3 comments about Heavenly Peace.

1. A few seconds into my initial listening to its first track, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," I sensed that Heavenly Peace was not going to be a typical Christmas album, and as the rest of the album unfolded, that first impression became ever more deliciously validated. The multi-layered vocals on the song, in their interplay with the violin solo, alert listeners that they are in for some groundbreaking music, period, let alone a singular contribution to the seasonal literature.

   As the album continues to cast its spell, one quickly develops an appreciation for all the unique ways that Koldenhoven informs the holiday musical legacy, making new even the most familiar tunes and, simultaneously, the wonder of the Christmas story. Even more remarkable than her crystal-clear five-octave instrument (from below second alto to up, up, and away) is the fact that she manages to exploit its full range without showy, gimmick-laden histrionics.

   Several original compositions, including the wordless "Angels' Pastorale," add depth to the listening experience, and the sensitive lyrics (especially on "Joseph's Question") are worthy of the delicate settings that cradle them. Even the best-known tunes are so imaginatively delivered that one may be more tempted to wonder where one has heard the song before than to (attempt to) sing along. "Silent Night," packaged a bit like The Manhattan Transfer's version, comes the closest to sounding like something I can use as a basis of comparison, although if you're a Sarah Brightman fan, this collection will surely appeal to you, as it mines similarly etheric stylistic territory. It even closes with Koldenhoven's heartfelt (and superior) take on one of Brightman's signature tunes, "Pie Jesu" from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Requiem.

   Although hers isn't a household name, you may know the artist for her work with Yanni (she sang "Aria" on his Live at the Acropolis video and his In the Mirror CD), 2+2 (a jazz group with whom she earned three Grammy nominations and one award), or Inner Voices. The latter all-female quartet's 1990 Christmas Harmony is one of those very few holiday releases that have made my playlist every year since its release. I know that Heavenly Peace will join that special group of discs next year, and every year from then on.




2. The tonal quality of Darlene's voice is simply superb. Both rich and delicate. I would estimate at least a four octave range of superb, stylish aural splendor. Her talent goes well beyond just being a superb singer. She also arranged many of the "Heavenly Peace" songs, and produced this CD. Do I have a favorite song? Not really, they are all great for listening. But if I have to select a favorite, it would be "Emmanuel" ... a pure, ethereal song of magical beauty. I play this song over and over and over. The CD is my Christmas morning music while opening gifts. Highly recommended.



3. Although parts of this recording are sung in a vocal range that the Modern Listener isn't comfortable with, I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys extreme talent. Listening to this CD is an experience: I was soaring on Pie Jesu. Koldenhaven is the most exciting female singer since discovering Loreena McKennitt.

5 comments about A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector.

1. There was a time when Christmas CDs weren't put out on an assembly line. There didn't seem the need to put out a Christmas album for every flavor of the day artist just to be contemporary and not miss out on money making opportunities. That's not to say there aren't good modern CDs of the holday category. It's only to emphasize how special and enduring some Christmas CDs are. "A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector" is just that type of CD. It's why you hear it so widespread at the holidays, at such a wide variety of stores and radio stations. It's flawless. It has all the classics. It's pointless to go through them one by one since they're all fabulous. There's not one rendition of any song that isn't recognized by any generation. This is like "A Charlie Brown Christmas," which not only is as esssential to the holiday season as the Christmas tree, but is magical in the sentimentality and nostalgia it evokes. There are many other Christmas standards that fit into this category- Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Mathis, Rosemary Clooney and Stevie Wonder to name a few have all put their stamps with their interpretations of Christmas classics. But for comprehensive collectioins, Phil Spector's Christmas CD is almost unmatched. It's why you hear most of it wherever you go during the holidays. It brings out the little kid in all of us at Christmas.



2. First off let me say if you only own one x-mas cd it has to be this one. So we all know Phil Spector is a little crazy, but who cares! This album is absolutely fabulous. It creates a timeless mood for the holidays that cannot and will not ever be matched. Like I said in the title it is amazing how these traditional christmas songs can be made so enjoyable. There are only two thing I look forward to every holiday season. I feel terrible saying this, but those two things are not family and gifts. They are this classic album and National Lampoons Christmas Vacation!



