5 comments about Best of the Gaither Vocal Band.

1. The Gaither Vocal Band has always been a family favorite Christian rock group. I say rock, because their fine instrumental and vocal arrangements ROCKS and they do it without removing the focal point of praises to the Most High. I have too many favorite songs on this two-CD compilation to list. But one that strikes my heart is: A Brand New Song to Sing (track #8). This song reminds me of the stunning string section of Pink Floyd in their many song recordings. Unlike Pink Floyd's lyrical contents, The Gaither Vocal Band vocally crystalizes the messages of the Lord and in return permeates the room with their (many) fine vocal ranges in praises to the Lord. Don't miss this double compact disc (compilation). It is awesome!



2. The Cd is very Awesome and it is a Cd that every person should get, it will lift your spirit plus be blessed by every second you listen to it.



3. The Gaither Vocal band sings beautiful songs in many different styles. On this cd, you'll find the very best of them. There's a large selection of 37 songs on two cd's. Really a must-have for fans!



4. Have grown to expect good stuff from Gaither and this is another one where he hits the target! Good stuff. Love it.



5. For those not particularly interested in gospel singing, this CD may not appeal to you. We do enjoy the Gaithers and have several DVDs and CDs in our collection. We have especially enjoyed David Phelps who is no longer with the group, and we do miss his high tenor stylings that just make you want to stand up and clap.

5 comments about The King of Rock 'n' Roll: The Complete 50's Masters.

1. If you're an Elvis Presley fan there is no need to go into the details of the music that gave birth to R&R - it's all here. Everything he recorded in the 1950s. If you were born in 1977 or later and only know of The King from hearsay, this box-set is a musical history lesson.
   
   Adding to the lustre of this wonderful collection from RCA Victor is the multi-page book containing numerous photographs, record label reproductions, including the Sun 78 rpm issues, all his LP/EP covers, poster reproductions, a complete 1950s discography, and reams of fascinating liner notes by Peter Guralnick.
   
   There is also an advertisement giving you a compete listing of Elvis videos, along with a sheet of 36 "collectable" stamps depicting his album covers.
   
   All in all, a marvelous collection which truly lives up to the adjective "essential" like no other.



2. This is the definitive early Elvis recordings collection to own as well as begin one's journey when understanding where the roots of rock and roll began and forever changed the face of popular music. It is appropriately titled, ELVIS THE KING OF ROCK AND ROLL: THE COMPLETE 50's MASTERS. These are master recordings that cover the years 1953-1959, and includes all of his legendary and classic hits, such as "Heartbreak Hotel," "Hound Dog," "Love Me Tender," and "Don't Be Cruel." Once one hears the somewhat haunting opening track, "My Happiness," a song made famous by Connie Francis, and subsequent unreleased tracks within the five CDs that have not been heard before, there is no doubt that Elvis had indeed an immaculate voice where he crossed musical genres and boundaries: blues, country, soul, gospel, rock and roll, and rockabilly; undoubtedly he said it all during a Sun recording session, " I don't sound like nobody."
   
   RCA and BMG music exceptionally and lovingly compiled this box set. Besides the five CDs, there also includes a beautifully presented souvenir book that provides a detailed chronology of Elvis's recordings, which includes his Sun and RCA records session dates as well as soundtrack sessions, catalog numbers of each US and UK album release, and most importantly, the book illustrates the excitement of Elvis mania with the display of photographs, singles, album covers, and short anecdotes and reminiscences of various sessions as noted by Peter Guralnick.
   
   ELVIS THE KING OF ROCK AND ROLL box set will leave one breathless. Elvis Presley was one of a kind, and continues to be emulated by fans and new generations alike as they discover and rediscover his music. Indeed, Elvis is still everywhere.



3. Do yourself a favor and order this collection along with the 60's & 70's. There are songs you won't find on other CD's, and hear Elvis as a regular "guy" just makes you love him more.



4. THE KING OF ROCK 'N' ROLL: THE COMPLETE 50's MASTERS is a four-CD set, with a bonus disc containing alternate studio takes, and a lot of "live" Elvis recordings-- MGM Grand stuff, mostly. Except for the acetate of "That's When Your Heartaches Begins" and the few alternates, DISC 5 is fluff.
   
   The other four CDs however are a treasure trove of the music that defined "The King." From his one-of-a-kind 1953 recording booth acetate of "My Happiness" to the 1958 fast version of "Ain't That Loving You Baby," this set documents Presley's recording career in chronological order and without gaps.
   
