5 comments about O Holy Night / Luciano Pavarotti / Special Deluxe Edition (Decca).

1. This is a CD I have listened to repeatedly. Pavarotti sings with sincerity and great musicality. The songs are familiar and some are 'potboilers' (such as Schubert's "Ave Maria" and "Panis Angelicus"). Pavarotti's voice is characteristically warm, open-throated and full yet there is an intimacy to these recordings, which were made over several decades.
   
   Pavarotti sings with various top class orchestras and some songs have a choral backing. There are 17 songs, which is generous.
   
   It seems strange to have included "Che faro senza Euridice?" on what is otherwise a CD of exclusively Christian music, but Pavarotti does such a beautiful job with it that that is a minor quibble.
   
   This is a CD which will give the listener years of pleasure.O Holy Night / Luciano Pavarotti / Special Deluxe Edition (Decca)



2. This is one of 5 cd's that we purchased to help in some small way to capture the voice of the ages that was quieted this past year. Now we will be able to enjoy his emense talent simply by a click of the switch. Purchasing this and the other 4 items was so easy on Amazon no hunting through aisles of cd's-very pleased with all 5 and unwilling to single one out as the best of the best. Each is a treasure.But for seasonal music this is the primo selection of all.



3. My wife and I love Christmas music, but this album is in a class by itself. It is opera, classical music, Christmas carols, and the most heartfelt and expressive personal expression of religious feeling. It is exalted and joyous, and to my wife and me, inexpressively beautiful. We're listening to "O Holy Night" as I type this on Christmas Eve, as we've listened to this album since its release, several times each year before and after Christmas. Each year, I discover new depths and new appreciation for songs that we maybe didn't hear as clearly previously.
   
   Forget the aging Pavarotti singing with diminished voice into a microphone to packed arenas, handkerchief in hand. This was recorded in January 1976 in England when Pavarotti was in his prime, movingly expressing his deep religious feeling through magnificent music. The great opera conductor Kurt Herbert Adler of the Chicago Lyric Opera and then Music Director of the San Francisco Opera perfectly led the National Philharmonic Orchestra, along with the magnificent Wandsworth Boys Choir and London Voices led by Terry Edward. I should point out that this album is classical and operatic music, or beloved carols done in a classical or operatic style. You won't find "Frosty the Snowman", "Jingle Bells", or "A Chipmunk's Christmas" here.
   
   Treat yourself to this album, and look forward to years of deepening appreciation and pleasure from it. It can become an integral part of your Christmas celebration, a special annual treat, as it's become for my family.



4. Since Pavarotti's death, there will be no more wonderful Christmas music from such a perfect voice. The "O Holy Night" CD was glorious to listen to during the holidays. His "Ave Maria's" were outstanding!



5. Pavarotti is in his prime for this one and the selections are both touching and grand. Mille Cherubini, a tender lullaby, is my favorite but his Agnus Dei is rich and grand. The choral backgrounds are also very good. I bought the cassette when it came out in the 70's and I am thrilled that they reissued it as CD to grace my 2007 Christmas .

5 comments about The Andy Williams Christmas Album.

1. This album is Christmas to me and I really needed to update my scratchy homemade cassette recording. It is one of my favorites from my childhood (I'm 48 now), and when I hear "Happy Holiday!" it always puts me in the Christmas mood. For me it is a perfect mix! Thank you.



2. Worth is just for It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, but the others are great as well.



3. I grew up with this LP (I think I just dated myself). It was great then and even better now in the CD format! - Natasha



4. More great Christmas music to sing along to. Not quite as good as his green Merry Christmas album, but that is only because this wasn't one we listened to over and over when I was young.



5. Simply the best! It's not Christmas for me until I've heard this CD. Superb arrangements, especially on "Kay Thompson's Jingle Bells" and "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year." The medley of "Happy Holiday/It's the Holiday Season" will have you in the Christmas spirit in no time flat. Buy this album today.

5 comments about Dr. Demento 20th Anniversary Collection: The Greatest Novelty Records of All Time.

1. My son suggested this as a birthday gift to his older sister, from him to her - I think I've listened to it more than either of them.



