2 comments about Christmas with Marty Robbins.

1. I am so thrilled that Amazon was able to find this album for me...I have been looking for it in CD format for a REALLY long time. This is the best Christmas album I have ever listened to. It brings back so many wonderful memories. I was weaned on Marty's Christmas album and am passing the tradition on to my children. I think they were as happy to receive the CD as I was! My kids are 18 and 16, so that says a lot...we all know what discriminating taste teenagers have. (Wink!) I strongly encourage everyone to pick up this CD and start a Marty Christmas in your home. His rendition of the more traditional Christmas songs ("O Little Town of Bethlehem" and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing") are truly heartfelt and beautifully done, but I prefer the songs that aren't the standards. "One of You (In Every Size)" and "Christmas Kisses" always make me smile. If you want to be wrapped in the warm fuzzy feeling that comes along every Christmas, RUSH to buy this CD. You won't be disappointed.



2. I found this to be a pedestrian effort at Christmas Music, not original or upbeat. The quality of the CD was below average, and it came with no liner notes.
   If you want classic country Christmas music look to Hank Thompson, Eddy Arnold, Randy Travis or Buck Owens.
   Most Christmas music reviews are of the 'I listened to this when I was a kid and was thrilled to find it on CD here's 5 stars yadda yadda' variety. I completely understand this type of review, but they're not very helpful.
   I just wanted solid, mid 60's sounding country Christmas music, avoid this CD unless you are a Marty Robbins fan.

5 comments about A Mary Mary Christmas.

1. I'm a HUGE Mary Mary fan and I was NOT disappointed by this CD. I enjoyed this CD from Track 1 to Track 11. It's a Christmas CD done in true Mary Mary style. The traditional songs still hold their traditional sound, but have a different vibe and I like that. During the holidays you hear so much of the same holiday songs, most of them sounding the same...that you appreciate when a musician comes along and makes a song their own. If you enjoy Christmas music, you'll like this CD.
   
   As for the song "California Christmas," I think they were sharing their Christmas with us. Most Christmas songs are about snow and it being cold, well where they grew up/live, there wasn't any of that. I'm an East Coast girl and all I know is snow and cold, but this song opened my eyes to Christmas in Cali, sunny and warm. Christmas isn't about the weather and they are letting you know that no matter the weather, CHRISTMAS is CHRISTMAS!



2. For such a wonderful group this went right into the tank. Some bizarre combination of unintelligible lyrics and no rhythm or discernable beat. A total waste.



3. I love Mary Mary, but I have to say that I was very disappointed with this cd. I was all hyped thinking they were gonna do that thang, NOT!
   
   But, all in all, I'm a fan and I will cop their next project. This one just didn't get the job done.



4. This is christmas cd that you can listen to year round. The cd have your fast paced shuch songs and your calm and ministering ballads. If you purchase this cd you will not be disappointed.



5. Mary Mary should give a refund to everyone that purchased this cd. It's awful. I am a Mary Mary fan from the very first cd they put out, but this one is garbage. Come on now. I was shocked how sorry this one was.

5 comments about Christmas Song.

1. I first heard of Roger Whittaker on the Time-Life Treasury of Christmas and instantly loved his voice. This CD is incredible! His voice is amazing and I highly reccommend this.



2. It's great to finally have a this CD. Roger Whittaker has been a favorite of mine for years. He has the greatest voice for every type of music.



3. As always Roger gives his all when performing. I am a new fan of his and I really enjoy his voice. He can sing so that you understand the words.
   I'm a product of 50's - 6o's. He beats them all and with this album you really enjoy the christmas feeling.



4. I discovered with the birth of my first child the soothing abilities of Roger Whittaker's voice. I had the Time Life Treasury of Christmas that had 2 songs sung by him on it (Ding Dong Merrily on High is on this CD as well), and I quickly found that my son would calm right down when I played it. (Or maybe it was that it soothed me too, so my tension melted away and he was able to calm down too!) My second, and my 2-wk-old third child also, like to listen to Roger sing.
   
