5 comments about Carnival Christmas EP.

1. This single is short but sweet. Its usually cheap too, so I say its worth the price. Now, I know these tracks are already featured on Forgotten Freshness volumes 1 & 2, and the original Carnival X-Mas ep, but if your a collector, which you problably are since your reading this, you will want this in your collection. I would recommend the original but it isn't very easy to find these days since its basically out of print but you can catch them on the webstore(if your lucky).
   'Santa's A Fat Bxtch' is the bomb diggity, a humorous track but a classic. When I say classic, I mean old school "I remember those days..." classic. It serves as a good song to sing when you and your homies are bored or whatever.
   'Red Christmas' is the last track and is fatter then your mother. Hehe just playing. This song is phat though, its a good track but nothing outstanding.
   My words of advice are to buy this or get buyed. Foe real.

   Bry-Bry
   (Gangsta-Style)




2. I got the re-issue of the Carnival Christmas just because it was I.C.P and I collect all I can from them and Psychopathic Records. This CD is fairly rare, so if you see it you should problably buy it, if your a collector or a fan. This was only available during December of 1994, but alot of them have been re-made and sold on the webstore and other places and eventually the other 2-Track single with the songs 'Santas A Fat Bxtch' and 'Red Christmas' only. I wrote a review for that CD as well, so you can check that out if you want full detail, these songs are fresh and all but also on Forgotten Freshness vols. 1 & 2, thus you've problably already heard enough on those tracks. Anyway, the third track on this ep is 'Santa Killas'. This track is very fresh, and rare, and even features master-producer Mike E. Clark on vocals! Fink The East Side G even makes his first and last feature on an I.C.P track. The clowns lay down that wicked flavor and Mike E. tears it up. Fink has some skill and adds to the freshness. 'It's Coming' is basically just a promotion for the then-upcoming 3rd Joker's Card the Riddlebox. Its okay, but nothing outstanding or nothin'. All in all, this ep is awesome, strait up. You problably won't want this if your not a collector or a juggalo, so don't even bother. This one is fresh to have, especially with the two rarely-heard tracks added to this first edition of the Carnival Christmas. Season's Greetings. =)>

   Bry-Bry
   (Gangsta-Style)




3. These are two really good christmas songs by ICP. The songs themselves would both earn 5 stars but its really pointless to buy this when both of them are on Forgotten Freshness 1+2. But if you have the extra money it'd be cool to show it off I guess.



4. The title says it all. If you're a Juggalo/Lette and you don't own this... then get it MCL!!!



5. This 2 track EP was first released in 1994 with 2 extra tracks. But for one reason or another, the EP was taken off shelves, and later re-released in 1997, minus 2 tracks. This album is a perfect Juggalo Christmas gift. The atmosphere in the songs really get you in the Christmas spirit. The weird thing is, I only tend to really like these songs around December, any other time of the year I usually never pay them no mind.
   
   But regardless of what I may think of it now, it's still pretty fresh, Violent J and 2 Dope spit wicked Christmas "carols" so to say. J's storytelling here is great, and 2 Dope's singing ("Red Christmas' chorus) and rapping live up to J's storytelling in my opinion. The lyrics get a B+ from me.
   
   The production is pretty good as well, courtesy of Mike Clark and I.C.P., but like I said, I tend to get into it more during the Christmas season, any other time of the year the Christmas beats doesn't cut it for me. Thus 3 stars. The production gets a B from me as of now.
   
   Here's my track-by-track ratings.
   
   01. "Santa's A Fat Bxtch" (B+)
   02. "Red Christmas" (B+) (my favorite)
   
   I recommend this to all Juggalos but only during the Christmas season. Sure, both of these songs are on the "Forgotten Freshness, Vols. 1 & 2" compilation, but this is still worth the money just out of the Christmas spirit. This also makes a great gift for the Juggalos. Peace.
   
   ~ Raw Hide

5 comments about A Christmas Celebration.