   The 102-page long box-sized book includes sessionography, discography, color photos of all LP, EP and 45 picture sleeves, an excellent bio in easy to read print, and lots of other color and B&W photos. Sound quality is excellent. This one gets five stars for the biggest star of all!
   
   TOTAL RUNNING TIMES --
   DISC ONE -- 71:22
   DISC TWO -- 70:40
   DISC THREE -- 71:49
   DISC FOUR -- 62:39
   DISC FIVE (Rare And Rockin')-- 61:31



5. The songs are great, but they're not listed on the CD itself-only on the case. It's frustrating to put the disks in a multi-disk changer and not know what songs are on the disk.

5 comments about Three Wooden Crosses.

1. This CD is a great collection of Country Christian artists. The title song brings a lump to your throat.



2. I would agree with S. Friend below. Not bad, and unfortunately, not even all that good. Vince Gill, Josh Turner, and Allison Krauss top the list in terms of musical craftsmanship, melodies, and lyrics. The rest are sincere, earnest, but artless, bland, and in the case of John Michael Montgomery and "The Little Girl," just plain judgmental, and offensive.
   
   "Two non-believers, lost in this world. .. daddy drank all day and mommy did drugs... " which John Michael rhymed with the "hugs" the little girl never got. How about writing a song that doesn't sound holier-than-thou? How about reaching out to the "non-believers" instead of condemning them?
   
   What's the point of this kind of song? The people who need to hear this message aren't the "good Christians" that go to church and take good care of their kids. The lost souls need it. Don't turn them off totally.
   
   By the way, radical Muslims often refer to "non-believers" as a way of turning people against them. It's a sort of "hate language." Kind of makes you wonder why John Michael would choose to use those words?
   
   Carl Owen



3. This album is one I will listen to over, and over, and over again! The variety of artists, combined with the heart-warming and challenging themes makes it one I will never get tired of!



4. If you love country and want to be inspired by songs of God's grace and love, then you will love this one. A wide range of artists and styles.



5. THIS CD JUST BLEW ME AWAY. IT'S AWESOME, I MUST HAVE LISTENED TO IT 25 TIMES STRAIGHT THROUGH WITHOUT CHANGING TO ANOTHER CD. I WOULD LOVE TO GIVE EVERYONE I KNOW A COPY.

5 comments about The Best of the Staple Singers.

1. I don't listen to music to get lessons in life any more than I read literature to learn how to rebuild automatic transmissions. That said, there is something completely undeniable about the attitude driving every note and word of this music. Ironically, it never comes across as "preachy" - although it often is - it's just that the Staple family - Pops and daughters Mavis, Cleo, and Yvonne, have a philosophy, a point of view - and they talk it, walk it, sing about it, and exude it in everything they do. It's joyful, healthy, righteous, tough-minded, and most of all - loving. Plenty of music makes you feel good; this music makes you feel good about life - and being human.
   
   The CD captures the Staple Singers in the glory days of their career. It has the obligatory hits you must have, Respect Yourself, Come Go With Me, I'll Take You There, and Be What You Are - (the latter sounds as current today as the latest, hippest, self-help seminar held in Aspen for $5,000 a seat). But when you dig a little deeper to the tracks that didn't make it onto jukeboxes across the nation and the world, the news is just as good. There really are no dogs on this CD at all; the closest I found were the remakes of standards - Dock Of The Bay and The Weight. While these covers played a role in keeping the Staples in business, they offer nothing new. Both songs were overexposed and covered by countless others, at this point they are dead horses with "Please Do Not Beat" signs on them.
   
   What the Staple Singers achieved is nothing less than amazing. This music is funky enough to satisfy even the most hardcore James Brown devotee, and yet, there's a lightness and sweetness to it that makes you feel like you just opened a window. The Mississippi jubilee gospel roots are never far away, but they're never too thick either, the balance is always perfect. If you imagine The Original Five Blind Boys Of Mississippi as a hurricane of redemption, ecstasy, and testifying - The Staple Singers are a stroll in the park on a beautiful spring day. The message is the same - you are blessed, and you owe it to yourself and your creator to behave as if you're blessed. But the style is different. An extraordinary CD that puts it all together - and - you can dance to it. Pretty hard to top that.



2. I was about four years old when I first heard a song by The Staple Singers. I was so impressed, even at that young age. What drew my attention more than anything was the singing voice of Mavis Staples. The sound and soul of her voice remained with me long after their song went off. When I was about seven, Mavis recorded an album and every time her song came on the television or radio, I would take a close listen. She has the most intense, soulful voice I have ever heard. No one's singing voice can compare. I had to have a Staples Singers compilation in my collection. After listening, I am very pleased. This is true music with a message. This family always interpolated great instrumentation with soulful singing and memorable lyrics. I commend them for doing that effectively. They are definitely one of my favorite acts of all time.
   