2. This album is just plain fun. It's great to have a nice collection of novelty songs to sprinkle in during a party or when making compilation discs for long drives or just and evening of fun with some friends.
   
   Dr. Demento's collection surely won't be one of those precious "desert island" albums, those must have albums one would never be caught without, but in the context of a complete collection, it's good to have a few laughs here and there.
   
   You'd really have to be a baby-boomer to appreciate the full context of this album as many are from the before the 1970's, still have some fun, why not?



3. Ever feeling down? This collection will surely brighten your day! Thank the stars above for the good doctor D! If you also want a good laugh to read, try the Adventures With Boys "Instru-Mental" book, excellent laugh!!



4. As usual, Amazon came through with a hard to find CD. We got it quick, and in perfect condition. I had this on cassette, and needed to replace it with the CD version. There are just two songs on this collection that I can't stand, but over all, it's really fun to listen to.



5. I bought this CD for ONE SONG, and got the bonus of all the others on it as well.

No comments about The Johnny Cash Christmas Special 1978.

5 comments about Darklore Manor.

1. the remastered version is were its at. it actualy sounds eerie.



2. The first album by Nox Arcana is a wonderful audio tale of a haunted manor in Gloucester, Massachusetts. This manor, built by one Edmund Darklore, has a history of tragedy and death behind it. Each track tells another small part of the whole tale. The entrance song "Legend" is done in Joseph Vargo's always eerie deep voice and brings a shudder to you as you wonder if setting foot inside is a good idea or not; the haunting words of "Nursery Rhyme" are performed by the lovely and talented Christine Filipak and are sure to raise goose bumps on your arm; the notes of "Omen" will have your blood turning cold; "Seance", with its' chillingly whispered words, sounds extremely creepy and would not be out of place in any ghost movie out there today and feeling as if an icy wind has caressed your flesh, leaving you to never feel warm again. The chanting on "Beyond Midnight" has a distinct and sinister quality to it. Darklore Manor is an excellent tale to listen to and is perfect for any haunted house that is certain to be set up for the Halloween season and will leave you with a desire to sleep with the lights on.



3. What can I say? If you yearn for dark and mysterious music, make your way to the Darklore Manor. This creativity is not just for Halloween anymore.



4. A must have soundtrack for the home of any goth.A beautiful arrangement of dark soundscapes and overall creepy ambiance for any dark and stormy night.



5. Wow. Wow. Wow. I am Enedelia's 13 year old daughter. I was stupid enough not to get this album as my first Nox Arcana CD. I was lucky to get the remastered version of this CD. It sounds stunning! I can't tell you how impressed I was by this album. This whole album reminded me somewhat of the story of Dark Shadows. From the first few seconds of the first track, I felt in a completely different realm.
   
   Legend- The sound of wind starts this piece. Some low pitched gentle and elegant strings then enter. Joseph Vargo speaks in this piece with the following narration: "Along a dark, forsaken road, there stands a stark and grim abode. An old manor house looms black and tall, to cast a grave and deathly pall. Beyond the ancient-wrought iron gate, a thousand nightmare lie in wait. For dark things dwell in this house of fear, and none but the dead dare trespass here."
   
   Darklore Manor- Male choir and flowing strings begin this song. There is also pipe organ that comes in. Gentle female choir softens the piece as Latin Chants add a sense of an ancient presence.
   
   Threshold of the Dead- The strings bear a slight choral sound to get the sense of entering a place of antiquity and wonder. It's brilliant and beautiful.
   
   Trespassers- The sound of a creaking door opens this song. this tune is march like, but a bit slower in pacing. There are times when you detect a slight choral sound. We get a heavy and ominous feeling when we "enter through the ancient door" like we are not welcome here and that we may not leave this manor alive...
   
   Veil of Darkness- Gently drifting piano start this piece as male choir and strings come in to add a darkened sense to it. For we have stepped beyond a veil to partake in the darkest secrets of the night
   
   Sancuary of Shadows- Low pitched strings begin this piece, and once again you get a slight choral sound. Stately pipe organ enters. The pipe organ turns to freely flowing and Latin chants soon come in as well to give sense of dread.
   
