Amazon.com

The Muppets have sung with so many people over the years, from Elton John to Tony Bennett, yet it has always seemed like their performances with John Denver were somehow the perfect match. Christmas Together is a delightful--what else?--sing-along collection of Christmas favorites as performed by Denver and the Muppets ensemble. While the usual suspects have more than their say here--Kermit, Miss Piggy--the standout piece is "Twelve Days of Christmas." What could be better than a Muppet a day? Denver leads the critters through a tender "Silent Night," which comes couched in a medley that closes with a rousing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." "Deck the Halls" is equally raucous--about as raucous as Muppets can get. Listen for the subtle lyric adaptations and the witty exchanges between Denver and his minstrels. Definitely not just for kids. --Steve Gdula ... Read more

Reviews (118)

One of my warmest Christmas memories
I remember when I was a little boy and I watched the John Denver and Muppet Christmas special on TV. My mother bought the LP for me, and I listened to it so much that I wore it completely out. I was overjoyed to find it available on CD, and when I listen to it, the memories flood back to me...this is the true joy of a childhood christmas. Not only is the album funny and witty ("Little St. Nick" with Animal flying into a fit over the line "run run reindeer!"; the round-robin on "Christmas is Coming"; the Muppets playing off each other's styles in "The 12 Days of Christmas") but often haunting and beautiful, particularly "Where the River Meets the Sea" and "A Baby Just Like You". Somehow, I find the meaning of the holiday wrapped up completely in these two songs. Everything on this is a treasure, a true tribute to the Jim Henson's gentle genius and whimsy. Even if you don't like John Denver (and I usually don't), even if you don't remember the special, please buy this album for you and the people you love.

Pure Magic From Start To Finish...
I was but a little chap in 1979 when John Denver and Jim Henson's Muppets emerged with this collection of Holiday tunes. Of course, there was a TV Special of the same name that year...and even a published songbook that has recently been re-issued.

But the magic was always in the music. And all these years later, despite the passing of both Denver & Henson, the music remains every bit as stirring and intact as the day it was recorded.

The collaborative efforts of John Denver and Henson's creative team resulted in a remarkably complete Holiday album. Just give a listen to the opening track "Twelve Days of Christmas" and you'll swear this traditional English carol was written specifically with these Muppets in mind.

From the childlike plea of "Alfie: The Christmas Tree" to the haunting "Noel: Christmas Eve 1913" this record proves itself worthy of listeners young and old alike, beyond Denver's or Henson's core followers. What better way to celebrate the Spirit of the Season than with an album such as this?!

Not to be missed is Rowlf the Dog's lounge-lizard take on "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" and Dr. Teeth's raucous "Little Saint Nick" that puts the Beach Boys' original version to shame (thanks to Animal).

Denver's personality fuses perfectly with that of the Muppet cast. Their friendly, humorous banter throughout shape the silly "Christmas Is Coming" and the closing number "We Wish You A Merry Christmas."

"When The River Meets The Sea" encompasses all the mystery, innocence,and insecurity of life in its gentle melody. In my opinion, it is the stand-out track in this collection of stand-out tracks.

I've given this album as a gift to almost every friend I know. And after having listened, they too have made it an annual part of their Christmas time celebration.

The magic of the holiday season will soon be upon us again.
Magic much like that found in this enduring music.
And with this music, Christmas time has never sounded any better!

John Denver & the Muppets: it may sound wierd but it's great
I've owned this CD for almost 10 years now. I bought it at a special low price thinking that I would probably like just a few songs on it and hate most of it; and the few songs I liked would make me feel that I got my money's worth. Boy, was I wrong! I love all the songs on here.

I've seen complaints from people that the CD is missing a couple of songs. The version I own isn't missing the songs in question. Evidently there are two different versions available.

If a person isn't already a John Denver fan or didn't grow up with the Muppets, then I would probably have a hard time recommending this CD to them. But most young adults today did grow up watching the Muppets/Sesame Street and are therefore familiar with the lightheartedness and the dry wit of the Muppets. This CD has a special place in my Christmas music collection.

The Best Christmas Album Ever!
I have loved this album since I was a little girl, and now I play it for my son who loves it as much as I do. I can't imagine Christmas without it. I even play it in the summer.

Holds a special place in my heart
I grew up with this album around the holidays. It is full of great songs and spirit. It kind of makes me sad these days reflecting on the loss of both Denver and Henson but I still have to hear it. Honestly I don't think they make em like this anymore. Loved the spirit and message of the muppets and Denver was the perfect match ... Read more

Album Description

2001 album from the popular New Zealand vocalist (releasedwhen she was 13) features her renditions of 12 holidayclassics. For fans of Charlotte Church. Universal. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Amazing voice
This girl has an absolutly amazing voice, I don't know why more people have not reviewed this album. I got the original a while ago, then got the new one with the bonus songs on. Just because this girl is from such a small country certainly does not mean she has a small voice. Loved Amazing Grace, and Pokarekare Ana was outstanding. Certainly think the American media needs to take a long hard look at her.

