5 comments about A Very Special Christmas.

1. I actually wanted this CD when I was in junior high, when it was released. I never did get it, but this year was adding to my Christmas CD collection and thought it was about time!
   
   You will recognize at least half of the songs from what you hear on the radio during Christmas. Great songs by Bon Jovi, John Cougar Melloncamp, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, The Pointer Sisters etc. I think this is a great addition to any Christmas CD collection!



2. This CD had alot of my favorite Christmas songs on it. I love it!!!



3. I really enjoyed this CD over the Christmas Holidays. It features all the original artists. I especially enjoyed Santa Baby by Madonna. I have heard other versions that I don't like as well. When I ordered it I didn't expect it so soon. It came within a week. Great Service.



4. I REALLY PURCHASED THIS CD SPECIFICALLY FOR STEVIE NICKS RENDITION OF SILENT NIGHT WHICH I THINK IS ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL OTHERWISE, THE REMAINDER OF THE CD IS QUITE NICE



5. The original "A Very Special Christmas". I remember buying the LP when it first came out and loved it so much that I decided to get the CD recently. Still a classic. Great Album.

5 comments about Songs for Christmas.

1. Cool and ambitious takes on old and new tunes...plus fun packaging that makes the "hard copy" well worth it (actually, a steal.)



2. great twist on the classics and beautiful orginal compositions, though the collection is 5 CDs deep it is not a chore to listen through all, each song has wonderful holiday sentiments and melody. Sufjan continues to brighten the standards with his signature.



3. All five cd's are fabulous, I played them the entire holiday and gave this as a gift to everyone. A perfect blend of classics and new songs.



4. This box set is full of fun times as soon as you open it. Besides the amazingly complex yet honestly raw christmas songs, there are short stories that we can all relate to about the materialism of christmas and the coming together of dysfunctional families, as well as chords and lyrics to all of the songs so you can sing and even play along. My mother and i sang together for the first time ever when i put these CDs in the player.



5. This is what introduced me to Sufjan (and I have never been the same!). My mother, who is in her mid 50s, loves this set. I secretly look forward to Thanksgiving because I can put the album in my cd player for the next couple of months...and we play it while we're taking our tree down so we can enjoy it one last time before putting Christmas stuff up. It has many traditional Christmas songs, as well as some he has written, and some stellar renditions of old hymns that will be familiar to many. This has to be the best Christmas album ever.

5 comments about Dr. Demento Presents: Greatest Christmas Novelty CD.

1. Dr Dementos Greatest Christmas Novelty CD was entertainingly funny for my whole family. Its fun to have a little non-traditonal Christmas music at the holiday season. Pure fun, fun, fun.



2. Great novelty CD. Had this one for a long time and lost it, so I had to get a replacement.



3. Good product for a child in Elem School. It arrived promptly and was what I expected.



4. product suited the need and reason for purchase. pleasantly surprised by some of the other novelty songs on cd.



5. I honestly bought this CD for one song and that was "all I want for x-mas is a hippotamus". I love that song and Alvin and the Chipmunks. For me the rest of the songs sucked and they arent worth anything to me. But I couldnt find the song I wanted as a single at the time. Just make sure that you read the songs included list before you buy.

5 comments about How Sweet the Sound: Spirituals & Traditional Gospel Music.

1. From "Jesus Hits Like an Atom Bomb" to "Amazing Grace", this CD is packed with glorius gospel spirituals and terrific talent. Highly recommend to music lovers of all faiths!



2. My daughter gave me this CD, because, while I'm not religious, I'm a long time fan of gospel music. The first pass through the record, I found myself wandering off to other tasks. So, the second time I put it on the player I forced myself to sit completely through the record. I'm not familiar with Chanticleer, so I had no idea whey she thought I'd like it, but she's is right more often than not. This would be one of the "not" times.
   