   The Grande Hall- This piece is just plain beautiful. Smooth and lovely strings start this piece and tolling bells and soft female choir then waltz with it. The bells get a chance to sing the melody while pipe organ dances around it. The bells and strings waltz in harmony till the end of this wonderful piece.
   
   Remnants- Elegant harpsicord and strings start this piece. The strings will soon bear the choral sound again. This tune gives you a sense of the grandeur of the mansion that has fallen to shadow and disrepair. Nox Arcana does a splendid job of blending woe, tragedy and elegance.
   
   Phantom Procession- This piece is primarily tolling bells and choir
   
   Belladonna- Here we get sad. This is an ode to Damon and Elizabeth Darklore's beautiful daughter Belladonna. Strings and the choral sound start this piece, and mournful piano enters. This piece laments the loss of a beloved daugher, lost to shadow and darkness.
   
   Nursery Rhyme- This piece was just a tad creepy. The voice of Christine Filipak is altered to sound childlike while reciting this rhyme: "Sandman, come to me tonight, comfort me till morning light. As darkness falls and shadows loom, I bid you welcome to my room. Rest your bones beside my bed, lay your hands upon my head. Cast your spell of slumber deep, and stay beside me as I sleep. If I should die before I wake, I grant to you my soul to take."
   
   Music Box- This piece is music box like tones, which give this tune its namesake. You hear a child singing and laughing, giving this piece a sad and tragic edge.
   
   The Forgotten- This piece was just tolling bells, pipe organ and piano. It was a simple piece, but effective.
   
   Nightmare- This tune was simple and effective as well. we have a dance of strings, tolling bells, piano, and that haunting choral sound to give a sense of spinning into the insanity of pure terror in your darkest nightmare.
   
   No Rest For the Wicked- Low pitched strings and latin chants to depict the people who have commited blasphemous acts and wicked deeds have no rest in the afterlife...
   
   Omen- Joseph Vargo once again narrates with the darkest omen anyone could ever hear: "Ghostly wispers fill the air, chanting omens to beware. Shadows stir in the candlelight, then rise to prowl the dead of night. Spirits lurk within these walls, and wander these unhallowed halls. Cursed to haunt this dark domain, where mortal woe and sorrow reign."
   
   Seance- This is my second favorite piece next to the Grande Hall. We have the choral strings play for us again and ghostly voices talking to you beyond the grave. "We are among you... Beware the darkness... Lift this curse... End our suffering... Release us... Leave this place... Turn back..." the piece is ended with silence and a chilling laugh from Joseph Vargo.
   
   Beyond Midnight- this piece definately a march tune. It has quick paced strings along the beat, chior, and pipe organ. It give you the sense of seeing the Darklore bloodline surround you, not letting you leave.
   
   Darkness Immortal- Male choir starts this piece and stately pipe organ enter. You get a mix of choir and the choral sound with the pipe organ.
   
   Incantation- A sound resembling a heartbeat starts this piece as Joseph Vargo chants an INCANTATION: Ab Aeterno,
   Ad limina Mortem et extra,
   Abyssus Abyssum invocat--
   E tenebris,
   Veteris vestigia flammae ardere denuo--
   Iure Sanguinis,
   Mors tua, vita mea aeternum--
   Terra es, terram ibis--
   Ecce quomodo Moritur,
   Hoc sustinate Damnosa hereditas--
   
   Translated from Latin:
   From the beginning of Time,
   To the threshold of Death, and beyond,
   Hell calls upon Hell--
   Out of the darkness,
   Remnants of an ancient flame burn anew--
   By the rite of Blood,
   You must die, so that I may live eternally--
   You are dust, you shall return to dust--
   Behold the way of Death,
   And endure the inheritance of the Damned--
   
   Resurrected- Dark and brooding strings, pipe organ and latin chants are the primary things in this piece. After a minute or so of silence, you hear a phonograph playing a piano version of Remnants, after which Joseph Vargo gives us another chilling laugh. Joseph then speaks as Damon Darklore in a confession: "Woe befalls all who dwell within Darklore Manor, for those who have met their fate within this blighted place are cursed to forever wander its unhallowed halls. Within this sancuary of shadows, the restless dead can find no surcease from their eternal suffering. I have brought this curse upon myself, as did my ancestors before me. I hereby confess my guilt, for I have conspired in blasphemous acts and have commited grievous and ghastly deeds. And though I be the last of the Darklore Bloodline, this curse shall not end with my death, for we have awakened a great darkness, and it hungers cannot be quenced."
   