   The songs on this CD are performed simply and beautifully~ he doesn't add trills or try to change the song or rhythms (a pet peeve of mine with so many other artists!) O Come All Ye Faithful, The First Noel, The Sussex Carol, and Silent Night, as well as Ding Dong Merrily all give me goosebumps! Roger's rich and mellow voice is a must-have in your home!



5. I love this CD! It has some of my favorite Christmas music on it. Roger Whittaker's excellent rendition of so many of the songs is unequaled. I have a good collection of Christmas music and I am so pleased to add this CD to my growing collection. I have enjoyed listening to it since I received it and it isn't even the Christmas season yet!

5 comments about Faith & Inspiration.

1. Once agin it is completly different type of music that I listen to, but I find this just an excellant cd to have on. He Daniel O'Donnell has a very pleasant voice and I find his very relaxing and soothing. I can not say enough good things about this cd.
   I have even told several people they just have to buy it that is so very relaing and soothing. I never tell anyone anything about music and for certain never tell friends and family what they should have in their music collection. Anyway not till I listen to this cd.



2. If it would not have been for Daniel recording this album of Faith,I don't think I would have made it through some tough times!!!!!



3. This CD album brings out the best of Daniel O'Donnell. It is truly inspiring and a joy to listen to. On road trips I often play this CD continuously, sometimes for three or four hours, and my appreciation only grows.



4. I just love this CD..Daniel has such a wonderful voice and he has selected a great variety of inspirational songs. I listen to this everyday..I have watched his PBS specials so I can see him dancing along the stage as he sings these songs. I highly recommend this to any daniel odonnell fans.



5. Loved both of the C.D.'s but especially the faith one. His music really gets you into the spirit of the song.

3 comments about Does Christmas Fiasco Style Ep.

1. Warning: This album will put you in the Christmas spirit...it might even inspire you to bake gingerbread cookies for your neighbor or something. Most of this album is pretty cheesy and it made me laugh, but maybe that's just because I am not a fan of country-influenced tunes, exactly what this album IS--Most songs are quite "twangy." My Morning Jacket reminds me of Neil Young but they have some harmonies like the Beach Boys. Track one, "Xmas Curtain," was my favorite, and it was definitely the most "Beach Boys-ish." Track four is a cover of Nick Cave's "New Morning," and Track five is a cover of Elvis Presley's "Santa Claus is Back in Town." The Elvis cover is really funny, it made me laugh, and it's heavily blues-influenced. I do have to say that judging from the cd cover, these boys look like a riot to hang out with!



2. i'm not sure what the reviewer before me was expecting, but i do love this album. my morning jacket, it's true, they are "alt-country" (if that's what you want to call it). i'm no *real* reviewer, but i do know how to spot a band with staying power, and they have it.
   
   this is a wonderful holiday ep, gorgeous music that makes you want to cuddle up with a blanket and stare at the blinking lights on the christmas tree with not another light on in the house.
   
   beautiful. and highly recommended.



3. One of the better Christmas albums I've heard. A certain Christmas feel permeates the album but it's not the cheesy traditional Christmas songs that you've heard way too many times. My Morning Jacket contributes their own tunes to this one and we are rewarded for it. They craft multi-layered, structured songs with lots of vocal harmonies. There are two gems on this one (not surprising for this band). They are "Xmas Time Is Here Again," and "I Just Wanted To Say." There is some nice harmonizing and Beach Boys-like vocals on the former. And the bonus track is something that if you've heard their first two albums, won't surprise you very much. It's a novel instrumental with three separate guitar melodies playing simultaneously, which pleases and challenges the listener at the same time. The Nick Cave cover is very well done. The Elvis cover "Santa Claus Is Back In Town" is decent but somewhat disappointing. They should've kept the same magical, mysterious, lonesome, country-ish, mood as on the shining standout "I Just Wanted To Say." It's a bit sad and lonesome sounding, but nevertheless magical and full of wonder just as Christmas time often is. Buy this if you're tired of the same old tired Christmas songs that everyone has heard a million times. Buy this if you like something different.