3. 
   I'm by no means an expert on music...but Christmas would not be the same in my house without this album. It's fantastic - I could listen to it in the middle of August.



4. Orignally released in 1963 (as "A Christmas Gift For You From Philles Records"), this classic "Wall of Sound" production from Phil Spector has stood the test of time. If you don't believe me, check out Mariah Carey's rendition of "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" or the TV special "A Diva's Christmas Carol", which featured a cover of the Ronettes' "Sleigh Ride". In my opinion, the original versions on this album are superior. "Frosty The Snowman" in particuiar is a standout, due to the instrumentation and enthusiastic (almost innocent-sounding) vocals. A template for countless Christmas pop albums that followed, and arguably better than most of them.



5. A Christmas Gift for You might be Phil Spector's greatest work, and is probably the best and most influential ensemble Christmas album ever made. I myself first heard of A Christmas Gift for You as part of the publicity campaign for the Very Special Christmas series that began in 1987, the first of which included U2's cover of Darlene Love's Christmas (Baby Please Come Home). U2's version of Christmas, along with Bruce Springsteen's Santa Clause Is Coming to Town and Dean Martin's Marshmallow World, are for my money the only versions of these songs to rival Spector's. Released for the holidays in 1963, the album also delivers a final burst of American Rock and Roll before the British Invasion and might also explain why the Beatles' own Christmas albums were works of comedy: not even they could have topped Spector and his group of very young artists. My personal favorites are Love's White Christmas and Marshmallow World, and the Ronettes' Frosty the Snowman, Sleigh Ride, and I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. On a few occasions the production overwhelms the vocals, but so what? The Wall of Sound has never sounded better.

5 comments about Christmas with Yolanda Adams.

1. Christmas with Yolanda is truly an amazing work of art. Although I'm just getting around to writing a review, I had to take a moment to let all of you know what a terrific cd this is. Yolanda is not only an amazing singer, she is a person who truly blesses the Lord with her musical abilities. If you're looking for a good Christmas cd this year, then definitely purchase this one! You and your family will be blessed! I promise :)



2. Born this Day, the song is quite beautiful so I was upset when I heard- "Christ The Lord He's God the Father, God the Son and Holy Spirit [Jesus]." This is all sung on the song as one phrase. Note, the "Jesus" at the end is in the audio but not in the lyrics I found online.
   
   Christianity teaches that Jesus Christ IS God, but NOT that He ~is~ the Father, NOR that He is the Holy Spirit. Yolanda is teaching the ancient heresy called "modalism" which is rejected by Christians of every stripe... protestants, Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Eastern Orthodox....
   
   Her doctrine destroys the importance of Christmas itself because if true we would no longer have the incarnate Christ, our great High Priest interceding for us. There are other implications, but that particular one seems to kill the meaning of Christmas itself.



3. What sheer delight listening to this, one of the finest ever Christmas CD's. Could listen to this one 12 months of the year and keep the Spirit of Christmas gloriously alive. Yolanda's voice simply radiates with beauty, clarity and that motivating energy of pure love. This is one of those "must" albums you have to buy for yourself and then for your friends - just maybe in that order!



4. I was poking around the holiday section of the local library's CD collection, just hoping to find something a little different, when I came across this collection by Yolanda Adams and thought,"Hmmm. "Get Here" was a powerhouse song, so how bad can this be...?"
   
   How embarrassing to get my Adams(es?) confused, but then I had the same problem back in high school when I'd constantly be mixing up John and John Quincy. Call it a mental block. Or something. All I know is there are two soulful, powerhouse singers named Adams out there (more, if you count Ryan, Bryan--still more confusion--and Edie).
   
   I always tell folks that if there's a singer whose work they DON'T know, check out their holiday album (if any). It's often cheaper, and it does provide the ultimate test. I mean, if you can breathe new life into some of the standard Xmas warhorses, you can pretty much do anything. So believe you can fly, Yolanda, cuz it's clear you can.
   
   Adams is never less than professional when attempting the standard holiday fare, and much of the album is just that: soulful but not overwrought interpretations of songs like "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," the umpteenth version of "The Christmas Song" (nicely done, if not exactly a revelation) and, yes, even "The Little Drummer Boy." But the gospel inflected original (I believe) "Born This Day" truly soars. There is also an imaginative medley of "Carol of the Bells" and "What Child Is This?" And while soul versions of "Oh Holy Night" are hardly unheard of, you'd better be worth your salt, frankincense and myrrh to even attempt it. Yolanda Adams is up to the task.
   
