No comments about A Celtic Family Christmas.

5 comments about Soul Christmas.

1. The original "Soul Christmas" lp said it all, this reissue not only adds filler that dilutes the original, its missinf Booker T's Jingle Bells, which is an utter disgrace.
   
   Otherwise, pick up this cd, if you don't have the lp. Many classics. Otis Redding's "White Christmas"? He just took that song from Bing Crosby. Badda Bing, badda boom.



2. I play this album over and over in the car, I look forward to the Christmas season so I can bring out this CD and enjoy these songs - esp. New Year's Resolution



3. Found this at 50% off post xmas and what a find!.....Donny Hathaway's classic "This Christmas" is hard to find on any CD and virtually not played anymore (At least in my region) by the Clear Channel corporate media conglomerate, yet this original version is better than just about all of the covers done by others of the same tune.
   
   "This Christmas" is worth the price of admission (as a forgotten rarity), but this Atlantic collection has other un(der)played gems that won't get pass the focus group review panels that now dominate AM/FM radio content.....listen for yourself to find out what is missing on the air waves?!.....
   
   I can listen to the Atlantic label's stable of artists and relisten to them again and again.
   
   A highly recommended "soulful" collection "Buy It Now"



4. Number 3-Carla Thomas "Gee Whiz It's Christmas" made the album complete. The whole album made the holiday complete.



5. Soul Christmas is definitely one of the best Christmas Compilations of all time. My Mom bought this CD a little over 10 years ago and it's been a Christmas tradition in our home ever since. I decided to buy it myself this year and after a LONG hunt, I finally found it (and at a wonderful price too!) on Amazon.com. Listening to Soul Christmas will definitely continue to be a holiday tradition for many more years to come.

5 comments about My Kind of Christmas.

1. To anyone out there who bashed her singing talents on this cd all I have to is, Are you kidding me????. As far as I'm concerned, she has the best singing voice of ANY female recording artist out there,period. She'll still be putting out great music while Britney Spears keeps on getting the bad press.This cd is excellent!!!.



2. The cd is obviously not real. I used to own the exact same cd and it was completely different. The cover was printed on a cheap printer. DON'T GET SUCKERED LIKE I DID!



3. Christina Aguilera is probably one of the best singers ever.When I heard that she made a Christmas album,I was skeptical about buying it after I saw all of the bad reviews.Now,I think it is one of the best Christmas albums.Out of the whole album,there are 4 songs that are annoying,but the most is Xtina's Xmas.Here are the songs I would recommend:
   Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
   Angels We Have Heard On High
   Merry Christmas,Baby
   Oh Holy Night
   This Christmas
   The Christmas Song
   The Christmas Song (Holiday Remix)



4. Christina's light comes shining through right from the first few bars. If you're thinking about getting this, you KNOW you LOVE her and you know she LOVES you and you also know she's an angel from heaven in a little human body so who better to liven up your Christmastime? She's not gonna bore you with flat old arrangements off the shelf. No! The songs and charts are well-chosen and, as always, the ultimate style-perfectionist with the dynamic pipes that is Christina hits the center of the target on every cut. What else would you expect from our girl? It will last you a lifetime of very cool Decembers! Get it.



5. I am a big Christina Aguilera fan. As much as I love her though, I must say that this Christmas CD is way overdone. This is not what Christmas music is supposed to be, with all the shouting and melisma. Christmas music should be calming and soothing. This is not.

3 comments about When He Came.

1. This CD is amazing. Martha Munizzi is a great artist. And she rocks it one more time. This is a MUST have for the holiday season. And a great stocking stuffer.



2. Hands down my favorite Christmas cd. Love the songs, love the soulful voice! LOVE "When He Came"



3. As a new follower of Martha Munzzi and her spiritual music it is clear that she is filled with the holy spirit. Treat yourself and friends to a evening of worship.

5 comments about It's Christmas, Of Course.

1. Darlene Love has a great rock & roll voice. She lends a a unique sound to the songs. We were disappointed however, that our favorite "Baby Please Come Home" was not on there. It's the one she has sung the last 19 years on Letterman and it's definitely her best, but it's not on the CD. It's still good and nice to get away from the traditional songs that beat in your head at every store for months before Christmas.



2. All forgetable songs - NOT including "(Christmas) Baby Please Come" for which she is primarily known.



3. If you are like me, you probably remember past Letterman shows where this fantastic singer would come out a sing a song around Christmas time. And every year I would listen in awe and ask myself the next day, "who was that?". Lo and behold, that singer was Darlene Love and now regardless of your faith, your religious conviction, let alone the time of year, you too can benefit from her powerful and souldful voice in her lastest CD, Darlene Love - It's Christmas, Of Course.