No comments about The Holiday Collection.

5 comments about Christmas Time Again.

1. First of all, this is NOT the true Lynyrd Skynyrd, this is merely a tribute band!!! Only 3 of these guys even have the right to use the Skynyrd name. And a Christmas CD??? Are you joking??? Ronnie Van Zant must be rolling in his grave!!! The original Skynyrd charisma, attitude, and chemistry died in a swamp in October 1977...let it lie people!!! This is a disgrace!!!



2. There seem to be plenty of people out there who are willing to accept this band as Lynyrd Skynyrd, but I am not one of them. Three pre-plane crash members (guitarist Gary Rossington, keyboardist Billy Powell, and bassist Leon Wilkeson) are credited on the cover, but if you examine the lineups listed for each song, Wilkeson (who has since passed away) is not listed on a single song. The band now includes a collection of members of other defunct bands like Blackfoot, the Outlaws, and Damn Yankees, as well as original singer/songwriter Ronnie Van Zant's younger brother Johnny. This disc features many additional session musicians and a children's choir, and one song each by the Charlie Daniels Band and .38 Special.
   OK, so whether or not this is the "real" Skynyrd, the question is "Is this a good Christmas CD?", and the answer is "Sort of." The best song on it is CDB doing "Santa Claus is Coming to Town", and there are some other good traditional songs and more recent rock/blues covers. Billy Powell is still an incredible piano player, and the current crop of guitarists are all solid musicians. Johnny Van Zant seems to be trying too hard to sound soulful with his "mmm-hmm's" and "ohh-whoa's", especially on the few original songs. The worst songs are the cheesy instrumental "Classical Christmas" and the synth-heavy "Greensleeves" that sounds more like Yanni than Southern rock.



3. I think people need to chill out with all the harsh reviews!!! This was just the guys having a good time. Plus, you people aren't real music critics, so take it easy folks!!! And so what if the band carried on with the same name??? We're still getting great music (most recently "Vicious Cycle") People don't criticize AC/DC for replacing their vocalist! The Doors have a new vocalist! Kiss, Days Of The New, Judas Priest, Even Metallica have all gone through line up changes, so whats with all the criticism?? Enjoy this for what it is... The band trying to do something fun and special for the fans for the holidays!! If you dont like it, dont listen to it!!! Thats why there's a stop button on your cd player!! I think this was a pretty creative idea and a good listen for any Skynyrd fan



4. First, can we stop arguing about this being the "real" Skynyrd? Of course it isn't, but it's a stupid thing to get angry about in a CD review. So many talented people from this band have passed away yet they're still a good rock n' roll band and this is a good rock n' roll Christmas CD. They do charged up versions of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" and Run, Run, Rudolph", there are ballads like "Christmas Time Again" and "Mama's Song" and they have fun with songs like "Santa's Messin' With the Kid" and "Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin'". They even go honky tonkin' with "Skynyrd Family". Throw .38 Special and Charlie Daniels into the mix and you have a Christmas CD that will have you dancing and singing along.



5. Have owned a copy of this CD for several years. I wanted to buy a copy for a friend. Amazon offered immediate delivery and had the best price.

5 comments about Billboard Greatest Christmas Hits: 1955-Present.

1. Can you say Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer?! My family can. This cd was full of fun songs for the entire family. A must purchase!



2. I love the Christmas Oldies, and this album has several of the ones I love best, by the singers that you associate with the songs.(Like Brenda Lee and Elvis Presley) The others I had tried were sung by other artists.



3. This is one a series of "budget" releases covering various aspects of Christmas to be released over the years by Rhino/Wea in conjunction with Billboard, all with 10-tracks each and liner notes in the form of track-by-track comments. Sound quality is generally good to excellent, and all selections are the original renditions despite what you may read elsewhere, with one exception in this volume where they tell you that Little Drummer Boy is a re-recording of the 1958 hit. All have "Billboard" as part of the title.
   