more reviews :)
Whaaat is going on here...why has nobody reviewed this? must be cos its from new zealand..only got sold there..well i dont have this cd..stupid ppl only selling it there...thats why i came on here to see what ppl thought bout it, not write a review myself! bah. but um...i'm sure it must be good seeing as i've got the 'pure' album which was the international one, and its touchingly beautiful..more ppl review it! i want to know ppl who actually know stuff bout classical music and what their comparisons are to charlotte church..dont know bout anybody else but cant help feeling sad for her...cos i dont know why but her recent music just doesnt seem to move me anymore..tis a pity. anyway um..bit of useful information then, i recommend the pure album because its a beautiful example of someone who has a genuine voice that'll move u..if ur a critic or not, which i'm not. thanks, bye :) ... Read more

Amazon.com

Baltimore’s greatest filmmaker has demonstrated a deep appreciation for that very American crossroads of kitsch and sensationalism since the late ‘60s, at least. Of course, quirky Christmas anthologies abound already – the three best probably being Christmas Party With Eddie G, American Song-Poem Christmas, and Where Will You Be Christmas Day. But the songs on A John Waters Xmas are novelty songs for the true connoisseur, including recordings so saccharine and horrifying you wonder how the engineers did not run from the booth screaming; "Happy Birthday Jesus" by the precocious Little Cindy is likely the scariest thing you will ever hear in your life. Not everything is so "Outsider"-y and thrift store score; there’s the rocking, funny "Fat Daddy" by Fat Daddy, a delightful song by the Coctails with the singing saw as the lead instrument, and a gorgeous obscure doo-wop number called "Christmas Time Is Coming (A Street Carol)" by Stormy Weather.--Mike McGonigal ... Read more

Reviews (5)

I wasted my money on this one...
I was so disappointed with this CD. At least 6 of the songs were recorded from VERY OLD albums....scratches and all! They were SO bad. I play two of the songs over and over...the only two I liked. When I read the other reviews and there was mention of leaving out some of the songs, I assumed that they meant doubles of the same song....I was wrong. I don't know WHY they had to add the scratchy music..a filler? I would quickly skip to another song...only to have to "skip" many times!!

Powerful stuff you'll want to share with those you love
I read the other reviews, and I agree...some of the versions could be skipped. However, that is the only bad thing I will say about this CD! The other songs definitely are worth purchasing this.

Before I bought this CD through a book club, I had only known of the Schubert version. Having heard all, now I love the Verdi one, and when Price sings it, it brings tears to my eyes. Ricciarelli's Verdi is also nice. If you are wanting music to make your spirit soar, this is a great CD. It's also an excellent selection for a gift for someone with spiritual and classical or opera music leanings. I hope you enjoy it!

Treasure found and cherished forever
I was looking for something special two Christmases ago and found this nestled between rare classical CDs in our local shoppe. I listened to the selections, the artists and the expressive interpretations of the AVE MARIA aria by those composers (Verdi, Gounod, Bach, Schubert). I also found the voices of Price, MacDonald, Domingo, Lanza, Ponselle, Vaness, Caruso, Anderson, McCormack and Hadley totally unique to their personalities, their time and their idea of how to express love for Mary, the Mother of Jesus, for whom this timeless aria was written. Bravo!

Very Good but Could be Better
Some of the performances were quite nice, who wouldn't like Leotyne Price or Placido Domingo singing this wonderful genre of songs. The Vaness piece from Othello was surprisingly beautiful and laced with emotion. At least a couple of other performers could have been dropped so that Jessye Norman and Kathleen Battle's versions of Ave Maria could have been included.

Don't let this one pass you by
What a great idea. The greatest song ever written performed by the great masters of music. This one is sure to bring a tear to your eye every time you listen to it. It is a great help for Christians wanting to develop a greater relationship with our mother, Mary. I recomend it highly to everyone who loves great music and loves our blessed mother. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Peace, Jim Brickman’s second collection of holiday-themed music, is largely a mirror image of his first (The Gift, released in 1997). Both feature a mix of solo piano works, augmented piano selections (involving oboe, strings, synthesizers, a pop-jazz ensemble, or some combination thereof) and glossy, radio-ready pop vocal productions. To some ears, the polished sheen of the vocal tracks (four are included) may infringe on the more contemplative mood of Brickman’s instrumental tracks, the way a city’s after-dark glow can seep into your view of a deep night sky’s canopy of stars. Still, as with The Gift, Peace is an attractive mood-setter for the season. Brickman’s best arrangements will resonate with a listener’s introspective sensibilities. "Jingle Bells," "Away in a Manger," and "We Three Kings," for instance, all receive slow-building, reflective treatments that might prod you into pondering deeper meanings. A pair of nonholiday originals, "Early Snowfall" and "Blessings," achieve the same heart-nudging effect. As for the vocals, The Blind Boys of Alabama reinforce the finger-snapping, muted-trumpet, ‘40s-swing vibe of "Let It Snow;" Kristy Starling takes a sweetly romantic turn on "Sending You a Little Christmas;" and country’s Collin Raye(also featured on The Gift) earnestly conveys the clear-eyed optimism of the title track. --Terry Wood ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Brickman's best yet - Sending us all a little Christmas!
Jim Brickman's second holiday CD, not just an incredible work worthy of a Grammy nomination, will also carry with it his patriotic efforts, as fans remember his farewell shows for the USO and CD distribution to the departing troops. Kristy Starling, who sings "Sending You a Little Christmas" and Jeff Timmons (of 98 Degrees) joined Jim for several farewell shows for deploying troops during the holidays. The USO named that song as its theme, CDs were distributed to the troops, and many soldiers and their families seemed pleased with the sendoff.