   Good stuff. And a great stocking stuffer.



5. Yolanda's first christmas project (the second one was released today - What A Wonderful Time) is very well crafted soft project. She does what she does best on this project. That is sing well and provide great variety of gospel music (pop/r&b/contemporary gospel/jazz/traditional gospel). Standout tracks are: HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS, BORN THIS DAY, CAROL OF BELLS/WHAT CHILD IS THIS MEDLEY, OH HOLY NIGHT, IT CAME UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR!
   
   Get it, you'll enjoy it. Great for family and party gatherings. Excellent to have around the house. It'll lift your spirit and bring you to a place of gladness.
   
   Kudos Yolanda~

5 comments about Go Tell It on the Mountain.

1. "Go Tell It On The Mountain"! . . . The Blind Boys Of Alabama present us all with their gifts of "Gold Frankinsence, and Myrrh" in spirit and sound. Every track on this cd is a true "gem" and will stand the test of time to last for generation after generation of listeners . . . it is 'classic" in that it defies the fads of time . . . no matter your age or musical taste preferences, these true musical artists will touch a chord in your soul that only "spiritual gospel" can stricke and resound . . .these singers create spiritual harmonics is your soul and heart.
   
   The Christmas season is special . .and in truth it is all too short . . . but there ARE several "christmas albums" which i listen to and enjoy throughout the year, regardless of the month or season or "temperature on the thermometer": the one is The New Christie Minstrels' "Merry Christmas" . . . another John prine's Christmas album . . . and now, "Go Tell It On The Mountain" by The Blind Boys Of Alabama! :)
   
   Don't wait for the holiday season to near to get a copy of this album . . . and don't delay until the department stores begin decorating with reindeers and snowflakes . . . get it now . . get it anytime of the year . . and put it on your cd player and just let their soulful harmonies engulph you in wave after wave until you find yourself a part of the flow . . . you will find it's Christmas all year long . . every day . . . and if you're like me, you'll go out and get yourself more and more albums by these men who have "real talent" . . "real abilities" . . and "real gifts" . . .
   
   I give my thanks to The Blind Boys of Alabama for this album and for all of their recordings . . . American . . and "world" music . . . owes them a debt of gratitude for the treasures they have created and made permanent on recording after recording . . . long after these men have departed . . and long after all of us have vacated this world, these tracks will be listened to and appreciated and enjoyed by countless not yet born . . .and THEY TOO will be grateful to The Blind Boys Of Alabama for leaving these tracks behind . . .
   
   I hope that they record many many more albums yet to come . . . but for now, i am happy to have this "Christmas All Year" album from them, "Go Tell It On The Mountain"! :)



2. I had not heard any music by this group prior to borrowing a copy of this album - however, this is an excellent Christmas album. As you would expect from a gospel group, they focus almost exclusively on the religious aspect of the festival, the sole exception being White Christmas. There is a different guest singer on each track except the opening and closing tracks, which are without guests.
   
   With any album featuring a variety of guests, one's favorites depend to some extent on one's opion of the various guests. For example, my favorite guest is Shelby Lynne, who does a fine duet of The Christmas song - however, it's not quite my absolute favorite track. That distinction goes to Chrissie Hynde singing In the bleak midwinter, almost as a solo track with the group providing backup harmony. It is one of my favorite carols and I get the impression that it is more popular in Britain than in America, where it turns up occasionally on Christmas albums (this one included) but is by no means common. Other favorites include I pray on Christmas (a cover of a Harry Connick Jr song featuring Solomon Burke), Born in Bethlehem (with Mavis Staples), Little drummer boy (with Michael Franti) and Joy to the world (with Aaron Neville).
   
   This is an album with plenty of variety - they put plenty of energy into Last month of the year (no guests) and Go tell it on the mountain (with Tom Waits), which provide plenty of contrast with the slower songs.
   
   If you are looking for a bluesy gospel Christmas album, this is certainly a good one to choose.