   Some others are: Family Christmas Classics; Top Christmas Hymns; R&B Christmas Hits; Rock & Roll Christmas; Greatest Christmas Hits (1935-1954); and Greatest Country Christmas Hits. Some of the foregoing are also offered in 4-pack and 5-pack editions. In essence, these are the one you have to have if you want to recapture the delightful seasonal sounds of your childhood (assuming you're old enough to recall the periods covered).
   
   This one repeats one from the Country edition, Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helms, but does give you the original White Christmas by The Drifters Featuring Clyde McPhatter and Bill Pinkney, a # 1 2 R&B in 1954, and both a R&B and Pop chart entry for several years thereafter.
   
   Here you get the following staples: Brenda Lee's Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree, actually recored and released in 1958 when she was 14, but not a hit until 1960 when it went to # 14, and then appeared on the charts every Christmas from then on into the 1970s/80s; The Chipmunk Song by The Chipmunks with The Music Of David Seville (# 1 Billboard Pop Hot 100 for 4 weeks in 1958 and # 5 R&B, and seldom missed charting for the next several years); Mary's Boy Child by Harry Belafone (# 12 Top 100 in 1956); Blue Christmas by Elvis Presley (recorded in 1957 and part of his first Christmas album, later a # 1 Christmas Charts hit in 1964 and a charter for years thereafter); Nuttin' For Christmas by Art Mooney & His Orchestra - Vocal by Barry Gordon (# 6 Top 100 in 1955); Please Come Home For Christmas by Charles Brown (# 21 R&B in 1960, and on the charts for ten years in a row); Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer by Elmo & Patsy(# 1 on the Christmas charts in 1983 and a repeat hit over the next few years).
   
   Regarding The Little Drummer Boy, the original, recorded for 20th Fox, charted at # 13 in 1958 and almost every year after up to 1970. In 1972 a new recording was done for Kapp Winners Circle and this is the version heard here. It charted at # 9 on the Christmas charts.
   
   Loads and loads of fun and memories.



4. With Christmas just edging right around the corner, I have been trying to accumulate as many of my favorite versions of classic Christmas caroles for my ipod. Christmas just isn't Christmas without The Chipmunks' squeaking out "The Christmas Song" or Brenda Lee belting out "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree". Thankfully Billboard has my favorite Christmas songs on one cd on their "1955 - 1983 (or "present" as it is noted on the cd packaging). As for the rest of the cd, I liked most of the songs however I can so live without hearing that tiresome novelty track "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer" which has been satirized one too many times over the years, and the equally obnoxious "Nuttin' For Christmas". Other than those two annoying songs, I enjoyed listening to the cd.



5. I enjoyed this CD very much. It contained all of the "classic" Christmas hits. Nothing beats sitting around with your family at Christmas singing like Chipmunks!

5 comments about It's Christmas Time.

1. If you are looking to try collecting cds, that Elvis Presley is singing Christmas songs, you can start with this. If you an Elvis Presley fan, and looking for a short album, this is the cd for you. The cd runs 23 minutes and 15 secends. I know that it is not Chirstmas time, but do you really need to wait until Chirstmas to start listening to Chirstmas music? There are 10 songs, on this cd, and they are Blue Christmas, Silent Night, White Christmas, Santa Claus is Back in Town, I'll Be Home for Christmas, If Every Day Was Like Christmas, Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane), Oh Little Town of Bethlehem, Santa Bring My Baby Back (to Me), and Mama Likes the Roses. The last one (to me) doesn't seem to have anything to do with Christmas. So that is why I am giving this a 4. Also, track #8, doesn't know have much to do with Christmas, but a town. But all in all, a still good cd for Elvis Presley fans.