   
   I really enjoyed this album. I really didn't know what to expect. One listen to this album can change you. For you too, may wander into the unhallowed halls of Darklore Manor...
   
   There will be no returning on this night. Nothing will ever escape these walls again...

5 comments about Now That's What I Call Christmas!, Vol. 2: The Signature Collection.

1. This is a great set. The first cd has all of the wonderful traditional songs, and are nice when the fire is on or just the tree lights are on. The second cd is great when you want more upbeat modern music after getting tired of the first! We have lots of Christmas CDs, but this set gets more play because of the great combination.



2. Now That's What I Call Christmas! gives us a great, extensive mixture of Christmas time songs both new and traditional on a two CD set. The quality of the sound is excellent and we get five star performances all the way!
   
   CD number 1 is subtitled "Now, And Forever." Destiny's Child does a great job on "Opera Of The Bells." They harmonize to perfection and they never miss a beat! Kylie Minogue gives a smashing rendition of the classic "Santa Baby;" the musical arrangement gets strength from percussion and Kylie sings this like the pro that she is! You're bound to like Kylie singing "Santa Baby;" and the backup male vocalists bolster Kylie's performance. Good brass, too! Listen also for B2K doing their awesome rendition of "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town." The rap beat works well up against the traditional lyrics and the majority of the arrangement which is rather traditional. Awesome!
   
   Elton John's "Step Into Christmas" is sure to please; and Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" features Mariah singing passionately. I predict that you'll like "All I Want For Christmas Is You" very, very much.
   
   We also get Wham! Performing "Last Christmas;" and Norah Jones does a somewhat jazzy number called "Peace" that I really like a lot. "Peace" also has a great piano arrangement, too.
   
   The second CD is subtitled "Then And Always;" this CD features more traditional renditions of classic Christmas tunes sung mostly by artists who were famous or more active in show business in the past. Listen for the immortal Louis Armstrong singing his best on "Winter Wonderland;" and Barbra Streisand's delivery of "I'll be Home For Christmas" lacks nothing--it's THAT good.
   
   Johnny Mathis sings "Silver Bells" to perfection with, of course, bells in the background; and Chuck Berry's "Run Rudolph Run" is thrown in for a little bit of early rock and roll shock effect! Cool! SMILE
   
   We also get José Feliciano performing "Feliz Navidad" which was extremely popular when it first came out in the early `80s ( and it still remains well liked today); and Burl Ives sings the classic "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer" really, really, well. The backup chorus harmonizes well and the percussion works well for this number, too. In addition, listen for Andy Griffith singing "Go Tell It On The Mountain" with a strong country twist--very creative.
   
   Pavarotti sings "Adeste Fidelis" with The National Philharmonic Orchestra & The London Voices; and Barry Manilow does "(There's No Place Like) Home For The Holidays." The second CD ends strong with Guy Lombardo's "Auld Lang Syne."
   
   The liner notes have great artwork and we get the credits for each song on this two CD set.
   
   Overall, this two CD set really gives you quite a lot for your money. I highly recommend this two CD set for people everywhere who enjoy "high quality control" Christmas music.



3. I enjoy Méhdi"Christmas Treasures",Charlie Brown Christmas ,Mannheim Steamroller etc.and this a magnificent production that I also enjoy just as much. Now christmas: signature collection is filled with great artists of today and from the past. i think it is a set up from the first now christmas. The Signature Collection devotes one disc to contemporary pop versions of Christmas songs and another disc to vocal pop, jazz, and country versions of holiday favorites.