   I guess this as an attempt to make gospel music "hip." With songs like "Jesus Hits Like An Atomic Bomb" and "What You Gon' Do When the World's On Fire?" the lyrics are like walking a American urban street being threatened by strangers. Far from being uplifting, the songs are decidedly unfriendly. The feel of the music reminded more of the howling noises I suffered as a forced member of my parent's Kansas Methodist Church than the sweet, honest sounds of real gospel music. That intangible thing I get from listening to gospel music that is heartfelt and painfully honest, even if deluded, was nowhere to be heard in "How Sweet the Sound." Instead, the music is chant-like, monotonous, and cold.
   
   I would not recommend this record to anyone outside of the Midwest. If you miss the sterile sounds of a Midwestern protestant church in full howl, this might be your cup of weak wine. If gospel music is what you're looking for, look elsewhere.



3. This is the Best Chanticleer CD yet. I have listened to it dozens of times. Money well spent. I have even given copies to several of my friends.



4. I'm not a huge fan of gospel, because I find it to be led by emotion, and musically undisciplined. Rousing, yes - but a little goes a long, long way. I've also found most gospel recordings to be sonically challenged. Almost as if microphones were incapable of capturing the music with clarity. None of this holds true for "How Sweet the Sound." This is a beautifully recorded cd, and every tune is both musically precise, and emotionally resonant. It is, however, a little hard to listen to in one sitting because of the "sameness" of the arrangements. That's a small quibble - who says any cd has to be experienced all at once - and "There is a Balm in Gilead," alone is worth the price of admission.



5. On this standard red book 16-bit CD we are offered that rare and special invitation: Come now, pilgrim - take yet another good step forward in gospel praise or supplication. How can we progress in our individual and collective spiritual journeys towards whatever transcendent glories ground us, revive us, and lead us on despite life's challenges, unless we sing?. Are you having set backs? This CD is good medicine, and it is both a worthy addition to the gospel music shelf and perhaps just the sort of musical medicine that turns out to be good for you, on more than one level of body, mind, and soul. Not a bitter root aftertaste, nor a nagging fishy oil payback in any of this welcome elixir. I guess that is why we call it, Good News.
   
   The arrangements of new and old gospel standards have been set by counter-tenor Joseph Jennings - a leading Chanticleer member of long standing - intently drawing upon both the florid improvisations of the soloists and gospel groups climbing ever so dazzlingly into the fiery chariots that sacred texts say carried off the prophet; and yes, rooted as well in the impeccably crafted close harmonies and inwardly solid strength of gospel quartets and ensembles like Fisk University's Jubilee Singers and many other exemplars.
   
   So, when you listen to this one you will be immediately surrounded by that amazing and great, gathering could of witnesses. The messages are familiar: Keep your hands on the plow. Surely God is able. There is a balm in Gilead.
   
   Like the famous vocal work by Ralph Vaughan Williams, his Serenade to Music as written for a star-crossed group of well-known British soloists of the era; so this gospel outing brings the small male ensemble Chanticleer to the fore - both as a vocal group and as a fabulous collection of solo voices who are prodigiously gifted vocal stars in their own rights. Capping off Chanticleer as an embarrassment of riches is a guest turn by San Francisco's own Bishop Yvette Flunder. She is the real deal, too, as both an ordained minister whose leadership in black churches has blazed fireworks in celebration of melding religion with social justice, and a Jen-U-Wine good news singer who can preach and pray and moan with the best of them.
   
   Only the superhumanly perfected intonation of their cappella group singing, as well as the superb blend and polish of the Chanticleer dozen, will remind a listener than this group is as famous for its Flemish medieval polyphony or its unerring Purcellian clarity, as any other ensemble of twelve voices now appearing before us.
   
   So, forget all the categories and musicology boxes which would seal off gospel music from pre-Bach cathedral masters of polyphony. With this CD we can just revel in the mysteries of good music, regardless. Yeah, Josquin, I'm talking bout you - Sit down servant, there's plenty good room.
   
   Five stars. Highly recommended.

5 comments about The Bells of Dublin.

1. Since 1963, the Chieftains have been the world's most famous performers of traditional Irish music. On this album, they play Christmas music. Most of the songs are traditional, but there are a few new ones. On some of the songs, they are assisted by friends and admirers; like Elvis Costello, Burgess Meredith, Marianne Faithfull and Jackson Browne. This is very enjoyable, unique Christmas album.