3. Let me add my voice to the praise for this album. I've heard numerous versions of most of these songs and "Blind Boys" have just reset my ultimate covers for both "Go Tell it on the Mountain" and "In the Bleak Midwinter" just to name a few. Admittedly, this review is posted too late for you to get this CD for this Christmas, but trust me you will very much be enjoying the songs on this album throughout the year.



4. This CD is heartfelt and unique, with great instrumentation and good production and has a nice sampling of guest artists. But overall the Blind Boys voices are what makes it shine. They really make the songs thier own - even the ones you've heard a thousand times before - and THIER versions will stick in your head all season long.
   The GREAT majority of reviewers give this CD 5 stars and many others give it 4 stars. But there are 3 or 4 people bringing the overall rating down by giving the CD 1 or 2 stars. Please ignore those reviews. One of those reviewers said the CD was overproduced and too polished, yet another reviewer said they must have used the first take on every track implying the recordings are sloppy? Contradictory and unfounded. Just click on the track samples right here on Amazon and listen - is it what you expected?
   Folks, if you love the Blind Boys and/or love Christmas music with an original R&B twist (R&B in the true old-school sense of the word, not the way the phrase "R&B" is used today), then this CD is for you. If you have any idea what you're buying before you purchase (and these days it's hard not to), then buy it and enjoy.



5. this is a wonderful album, but i just do not get a couple of performances. i am a big fan of tom waitts, but this is not his kind of thing. you can't growl a carol (maybe van morrison can). and it does not seem appropriate sexing up 'in the bleak mid-winter' the way chrissy hynde does. strangely enough, this version is a favourite of mine purely for the soaring guitar solo by the masterful richard thomson.
   
   sunu charles

5 comments about 22 Merry Christmas Favorites.

1. I don't know what the first reviewer was expecting, but this is indeed Lawrence Welk and his ochestra and singers. My parents had the album set from which these were taken and they sound just as good now as they did when I was a child.
   
   For anyone who likes the old time Christmas songs, this CD is a must.



2. The person who gave this CD 1 star is mistaken. This CD is perfectly legitimate Lawrence Welk, with all of the recordings coming from the 4-record set put out by Reader's Digest in 1969/1970, with the exception of "Christmas in Los Angeles". That's Norma Zimmer and Jimmy Roberts on "Silver Bells", Ralna English on "What Child is This", and so on. When I first got this CD, my principal regret was that it didn't include Jo Ann Castle's fabulous honky-tonk piano version of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town". Happily, that cut is included in the newly (re-?) released "Christmas Memories". Buy this CD, buy that CD, and buy "Jingle Bells", which includes a few more of the songs from the box LP set plus some different (though perfectly legitimate) versions of others, such as the Lennon Sisters' recording of "Merry Christmas from Our House to Your House". Don't bother with the 10-song CD "Merry Christmas from Our House to Your House", as it doesn't contain any songs/versions that aren't already covered on the other three. Sadly, there are still some songs from the box LP set that are conspicuously absent on any CD, and we can only hope that those will be included in a future release, or that the box LP set itself will be released in its entirety on CD. Some of the missing classics: "Twas the Night Before Christmas", "Christmas Dreaming", "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day", "High on a Housetop", "Ho Ho Ho", "Here Comes Santa Claus", and "Let's Have an Old Fashioned Christmas" among others. Still, though I don't pretend to know how Ranwood went about selecting songs for these compilations (even "Jingle Bells" doesn't exactly match the LP - from the 50s? - by the same title), if you like Lawrence Welk (and I dare say even if you DON'T like his non-holiday stuff), you simply can't go wrong here. Light a fire, fix yourself a glass of eggnog, and listen to this wonderful CD as you watch the snow falling outside your window. Merry Christmas.



3. This is a premier Christmas CD!! It is absolutely inspiring with Lawrence Welk orchestrations and vocals that are so moving that I defy "Scrooge" to not like them. This is a true Christmas offering. As to the reviewer to said this was a "fraud", I'm sorry to say, she is sadly mistaken. She must have been listening to something else. This is pure "Lawrence Welk from the vintage years!!
   
   We have Ralna English singing "What Child is This", Tanya Welk-Roberts singing "Do You Hear What I Hear", Clay Hart and Steve Smith (from the 1960s Blender's group both with beautiful voices, Norma Zimmer and Jimmy Roberts singing "Silver Bells" and to my delight and surprise, Sandi and Salli singing "I Wanna Do More than Whistle", a nice bouncy happy tune!! THe rest are pure standards with beautiful orchestrations.
   