Jim's beautiful renditions of traditional favorites like "We Three Kings", "Hark the Herald Angels Sing", "Away In a Manger", "O Holy Night", "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "Rejoice" lend such beauty to the season. "Do You Hear What I Hear?" with Tracy Scott Silverman's electric violin and Anne Cochrane's lovely voice ... if you've ever seen them perform this live in concert, well, it's a very special treat."

The title track, "Peace ... Where the Heart Is" is superbly performed by Colin Raye, who vocalized on "The Gift" with Susan Ashton on Jim's previous holiday CD. The Blind Boys of Alabama do a nice job of "Let It Snow"

Having seen Jim's live performances (and some are available on DVD: My Romance, and Love Songs and Lullabies), the CD is a wonderful way to close your eyes and re-live that show.

"Early Snowfall" was a favorite of mine ... original and accoustically descriptive, as Jim's native Ohio background sparks his creativity. "Blessings" was exactly my feeling about this collection ... each song was a blessing to enjoy from "America's Newest Romantic Piano Sensation"

ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL
I became a fan of Jim Brickman when he released The Gift. I have enjoyed every single cd he has released.
His newest creation PEACE is his 2nd foray into holiday music. And I will say that he has not lost his touch. His melodies are still so wonderful and soothing.
He beautifully mixes a little vocal arrangement into some of the traditional Christmas songs. Such as LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW (with The Blind Boys of Alabama) and DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR? (with Anne Cochran & Tracy Silverman; this is a very magical version of this classic). Once again Collin Raye performs a song (written by Jim Brickman) called PEACE. Aside from the vocal recordings, Jim beautifies the traditional works into a new masterpiece. Such as HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING, AWAY IN A MANGER, O COME, O COME EMMANUEL (sounds like Christmas Eve mass at my church) and O HOLY NIGHT.
I have always loved the original pieces Jim has created. On this cd there is the exquisite and soft EARLY SNOWFALL.

PEACE is what I would call Jim's masterpeice and I have fallen in love with his stylings all over again. This is the kind of cd you want to snuggle up with (preferrably a loved one) next to an open fire.

A metal X-mas as only Brickman can deliver
When I first heard that Jim Brickman was offering up a second metal X-mas CD, I was extremely skeptical. After all, how does one follow up the staggering metal might of "The Gift" from 1997? The answer: One does it with "Peace," Jim Brickman's stellar second X-mas metal CD, a piece of work so groundbreaking in the X-mas Metal genre, one wonders just what sort of substance Brickman was on when recording this seminal classic.

First off, don't let the title of the record, or, for that matter, the title of the songs, fool you. Brickman hasn't lost his dark X-mas edge, and in fact sounds gloomier than ever on such tunes as "Early Snowfall (For the Wicked)" and "O Holy Night (For the Axe Stalkers)." Brickman combines his eerie synth notes with an Iron Maiden-like thrash of guitars behind him, creating a complex symphony of chaos not heard since the days when Saxon and early Metallica roamed the Earth.

Though Brickman's quaint Midwestern face on the album cover may look content, this is an angry man filled with pure rage - and he wants the world to know it. You can't touch songs like "Jingle Bells (In Hell)" and "Away in a Rotted Manger" - you just can't!!!!

"Peace (For No One)" ends this masterpiece of pure cacophony, Brickman's exiting kiss-off of Christmas Chaos for the damned. Frankly, Jim Brickman has failed on his recent attempts to capture the brutal free-for-all X-mas metal militia heard on this record, and one can only hope that the young and evolving Brickman does not forget the roots of his foreboding metal past.

MAKE THIS X-MAS WORTHWHILE!!!!!

MAKE THIS X-MAS WITH BRICKMAN!!!!!!!!!!!

GRAMMY NOMINATED FOR GOOD REASON
I saw Jim on TODAY show and had to explore his music. Peace is an amazing piece of work and deserves the Grammy. I can't wait to hear the rest of his albums. You listen to his work and you feel like you've known him for years. Such a personal gift this album is!

Great CD
Jim: Thanks for autographing my CD!

I love this CD. I really like instrumental Christmas music and usually get jazz CDs, but I got this and love it. This CD is nice and mellow, so it can be played as background music for Christmas parties.

One thing that I didn't like about this CD is that not all of the arrangements sounds like the original song. A few, I didn't even recognize at first. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Like Bing Crosby's "White Christmas," Nat Cole's "The Christmas Song" stands as one of two or three pillars of holiday music. This collection of songs and greetings includes another technologically induced daughter-father duet on Mel Torme's classic hit as well daddy Cole's 1961 version of the tune. Fans of both Natalie and her dad will put this on the top of their wish lists. Two previously unreleased tracks--"God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman" and "O Come All Ye Faithful"--will prompt a lot of lovers of Christmas music to fall in love again with Cole's incomparable style and timeless voice. --Martin Keller ... Read more

Reviews (27)

The Best Christmas Album Ever Recorded
Nat King Cole could not record a bad Christmas had he set out to do so.