4. After a quarter-century of either wearing out the grooves on vinyl or the laser on the CD of the Spector Christmas album, I always thought Ms. Love should do a Christmas CD. My faith was rewarded last Christmas with this beauty of an album. "Christmas Must Be Tonight" is definite Midnight Mass stuff, which she performed so well on Regis and Kelly's show. It compensated for her cancellation from Letterman to do "Christmas(Baby Please Come Home)", my favorite.



5. Darlene Love who recorded with the Blossoms & the Crystals in the classic rock era & has gone on to star in films and in the musical "Hairspray" has recorded an excellent Christmas CD that pulls from the work of many songwriters who worked since the 1970s. Tom Petty's "Christmas All Over Again" begins with a bold rocker, "Christmas is a rocking time, put your body next to mine, underneath the mistletoe we go!" NRBQ's "Christmas Wish" is a handsome track. Hank Ballard & James Brown are co-writers on the funk-fest "Santa Claus Go Straight to the Ghetto." Darlene's version of "Please Come Home for Christmas" aches with the sadness many feel at holiday time. The Pretenders recorded Learning to Crawl shortly after the death of one band member and shortly before the overdose of another. Love takes their "2000 Miles" and embodies feelings of grief mixed with the holiday, "In these frozen and silent nights, sometimes in a dream you're here outside under the purple sky, diamonds in the snow sparkle." Billy Squier's "Christmas Is the Time to Say 'I Love You'" rocks with Love belting boldly. My favorite track is the soulful "What Christmas Means to Me" with Zev Katz's infectious bass line thumping throughout. Robbie Robertson who played with The Band wrote "Christmas Must Be Tonight" that slows the pace a bit for Love's most religious track, "How a little baby boy could bring the people so much joy, son of a carpenter, Mary carried the Light." XTC masquerading as The Three Wisemen recorded "Thanks for Christmas" that Love polishes to reveal a lovely melody, "Thanks for Christmas, thanks for winter's friendliness." Love polishes John Lennon & Yoko Ono's "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" with its beautiful message, "So this is Christmas for weak & for strong, for rich & the poor ones, war is so wrong." The set concludes with a lovely holiday ballad "Night of Peace," "East to west, sun to sun, a night of peace." "It's Christmas Of Course" is an excellent collection of modern Christmas songs performed with zest and conviction. Enjoy!

5 comments about Christmas with Julie Andrews.

1. This is a lovely, enchanting Christmas album featuring Julie Andrews singing both traditional and obscure carols. Highlights include "The Holy Boy," "O Little Town of Bethlehem," and "I Wonder As I Wander." All of the songs have beautiful orchestra arrangements and some also feature a choir. In "O Little Town of Bethlehem," the choir sings the traditional melody while Julie sings an entirely different melody, which adds new dimension to this classic carol. In "I Wonder As I Wander," Julie sings both the lead and harmony on overlaid vocal tracks, which gives a haunting effect. This reminds me of a similar technique used on Barbra Streisand's Broadway Album in "The King And I" medley. One song that seems somewhat out of place is "The Secret of Christmas" since all the other selections refer to the spiritual meaning of the holiday and this is the only secular song.

   The reason I gave this album four stars instead of five is because I think her "Sounds of Christmas" album she made for Hallmark in 1990 is superior. That album features a perfect mix of sacred and secular songs and overall is a bit more upbeat than "Christmas With Julie Andrews." However, this album is still very enjoyable -- Julie's voice is always a pleasure to listen to and will give you a touch of Christmas spirit anytime throughout the year!




2. I don't mean to be cynical, but the editorial review on this CD was a hoot. Does the editorial reviewer actually listen to Miss Andrews singing Christmas carols for GRIT?! He sounds like one of those folks who simply can't accept that vocal beauty and clarity are perfectly appropriate and preferrable in many musical genres--including musicals, which now seem to be full of people who can belt out a tune, but can't actually sing it with any sensitivity. This is a lovely CD; try also her Greatest Christmas Songs and her Christmas Treasure, even more beautiful if possible--taken from the early Firestone LP's.



3. Since I was a little girl and my mother and I collected the Firestone albums (they cost $1.00!), I have absolutely loved to hear Julie Andrews sing Christmas carols. Her crystal clear soprano is the perfect accompaniment to the classic, traditional songs, lending an air of timeless authenticity that cannot be surpassed. My particular favorite on this CD is "In the Bleak Mid Winter", a soulful, melancholy song that captures the stark, gray, frigid beauty of winter. I would recommend this CD to anyone that is a serious collector of quality Christmas recordings and to those that are just starting that journey.
   S.Fletcher Edgewater, NJ



4. I realize that this album is very highly acclaimed by other reviewers, but I find it to be rather flat. Ultimately, this recording is all about Julie Andrews' voice. For many people, that is enough. However, I was extremely disappointed with most of the arrangements. Quite frankly, they are rather bland (and often extremely sloooooow). Of course, this provides Miss Andrews with the opportunity to do her thing, and she does have a dazzling voice. I am hard-pressed to criticize her performance, and she is remarkable, as always. But I can't ignore the fact that the accompaniments are so boring.
   
