5 comments about A French Christmas.

1. Beautifully sung and nicely arranged ... her new Hispanic Christmas CD is just as good.



2. CD just arrived and played it to listen. I am fluent in four languages including French. This recording is great. She has a crisp and strong voice, lending meaning to the words of the song.
   The instruments are arranged in a way that they don't drown out the singer, yet the clarity of each instrument can be heard very well. Very nice album even if you don't understand French. This album really puts you in the seasonal mood. John P.



3. I am a little disappointed because I was hoping to get something more contemporary, jazz, or easy listening type Christmas recording. This is still good for French lovers and people who want to learn French, but it's not as fun or exciting as I would have wanted it to be.



4. This CD is by far the most enjoyable musical experience in a foreign language that I've found here on Amazon. I've had the CD for over a year and it's always one that you can listen to again and again to put you in the holiday spirit whether you understand French or not. I've been a student of French for several years now and the lyrics help you to sing along or just to read thru them. This is also a great way to mix the French songs with your holiday playlists on your MP3 player and get an "international" feeling during the Xmas holiday.



5. Has all the traditional Christmas songs of childhood along with some new ones.She has a lovely,calming voice.

5 comments about Garth Brooks and The Magic of Christmas.

1. This CD proves once and for all that there is no level to which Garth Brooks won't stoop to make a buck. Do yourself a favor and give the money you would spend on this CD to some charity to help brighten up Christmas for someone who really needs it.



2. Easy listening, great music. I sugget you buy it because I love it.



3. Being a Garth nut who LOVES the first Christmas Album, "Beyond the Season", I was thrilled to hear that Garth had a new Christmas album. I rushed out and bought it and OH MY GOD, what an AWFUL album. I was SO dissapointed! The new stuff on this album doesn't gel. Garth's country voice doesn't mesh well with the Big Band sound of these songs. It sounds like he "called it in". Also, he has RECYLED and rearranged many of the songs from the first Christmas album, "Beyond The Season". This album was a big dissapointment even for a BIG Garth Nut like me!



4. gARTH bROOKS HAS PROVEN HE WAS IN COUNTRY MUSIC JUSTG FOR THE MONEY.I SAID YEARS AGO THE INDUSTRY WOULD PUSH THE HELL OUT OF THIS NO TALENTED SOB THEN HE WOULD BE GONE. NOW THIS ALBUM AND HIS FAILED WAL-MART DEAL SHOWS HE WAS ALWAYS A FAKE. NOTHING BUT A FAT LOP OF YOU KNOW WHAT. BY THE WAY, WHY IS HE SO SKINNY ON HIS ALBUM COVER? WE ALL KNOW HIS FAT AS PIG



5. My wife and I bought this cd when it was first released and fell in love with it. This CD has a very cheerful Christmas spirit and is very well done. Although Garth is a country artist this CD would be appreciated by all music lovers.

5 comments about Christmas with the Beach Boys.

1. Simply put - you need to have some modern Christmas music, so as not to get overwhelmed with Bing Crosby and the sort. This is one of the rock genre must-haves, although also included are traditional tunes with beautiful harmonies. I know you remember "Little Saint Nick" but wait till you hear the humorous "Santa's Beard". It's another modern Christmas classic. We drove around last year looking at lights with my sister-in-law and her 5 year old son (both new to this music) and they were enthralled with The Beach Boys!
   Add Phil Spector's Christmas Album and some Chuck Berry ("Run Run Rudolph") and Elvis and Eartha Kitt ("Santa Baby") and you can make it through December.



2. great harmonies on a varied selection on Holiday tunes. Not just the same dozen overdone by so many artists.



3. If you love the beach boys these are great songs. Has songs that are not all traditional. Even my teenagers liked it and they are not big on older music.



4. This CD is a terrific one! Everyone, including my 3 year old, really enjoyed listening to it and it really got us in the spirit of things!



5. This album sounds unusually in comparison to some other Christmas albums showing Beach Boys A Capela famous sound. I would suggest this album to every BB fan.

2 comments about Birthday of the World, Part 2: Yom Kippur.

1. This CD is volume 2 of a two-volume set (each sold separately -- volume 1 is for Rosh Hashanah). It was originally produced for Public Radio International in 1996, a year after the broadcast of the Rosh Hashanah album, and it features the same performers (with both male and female voices).