2. If you like ethnic folk music or "World Music" as it is now called; you will probably like this CD, especially if you have a liking for the sound of Irish or Celtic music. Unlike most Christmas CDs where the same songs and same arrangements are done over and over again, this CD seems to stand out. I am not an expert on Irish music, but I found the songs to be very catchy and sometimes also very moving. Old favorites are given a nice Irish treatment with what appears to be some very unusual but authentic Irish instruments. There are also many guest stars like Elvis Costello, Burgess Meredith and Marainne Faithful. Sometimes, that sort of thing, becomes a distraction, but everything on this CD seems to fuse nicely.
   
   It's one of my favorite Christmas CDs.



3. The Bells of Dublin is one of the best Christmas CD's ever made. It truly captures the spirit of Christmas for all ages and times. This CD is the first Christmas CD I listen to each year as the Christmas season begins. I turn this CD on when I am decorating and making ready my home for the Christmas celebration. If you are looking for a CD to lighten your spirit and lift your heart, The Bells of Dublin is an absolute must have. The Chieftains are a truly wonderful gift to us all.



4. I love this CD...let me make that perfectly clear. "The Wren, The Wren", "The St. Stephen's Day Murders", "The Rebel Jesus"...EVERYTHING on this CD is great I think, EXCEPT! the hideous, utterly painful rendition of perhaps my favorite carol, "O, Holy Night" by Rickie Lee Jones. It is totally unlistenable...a complete destruction of a magnificent song. I skip it every time it comes on. If it weren't for that atrocity, my review would be 5 stars. Other than that though, "The Bells of Dublin" is a wonderful Christmas CD.



5. The Bells of Dublin by the Chieftains, is a collection of traditional music along with some updated selections. If you are a Chieftains fan or are new to Irish music, this is a good addition to your CD library. You will find that you will play it over and over, and enjoy it more each time you do. It won't be long before they have you singing along too!

5 comments about Time-Life Music: Treasury of Christmas - Holiday Memories.

1. I am a music lover and to me and my family the Christmas season is a time that the joyful and heartfelt music of the time should be heard from near and far, this collection fits the bill to do just that. In it you will find so many songs that you grew-up with and hearing them will touch a cord in your heart and bring to memory the joy of the season. I highly recommend this collection and hope you will be as enriched with it as my family is. Merry Christmas!



2. I purchased this item from the television ad the year it was released directly from Time-Life. As a result of getting divorced, I needed to repurchase this great set I had bought from Time-Life years ago. After seeing the price for the bundle and recognizing the album covers, I was elated to finally get a new set for myself. Upon receipt, I immediately discovered that it is not "As Seen on TV" at all. the song selection is a fraction of the original, with a different discograpghy, but still the same album covers.
   The songs are indeed great classics, however, if you have experienced the original "As Seen on TV" set that was released in 2001 you, too, will be as disappointed and left feeling rather robbed.



3. I enjoy Méhdi"Christmas Treasures",Charlie Brown Christmas ,Mannheim Steamroller etc.and this a magnificent production that I also enjoy just as much. Time-Life Treasury of Christmas: Holiday Memories collects 24 classic tracks of the holiday genre spread out over two discs, including "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" by Nat King Cole, "Santa Baby" by Eartha Kitt, "Jingle Bell Rock" by Bobby Helms, "I Believe in Father Christmas" by Greg Lake, and "Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy" by Bing Crosby and David Bowie. Many of these artists will appeal to a broad range of ages, making it perfect for family gatherings.



4. The CD - Treasury, from Time-Life was not the one I wanted. I wanted the first Time Life Christmas collection.



5. This CD has a good selection of traditional Christmas songs from the original artists that I remember from my childhood. You know, when it was still OK to say "Merry Christmas" to someone on the street. I played this CD and the other Time-Life Christmas CD all December long. I want my kids to have these songs as their Christmas memories as I do.

5 comments about A Boy Named Charlie Brown: The Original Sound Track Recording Of The CBS Television Special.