   If you could swoon over Julie Andrews humming a middle-C for ten minutes, then you will love this album. If you love all Christmas music, regardless of its quality, then you will love this album. But if you have somewhat higher expectations for professionally-produced music, then you will probably find this recording to be pleasant but largely unremarkable. I don't mind listening to it, but I do not particularly recommend it. I prefer most other Christmas albums and much prefer Julie Andrews singing Broadway tunes. This one just doesn't do much for me.



5. When I was in radio we featured this "record". It became my favorite traditional
   Christmas record. The beautiful perfection of Julie Andrew's voice combined with
   the truly magnificent arrangements and orchestral renderings represent the true
   spirit and joy of the Christmas season. I searched for this record for YEARS and
   finally found it at Amazon...different cover, exactly the same music. I bought 2
   copies as well as 2 copies of Julie Andrews "Greatest Christmas Songs". If you
   don't find your favorite carol on one CD, you will find it on the other!

2 comments about The Flesh Eating Rollerskate Holiday Joyride.

1. The Flesh Eating Rollerskate Holiday Joyride is one of those albums that reminds us how commercial Christmas has become. It makes fun of the happy holiday times that are only there for anyone that wants to make a quick buck and a fake smile, and exploits all the idiocy that Christmas generates every December.
   
   The album starts out with a horrible rendition of Joy to the World. Unbeknownst to the high school band that was playing it, it was being recorded. That's just the start...
   The album gets much better after those 30 seconds of misery though. It becomes a mix of hardcore and metal professionally performed in the highest of standards. The quality of this album is definitely as great as the first one and is 100% worth it to any fan of hardcore, metal, off the wall christmas music, or just anyone with a sense of humor.



2. This is a great cd..Psychostick gets better and better.. My only complaint is I wish the cd was longer but it will just have to hold me off until their full length album coming later this year!

5 comments about Legends of St. Nicholas: Medieval Chant & Polyphony.

1. 'Legends of St. Nicholas' and 'A Star in the East' are both collections of medieval Christmas music. Both are based heavily on Latin chants. The first has some old English lyrics and the second is based on both original Hungarian material and material imported into Hungary from Greece and other centers of Eastern Christianity.
   
   If you are considering one or the other, I find the 'Legends of St. Nicholas' to be the more diverse of the two, as it has chant, polyphony, and even some solo voices. The Hungarian selection seems just a bit too much like all the other material done by Anonymous 4.
   
   To be sure, both are done with a typically exceptional high quality voice and recording technique, so you will not go wrong with either recording.
   
   Both are highly recommended!



2. a previous reviewer made the comment that this must be what angels sound like. a more true statement has not been made. this is a wonderful cd. the music is amazing. if you're looking for a peaceful sound, this is it. enjoy.



3. I had never heard about Anonymous 4 until i read a review in the Dallas News.
   Excellent! Grab a book, a cup of coffee and this CD and you will be in
   heaven. Perfect harmonies, spiritually uplifting.....I even put this on after a stressful day (I am a teacher) and I melt into a blessed slumber.



4. If you ever get a little tired of the continuous Christmas carols that are played day in and day out during the advent season and you need to just relax and get away from the screaming kids who have terrorised you with their antics the whole day, then turn off the light, and enjoy this CD. The music is sublime, varied and just eats up your stress......and it does bring a spiritual zing to the christmas atmosphere. My advise is that along with this music, you'll need a nice cozy arm chair, a warm fire place and a big cup of cocoa.....ENJOY!



5. If you're tired of listening to "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" and "Feliz Navidad" on the radio (not that I have anything against those songs), and want something more...ethereal, why not look here? This recording contains medieval chants that reflect the legends that grew around the historical character of Nicholas of Myra. He was 4th-century saint who was born in what is today Anatolia in Turkey. He inherited great wealth, which he gave away to the poor, and defended his congregation during times of persecution. Through various pagan legends, poems, the corruption of the Dutch "Sinter Klaas," and a Thomas Nast drawing, this character evolved into the modern Santa Clause. But before "Here Comes Santa Clause," there were chants to the actual figure of St. Nicholas, who sailors believed would protect them at sea. The music here is heavenly, and flawlessly executed by Anonymous 4 as usual. This is perfect for the Christmas season, or any time of the year.

5 comments about Magic of Christmas: Call Me Claus.