   The music is done a capella, just as it would be on Yom Kippur itself. (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.") From the opening with a soulfelt "Kol Nidre" to the closing shofar blast, this is a liturgical CD that will open your heart to God. I especially liked the Sephardic version of "Chatanu lefanecha", as well as the more familiar versions of "Ki Anu Amecha" and Avinu Malenu."

   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 the next time around, you can program your CD player to skip the commentaries. The CD comes with photos and notes on the various cantors, the meaning of each liturgical piece, and background info on the composers. Together, the two "Birthday of the World" albums make a fine set for the High Holy Day season.




2. I know the soprano Mary Ellen Callahan who sings in the W.W. Chorus with the cantors-- she has a voice straight from heaven, and it comes through in the few solos she has. From the cantors, Mizrachi and Gurney win the prize, but all the cantors have soul-stirring voices. If you are looking for ancient-sounding exotica, however, be aware that most of the arrangements on this CD are 19th century ones and thus may sound a little "churchy." Nevertheless, there is endless beauty on this CD. The only bad thing, in my opinion, is Leonard Nimoy's incredibly annoying interruption of every other song with Rabbi Skolnik's commentary-- that commentary should be in the program notes, not the CD! But if you just want to listen to the music, program your stereo for the even numbers tracks (as the back of the CD also advises). If it weren't for that, I'd give 5 stars. Avinu Malkeinu will knock you to the ground, it is unbelievably done, and only a few minutes long at that.

5 comments about Nick At Nite: A Classic Cartoon Christmas, Too.

1. For some reason, my previous review was posted as though I had not actually purchased the CD. I did.

   I bought it for the two songs (Heat Miser/Snow Miser).

   I hated all the other songs.




2. This CD is cute and fun, has a lot of Classics from Christmas specials and movies! My favorites are the songs from The Year Without A Santa Claus, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus is Coming To Town, and Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol. I rate it a 5 for how fun and lively this CD is, it is just filled with silly Christmas fun that is great for both children and adults!



3. The first album was spectacular. The Miser songs, First Toy Maker, and Silver and gold were Classics but some of the others I haven't heard in my lifetime and I have been watching since Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer came out in when I was one. Gave it a generous 3 since I enjoyed half of the album.



4. I love Christmas music and I love that this CD put out by the Nick at Nite people has songs from the Christmas specials I watched when I was little. I think every song is wonderful but I especially like the Snow Miser and Heat Miser songs and I very highly recommend this wonderful CD which is just as great as the first ick A Nite Christmas CD!



5. I got this CD because it features the cult favorites "Heat Miser" and "Snow Miser" from A Year Without a Santa Claus. There are some other good songs from the classic Christmas cartoons Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol. But I hardly think that Ren & Stimpy, Madeline and The Beginner's Bible can be considered "classic Christmas cartoons" (although I like Ren & Stimpy). And with a 22 minutes running time, this CD is way too short. But it's still worth getting just for "Heat Miser" and "Snow Miser".

No comments about Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker (Complete); Swan Lake Suite.

5 comments about Christmas Cookies.

1. This CD is fantastic. I love the Christmas Cookies song, and Uncle Luther Made the Stuffing is hilariously true. Of course, I am a long time fan of the Oaks, but they sound so good together even a newcomer would find themselves listening repeatedly.



2. The Oak Ridge Boys really know how to warm the heart. Over 15 years ago I had one of their Christmas cassettes and made copies for our girls. Over time the tapes wore out and each year the girls would sing those songs from memory and recall how great that music was. Everyone thought back to those trips to the grandparents each year listening to those heartwarming tunes. I was able to recreate those memories through Amazon and obtain that "old" music on CD, AND got thier latest Christmas works this past Christmas, now life for our kids who are now grown up may enjoy those "new" memories for many more Christmases to come ! Thanks Amazon ! Larry G. (Georgia)



3. I wanted this cd after hearing "Uncle Luther Made the Stuffing" on radio. It is such a cute song. The other songs are a good mix of traditional and original. The Oaks do a great job on everything they sing. Love it!