1. Well, apparently, 'A Boy Named Charlie Brown' was originally intended(the title, anyway) as a TV special in 1964 on Charles Schulz and his 'Peanuts' newspaper comic-thanks to Steve G. for this info! However, Steve's informed me that it was never released. So, this should make the holiday TV specials 'A Charlie Brown Christmas'(65) & 'It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown'(66) the first animation for the Peanuts gang, w.'A Boy Named Charlie Brown' following this, in 1969, @ the theatres. However, I've also found that the gang apparently appeared in TV car ads in the late 50s-early 60s. On the subject of this soundtrack for 'A Boy Named Charlie Brown', though, I agree with other reviewers here that it is definitely missing a decent part of the score, including Guaraldi's rendition of Beethoven's 'Pathetique Sonata' and, especially, the Rod McKuen title song(I mean, c'mon, whether it's liked by one and all or not-it's the film's title song, for crying out loud!) Still, this is a pretty decent jazz CD, just not as good as it could have been, like 'A Charlie Brown Christmas', probably the reigning champion of all Christmas albums(@ least I feel so). I do agree, though, that this is probably the best the Peanuts features ever got, this being the first of four. I feel, anyway, that the 2nd film, 'Snoopy Come Home', is extremely overrated by critics and fans, alike. I've recently gone back, after several years, and watched the film again and, although, it's quite funny @ times, it's also painfully looonnngggg-and, often, pretty dry and uninteresting. The soundtrack for that one is just plain B-A-D!(Where's Guaraldi when you need him?) The 3rd film, 'Race for Your Life, Charlie Brown', is completely worthless, so I won't even waste time here with that one, but I seem to remember that 'Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown' wasn't too bad(I picked up a copy some time ago, so I'll edit this review, again, after I've viewed it). On a side note, although the two original holiday TV specials are in a box set, they're paired up with the Thanksgiving special and these 70s followups are little better than the films that followed 'A Boy...'. So, if you purchase these first 2 specials, pick them up separately(unless you'll save more buying the set). The TV pieces that followed the 1970s & into the 90s, though, are the really bad ones.



2. Imagine, for a second, that this is just an album, rather than a soundtrack. Think about what it would be like if "Linus and Lucy" was not a cue to think about animated chracters, but just a really cool jazz standard.
   
   Do you find it difficult? Actually, I don't. Why? Because when I listen to this album, and others in Guaraldi's Peanuts series, I find the music so dang good that it doesn't need Charlie Brown's endorsement. Vince's compositions are memorably memorable, his trio is tight, and his single-line style of piano is as melodic as ever there has been.
   
   So, no doubt, you have heard this album, either as an album or as a soundtrack. What I urge you to do is to try - and it might be hard - to listen to this album as a stand alone deal. Because it really is that good! Vince Guaraldi really was a swingin' pianist and excellent songwriter. And this CD really is jazz - cool, smooth, and sparkling jazz.
   
   The only downside to this CD, and what seperates it from many 'regular' albums - is that the album, and some of the songs, are shorter than one might come to expect. The disc chimes in just shy of 30 minutes. And the shortest song ("Schroeder") is just over a minute. But 30 minutes worth of delectable music is worth more to me than 60 minutes of average.
   
   So listen to the disc, and try out my suggestion. The album is Vince Guaraldi, rather than Charlie Brown. And, in my opinion, it is better that way.



3. This music evokes such wonderful, fond memories for me of jiffy-pop popcorn, skinned knees, sleeping bags, pillow fights, legos, lincoln logs, etc... etc... It's too darn bad that children have to grow up to be people one day. However, thank the heavens above that we have music like this to bring us back to those simpler, much more tranquil times. Long before there was "Sponge Bob", "Beavis & Butthead", "South Park", "The Simpsons", "Family Guy", etc... there was "Peanuts". A toon about a lovable loser, his daffy, dexterous dog and their group of colorful, memorable pals. Yet it was so much more than that. As a child of the 70's, Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Snoopy, Peppermint Patty, Marcie, Schroeder, Woodstock, et al... were not merely just cartoon characters, they were a part of us of all. How many of you remember how excited you got whenever a "Peanuts" special was on? It was huge, momentous occasion, and the world for us, seemed to stop completely during that special hour. What made it even more special was the fact that even our jaded, pooped-out parents seemed to enjoy it almost as much as we children did. This CD awakens those childhood memories, memories full of harmony and joy. In fact, every time I hear "Linus & Lucy" I feel as if I want to cry... and for a burnt-out, cynical guy like me, that rarely happens anymore.
   