Known for his recording of "The Christmas Song," Cole sings every other Christmas song just as well as he does that classic. Particulary good are "Cradle in Bethlehem" -- which has an outstanding choral support, "O Little Town of Bethlehem", and "O Tannenbaum." There are only two other Christmas albums that rise to the level of "The Christmas Song": Johnny Mathis' "Merry Christmas" and Alan Jackson's 2002 release: "Let It Be Christmas."

Nat's album gets the nod because he has far more songs (19) on his album than either Mathis or Jackson.

But that's your top three of all-time folks. Sinatra, Crosby, Como, The Carpenters ... all are good, but never really approach Nat King Cole's album when one considers the quality and quantity of the songs on that album.

It's really striking how good it is. And how long is has stood the test of time. He had a voice made for Christmas.

The Christmas song-Nat King Cole Review
By far one of the best albums by Mr.Cole.I highly recommend anyone who likes Nat King Cole to buy this album.I would like to correct a mistake by a previous reviewer who said the album has previously unreleased tracks.All tracks on this cd(with the exception of the duet of Nat and Natalie)were released in 1969 on the LP'The Christmas song'released by Capitol records.

Almost perfect...
At the risk of restating the obvious, let it be said once more -- Nat "King" Cole has a magical voice, adaptable to the ruminations of a Jazz trio, the brassy sass of a Big Band or the celestial delights of a string orchestra. THE CHRISTMAS SONG -- Capitol's CD reissue of Cole's 1961 arrangements (conducted by Ralph Carmichael) -- features the singer's warm baritone set to orchestra and chorus. For all intents-and-purposes, the songs themselves are a stunning listen -- diciplined, personal and romantic.

This reissue features the standard 1961 version of Cole's timeless "The Christmas Story" (written by Mel Torme and Bob Wells); Cole did three other versions prior to the Carmichael take, going as far back as 1946 (the first without a string section). These three versions have not been the reissue standard since '61. However, two other renderings are represented on this CD: [1] another stale cut-n-paste duet with daughter Natelie (MOR radio has Hallmark to thank) and [2] a hidden bonus version, more piano-based, featuring only a small string section (likely the second 1946 version, which was the first "Christmas Song" to chart). In other good news, there's also first-to-CD versions of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "O' Come All Ye Faithful" (the latter of which is worth the price of admission alone), plus two King Cole spoken greetings.

My feeling is that no serious music collection should be without a compilation of Nat "King" Cole's Holiday classic. I'm biased, of course, because Cole is my favorite singer, but the music stands on it own as timeless. There are many Christmas-themed CDs available from this artist, but this is as good as any, if not the top so far.

A 'Must Have' for the holidays!
There are dozens and dozens of holiday CDs available. Each year dozens more are recorded or re-released. This CD ranks in the top five ALL TIME greatest holdiay offerings. I bring this one out in November every year. It IS Christmas!

A CHRISTMAS CD FOR THE AGES
If you only want one CHRISTMAS cd in your collection,you simply must choose this one.NAT and CHRISTMAS are linked together.This cd was beautifully remastered in 1999 and will pass the test of time forever.You may have listened to many CHRISTMAS albums in your lifetime,but very few have this overall quality of singing with a nice display of harmony behind it.What distinguished NAT is his great sensibility that always transpired in his best recordings.You'll want to comeback to it year after year.Only FRANK SINATRA's 1957 offering comes close in matching this classic for the ages.A big mistake for you would be to listen to it alone after many drinks.The tears just might come to you. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This lavish holiday set has been called the greatest rock & roll Christmas album of all time. That's an opinion that's tough to argue with when you find yourself immersed in the massive sounds painstakingly crafted by legendary producer Phil Spector. His "wall-of-sound" technique is perfectly suited to the music of the season, as he proves with layer upon layer of piano, sleigh bells, buoyant percussion, and, of course, those legendary Spectorsound harmonies. The Crystals turn their sassy interplay into sheer magic on "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town," The Ronettes stroll sweetly through numbers like "Sleigh Ride," while Darlene Love delivers a real knockout punch with her yearning version of "Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)." Sure to become the soundtrack for your holidays. --David Sprague ... Read more

Reviews (37)

Overproduced Ñ but it still rocks!
This isn't quite the greatest Christmas album ever that rock fans make it out to be. Whoever Bob B. Soxx and The Blue Jeans were (they have two undistinguished cuts on the album), they've gone on to well-deserved obscurity. And Phil Spector's little speech on the last track is an egocentric embarrassment. The whole album is horribly over-produced.

Nevertheless, this is an essential purchase for old-time rock fans. Darlene Love and Ronnie Spector have two of the most glorious voices in the history of rock, and every one of their songs on this album is a joy. Love's Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) is almost worth the cost of the CD all by itself. The songs by The Crystals, unfortunately, are a little muddy. Lala Brooks, The Crystals' lead singer, is terrific, but her voice is overwhelmed by Spector's "wall of sound."

What it all adds up to is that about half of this album is made up of some of the best rock and roll Christmas music ever. The rest runs from good but flawed to downright embarrassing. It's definitely worth owning Ñ but be prepared to hit the skip track button quite a bit.