1. Buyer beware. Although Gladys is on the cover, she mainly produced and arranged the album for All Saints Choir. She does talk in the intro and you can hear her voice sometimes. The album is well done with the choir so it is not a complete waste of money but they should be on the cover NOT Gladys.



2. Yes, as the earlier reviewer mentioned, Gladys does little but make a cameo appearance on this record; she sings lead on perhaps two of the songs, with the remaining tunes "produced and arranged" by her with others. The rest of the singing is OK, the instruments are almost entirely sampled or synthesized - not bad, but not great. And, worst of all, not Gladys; I'm disappointed that she'd intentionally mislead her many fans this way. There is nothing on the outside of the case that warns you about Ms. Knight's paltry participation, so it's not until after you buy the thing that you find out you've been duped. Don't bother.



3. I was also surprised to learn that Gladys does not sing the vocals except on a couple of tracks. This is an excellent addition to any Christmas CD collection. Gladys's talent and gift for music come through in every number she produces and it's refreshingly easy and satisfying to listen to. We've been playing it everyday since we received it and haven't grown tired of the vocals. Even to hear Gladys sing one of the Christmas songs is well worth buying the CD. The Choir is outstanding and the chosen vocalists are varied and good. Worth buying!



4. Obviously some of the previous reviewers do not know of Gladys Knight's recent venture as the originator/creator/conductor of The Saints Unified Choir. She is not just a "guest artist" performing with an obscure choir. The reason she produced/arranged most of the tracks is because she is the conductor and this is her "baby". The conductor is always on the cover. Ms. Knight's purpose in creating this choir was to unite many cultures of music and musicians to show the world that we can love one another through music. I hope those that feel they bought the album by "mistake" will come to open their minds and hearts to enjoy it for what it was meant to be - a celebration. It is a wonderful diverse collection of Christmas tracks. I too wish that there had been a picture of the choir behind her, so that we could see their faces as well. I have seen them perform on a television special and they are a beautiful mix of ages, cultures and musical backgrounds. Our family is enjoying this addition to our Christmas CD's so much that I am ordering them to send to relatives.



5. boo... disappointing. Excepted Gladys, got nothing close.

5 comments about Christmas Album.

1. My husband loves music and has a vast collection of vinyl records--33 and 45 and manny many CD's. He also is a DJ on the side. He saw this album and said it was a really neat find and the music was great. So if you are looking for a good Christmas CD for someone that like's the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, this is the one



2. Excellent Christmas album, with a country twist on some traditional songs. Colorado Christmas is required listening in my house over the holidays.



3. I owned this album/CD prior to a recent move and I wasn't able to replace it this past year by looking in the local record stores, so I was absolutely thrilled to find it on the web and receive it but days later!!! Thank you, [...]!



4. I was a little leary when I brought this cd home. I'm not really into Chrismas cd's; so many sound similar. You would think that there were only 10 Christmas songs ever written. This cd is really, really good. A mix of traditional songs and originals. I am a large fan of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. This cd is actually better than some of their recent work. A nice traditional, Nitty Gritty Christmas.



5. I am very pleased with my purchase of the Christmas Album by the Nitty Gritty. The music is great and uplifting and what one would expect from the Band. I highly recommend this album to anyone who enjoys great music.

5 comments about A Little Christmas Music: Kiri Te Kanawa; The King's Singers.

1. With the exception of track 11 (The Coventry Carol, Lully lulla) I really like this CD. I personally prefer the traditional renditions of The Coventry Carol. I do not like the "modern" harmonics and arrangement of it on this CD. Otherwise, it is very fine, indeed.