4. I ordered this CD because of the song Christmas Cookies but was delighted with all the songs on the album. It will be one we listen to at holidays in the future. I think anyone listing to the song Christmas Cookies can relate to it. I was also surprised to find a recipe included for Jan's Chocolate and Peanut Butter Chip Cookies. Will be trying it soon. Add this CD to your Christmas listening.



5. The Oak Ridge Boys continue to get better and better and this Christmas CD shows they've still got it! There are some traditional Christmas carols and lots of new songs. The harmony is wonderful and there are solos from each of them. It's February and I'm still playing it in my car!

5 comments about Christmas.

1. Great Christmas album. Also highly recommend his instrumental album Freedom. It's one of my all-time favorite recordings.



2. Spectacular. Still.
   I look forward to listening to this CD every Christmas season and it hasn't let me down yet. It stands virtually unparalleled for its scope and sequence.
   In a clear departure from his previous Contemporary Christian sound, which itself had been ratcheted up a notch with _The Big Picture_ and _i2eye_, Smith delivers a thoughtful, introspective, and diverse set of songs--majestic one moment, intimate the next. He steps aside and lets his arranging and songwriting do the work: choral, instrumental, duet--it's all here.
   The choral "Overture" is a grand affair, "Lux Venit"continues that choral feel (with gorgeous lyrics), "Anthem for Christmas" is, well, "anthemic." "First Snowfall" is a beautiful instrumental piano piece that recalls some of his earlier instrumental numbers. "Christ the Messiah" returns to the epic sound from the first couple of tracks, "No Eye Had Seen" is a duet with Amy Grant that previews "All is Well," a stunning boy's choir number with an equally stunning solo by one of the choir's members. It is simply chilling (in a good way). Another instrumental medley of carols shows Smith's composing and arranging skills, "Gloria" confirms those arranging skills, with a take on "Angels We Have Heard on High." The disc concludes with quite possibly the most striking song on the CD: "Silent Night." It is a stunningly simple arrangement, brief, not cluttered up with sappy vocals or the cliched lyrics.. Smith brings out the profound simplicity of the season with this solo piano arrangement, brief though it is. Longer and/or louder would have been too much--it is the perfect closing to a near-perfect effort.
   It just doesn't get any better than this for Christmas CDs, and only two or three others are in the conversation for me.



3. An excellent CD that captures the feeling of adoration that should be present during every Christmas season. Very estimulating arrangements make of this album one of fresh celebration that you will cherish for years to come. If you're looking for the obvious, you won't find it here (rudolph, chestnuts, let it snow - thank God!) but you will certainly be propelled into a reflective, delectably worshipful time... much like Christmas should always be!



4. I like my Michael W. Smith "Christmas" CD. In fact, I also have his "Christmastime" CD, which I forgot to mention by name. Michael W. Smith is one of my favorite Christian artists. I want to thank the seller and amazon.com.



5. The BEST music! I listen to it all the time; just not during Christmas. The message is timeless.

5 comments about THE IRISH TENORS: Home for Christmas.

1. This collection goes straight to your heart. It's their voices, their song selections, and most of all their enthusiasm and heart that makes this albumn shine. I listen to it over and over and it still is fresh each time. The best Xmas singing ever as far as I am concerned!



2. I first videotaped the "Live from Belfast" performance on PBS.I don't know how many times I have watched it. Then I bought the CD (as well as the "Live from Dublin" CD and video), thinking it would have a song book, but it didn't. That is the only thing I could wish for. I am delighted to find the "Home for Christmas" CD, as I have been told by two different sources that it is unavailable.As someone else expressed, I am glad Finbar Wright was given a chance, even though I am sorry for the occasion that made it possible. I am of Irish descent, and their songs (and especially their interpretations) touched me deeply. I would also like to see a list of other recordings, especially of Anthony Kearns. Pavarotti and Bocelli are the only tenors I might rank as equals with Anthony for ability, pure beauty of tone, and control. I have tried repeatedly to access their web site, but it is unavailable.



3. Like millions of others I discovered the Irish Tenors through PBS. I promptly began looking for anything else by these wonderful performers and found this Cd. The music is soul-satisfying as the Christmas music is all sacred (the closest to secular is "Good King Wenceslas"). The arrangements are in turn glorious, tender, and sweet. "Suo Gan" by McDermott, ''Sweet Little Jesus Boy" and "The Wexford Carol" by Kearns are highlights. Of the ensemble pieces, "Silent Night" and "Joy to the World" stand out. But the crowning selection is "The Holy City." We are wearing the album out and it's only May. We'll have to have another copy for Christmas!