2. They've been on budget releases for years now but these songs in this order are an essential part of Christmas. Everyone should have this cd in their collection. It's as American as apple pie. Nothing puts you in the Christmas spirit more than Elvis' Blue Christmas.



3. This is the 1970 edition of the Elvis Christmas album just re-packaged with a new cover and name. The original Elvis Christmas Album was released in 1957 and included 8 Christmas songs along with 4 Gospel songs from the "Peace In The Valley" EP. His original Christmas album was repackaged and re-released in 1970 with the 4 Gospel songs being replaced by "If Every Day was Like Christmas" (which was originally released as a single in 1966) and the non-Christmas song "Mama Liked The Roses". The 1970 edition was then re-packaged and released on CD as "It's Christmas Time" a few years ago.
   
   Elvis' performances on the songs here are excellent! Several of these recordings have become Christmas classics, still receiving significant radio airplay nearly 50 years after they were recorded!
   
   While this was a great album in its day, it has since been superseded. All the songs on this album are currently available on the Elvis "White Christmas" CD along with the 4 Gospel songs and every song from his 1971 "The Wonderful World of Christmas" album. I would recommend that you spend a few extra bucks and buy the Elvis "White Christmas" if you can still find it or the "If Every Day was Like Christmas" CD instead. You will get a lot more Christmas cheer!
   
   I do have one complaint. It is more about how RCA/BMG is mis-managing Elvis' library of releases than anything else. The 1970 edition of the Elvis Christmas Album is Elvis' single biggest selling album in the US with sales certified by the RIAA in excess of 9 million copies. Why on earth did RCA decide to repackage the album under a new name and release it as a different title when they were less than a million short of Elvis receiving his first Diamond award for sales in excess of 10 million?!? Sales of this CD, "Its Christmas Time" have exceeded 2 million in the US according to RIAA! If they would have just kept the original title and cover, Elvis would have had his first Diamond award!!!! Makes no sense to me!



4. Let me start off by saying by saying that I just bought this cd, and it is the first Elvis cd I have ever bought. Im 18 years old, and i'm a metal head.
   
   Now why do I like Elvis? Well it's simple, Elvis is the man, he's the king. This is A very good cd, It is a little on the short side. There is only 10 songs and none of them are over 3 minutes. So the cd will be pretty much over before your done washing the dishes from your Christmas dinner. But even still, I picked this cd up at Target for $5.99. It was well worth it.
   
   I like almost all the songs on this cd. Almost...I'm not a fan of "O Little Town of Bethlehem". But the rest of the songs I enjoyed alot. My favorite being "If Every Day Was Like Christmas".
   
   This cd quickly got me in the holliday mood. And its a great way to help you get in to the holliday spirit. I hope you enjoy it like I do.



5. I was interested in a particular Christmas song and this cd had it, as well as others that I like.

5 comments about The Season.

1. I buy several Christmas CDs each year, and this was my favorite for '05. Not at all like the Krall CD (which I thought was just pretty good), this CD covers a wider span of styles, from R&B (a surprisingly adept version of "This Christmas), to mellow slow samba (an unusually moody version of "Merry Christmas Darling"), to some Ella-inspired uptempo jazz.
   
   But the highlight, as another reviewer has already noted, is the almost Eva Cassidy-style version of "I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day." It is CHILLINGLY beautiful, and probably the most emotional version of this or any Christmas song I've ever heard. It made me realize I'd never paid much attention to its lyrics before. It's a showstopper - truly a great moment in music.
   
   All in all, a very satisfying and diverse set of Christmas songs from a singer who is really coming into her own.



2. How much have I fallen in love with Jane Monheit's voice? I bought her Christmas album in March, that's how much. After experiencing Ms. Monheit perform at the Sovereign Performing Arts Center in Reading, PA a few weeks ago, I've become a huge fan of hers and this CD will definitely be on my Christmas playlist this year. My only gripe about The Season is that it doesn't quite emit the passion and spunk Ms. Monheit projects in a live performance, but her CD voice is still silvery-smooth ear candy.
   