   Although many of these songs are akin, it is still worth listening to entirely. The Staple Singers infused secular music with gospel; not many musical acts have done that, so they were innovators. "I'll Take You There", "If You're Ready (Come Go With Me)", "The Weight", "Heavy Makes You Happy", and "Respect Yourself" are all masterfully crafted pieces. Also, they sound great together. Pops makes sure give us a dose of his guitar skills with every song, and it is a great added touch. Their melodies will have you snapping your fingers and tapping your feet uncontrollably while singing along. Their lyrics are very easy to remember, but don't think that their music was not profound. For example, "I'll Take You There" is about accompanying someone to heaven. Make sure you give this song a close listen.
   
   This album is essential to musical collections both small and great. The Staple Singers were popular during a truly definitive era of music, and they stood out because they didn't conform in any way. Well worth the purchase. 4 shining stars.
   
   Mikeisha's Top 5
   
   1. "I'll Take You There"
   2. "My Main Man"
   3. "This Old Town (People in this Town"
   4. "If You're Ready (Come Go With Me)"
   5. "Heavy Makes You Happy"



3. Great old rhythm and blues! On the song,"I'll Take You There" you almost get the feel of sitting in with the Staples and the awesome Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. You can hear Mavis calling out to Barry (Beckett)to play that piano. And then "David, little David" as she brings out the thumping bass of David Hood. And when she calls for Daddy to play the guitar, its actually one of the greatest ever blues players that most have never heard of, the late Eddie Hinton. This album was just another one of the greats to come out of that soulful, ex-casket factory of a studio there in Sheffield, Alabama.



4. There's something about music that touches the soul and this cd does that and more. It takes you back before rap and disco to the time when a simple groove was just fine. A must for any cd collection.



5. Gospel at its Best...Soul at its Best...Encouragement at its Best...

5 comments about Rock of Ages: 30 Favorite Hymns.

1. The very best choir in the world sings the best songs in the world. Turn up the volume and just enjoy it.



2. I received the order the second time round, first order got lost. Music however is brilliant.
   
   Thank you



3. I've now played this CD several times and am always left wondering whether someone is fielding a back-up choir because it has none of the usual majesty of the real Tabernacle Choir.
   
   The recording is a bit "thin" and I've only kept it because I know the MTC can do and has done so much better.



4. This CD is fantastic. The music selections are great!
   My favorite is How Firm a Foundation.
   But others are great as well.
   I just love how it invites the spirit into my life, and send shivers of peace up by spine when I listen to this CD.
   A great CD!



5. Steve Cumming played this version of God Be With You Till We Meet Again on his last broadcast show for classical WRR radio in Dallas. If there was a dry eye in the listening audience, I would be surprised. In addition to the song he chose, this recording has all of your favorites performed with beauty and majesty.

3 comments about Free.

1. Mr. Hobbs doesn't miss the mark when it comes to taking you away into God's presence. He's a true worship minister. The only reason I did not give this project 5 stars is because the title song is on the cd twice. I'd much rather hear another song rather than the title song twice (even acoustic). I bought 2 cds by mistake, but I decided to keep them both -- for my home and my car -- this is that kind of cd. If you like contemporary Gospel you'll like this project.



2. As I have listened to this CD, and finally pull out the credits. You'll first see that Darwin Hobbs is now on TYSCOT RECORDS and not EMI! Hmmm, I wonder why, but that's just me being noisey. TYSCOT always seems to me, a record company that allows the artist to make a lot decisions in which way they chose. First, to understand the album you have to understand the background behind it, in Darwin Hobbs doing some house cleaning from the past by coming out about him being molested as a pre-teen. NE ways, you can do some hunting on the net for the story. I'm a supporter of Darwin's ministry and have 3 of his previous projects, and I must admit...I had to sort of adjust with some of the project. But after about a week, I began to CLING to songs like: YOUR GRACE IS ENOUGH (which allows you to pull out your bible and go over the promises that the Lord has given us...ex: Jer 29:11 ETC.)...and others like: IN THIS PLACE, (which has a breakdown that really pulls me right in the middle of the song..."there is love here, there is peace here, there is joy here, in this place...") and looked at the credits to see Darwin had part in writing this tune. I'm also really glad that he decided to put FREE, the acoustic version on this CD, it allowed me to enjoy the song even more than the original...as it at first seems too overbearing, instrumentation wise. But I love the song Darwin, if you're reading this! OK...GET READY!!! Cut number 6: I REPENT, is a vital part of this project. With an essence of the late Luther Vandross' style here. This will be a tune that will help our lifestyle of repenting. I appreciate the arrangement, strings...and the little or no rhythmn section. And I think that this album wouldn't have been with HE'S ABLE, which you can pull up and watch on youtube....YOU MUST HAVE THIS IN YOUR COLLECTION! Darwin we need a live DVD from you, with tons of behind the scenes interviews and commentary from you and Traci!