Pure Candy-Coated, Bubble-Gum, Christmastime Bliss!!!
I remember being a kid and hearing these tracks on the radio every year around Christmastime. I didn't know who they were--The Ronettes, The Crystals, Darlene Love--they all melded together-- but I loved the funky, gleeful, infectious joy that came through in the singing. They sound even better now!

Phil was at the height of his Wall-of-Sound genius at the time and one can see him standing behind the glass in the control booth, bobbing his head, his eyes hidden behind his trademark wraparound shades, knowing--just KNOWING--that he was making the best pop Christmas album of ALL TIME.

Just try listening to this album without yearning for the days when Rock 'n' Roll wasn't yet a decade old, teenage music was joyful and beautifully crafted and 16-year-old girls had hair as tall as Christmas trees--fake pink and blue ones at that!!

If this one doesn't get your Christmas party hopping, your guests should go back to eating their gruel by the empty fireplace. This album kills Scrooges. I mean, with Darlene Love dreaming of a White Christmas, is there really any need for three smelly old ghosts??

The album that changed Christmas forever.......
I was watching a Christmas episode of Moonlighting in the 1980's - another telling of It's A Wonderful Life. In the opening scene, the alarm clock sounds and Sleigh Ride comes pounding out....cut short by a startled Cybil Shepherd. I did not like "oldies" music at the time, but eagerly waited for the credits that night to find out who sang that song! To my disbelief, the song was not listed in the credits, but the hunt was on. I had to find it - I had to figure out where that sound came from! So much time has passed that I don't know how I located it, but I somehow found out that The Ronettes were the group that was singing that night. I started talking about the song at work, and to my suprise, one of my employees gave me a cassette of this album a few days later. I played it that year so much, that I wore it out... literally. I had a 3 hour drive home that Christmas, and played it so loud for so long, that the amplifer mounted under the radio actually melted the tape as it played!!! I replaced that tape and have purchased it several times since - original pressings, cassettes, cds, etc. - I'll never be without a copy again.

This album had the unfortunate timing of being released the day John F. Kennedy was assassinated. It wasn't exactly the year to be celebrating..... and it's brilliance did not have a chance to shine in 1963. As they say, timing is everything.

40 years later... listen to "A Very Special Christmas", or "Mariah Carey's - Merry Christmas", or Any Jackson 5 Motown Christmas Song, or... the list goes on and on... and you'll hear this album's influence on song after song.

This album changed the sound, spirit and direction of Christmas music for generations to come. It finally became a hit when released on the Beatle's Apple Records label in 1970 (under the title "Phil Spector's Christmas Album"), and has been in print for most years since. Producers and artists have copied and reinterpreted the sounds on this disc over and over again.

I have 115 Christmas CDs in my collection and growing (not to mention lots of albums, cassettes and 45s). This isn't just any Christmas album, and there is nothing that equals it in my collection.

This isn't just one the greatest "Christmas" album ever released, it is one of greatest ALBUMS ever released. Calling this album a Holiday or Christmas album is actually selling the album short. It's a concept album. An orchestral pop masterpiece that reinterpreted decades old songs that everyone listened to on static-filled radios at grandma's house, and breathed life into them for the [then] current generation and all others since.

This is not an album to play softly. It is best heard at MAXIMUM VOLUME. The layers of sleigh bells, chimes, xylophones, maracas, castinets, booming percussion, guitars, pianos, horns, and other instruments, as well as a chorus of background vocals form the famous "wall of sound" (once you hear it, you'll understand) propelling the artists' voices like a rocket into the season. None of the songs sound alike, but they all have the same "sound". The louder you play it, the more energy you'll feel. It's infectious.

The only detraction from the album is the discs closing track, a recitation by Phil Spector over the artists rendition of Silent Night. Listen to it once or twice for curiosity sake, and then program your cd player to skip it.

Don't let another Christmas go by without this CD in your collection. And, start giving it to others too... this is a much better gift than a bottle of wine, or a batch of cookies!!!!

I saw Ronnie kissing Phil Spector
The greatest rock and roll Christmas album of all time? Yes, it is. Great "Wall of Sound" production and great singing (especially by Darlene Love) on some Christmas classics. Okay, "The Bells of St. Mary's" isn't really a Christmas song (although it was the title song from a Bing Crosby movie), and "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" isn't really a Christmas song either (although it is about toys), but they do fit in with the rest of the album. The rest of the songs are well known Christmas songs, other than "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)", which is a great song written especially for this album, and "Marshmallow World", which is a relatively unknown Bing Crosby song. This is a classic album that I highly recommend.

Don't listen to Negatives...Best Christmas CD EVER!
I read one of the Christmas CDs for this (the only one I think that was bad) and this moron said...'it's starting to show it's age'.....'over produced'. Again, I say MORON. This album is a classic and just because of it's age or Production you cannot deny this is simply the finest Christmas album of all time. If you are going to condemn it due to a Production style that has aged, or technology that wasn't as good...then what's next? 'Mozart and Beethoven out the window because the music is no longer 'hip' ? Tear down the Statue of Liberty...it is old isn't it? This person who wrote that review either has a tin ear...and or simply doesn't know anything about music. The tracks are alive, fun and it still and always will hold up against ANY of the cliche CRAP that's out today. Britney, N'Stink, Any Rap act...anyone of the whiney, played out ...I MUST singing 150 notes for every one written...they ALL stink. Christina, Alicia Keys....Clay , Reuben...all of them are light weights (singing wise)...do you think that 40 years from now ANY of the aforementioned will be remembered? No way.