2. WELL!!!THIS IS DIFFERENT!!!!!
   
   The King's Singers come to us steeped in the 500 year old English tradition of choral singing; and that's fine with me.!!!There are 6 singers in this group (the personnel change from time to time)namely: Jeremy Jackman and Alastair Hume (countertenors)- Robert Chilcott (tenor)- Bruce Russell and Simon Carrington (baritones) and Stephen Connolly (bass). They are very capably accompanied by the City of London Sinfonia and Brass Quintet conducted by Richard Hickox. An added PLUS is the great Kiri Te Kanawa who sings an arrangement by Daryl Runswick entitled "A Little Christmas Music (Medley a la Mozart)". It's a hodge-podge of Mozart melodies sewn together in a rather haphazard manner, and meant to be humorous. I guess this type of composition does not appeal to me personally, and I'm sorry that Kiri's glorious voice was wasted. However, that's only MY opinion; I am certain others may disagree.
   This album is really a mixture of Christmas tunes and that's partly what makes it interesting. And, of course it is masterfully sung by the King's singers;I enjoy all their discs; especially the recording of Gilbert and Sullivan tunes. Some of the arrangements on this disc are somewhat esoteric, and I'm not too fond of the very STRANGE arrangement (again by Daryl Runswick) of the Coventry Carol, but 'to each his own'. Their opening selection:"Here We Come a-wassailing" (arr. Robert Chilcott) is a great opening number and I must say that it's the best arrangement I have ever heard of this selection.
   Let's face it:the KING'S SINGERS are perfection. But don't forget our American group:Chanticleer.



3. This was the first Christmas CD I ever bought and I still regard it as the best I have. It covers the range from the sacred to the merry, worshipful to cheer, and every song is a gem. It includes what is simply the best recording of 'Gaudete, Christus Est Natus' that I've ever heard, and one of the finest renditions of 'Patapan And Farandole'. The more traditional carols such as 'Deck The Hall' are delivered with aplomb and celebration.
   
   If you only want one Christmas CD, this is the one to buy.



4. Excellent selection of music; various musical styles from very classic to pop but always performed well - both technically and with creativity and style. People who enjoy what the King Singers bring to music will also enjoy this selection.



5. Great CD full of holiday classics from fun (We Wish You a Merry Christmas) to beautiful (Es Ist Ein' Ros' Entsprungen) - highly recommended!

5 comments about Handel - Messiah / Clift · Robbin · Fowler · Ledbetter · Boston Baroque, Pearlman.

1. This recording of Handels Oratorio Messiah by Martin Pearlman
   
   and the Boston Baroque with Clift, Robbin, Fowler, and Ledbetter
   
   is one of the best of the HIP recordings and one of the best
   
   recordings of this work period. Is it the "definitive" Messiah
   
   recording? No since there is no "definitive" performing version
   
   of Messiah, there is no such thing as a "definitive" recording.
   
   What makes this one of the best recordings is the fact that the
   
   soloists, the chorus, and the orchestra are all very well
   
   rehearsed in the work and also the fact that all the parties
   
   performing it are very good at what they do. I cannot find any
   
   faults with any of the soloists, or with Martin Pearlman's choices
   
   in how he put his performance together. The whole things works
   
   and works well. Telarc brings their ususal great recording and
   
   engineering skills to bear on this set and it pays off in great
   
   sound. If I could only have one recording of Handel's Messiah
   
   I could easily live with this one.



2. One of the other reviews stated that this version "pops", and I have to agree. Messiah is a widely performed, as it should be. Even a frequently performed great piece of music has aspects that can be profitably explored in new and different ways, and that is what Perlman and crew do.
   
   There is still grandeur, although perhaps the "pomp" is a bit less than some romantically influenced performances would have, and the singing is glorious. What this version did for me was to allow me to hear aspects of the composition that are frequently muted in peformances that don't "pop", but rather overwhelm in a grandiose fashion.
   
   After listening to this recording, I must say that my respect for Handel as a compositional genius was cemented. The crisp and clean, yet still traditionally glorious, Messiah recorded here allows one to marvel at the at the "innards" of the work, not just bask in the overhwelming emotion that many associate with it.
   
   If you enjoy really listening to and comparing performances of great works of music, this should be in your collection.