3. Overall the CD is just OK and Dobbs is a Blessed male artist. I just wished that this recording was live like the last song than being studio recorded.

1 comments about Top 25 Praise & Worship Songs 2009.

1. This CD was excellent. I was amazed at the number of songs (25 total) for such a low price.

5 comments about Amazing Grace: His Greatest Sacred Performances.

1. This is a great 2 CD set if your a gospel music fan and a must have if you're and Elvis fan.



2. I bought this 2 CD set for my beloved because he had lost his CD. I listen to these myself and these 50 Christian songs have become a tremendous blessing to me, in fact I intend to buy a copy for myself as well. There are songs on these 2 CDs that fit every situation that person goes through in life. One of the most amazing things about it is that as you listen to these songs it gives you a glimpse into the spiritual life of Elvis in spite of the tremendous temptations he went through in his life. His early introduction to Jesus in his childhood influenced him his entire life. He never lost his love for Jesus nor the Christian hymns that touched his spiritual life. It is obvious that these songs had meaning for him and the other performers and that they enjoyed the experience of recording them. Surely these songs he recorded were a blessing to him in his final days on this earth.



3. This is a great selection and is very well done. I highly recommend it.
   JIm Mixon



4. I bought this album for a friend for Christmas because I have one myself and I love it so much. It is my favorite Elvis Presley album. He had such a beautiful voice and sang all the hymns with his whole heart. How Great Thou Art is the most powerful hymn ever written. Anyone who loves Gospel music should purchase this album.



5. The double plastic CD case was cracked when it arrived. I did not know it until I had already opened the package. It had a cardboard sleeve over the double case which prevented me from seeing the crack. Is there any recourse now?

No comments about Country Bluegrass Homecoming, Vol. 2.

5 comments about Day by Day.

1. DON'T miss out on this album!
   
   1. Victory (When you want to rejoice and get the Spirit raised);
   2. Tonight (Very mellow);
   3. Someone Watching Over You (I LOVE this song... VERY inspirational)
   4. Alwaysness(VERY touching)
   5. Day By Day (Mid-tempo, very nice)
   6. Lift Him Up (Up-tempo, I love the harmonies with Donnie McClurkin)
   7. It's Gon Be Nice (I don't have anything bad to say about this one because it's my mother's favorite song)
   8. Be Blessed (VERY mellow and inspirational)
   9. Better Than Gold (VERY slow tempo and inspirational)
   10. Show Me (VERY slow tempo and a beautiful composition; spine-tingling)
   11. I'm Grateful (Up-tempo jazzy song; one of my favorite)
   12. This Too Shall Pass (This is a beautiful and touching song that will inspire the MOST STAUNCH unbeliever!)
   
   In conclusion, this is DEFINITELY an album worth EVERY penny!



2. This Cd minister to your heart, mind and soul in more ways than one of what you need it to do. I hate that I waited this long to purchase it but it still a wonderful Cd. My favorites are victory, day by day, its gonna be nice is a favorite. I don't think that you will regret purchasing this cd because better late than never. God had to place the song in my spirit in a dream before I purchase the cd it relaxing and very peaceful in so many ways.



3. I love this CD. The music is very inspirational and the lyrics are wonderfully arranged. Yolanda Adams has a gift of song. Praise and worship as well as some heartfelt songs. I'm enjoying it everyday!



4. The consistency and talent you'd always expect from Yolanda is evident on this album. A good mix of heart stirring ballads.



5. This is one of the most well written and arranged gospel CD's I have heard in a long time. Yolonda Adams has one of the most beautiful and soothing voices of our time. This CD has a mixture of slow and uptempo gospel hits. Some have a jazzy feel and some make you want to jump to your feet and shout, Hallelujah!!! At any rate if you can't find a song on this CD to help you through whatever situation you may be going through whether you are Christian or not than I don't know what to tell you.