Buy the album. You won't regret it. Not even 40 years from now. Merry Christmas.

(REBEL AGAINST CRAP MUSIC...(Oops , I mean Rap Music) ... Read more

Album Description

Larry The Cable Guy is a church-goin',strip bar-lovin', know-it-all redneck —and he's coming to your house for the holidays, thanks to the Warner Bros. debut of the hilarious and politically incorrect A Very Larry Christmas. Starring on "Blue Collar TV" with Jeff Foxworthy and Bill Engvall, as he did on the Blue Collar Comedy Tour, the Blue Collar Comedy Tour: The Movie (and soundtrack) and the forthcoming Blue Collar Comedy Tour Rides Again (and soundtrack), Larry The Cable Guy has become one of the most popular comedians in the country.This season,"Git-R-Done!" and have A Very Larry Christmas. ... Read more

Album Description

Compiling two complete Walter Brennan LPs onto one disc,Old Rivers/'Twas the Night Before Christmas...Back Home isprobably the best collection of the actor/singer's music on the market. Collectors' Choice. 1996. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

The full range of holiday emotions
For people who grew up with the Walter Brennan Christmas album, it's indispensable. For years after my family's LP cracked from the edge to the center hole, we'd line up the break every Christmas and ignore the pops and skips. In spots, this can be a heart-wrenching listen. The poor guy tears up when he realizes none of his children are coming home to be with him and Ma. On another cut he chokes up alone because now Ma is gone, too. Later, he recalls how his father once pretended to kill the pet turkey before finishing with a happy ending. He tells inspiring stories of humble celebrations, full of thanks and recognition of the meaning of the season. If you're lucky you'll end up regarding these songs the way Brennan's story-teller regards the old-time Christmas stories he lives for during the holidays: "I love 'em. Every one". Old Rivers features similar music - at times you might think you're hearing the same tunes with different lyrics. That's okay. The stories are fun and Brennan's voice is irresistable.

OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS/DOWN HOME MUSIC
BACK IN THE EARLY 1960'S MY FAMILY HAD THE ORIGINAL WALTER BRENNAN CHRISTMAS ALBUM, SO I GREW UP LISTENING TO THAT ALBUM DURING THE HOLIDAYS. FOR SOME TIME, THIS ALBUM HAS BEEN OUT OF PRINT. I HAVE RECORDED THE ALBUM ON TO A CASSETTE, BUT AM DELIGHTED TO HAVE THIS ON CD. AFTER LOSING LOVED ONES DURING THE PAST YEARS, THIS CHRISTMAS CD BRINGS BACK A LOT OF WONDERFUL, HAPPY MEMORIES FOR ME AS MY FAMILY WOULD LOOK FORWARD TO GETTING "GRANDPA MCCOY'S" ALBUM OUT AND PLAYING IT YEAR AFTER YEAR. THE OLD RIVERS PORTION OF THE CD IS ALSO VERY GOOD. THIS IS A WONDERFUL, UNIQUE CD. SONE OF THE SONGS TELL STORIES FROM LONG AGO, AND HAVE SOME VERY HUMBLING MESSAGES. SOME OF THE SONGS HAVE "CATCHY" TUNES. THIS IS DEFINITELY A "5" STAR CD WHICH YOU WILL WANT TO PLAY YEAR AFTER YEAR.

A Piece of Home
Dagnabbit....listening to this collection of Christmas songs and stories is really an interesting experience. Some are real downers - but - the familiar, unique voice of Walter Brennan brings them to life and brings back memories of The Real McCoys, Rio Bravo, How the West Was Won, and many of his later roles. My favorite was about Henry the Turkey, who was saved from the Christmas dinner table. If you love unique Christmas songs and/or Walter Brennan, this is a great one.

Walter Brennan is the best!
When I was a kid I used to listen to the X-mas album for hours. WB's voice reminds me of my grandfather. The stories on there are old-time tear-jerkers, but told with a sense of nostalgia. I can just see WB with a twinkle in his eye! I am sooo glad that it came out on CD!

Walter Brennan
Boy did this bring back memories :)
Outstanding CD ... Read more

Album Description

"American Idol" finalist George Huff sings Christmas! George was one of the final five contestants on Fox's wildly popular "American Idol" program this spring. He was also the last guy standing in the competition! Known for his gospel-influenced performances, ever-positive attitude and wide, winning smile, his is starting his solo career with a Christmas project that will hit stores this November. ... Read more

Album Description

David's first album, "there's a small hotel", caused a sensation nationwide, plucking at the heartstrings of listeners everywhere. The passion continues on this superlative new collection, which captures the true essence of the international icon of romance - Paris. Experience tender, luxurious performances while dining by candlelight, taking a moonlit stroll, or just curling up in your favorite chair. Romance is very much alive and well, and David Wilson will give you all the reassurance you need. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

so-so
this cd, although beautifully executed sounded a little too much like elevator music. needed more violin and less backround instrumentation

Spectacular
I work on an ambulance and play this to relax. Many co-workers ask what it is and end up ordering it.