3. So every year you pop in the same Messiah CD with a 400 Voice Choir that is so garbled, that one cannot begin to understand what is being sung. These albums usually sound like a bunch of pre-madonnas trying to outdo one another (which is typically the case). Yes I'll say it, many people in the older generation tend to sing as if they think making huge vibrato and big noise is the right way to sing. "I'll show those young singers the way it's supposed to be" NO NO NO!
   
   This album is for those of you who've been searching for an actual Choir that stays together throughout the Messiah, you can understand them, they impress you with their speed, accuracy, and they trick you by making it sound like it's easy to them. Try listening to "His Yoke is Easy" and I dare you to try and keep up. Well friends here it is, a beautiful album or rich sounds and even the soloists are impressive. Guess what? It was done in 1991 of all things and it sounds like it was recorded this year.
   Is it worth getting this album? YES A THOUSAND TIMES YES! Also recommended are their "Bach Magnificat and Vivaldi Gloria" Enjoy!



4. This is one of the finest recordings of Messiah on the market. It's tempos are brisk, the period instruments a delight to the ear and the solosists outstanding. I return to this performance, over the several other outstanding ones that I own, time and again. As a patron of the ensemble I might be biased in its favor, but in Boston, where they perform, there are many options when looking for a truly uplifting presentation of Handel's most famous work and it is to Boston Baroque that I often look for the spiritual uplift an outstanding Messiah can provide.



5. I recommend this for you or for a present for someone or for presents for many people. It is beautiful. Wonderful to play now, especially during Christmas season, but can listen to whenever. The booklet containing all the words is also wonderful- it contains the words in many languages. Uplifting- brings joy to me on my way to work.

No comments about Halloween Sound Effects.

5 comments about Andre Rieu - Christmas Around the World.

1. I rarely buy Christmas music. I hear a lot it every where I go in public so why buy any? Well this year I have made a couple of exceptions. One being the Celtic Woman Christmas cd and the other Andre Rieu's "Christmas Around the World". Thanks to PBS and its annual pledge drive, I caught the latest Andre Rieu tv special and for once just fell in love with the music. Normally I don't really pay much attention to Andre's specials or his music but this was that rare occasion where the music just blew my mind away. A lot of the credit goes to the adorable Japanese children choir The Little Angels of Nagasaki who simply captured my heart. The other reason I bought "Christmas Around the World" was the gorgeous ballad "Slumber, MY Darling". I found the song to be emotionally moving. I also love "O Holy Night", one of my all time favorite Christmas caroles. Not everyone can sing this song correctly since it has some high notes. The only duds on this cd was "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Winter Wonderland", two songs that sounded flat as well as bland. Overall "Christmas Around the World" is a delightful album to listen to.



2. This is wonderful music for the holidays. It really puts you in the mood for Christmas.



3. Beautifully crafted, with international Christmas songs. Instrumentally, the orchestra, always excellent, seems to sound even better than usual. Vocally most enjoyable, with the added dimension of a group of Japanese children (small children!) beautifully singing holiday songs from around the world in their high-pitched, innocent-sounding voices, coming across like my idea of baby angels! I love listening to this CD.



4. A nice selection of 16 songs arranged and performed brilliantly by Andre Rieu for music lovers at Christmas time. Everyone in the family enjoyed the music at home and on the road during the holidays.



5. I have always loved Andre Rieu and anything with his name on it I know will be great...This CD was no exception...

5 comments about Beautiful Star: The Christmas Collection.

1. Just got this cd from Amazon. Rhonda has one of the prettiest voices in bluegrass and each song is a gem. This is a must have Christmas cd.



2. Good Holiday cd. Rhonda has a perfect voice for carols.



3. As always, Rhonda Vincent is one of the most consistent bluegrass musician. You do not have to be diehard bluegrass fan to enjoy this CD. It's very traditional. I loved it!



4. Make this Christmas far less hectic and give a great gift that will last for generations. Rhonda Vincent's "Beautiful Star" is one of the BEST purchases that I have ever made! From the traditional Christmas songs to her own "Christmas Time At Home", this collection will satisfy even the most difficult person to shop for on your list!