4. I have the CD and the tape of this item and I have also seen the Concert twice.TWICE !! The most amazing part of it is when Anthony sings his LITTLE JESUS BOY. When I went to the concert the first time I wasn't really prepared for the effect that song would have on me. On the CD & tape he sings with a Choral Group to back him up. EXCEPT FOR THE FIRST LINES OF THAT SONG !!!!!.

   IT IS ONLY HIS VOICE WE HEAR, AND WHAT A VOICE !!! But at the live shows, he does the same thing, but without the music, and the effect it has IS LIKE A PHYSICAL BLOW TO THE SENCES. I think every one in the place just held our breath until he was finished. IT'S THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SOUND THAT EVER CAME FROM THE MOUTH OF ANY SINGER I HAVE EVER HEARD. I play that one number over and over just to hear ANTHONY'S VOICE. I guess by now you know that I think all THE IRISH TENORS are great, but there is always something special about each of them on certain numbers they each sing. I especially like the trio doing AMAZING GRACE. They do it so well together. Just can't wait for the new "STUFF" FROM YOUR #1 FAN. JOAN WAY




5. I really enjoy this music. I like the quality and style of music presented by the Irish Tenors, and I like Christmas music. This is the perfect CD for me. I like hearing it from early November through the holiday season. I have given this album as a gift, and it was much appreciated. I would recommend it for anyone who likes traditional Christmas music.

5 comments about A Merry Christmas with Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters.

1. The fun thing about this CD is that most of the songs are not traditional Christmas songs, which get so over-played during the holidays. So these cuts add a fresh dimention to your holiday mix if you drop this CD into your random CD carosel.



2. The cd is very good with the Andrews Sisters singing with Bing.
   This is a collection of Christmas songs that they recorded way back to 1940's and 1950's. There are 20 songs to get you into the Christmas Spirit. No Bing Crosby fan should be without one.



3. This may not be the season to review a CD called A Merry Christmas with Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters; but it's so well done and sweet I couldn't resist. The sound quality is rather good given the age of these recordings; and the artwork reflects good judgment.
   
   Bing Crosby starts the track set with his "Happy Holiday;" the big band arrangement shines like gold! Bing never misses a beat and neither do the ladies! SMILE "Happy Holiday" gets a solid, upbeat melody with a tempo that goes faster than the traditional song. "Jing-A-Ling, Jing-A-Ling" by The Andrews Sisters feature the sister act harmonizing to perfection on a marvelous Christmastime number. The bells in the background enhance the beauty of the musical arrangement.
   
   "You're All I Want For Christmas" gives us Bing's vocals in the spotlight while the lush musical arrangement uses the strings to great advantage. The chorus in the background harmonizes well to support Bing's act. Great! "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" gets the royal treatment from Bing and The Andrews Sisters; this tune never sounded better! The tempo is sped up somewhat and it works well for this number. This is definitely the strongest version of "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" that I've ever heard!
   
   "Jingle Bells" is one awesome tune when Bing and The Andrews Sisters bat this straight out of the ballpark; and listen for Bing on "Christmas In Killarney." "Christmas In Killarney" is a song I really like and the melody is quite good. "Winter Wonderland" is perfect when The Andrews Sisters deliver it with heart and soul, too.
   
   "Mele Kalikimaka" is a Hawaiian Christmas song that gets the royal treatment from both Bing and The Andrews Sisters; this charming tune is timeless and sweet. The CD ends with "Christmas Island;" this tune makes the perfect ending for such a nostalgic, fine album that truly captures the spirit of Christmas in timeless, beautiful ballads sung by exceptionally talented artists.
   
   This is a must-have for fans of Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters; and fans of classic pop vocals will also enjoy this album anytime of the year! I know I will!



4. A Merry Christmas with Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters I bought this because it was Bing Crosby and discovered a song from my grade school days - The ChristmasTree Angel. A pleasant surprise and one I've shared with my sisters and brother. We all have copies.