   This is the perfect Christmas CD and I will play it for many seasons to come. This is Christmas Music the way it was meant to be!! I also have Lawrence Welk's "Christmas Memories" which is equally fine as well which includes more cuts and work by more Lawrence Welk artists such as JoAnn Castle and Joe Feeney.
   
   Trust me, any Lawrence Welk fan will not be disappointed with this!!



4. I bought the 4 record set over 35 years ago and have played this 'wunnerful' music each year as we decorate our Christmas tree. I made cassette copies when my daughter moved away------even to England; she has kept up the tradition even to this day. Our concern was the longevity of the cassetts, so I searched the internet to find possible CD's. I was SO thrilled to find this and another CD available and immediately order her and me a set. Now we are assured of ALWAYS being able to enjoy Lawrence Welk's Christmas music forever. Thank you for making this available.



5. This compilation from LAWRENCE WELK, HIS ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS, is a christmas gem of christmas music. It is without any doubt, one of the best christmas cd's ever released. This release, 22 MERRY CHRISTMAS FAVORITES FROM OUR HOUSE TO YOUR HOUSE, finds itself in my cd player very often over the christmas months of november and december. Christmas wouldn't be the same without it.
   
   The songs all sound as if they were recorded in the same session rather than scattered years. It sounds as if it was a single recorded christmas album from perhaps 1960 or so. I didn't even know it was a compilation until after I read that it was. That's how much I thought it was it's own early 1960's record. This is a plus because all the songs mix into each other really well.
   
   You will get some fabulous orchestra music, some wonderful chorus singing, and some superb solo or duet singing. In fact, it's one of the great christmas releases where every song is really dynamite. I'm pretty certain you won't be skipping any songs to get to the next great one and you'll play it straight through time after time. And with that in mind, this cd would be a perfect cd to play as background christmas music for when you have company (like family and friends) over during the christmas season (and also just for your own listening enjoyment over the holidays).
   
   Very powerful chorus singing is found in such songs as MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM OUR HOUSE TO YOUR HOUSE and the timeless WHITE CHRISTMAS. A beautiful orchestra sound is heard in O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM and SILENT NIGHT among others. Great solo singing is heard in THANKS FOR CHRISTMAS and CHRISTMAS COMES BUT ONCE A YEAR. A superb duet is found in SILVER BELLS. And a very powerful and beautiful orchestra and chorus is heard in the songs HARK THE HEARALD ANGELS SING (my all-time favorite version), DECK THE HALLS (also my all-time favorite version), CAROL OF THE BELLS (first or second all-time favorite version), AWAY IN A MANGER, and several others.
   
   In many of the religious songs (the only exception being CAROL OF THE BELLS), the chorus doesn't sing words but rather become a type of instrument of the orchestra (kinda humming along) but this style is used in a very unique way in some of the songs and it is ever so beautiful.
   
   This cd really has a style all it's own so it will be pleasant and fresh from other christmas cd's, but at the same time, still being at least around as great (if not greater) and in the general 'easy listening christmas' style (or category) of other great orchestra and chorus christmas albums by the LIVING STRINGS AND LIVING VOICES - WHITE CHRISTMAS (1968), PERCY FAITH AND HIS ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS - CHRISTMAS IS (1966) and HENRY MANCINI AND HIS ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS - A MERRY MANCINI CHRISTMAS (1966).
   
   This cd is a most reccomended cd that has many timeless favorites with fresh original approaches to many of them unlike versions you have probably heard before and also several new songs you may not have heard (such as the very upbeat and amazing RING THOSE CHRISTMAS BELLS) which makes this cd a very unique and most beautiful christmas offering that I'm certain will become one of your favorites if not your favorite christmas cd.

5 comments about Christmas With the Dale Warland Singers.

1. As has been the case with most DWS recordings, this is truly a classic. Beautifully sung, with new and interesting arrangements of traditional favorites, this disc is a must for all holiday music and DWS fans. Of note are Stephen Paulus' rhythmic "The Holly and the Ivy" and Praetorius' beautiful "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming" arranged by Jan Sandström. I highly recommend this recording.