   I'm planning on playing The Season along with Leon Redbone's Christmas Island and Vince Guaraldi's A Charlie Brown Christmas at this year's holiday party. They should shuffle together well in my stereo.



3. Mel Torme once said of Maureen McGovern: "She is the most glorious singer to come down the pike in several months of Sundays...." And it is without surprise that one's introductory play of the legendary "Christmas With Maureen McGovern" album is enough to take your breath away. It still remains one of my favourite and most stunning holiday music experiences....And now, bless the power of beautiful voice, there is Jane Monheit's "The Season". Just as the angels must have brought McGovern's interpretation of "O Holy Night" to my senses, they are gracing me once more with Monheit's takes on the beautiful "I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day", and David Foster's destined to be holiday standard "My Grown Up Christmas List". If you are in love with Maureen McGovern's ability to find the rich colors and textures in classic holiday standards and proceed to weave far richer tapestries with her adorable voice, then I think you'll find Jane Monheit to be "the voice" of a new generation of vocalists. ENJOY!!!



4. Jane Monheit is very good at dramatizing the sentiments behind a song. This is particularly true with her dramatically beautiful interpretations of the Christmas songs in "The Season," a very well-produced CD which offers the kind of Christmas repertoire that keeps getting better as you listen to it year after year.
   
   Produced by Jane Monheit herself with Al Schmitt, they chose the absolute best musicians from the world of jazz headed by a creative arranger, Rob Mounsey together with Michael Kanan (piano/keyboards), Dave Mann (sax), Rick Montalbano (drums), Mike Okazaki (guitar) and Dave Samuels (vibes), among others.
   
   With an unparalleled arrangement by Rob Mounsey, Jane Monheit's persuasive rendition of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" is simply splendid. It starts with a capella intro of "I'll Be Home For Christmas." Ms. Monheit's voice is an instrument by itself. Even without an accompanying instrument, her voice shines through. The medley of "I Love The Winter Weather/I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm" is so enlivening and refreshing.
   
   Her delicate and refined rendition of "Moonlight In Vermont" written by John Blackburn and Karl Suessdorf is one of my favorite tracks. It is so lovely and spellbinding! What interpretation and musicianship! I haven't been to Vermont yet but with this song, I'm dreaming of visiting this place someday and experience its enchanting "moonlight and snowlight."
   
   "Pennies in a stream
   Falling leaves of sycamore
   Moonlight in Vermont
   Icy finger waves
   Ski trails on a mountainside
   Snowlight in Vermont
   
   Telegraph cables, they sing down the highway
   And travel each bend in the road
   People who meet in this romantic setting
   Are so hypnotized by the lovely ...
   
   Evening summer breeze
   Warbling of a meadowlark
   Moonlight in Vermont
   You and I and moonlight in Vermont."
   
   The rest of the highlights include gorgeous interpretations of "The Christmas Waltz," which features Dave Samuels on vibes, "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town," "Merry Christmas Darling" and "Sleigh Ride."
   
   In addition, her version of a meaningful song "My Grown-Up Christmas List" is just superb. It can stir up emotions with its luxurious backdrops of violins, violas and celli. Special mention goes to Concert Master Elena Barera, who did a great job in making this final track stand out. If you love this song, please check out another great version from Amy Grant in 20th Century Masters: The Best of Amy Grant - The Christmas Collection.
   
   I invite the listeners to immerse themselves in this breathtaking Christmas music from this fabulous CD and let it be a part of your Christmas parties, family reunions and gatherings.
   
   With my heartfelt recommendation for your listening pleasure this Yuletide Season.



5. I was fascinated by the voice I heard on Pandora one evening. I researched what I had heard and discovered Jane Monheit. As a seasonal music fanatic I purchased the CD and have spent hours listening to the nuance of her voice. The beginning acapella "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is worth the entire CD. This is a singer worth a listen if you are at all interested in jazz, easy listening or standards.