4. This CD is really nice because it has both the older holiday music and the newer holiday music. That way my daughter and my mother both can listen to the same CD and enjoy it together.



5. I really liked this 2 cd collection because it contains one cd with modern contemporary music and one cd with the older classics. So depending on your mood or the people you are with, there is something to please everyone. In my opinion, it was worth the purchase.

5 comments about These Are Special Times.

1. Celine Dion's Christmas album "These Are Special Times" has a little bit of everything from traditional holiday favorites like "Oh Holy Night", "Ave Maria", and "O Come All Ye Faithful", to Christmas "pop" classics including Elvis Presley's "Blue Christmas", John Lennon and Yoko Ono's "Happy Xmas", Nat King Cole's "The Christmas Song", and Jose Feliciano's "Feliz Navidad". Also included in this collection is her huge hit with R. Kelly "I'm Your Angel."
   
   The songs on this album are very good and well performed, and this CD contains well over an hour's worth of Christmas music. You are indeed getting your money's worth here! Celine and her family (who also sing on the album's last two tracks) really throw their heart and soul into this album.
   
   Any fan of Celine's music will absolutely love this Christmas CD to be enjoyed year round!



2. Album in a nutshell: Celine Dion presents an unusual Christmas collection that is not up to her usual standards. All the original songs are great, the covers of Christmas songs are pretty good, but some of the songs don't belong. I know Celine wants to include a French Christmas song on here, but "Les Cloches Du Hameau" is kind of annoying, as is her rendition of "Feliz Navidad." "O Come All Ye Faithful" is too high church sounding and she tries too much to sound like a female Elvis on "Blue Christmas." And someone please tell me what the hell "Brahms Lullaby" is doing on this album! But she redeems herself with exceptional originals, a nice cover of "The Christmas Song," and a beautiful rendition of "O Holy Night." A pretty nice offering, but I expected better from Celine.
   
   Best Song: "Another Year Has Gone By"
   
   Christmas traditionals / Total tracks: 7/16
   
   Sample This: The fun "Christmas Eve" and the seasonally uplifting "The Magic of Christmas Day"
   
   What to Avoid: sad family renditions of "Feliz Navidad" and "Les Cloches Du Hameau" (she could have included her family on better songs) and
   the sappy, out-of-place "Brahms' Lullaby"
   
   The album in 2 words: mixed bag
   
   Stocking Stuffer or under-the-tree: stocking stuffer



3. When I got this CD from my friend as a birthday present, I was feeling a bit sceptical. But after hearing the opening track which is O Holy Night, oh my god, this version is the best version of the song ever and l fell in love with this album.
   I will break down the review for each track.
   1. O Holy Night - The best redention of the song ever. She sings it powerfully and full of emotion. You will be blown away. No one can outdone Celine's O Holy Night.
   2.Don't Save It All for Christmas Day - This song was written by Celine. This song reminds us to give or show love to everyone everyday. Clay Aiken even covered this song on his Christmas Album.
   3. Blue Christmas - This song shows a jazzy side of Celine. Smoky, mellow Christmas song, you will love it. Diana Krall on piano; you can't go wrong :)
   4. Another Year Has Gone By - Laid back, a relaxing song. Bryan Adams wrote this song.
   5. The Magic of Christmas Day - uptempo catchy Christmas song done by Celine. I like the 'Christmas Eve' - track 11 better though.
   6. Ave Maria - It is heavenly sung and powerful. I don't particularly care about this song too much.
   7. Adeste Fideles (O Come All Ye Faithful) - Beautiful and churcy with chruch organ and choir.
   8. The Christmas Song - A nice soothing christmas song to warm up your Christmas spirit.
   9. The Prayer - This song has a nice lyric and full of meaning, making us believe in angels
   10. Brahm' Lullaby - A lullaby song good for sleeping. :)
   11. Christmas Eve - This is one of the best new songs in the album. This song reminds me of MAriah Carey's All I Want For Christmas For You. It's upbeat and catchy, making you want to go out and have fun on Christmas eve.
   12. These Are The Special Times - a well done song written by Diane Warren. Christina Aguilera did a cover of this song for her Christmas album. But Celine's version is much better than her.
   13. Happy Xmas (War is Over) - I love this song since it has a peace message for everyone and she did a fantastic cover of John & Yoko'. I also like the cover sung by Sarah McLachlan.
   14. I'm Your Angel - It used to be my favorite song. This song was no.1 on the billboard chart for a couple weeks.
   15.Feliz Navidad - Celine with Family wishing us Xmas.
   16. Les Cloches Du Hameau - it's so so, this track is my least favorite.
   