2. This CD is worth buying for the track Prepare the Way alone. All the tracks are amazing, but that one is the best.



3. To anyone who appreciates choral music, or even some of you who only like to listen to it during the holidays, this is the album for you. The music is so familiar, but so aesthetically pleasing to listen to. The choir sounds clear and majestic from the clear sounds of the basses to the beautiful pings of the sopranos. Forget the garbbled sounds of Choirs with people who think that singing in Forte the whole way through is beautiful. This is angelic, yet very fun to listen to. Enjoyment for the whole family. 5 Stars



4. I just ordered every recording ever done by the Dale Warland Singers on the strength of this album, my first experience with this group. Where have I been all these years?
   
   I have a couple of discs by the BYU Singers, directed by Dr. Ronald Staehli. They are very similar in quality, polish and emotional depth to this group, with an added religious element that deepens the emotional content of their music. The BYU Singers' versions of the Whitacre tunes are very good. But a BYU Singers disc will have a couple of tracks that are a bit boring or somewhat puzzling as to why they were included. This disc is strong all the way through.
   
   Wow.
   
   If you are in love with the Dale Warland Singers, I do recommend listening to the BYU Singers if you come across them. You'll find tracks that are in the same league as what you are listening to on this disc.



5. If you love accapella choral music, sometimes with light instrumentation, and SUPERB voices, buy this DVD. I cannot stop playing it, even after Christmas. Love it!

5 comments about Christmas with the Pops.

1. One of the best Christmas albums you will find. Perfect balance between religious favorites, non-religious classics, and children's favorites. All tastefully done and arranged to fit the theme of the song. Many of the percussion "effects" bring the songs to life and the solo and choral vocals are outstanding. Cannot recommend this album highly enough. A must have for any Christmas collection to be enjoyed for many years.



2. This is a wonderful recording by America's "Other" Pops orchestra. Since I am from Boston, I automatically associate the word Pops with the Boston Pops and when it was first released, purchased it at will believing it was a Boston Pops recording. Upon listening, I realized that it was a different sound than the Boston Pops sound, but this discovery was hardly a disappointment. One of the reasons why Erich Kunzel has been so successful with the Cincinnati Pops is his ability to bring forth a powerful and unique sound. This recording has all the Christmas standards, but the standards are presented in a creative manner, which is both a Telarc and Cincinnati Pops trademark.
   
   There are two great strengths to this recording: its variety and its guests. There are full symphonic arrangements as well as arrangements for soloist, adult and children's choirs. Brass and organ ensembles, and hand bell choirs. The various arrangements are placed in an order throughout the recording that keeps the listener's attention. The gests are also outstanding. Rosemary Clooney, baritone Sherill Milnes, Doc Severinsen, and Toni Tenille add star power to the recording. There are unique tracks, particularly the chilling and somewhat ephemeral "Walking in the Air" from THE SNOWMAN performed by treble Stephen Van Dyck.
   
   I have owned the recording since its release in 1990 and it has become a treasured part of my holiday collection. I am sure other listeners will treasure it too.



3. This CD really represents the music our family likes to hear during the holiday season. The selections are beautifully arranged, performed with a variety of vocalists and are all recognizable holiday favorites that had us singing away while wrapping gifts and enjoying the season's festivities (even made cleaning the house somewhat more bearable). I would highly recommend this CD as a musical gift to yourself and someone else!



4. If you need some Christmas Spirit, this is the CD for you. Every mood of Christmas music is included in this album and the song "Walking in the Air" is worth the price of the CD by itself.



5. This is my second copy of this album. I wore out my first one. This has the most beautiful versions of all my favorite Christmas songs. Its perfect!

5 comments about Christmas Collection: 20th Century Masters.

1. Everything associated with the purchase of this product was A-OK; the description of the product, the quality of the product, the delivery time, and receiving the product in good condition were all excellent. I would definitely do business with conficence with this company again.



2. Love this classic album. Glad it's still in "print". Couldn't find it anywhere else but Amazon. Thanks.



3. I have enjoyed The Statler Brothers music for many years. I had worn out my tapes of their Christmas music & was delighted to see that a CD had been made. This CD will be enjoyed all year long-- not just during the Christmas season.