1. I've read the reviews people have posted and I don't believe they do this record justice, it seems most of them are just complaining because it's Garth Brooks. So let me clear this up, this "Call Me Claus" release of "The Magic of Christmas" is the same album, with three additional tracks on it, so if you already bought "The Magic of Christmas" look into buying the Call Me Claus single, which is also available on amazon.com, it has the three tracks that were added on it. Ok, now that situation is explained, this really is a good Christmas album, done with the Garth-flare that many people enjoy, but if you're too ignorant to see past things you have previously disliked from Garth and don't actually listen to the music you're not going to like it. But for those folks that buy and album for the songs, this is a great one....it's has many classics on it as well as some new great Holiday songs. Listen to the sound clips available and if you like the sound of it, as I do, purchase the album, don't automatically disregard it because you don't like Garth. It really is a nice Christmas CD for your collection, and I definetly recommend it.



2. I don't usually like Christmas, but this album kind of touched me. Last Christmas my sisters and I sat cozy around a warm trash fire on the road in front of our home and enjoy the lovely, uplifting holiday tunes from this album. But then my father would come stumbling home from the bar late on Christmas Eve ranting about how much he hates everything. Then he would command us to make him dinner and turn the music off while he passes out while watching porn.



3. I am not a big country music fan, or Garth Brooks fan, in fact I own only 4 country music albums. However, this Christmas album is one of my favorite in my collection! My favorites are "Call me Claus" and "Mary Had a Lamb". "Call Me Claus" is one of the funnest, upbeat Christmas songs in my collection. "Mary Had a Little Lamb" is one of those songs about the real meaning of Christmas. I didn't know what to expect when I bought this CD, but I have really enjoyed it!



4. Amazon has done it again. Their advertising needs improvement. The cd is good but it was a cheap ploy to add 3 songs to the cd and drop 3 other songs that were on the original "...The Magic Of Christmas". A buyer would be better off with the original title and buying the 3-track "Call Me Claus" cd, instead of buying this 2001 version with three songs missing. There are no EXTRA TRACKS on this cd.



5. This CD is the reissue of The Magic of Christmas, which was originally released in 1999, that now includes three new songs from the made-for-TV movie Call Me Claus. The three songs removed from the 1999 version to make room for these songs are Go Tell It On the Mountain, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and White Christmas-- all of which appear on Garth's first holiday release, Beyond the Season, from 1992. So, if you have Beyond the Season and don't already own the 1999 version of The Magic of Christmas, then this version is the one for you.
   
   You will not need the 3-song Call Me Claus single UNLESS you have the original issue of The Magic of Christmas and actually care enough about Garth's holiday tunes to track it down.

5 comments about Harry Connick Jr. - Harry for the Holidays.

1. I bought this CD -Harry Connick Jr. - Harry for the Holidays and I love it. The music is to die for and makes you feel warm, loved and special for the upcoming Holiday Season. A remake of "This Christmas" originally sung by the late Donnie Hathaway made tears well-up in my eyes. It's jazzy, soft and unique as Harry takes this song to a new level. The first song "Frosty the Snowman" is a big-band song, with a big-bang sound. It's a fun rendition of all Frosty songs. Harry has the charisma and knows just how to do it when he sings, "I'll Be Home For Christmas." Get this for the Holidays and buy it for the special people in your life they will thank you for seasons and seasons to come.



2. I'm a Connick fan, and think his Christmas CD's are great. But this was disappointing. Very short for the money, but I guess it was a TV show.



3. This DVD may be shorter than any true Harry fan would like, but is still Harry and the Band at their best, as always. Anyone who loves Harry's music will love this DVD. If you have seen Harry in concert, you will miss his great banter with the crowd, as they've cut it out. This is absolutely worth the money, and a must-have for fans of Harry and the Holidays!



4. As a Harry Connick, Jr. fan, I already had good expectations for the DVD before buying it. Having purchased the "Harry for the Holidays" CD quite some time ago, I had put in that corner of my mind where I keep the memory for good records. I really love the choice of standards and the renditions, not to mention the original compositions from Harry's musical vault. However, I have also experienced some let-downs along the way, given the unconventional musical path Harry has trodden in the last ten years or so (Star Turtle would be, in my opinion, a remarkable flop).
   With that scenario in mind, I harbored some misgivings about the consistency of the performances, because sometimes Christmas specials are anything but special. Yet, as I went through the songs, my doubts vanished and I just got carried away by quality of the arrangements, specially those of Auld Lang Syne, in which both Harry and Marc Anthony prove how a very traditional, melancholic song can be transformed into an upbeat work of art. Way to go, guys.
   I definitely recommned this DVD.



5. I love Harry, I love this DVD, was disappointed the Xmas CD wasn't the actual songs on the Christmas DVD with guests and all, but it is awesome anyway. His version of Blue Christmas is better on the DVD than on the CD. That Trio needs to release "Silent Night" from the DVD and record more together! The harmony is so fabulous it makes you cry!
   Of Course, I would like Row, Row, Row Your Boat if Harry sang it!