5. Rhonda Vincent, unlike her contemporary Alison Krauss, has never strayed far from her bluegrass roots--and this wonderful collection of holiday songs is no exception.
   
   The album starts off with an up-tempo Vincent original "Christmas Time at Home." The mandolin flourishes add a nice touch to "Let It Snow." With the banjo setting the pace, "Oh Christmas Tree" turns into a real toe-tapper. And while "Twelve Days of Christmas" is one of my least favorite holiday songs, the Thirteen Member Twelve Day Choir and the Twelve Day Orchestra breathe new life into this classic--even though not all of the choir members can carry a tune!
   
   It should be noted that there are a few deviations that keep this from being exclusively a bluegrass album. "The Christmas Song" is given a smooth jazz treatment. "Winter Wonderland" adds an accordion into the mix. And "Away in a Manger" (with The Whites on harmony vocals) features the harp as the lead instrument to wonderful effect.
   
   I also note that no fewer than four of these songs also appear on Emmylou Harris's classic LIGHT OF THE STABLE. Obviously that album had a major influence on Vincent. But far from being derivative, Vincent clearly puts her own stamp on each of these songs. Any fan of bluegrass music will find much to enjoy here. [Running Time - 35:49] HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

3 comments about Christmas Means Love.

1. I had not ever heard of Joan Osborne until I was in Barnes and Noble. I heard this and it a struck nerve in me. It made me get up and go to the music section to ask who this was. I just love the eclectic mix of music. I think anyone who buys this Christmas album will not be disappointed. She has a wonderful rich voice. These songs were a great choice for her.
   
   Trava Davis



2. I think Joan is being reborn (after giving birth) in a very special and even more creative space. So deep soulful, heartfelt, the instrument of her voice is so beautiful and evocative. There are clever urban bluesy Christmas songs here. And there are deep Christian, spiritual, country village away-in-a-manger-songs here. This is really a great album.
   The accompanying musicians and arrangements are great. It's hard to make Christmas music this artistic, but she has really done it here.



3. I always knew Joan had real singing pipes. This album proves it. Wonderfully produced (real and organic...not poppy production), this album delivers the best, and sometimes obscure, Christmas tunes out there. I hope she continues to do more material like this and stays away from the more poppy stuff like that G-D song. Thanks, Joan.

5 comments about A Winter's Solstice, Vol. 4.

1. The Windham Hill series (Winter Solstice) fhas been outstanding, featuring a sampling of their artists. You get a wide range of performers (Nightnoise, Turtle Island String Quartet, etc.) that you might not run into otherwise. The result is a superior collection for the holiday season, but not so overtly Christmas that you can't play it at other times.
   I particularly like Øystein Sevåg's contribution. I can't rave enough about the beauty of these pieces. It's wonderful to play while entertaining, or to get you in the Christmas-card-writing mood, or just sit and soak it up while gazing at your twinkling tree lights.



2. Continuing in the beautiful series of Winter's Solstice music, this CD contains traditional and non-traditional Christmas music. However, it should be played year around for its soothing and beautiful sounds.



3. Windham Hill artists have a long tradition of coming up with very relaxing, chill renditions of holiday favorites as well as their own original seasonal music. All the music on this album brings to mind the most peaceful images of the winter season - a warming fire away from the bleak chill of winter; a snowy winter wonderland; simply being with the people you love most. This album is perfect for a quite evening away from anything and everything.



4. This is superb music, and that it is supposed to be "Christmas" music is almost beside the point. Yeah, it wouldn't be Christmas without it, but for me this disc can be a salve against the hostilities of an uncaring world. Such "therapy" need not always take place in December.



5. Our family loves the Windham Hill Winter's Solstice series, and my son says this is his favorite. I don't know if I can choose a favorite, but Barbara Higbie's We Three Kings on this CD is absolutely gorgeous and makes this CD worth purchasing almost by itself. Of course, the other selections are beautiful as well. I recommend this CD without reservation--you will love it.