4. Having the Stattler Brothers Christmas CD sure added to our enjoyment of Christmas. What a wonderful sound.



5. This is a great CD. I love the Statlers & this is a wonderful addition to my Christmas music.

5 comments about The Best of Aaron Neville - The Christmas Collection: 20th Century Masters.

1. I bought this as a gift and the person who received it, loves it. Great value.



2. Great sounds - played it thru out the holiday season. Can't wait for next year so I can play it again. I have several of Aaron's CDs & love them all.



3. This is the best Christmas CD ever. Aaron Nevelle's beautiful voice makes all the classics seem fresh. Next year, I'm buying these CDs for friends.



4. I love this collection of Christmas songs by Aaron Neville. He is one of my favorite singers and his rendition of Ava Maria is beautiful.



5. What can I say.....two of my alltime favorites, Christmas music and Aaron Neville. His amazing voice and unique arrangements are always a treat. "Please Come Home for Christmas" and "Louisiana Christmas Day" are "Such a Night" are favorites. Rev up your Christmas spirit with Aaron's amazing voice! I'm treating myself to his other Christmas CD next year.....the heck with waiting for Santa!!

4 comments about Christmas Remixed, Vol. 2.

1. LIKE SPICE IN YOUR EGG NOG? THEN YOU'LL LOVE THIS CD.IT HAS MANY OF YOUR FAVORITE ARTISTS AND SONGS INCLUDING MAHALIA JACKSON AND HER JAZZ COUNTERPART, ELLA FITZGERALD!PUT A LITTLE TWIST IN YOUR HOLIDAY AND BUY THIS CD...IT'S A BLAST!



2. With the glut of remix albums flooding the market these days, it should come as no surprise that there are a slew of them showing up in the Holiday music bins... two of the more promising new ones (despite the awful cover art on both) are Merry Mixmas on Capitol/EMI and Christmas Remixed 2 from Six Degrees. Will either of them have you hip-hopping arond the tree?
   
   Turns out the real party is happenin' on Christmas Remixed 2 where our holiday mixmasters seem to know how to make something new and fresh out of a familiar tune. This new collection lives up to (and perhaps even improves upon) the original Christmas Remixed from Six Degrees released in 2003. Each track has a distinct personality, and there's a good mix of vocal and instrumental selections (unlike the all-vocal Merry Mixmas). Highlights include:
   
   *Bombay Dub Orchestra's jazz/funk wah-wah guitar drenched "Jingle Bells" perfectly blended with Joe Williams' vocal
   *tasty twists on Jimmy McGriff and Charlie Parker by TONAL and King Kooba
   *the head-bobbin' beat of "Frosty the Snowman" remixed by the Rondo Brothers (with Patti Page's hilariously looped "thumpity-thump-thump" refrain)
   *Charles Brown's "I'll Be Home for Christmas" mutated into a strange retro-synth hip hop ballad by Ohmega Watts
   *the sinister funky drumming superimposed upon "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" by Red Baron
   *46bliss' ethereal, spooky "Silent Night" with the echoing vocals of Mahalia Jackson and backing choir (this one would have been even better without the backbeat, though...)
   
   Sure, there are a few tracks that coast and go on a little too long, but overall this is a perfect example of what a good remix album should be: originals reimagined in interesting, creative ways with plenty of stylistic variety and thoughtful track sequencing. Hey, I bet grandma would even get a kick out of this stuff (especially after a couple Tom and Jerrys...) [Note to Santa: How about a Christmas Remixed 3 in my stocking next year?]
   
   Decision: Christmas Remixed 2 (break)beats Merry Mixmas, y'all... word (and so forth...) [see my Amazon review of Merry Mixmas for more details...]



3. The only word needed here! Too bad that the majority of listeners will never hear the original cuts (other than White Christmas by Bing). But this CD at least brings these artists back to the forefront. Who'd have thought we'd hear Patti Page THUMP THUMPING with a real beat behind her on FROSTY THE SNOWMAN or the totally other worldly sound of Rosemary Clooney's HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS. This is a Christmas season must. It will be in our 400 CD changer for New Year's eve dancers!!!!



4. I bought this CD and a couple of others like it last December, as a DJ booked for Christmas parties. A few of the songs don't really work with the added beats, but most of them are really fun and different. If you're sick of the same songs played over and over again every Christmas, you will definitely appreciate this CD in your player.