   This is excellent music folks. Read all the glowing, wonderful reviews below me and my Amazon amigos will tell you the exact same thing. As an avid jazz fan, this trio needs to be taken seriously. Vincent Guaraldi, Monty Budwig (bass) & Colin Bailey (drums) all play tight, straight, clean lines, and simple melodies... nothing too ornate, but beautiful all the same. I really loved their version of "Fly Me to the Moon", which was an added bonus track on this dynamite recording.
   
   You don't have to be a jazz fan to love and appreciate this one! FIVE STARS without even blinking an eyelash.



4. Ultra smooth lounge jazz without the turgid kenny g solos and canned beats and whatever the _________ plauges fake "jazz". Charlie Brown? Who gives? This is great laid back jazz. Of course, it may seem awfully familiar to you, which may just make you laugh. Plenty of these songs are known well, especially Linus and Lucy. Kick yourself if you don't recongize it and are past the age of 13. You managed to miss Peanuts. Not sure how somebody can do that!
   
   Aside from the fact that this has to do with Charlie Brown, you must give credit to the Vince Guaraldi Trio. Vince's piano playing is always melodic, and there are no horns like Miles Davis. It's non stop jazzy, or whatever you want to call it. I'll put it simple. If you are looking for music to dim the lights too and pour a glass of wine, then put on this cd. OR going anywhere. Heck, just listen to some of the clips on this cd. Unless you totally hate jazz, I don't see how you could not enjoy this.
   
   I still can enjoy it, even though the ________ cd is so scratched it's a wonder the damn thing still runs. Fortunately, the songs are pretty implanted into my brain, so I can still listen to the songs on autopilot go on and on in my head while doing homework or other random _____. The music will stick with you. IF you are a Peanuts lover, chances are this cd will be worth more to you. However, I haven't seen enough Peanuts to reconize all of the songs, and those songs are still as catchy and good as any songs I've heard. Enough ranting. Best of all, it's not Christmas themed, which is refreshing because: 1. Christmas songs haven't impacted me in 12 years because they are so _______ overdone by heartless ______ corporations, and 2. It will never feel out of place. Christmas albums in the summer?
   
   (Laughs)
   
   9.0/10



5. The CD is exactly as I expected. I had listened to some tunes from one like it that a friend has. Service, shipping, etc, was fine.

5 comments about A Christmas Festival.

1. Arthur Fieldler takes you to "A Christmas Festival" where he will lead you on a "Sleigh Ride" to a "Winter Wonderland" to celebrate an absolutely beautiful "White Christmas" with the Boston Pops Orchestra and Chorus.
   
   Make it a "Silent Night" and listen to some of the classic Christmas carols of all-time - "The Nutcracker: Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy," "What Child Is This?" and a host of heavenly chorus singing a "Christmas Medley" of "Here We Come A-Caroling," "O Christmas Tree" and "I Saw Three Ships."
   
   This is one my favorite Christmas music of all-time. The music of Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops Orchestra has been a part of our very musical household when I was growing up. Likewise, this recording takes me back to my cherished memories of Christmases in the past. This is Christmas music at its best. The arrangements are perfectly done, the orchestration is superb, the choice of material is truly impeccable, and the chorus is outstanding.
   
   Merrily recommended for your Holiday listen and let your ears capture its magic.



2. 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!



3. 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.



4. 
   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!



5. 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 comments about Merry Christmas With Love.

1. As a Clay Aiken fan I adore anything he sings! But when he sings his Christmas songs he is just breathtaking! Nobody in the music world today touches me the way Clay does! All anyone would have to do is listen to him and if they were honest they would have to admit, he is the greatest!