5. MCA (Decca) can be sure of brisk sales when Christmas rolls around simply by virtue of owning the rights to the music of Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters, two of the more prominent names that spring to mind when thinking about Pop Christmas tunes. It all began in the early 1940s when Decca released their 78 rpm album No. A-403 containing five records (Silent Night, Holy Night b/w Adeste Fideles, White Christmas b/w God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, I'll Be Home For Christmas b/w Faith Of Our Fathers, and Let's Start The New Year Right b/w Danny Boy - all by Bing with John Scott Trotter & His Orchestra and Max Terr's Mixed Chorus, and two included in this compilation, Jingle Bells b/w Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town billed to Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters With Vic Schoen & His Orchestra.
   
   The A-side of that last single charted at # 19 in 1943 and # 21 in 1947, while the B-side scored at # 22 in 1947 on Decca 23281. Other single releases involving Bing and the girls did not fare as well insofar as the charts are concerned, but that in no way lessens their eternal appeal. In 1949, on Decca 24658, came Here Comes Santa Claus b/w The Twelve Days Of Christmas, with the A-side coming two years after Gene Autry scored a # 5 Country/# 9 Pop with it, followed by returns to the charts in 1948, 1949 and 1950. Also in 1950, Bing and The Andrews turned out Decca 27228 which combined Mele Kalikimaka, now heard almost every year, with Poppa Santa Claus. On all these releases the backing orchestra was that of Vic Schoen's, who did most of the Andrews Sisters' hits.
   
   Without Bing, the sisters had Christmas Island go to # 7 in 1946 b/w Winter Wonderland on Decca 23722, billed to The Andrews Sisters with Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians. The A-side charted again at # 20 in 1947 and # 26 in 1949, while the flip made it to # 22 in 1946. The same pairing then took The Merry Christmas Polka to # 18 in 1949 b/w Christmas Candles on Decca 24748. In 1950, Jing-A-Ling, Jing-A-Ling b/w Parade Of Wooden Soldiers (not included) came out on Decca 27242, and on Decca 27251 they had I'd Like To Hitch A Ride With Santa Claus b/w The Christmas Tree Angel, all four sides with Vic Schoen's orchestra.
   
   None of those 1950 cuts made any charts, but the A-side of the last release was a # 22 in 1950 for Bing and his sons as part of a medley called A Crosby Christmas (Parts 1 & 2) on Decca 9-40181. Under the billing Gary, Phillip, Dennis, Lindsay and Bing Crosby (with The Jeff Alexander Choir and John Scott Trotter & His Orchestra), the youngest, Lindsay, sang I'd Like To Hitch A Ride With Santa Claus. The following year, in 1951, Fran Allison (of Kukla, Fran & Ollie TV fame) had a # 14 hit with the B-side shown as (Sweet Angie) The Christmas Tree Angel.
   
   Several of the cuts here are by Bing alone, with Happy Holiday, done with The Music Maids and John Scott Trotter, coming out as the flip of his September # 2 hit Be Careful, It's My Heart. You have to think that, had this been released as an A-side closer to Christmas it too would have charted. From 1947 we get O Fir Tree Dark, written by Ken Darby and done with the Victor Young orchestra and The Ken Darby Singers, which came out as the B-side of Decca 24144 b/o The Christmas Song (not here), and from 1950 comes Looks Like A Cold, Cold Winter, with the Sonny Burke Orchestra and The Lee Gordon Singers, which was the B-Side to his # 24 hit A Marshmallow World (also omitted here) on Decca 27239.
   
   In 1951, with Trotter and Judd Conlon's Rhythmaires, Bing cut Christmas In Killarney, a year after hits by Percy Faith & His Orchestra and Dennis Day, b/w It's Beginning To Look Like Christmas (which was a hit that year for Perry Como) without chart success, and from 1955 we get four sides done with Buddy Cole & His Orchestra - The First Snowfall (also involving Judd Conlon's Rhythmaires) which was the flip of The Next Time It Happens (not here) on Decca 29777, and Is Christmas Only A Tree? which came out on Decca 29790 b/o Christmas Is A-Comin' (another omitted here).
   
   Even so, simply a great seasonal compilation with excellent sound, contents discography, and four pages of liner notes written by E.B. (Wig) Wiggins, American Representative of the International Crosby Circle, mixed with several more vintage photos.