Many times in the evening after work I play it and close my eyes. It takes me to a far away place where I can unwind and clear my head of the days problems.

Romantic, lyrical, synphonic; a great find
"The Romance of Paris" - What a great find.Every song exudes romance, intimacy and a whirlwind of illusion. The music is lyrical and at moments synphonic.It is weightlessand touches the listener tenderly.David Wilson and his muscians bring merit to "easy listenng".

The perfect romantic mood-music
This is my second CD by David Wilson. I received the first (A Small Hotel) as a gift and fell in love with it.I recently looked for more like it and found this one and it's even better. The choice of songs and the passion inthe performances create the ultimate romantic atmosphere. With other CD'slike this either the mood is broken by the wrong song or it just getsboring by being too monotonous. David Wilson seems to really understand theright atmosphere for romance and maintain it throughout the CD. Put both ofhis CD's on and you have a good 90 minutes of uninterrupted musicalpassion. The rest is up to you.

HAUNTING VOILIN SOUND LIKE I'VE NEVER HEARD- TERRIFIC
DAVID WILSON'S MUSIC IS TRULY UNIQUE- ONE OF A KIND.THESE WONDERFULLY ROMANTIC SONGS ARE SO BEAUTIFULLY PERFORMED BY THE VIOLIN.IT'S REFRESHING TO HEAR GREAT MUSIC WITH THIS UNIQUE SOUND.DAVID HAS A GREAT FEEL FORTHIS MUSIC- I LOVE IT! ... Read more

Album Description

This CD single was recorded by one of the most recognizable faces in comedy and current star of the F/X hit show, "Rescue Me". Leary's last two records sold over 700,000 combined units and they're some of the most critically acclaimed comedy albums ever. This CD contains the hilarious "Merry Fucking Christmas" single, over fifteen minutes of stand-up and rare songs, and an animated video that'll run during the holidays on Comedy Central and at comedycentral.com. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Fans of Andrew Lloyd Webber will discover he has a soul mate in one Paul O'Neill, the "conductor" of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. A dyed-in-the-wool sentimentalist, O'Neill presents this pop-rock tale from 1998 with all the glitz and glory of a Lloyd Webber Broadway show. Playing to the common themes of the season through a tale about a little angel sent to Earth to leave behind a gift, O'Neill creates a big-sounding production heavy on lead guitars and orchestral filigree. There are pieces of familiar Christmas carols and hymns and a handful of unembellished acoustic numbers to offset the brighter parts of the musical melodrama. While his singers and players are all professional sounding, O'Neill often mistakes sentiment as a grand gesture when it needs to be something less ambitious or noticeable. Nonetheless, there's a TV special or Broadway show wrapped up in this attic and it won't go away until it gets done. --Martin Keller ... Read more

Reviews (55)

A Great Holiday Experience
One of the things I love so much about the Trans-Siberian Orchestra is that they give you a complete experience that encompasses a full range of emotions. There are the "purely fun" songs, the tearjerkers, the thought-provokers, the nostalgia-inducers, etc, etc.

Some people here have complained about the mix of genres included on this album. It's true, if you like albums that sound exactly the same from one song to the next, forget this one. On the other hand, if you like great variety, then click "ADD TO SHOPPING CART" right now. Almost every song is in a different style, and sung by different singers, and yet it all gels together extremely well to feel like one coherent performance. The musicianship is first-rate throughout (though I'll admit some of the vocalists feel the need to "act" their parts a little too... um... "operatically"?)

Others have complained that it's too sugar-coated. Well, duh, it's a Christmas album-- sugar is pretty much mandated-- and if you're the sort of person who would even consider buying a Christmas album, then you're obviously not opposed to sentimentality. If you want to hear this band doing some music with more of an edge, go out and buy any of the albums they released under the name "Savatage." The fact that they're able to release TSO albums AND the hard-rock/metal albums of Savatage is a true testament to this band's versatility.

Unfortunately, this album is not quite as strong as TSO's first Christmas album, "Christmas Eve And Other Stories," mostly because it feels a bit too much like it's trying to redo that one. Certain songs are almost direct equivalents, and I often found myself thinking, "Ah, this songs is this album's version of that other song from their first album." Still, it's a great album, and well worth having for anyone who enjoys holiday music. With the vast variety of music styles, there's something for everybody on this CD.

Good music, but to religious for me
For the past couple years I've seen the commercials on TV advertising Christmas music for Trans-Siberian Orchestra. For me, I thought it very reminiscent of Mannheim Steamroller, with its nice jazzy, up-beat tempos. So when I saw two of their albums, "Christmas Eve and Other Stories" and "The Christmas Attic" at my local music store, I didn't hesitate to buy both of them.

If you aren't into Christian music or some of the more religious Christmas carols, you sadly, like me, probably won't like the music. I prefer instrumental Christmas music because I'm not a religious person and although I can do "Silent Night", and others, I prefer not to have to listen to the words. (I must point out that I did like the instrumental pieces) Anyway, The CD is full of music that any fan of Mannheim Steamroller would probably greatly enjoy, with Christmas Carols that have a more religious connotation than I can handle (I think they might be originals as well which was kind-of neat).

get Christmas Eve and Other Stories instead!
The high point of this album is the in-your-face version of "Deck the Halls." Its biggest flaw, in comparison with "Christmas Eve" (which was great) is that it's BLEAK. There just doesn't seem to be as much hope or affirmation in the lyrics, and the music is more repetitive and less original.