2. Clay should have won American Idol, but this is also the only good album he's made yet. He does the classics well. It's your standard Christmas album, take the songs as is, use the Clay voice, and it's a hit. The originals on the album stink, which is why his other stuff is no good, he has bad original songs. But his covers are very good. "O Holy Night", "Mary Did You Know", "Winter Wonderland", are among the highlights.
   
   Overall, if you're looking for an original album, look elsewhere. These are just Christmas songs with the Clay voice. That said, he has a great voice. So if you're looking for the Christmas standards, look here, looking for something more original? Grab Relient K's Christmas album.



3. 
   My whole family voted hundreds (probably thousands) of times for Clay when he was on American Idol. We joined his fan club and keep in touch with what he is doing through "claymation" PLUS we have all read his book. Guess we are REAL fans (oops.. we also have one of his larger posters on our kitchen door so he joins us for dinner each day (really... we're NOT crazy). . We recently heard he was gfoing to be in a play on on Broadway called SPAMALOT... Anyway... our review is we love anything Clay does! Wish we could tell him directly how proud we are of him. Sincerely, Sharon The Paul Hudson, Peterson families.



4. Beautiful music from Clay. I bought it especially for "Mary did you Know" and was not disapointed. Rest of the songs are very lovely too.



5. It's always Christmas in my heart and for 2 months a year I get to drag out the Christmas music. And who has a more angelic voice? I love this album. I had to buy 3 more to give as gifts to foreign exchange students who had never heard of him before and fell in love.

5 comments about Backstreet Boys - Video Hits, Chapter One.

1. This movie was GREAT! I've seen this and "Back Street Stories" and this ranked way higher than that movie. I'm tellin' ya if you want to buy a Backstreet Boy movie that has no Bad motions, cuss words or sexual content this is the one to get.But there is one song that parents might want to listen to first. It's called "EveryBody [Backstreets Back]" and it says.."Am i The Only One" "Am I SEXUAL" "Am I everything You better Rock your Body right." I know my parents don't like that But thats preety much it. I hope i didn't spoile it for you. That is just one song so your ok. My parents didn't buy this for me but we rented it & if i did get it I would watch it EVERYDAY OF MY LIFE!!!!!!!!!!



2. I love Backstreet Boys - Chapter One. I enjoy watching them over and over again. If you are a big fan of the Backstreet Boys you will totally enjoy watching all of these videos.



3. I bought this DVD from Amazon. I would say, this DVD is a excelent video collection. All the music lovers should have this DVD. Do not miss this DVD.I'm very happy to purchased it.I gurenteed about the satisfaction as a music lover.



4. This DVD is a great compilation of the hit songs and their music videos the Backstreet Boys have produced over their first three albums: Backstreet Boys, Millennium, and Black & Blue. You can watch a progression of their music and style in this video alone.
   
   The only reason why I give this DVD a 4-star rating instead of five is because of the fact that the region 1 disk here only has the American/ Canadian hits. Hits like We've Got It Goin' On or Get Down (You're the One For Me) aren't present. Another disappointment would be the lack of the new song on The Hits CD - Drowning. The music video for Drowning isn't on this DVD, so if you wanted to buy this DVD for that purpose, you should look elsewhere for it. The DVD is amazing, though, and included my favourite video: The Call. Check it out!



5. With 12 videos from their first three cds. Backstreet Boys, Milennium and Black and Blue.
   
   Backstreet Boys:
   
   Quit Playing Games With My Heart
   As Long As You Love Me
   Everybody (Backstreet's Back)
   All I Have To Give
   I'll Never Break Your Heart
   
   Milennium:
   
   I Want It That Way
   Larger Than Life
   Show Me The Meaning of Being Lonely
   The One
   
   Black and Blue:
   
   Shape of My Heart
   The Call
   More Than That
   
   Total running time for the DVD/videos is 55 minutes. But with this at your disposal you can watch any of their vids at anytime and for a pretty good price as well.