   In conclusion, if you like a well professionally arranged Christmas album (David Foster produced some of the songs) you should definetely be getting this album. Also this album makes a perfect gift for Christmas gift to everyone celebrating Christmas.
   Pairs this album with Mariah Carey's Merry Christmas and Sarah McLachlan's WinterSong, you are going to have a Christmas Blast.



4. This CD is incredible. My favorite song is 'Oh Holy Night'. Holy cow can she sing and this song is proof to any doubters. I play it over and over during the holidays. For people who love Christmas music, I would recommend you add this to your collection.



5. Celine Dion is an outstanding artist! This is a must for any Celine Dion fan!!!

No comments about Phantoms of the High Seas.

5 comments about A Christmas Festival.

1. I'm a Christmas music junkie and I absolutely love the Boston Pops! My favorite on the CD is Sleigh Ride. This would be great background music for a Christmas party or gathering. I recommend it!



2. As far as I'm concerned this is a "must have" for any Christmas music collection. I also own two other Boston Pops Christmas CD's conducted by John Williams and Keith Lockart which are newer and also great but this one from Artur Fiedler is the "Master". Over an hour of pure classic holiday pleasure. Christmas music like fine wine only improves with age.



3. 
   Our whole family enjoyed this CD very much. It was the first CD we played on the 1st of December as the family tradition has been to play the first Christmas CD in the early hours before sunrise. I especially liked the range of music from tradiitonal favourites to more contemporary sounds.Each piece was unique. Truly a musical feast!



4. I like Christmas music that I can play and replay without getting tired of it. This certainly fits that criteria. I listened to it frequently during the season and enjoyed it every time.



5. This album was released on compact disc in October of 1990 but it was released on vinyl records sometime between 1969 to 1972. I grew up listening to it most years until I started on my own path. Of course in my younger days the appreciation for Christmas orchestra music was not there. Only rediscovered it on amazon.com in 1994. It's great to play low as background music on Christmas day while opening gifts or while friends and relatives are talking about. The music has a whimsical flare which really brings out the Christmas spirit. Highly recommended for initiating cheer and maintaining calm in the household.

5 comments about Wintersong.

1. I bought this CD last year and love it! I listened to it a lot during the holiday season. I have also purchased it for several gifts.



2. I really bought the album for one song. ( I know I am lame) The whole album is really good. She really has an amazing voice.



3. This is of course the album that was originally meant to be a Christmas seasonal album but is so good that it is played year round by Sarah fans. It my have caused a few infidels to convert as well. Sarah's voice has not deteriorated at all for smoothness and range even though she turned 40 this year. Voice is somewhat les pristine sounding than on her eary albums-not better or worse just a little different. The song River(Joni MItchell) has of been made famous by this album as well as John Lennons Happy Xmas and the cosmic Firsr Noel.This vinyl issue is a dramitic improvement over the digital disc -reproducing the highs much better and sounding much fuller and clearer in the mids. Sarah' Voice more than others just sounds radically better on vinyl. There is somewhat less dramitic difference with Alison Krauss my other favorite vocalist for example though vinyl certainly improves her high harmonics. I guess it is the richness and complesity of Sarah's voice that matters so much.



4. Sarah has a very nice soft voice - that depending on your mood can make you cry while listening to her sing. Christmas should be a Happy Time but isn't always for everyone... This time of year carries all kinds of moods.
   I enjoyed this album very much!



5. Lovely CD and voice. Husband loves Sarah, we saw her at the Beacon years ago. He also loves the holidays, this was the perfect gift for the holiday season.