I really like that feature, because narrated albums do tend to get tedious after a while. This one lets you learn the lessons in the first few listenings, then skip them to just enjoy the music.

   The CD is over a hour long, and comes with notes on the meaning of each liturgical piece, as well as background info on the performers and composers. A wonderful way to prepare yourself for Rosh Hashanah, the Birthday of the World.

5 comments about Radio City Music Hall Presents Songs of Christmas.

1. In two words- absolutely beautiful! If this CD doesn't put you in the mood to string some beads and set up that special tree, nothing else will. There are songs for everyone, which is a great saving since all types of music are present. Even the great narative "One Solitary Life" is so impressive with the soft background of "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear", that it really lets you reflex on the true meaning of Christmas. A must have for any Christmas lover!



2. This is a good Christmas album to have. It has a jazzy and choral song that makes the Christmas show very special. Good listening for the entire family.



3. I am a dance teacher, and we have a performing group - Kickline.
   This CD had some great music that we could use for our Christmas Dance Performances!



4. This is one of my favorite Christmas CD's. It has a wonderful mix of soft and beautiful music as well as upbeat, peppy songs. The medleys they put together are perfectly orchestrated and very well-sung. It's a lot of fun to sing along with them! I can't help but sing and dance when I'm listening to this album. I think my favorite one is the Ringing of the Bells/Carol of the Bells medley. It is the single most beautiful version of "Carol of the Bells" that I have ever heard in my life. It's gorgeous! I even choreographed a dance to that piece, it inspired me so much.
   
   But the other songs are just as wonderful in their own ways. I love the "Christmas Is Coming" medley and the "New York Christmas" medley. "Sing a Little Song of Christmas" is fantastic, and I love the medley of Christmas classics. This is one CD that should thrill any Christmas lover. It's one of those albums that doesn't contain a single bad song!



5. The second year I went to Radio City Music Hall for their Christmas show, I was so thrilled to buy the "soundtrack" from their gift shop. When I came home, I could hardly wait to play it. I was shocked to see that it was recorded in ENGLAND, and NOT at Radio City Music Hall. The jacket was trumped to look like New York. The organs were DIFFERENT, the choir was that of The Stephen Hill Singers, and it was recorded in All Saints Church, Petersham, U.K.. The Orchestra was the U.K. Symphony conducted by Harry Rabinowitz,O.B., and remixed at Twickenham Music Studios, U.K..
   So next time you're wanting to get a copy of the EXACT musical production you heard in New York's Radio City Music Hall, look in the disc to be SURE where it was recorded.

5 comments about Christmas... From the Realm of Glory.

1. I was looking forward to getting some NEW Christmas music this year and Bebo did not disappoint. A great selection of original songs and well known carols given his own rich but understated vocal treatment with a worshipful undertone that's just right.



2. This is one of this year's best Christmas albums, a worthy addition to anyone's holiday collection. Bebo's voice is in fine form and the selection of songs is perfect.



3. I love Bebo Norman's music, and my wife and I love Christmas music - so when I saw that Bebo came out with a full Christmas album, I had to get it for her. We definitely enjoyed listening through the album, there are a few songs that we liked better than others, but overall it is a great Christmas album and a pretty good Bebo album. Wouldn't mind seeing another Christmas release from him in the future. Song number 9, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas is probably the best song on the album in our opinion.



4. I was looking for a Christmas album that had both the classics and also some new songs. This CD was just what I wanted. Bebo sings with an authentic voice that touches the heart. We listened to the CD more than any other this Christmas. It is wonderful.



5. FINALLY, A CHRISTMAS CD FROM BEBO NORMAN....UNLIKE ANYTHING YOU MAY HAVE EXPERIENCED FROM OTHER ARTISTS....NOT THE TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS MUSIC, AN AMAZING ADDITION TO MY BEBO LIBRARY.

5 comments about Trans-Siberian Orchestra Christmas Piano.

1. I purchased this for my wife as she loves this music. I must admit that I enjoy it too.



2. This piece is performed by some "tribute" group, not the actual TSO. I cannot believe Amazon charges $0.89 for a track from some high-school-caliber piano players!!!! Watch out for "tributes" and "karaoke" versions of songs, they are ALL OVER the Amazon song download site. In fact, even songs by the original artists are sometimes remakes or non-standard versions. It's hard to even find an actual song by an actual artist with the familiar radio cut. BEWARE!



3. It makes no sense to release this unless you're an average piano player who wants to see just how gullable the public is. Don't waste your time or money.



4. The only people who should be allowed to play Trans-Siberian Orchestra music are those in the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.



5. This entire CD is beautifully arranged, performed, and mixed. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a stylish ageless mix of holiday music for your Christmas wedding, party, or event! You can't do better than this! It's oustanding!