Icky Pooh!
This is awful.

It's just garbage disguised as music.

To the trash bin ya go!

Excelent, but not perfect
Again Trans Siberina Orchestra amaze us with this album called The Christmas Attic, like "Christmas Eve & Other Stories" this album does have the same structure:A summary of the story, and a bit of the whole story before every song wich will help you to understand better. But talking about the music, they have made some changes, this album sounds different than the previous; this one have different styles inside it like blues and rock. Is not better than CE&OS but sure is good. I recommend you to hear some samples before buy it, or download some song (not the whole album) from a P2P program and if you like it then BUY it.

REMEMBER: This album is from a band called Trans Siberian Orchestra wich is a side project of a Power Metal Band called Savatage so if you like power metal it's sure you love this piece of art BUT if you don't like power metal maybe you won't like this album 'cause they put their unique style in the whole album. Of course you don't need to be a metallian to hear this album, my mother like it and she is 52 years old.
So my final quote is: If you like power metal BUY IT, else Try Amazon's music sampler to hear song samples from this album. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The title might be immodest, but it's accurate. Just about every holiday song parody and comedy sketch you can imagine is jimmied onto this hilarious, sprawling collection. While you'll find a smattering of well-known Christmas wackiness (including "Grandma Got Run over by a Reindeer" and the Singing Dogs' "Jingle Bells"), the Doctor's specialty is unearthing the obscure, such as Wild Man Fischer's weirder-than-weird "I Am a Christmas Tree." You'll never listen to "The 12 Days of Christmas" quite the same way after hearing the spins put on the tale by both Allan Sherman and Bob and Doug McKenzie, and you're likely to check your Christmas cookie for "special ingredients" after hearing Cheech & Chong's "Santa Claus and His Old Lady." --David Sprague ... Read more

Reviews (16)

The perfect Christmas music-comedy CD
Put this on for your unwitting friends next time they are over around Christmas time and you'll all be laughing for quite a while. This is a truly diverse collection of timeless, spoofy Christmas songs to be played just for the fun of it. Some of the tracks are just plain silly, others are just plain weird, and still others offer a humorous social commentary about the commercialism of Christmas. From wonderful, lesser-known comedians to the Chipmunks and Weird Al, it's all here. If you love Christmas and have any kind of sense of humor, get this CD and enjoy!

NOT your average Christmas collection
Dr. Demento's collection of Holiday novelty songs is a weird and wonderful find. Just when it looked like the genre had been trampled to death with the success of "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer," the good Doctor shows us that there are richer (and funnier) X-mas musical parodies to enjoy.

Granted, some of these tracks are inevitable additions on Christmas discs that cover a specific era, or only include songs that were commercial successes: the tracks by the Chipmunks, Spike Jones and Elmo & Patsy are almost as tedious as a Kenny G Holiday collection. Fortunately, there are plenty of lesser-known gems here, like Gayla Peevey's bouncy "I Want A Hippopotamus for Christmas" and Tom Lehrer's "Christmas Carol," a witty and sharp commentary on Holiday commercialism.

This collections spans about 40 years, but the selections generally complement each other, rather than sound out of place. The humor of the material here also spans a wide area, from goofy-voiced tunes for kids to sly, insinuating musical parody. Some of the choices are obvious, but others are wonderfully inexplicable, like "I'm A Christmas Tree" and "I Saw DADDY Kissing Santa Claus." Two of the more recent tracks (from Cheech & Chong and Weird Al Yankovic) are classics that appear (to my knowledge) in this collection only.

There are a few lame entries: "Christmas Dragnet" will only appeal to fans of the TV show, and Bob & Doug McKenzie's (of SCTV fame) "12 Days of Christmas" is similarly limited. The "Jingle Bells" cover here is simply annoying, though it's probably appealing to kids and drunks.

Christmas music, as a sub-genre of Pop music, is generally not an area that produces a lot of unique performances. The sentiments and well-wishings of classic songs like "Silent Night" or even "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" tend to be lost when people buy collections for the singer and not the material. Dr. Demento's addled and brilliant collection is a sure-bet for people who are tired of Diva-esque Christmas albums, or who simply refuse to be conventional.

-Mic

Enjoyment for years to come...
I bought this CD for a friend as a Christmas gift. We listened to it and I loved. I will be buy another for myself too. The song "I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" is a classic and we just love that song. The whole CD is worth it and I know we will enjoy it for years to come.

Cute, but...
Nice collection, but I've heard many of the songs on other albums (which I already have).

"Cheech and Chong's" Lost Christmas Single!!
Greetings to you!

I was very pleased to find that Amazon.com had this CD for sale. I used to listen to Doctor Demento on KMET-94.7-Radio, in Los Angeles, California many, many years ago. All is gone now but not forgotton: KMET is no-more, they changed format, call letters, etc... KMET was a pioeneer in Radio, when it came to "Rock and Roll" music. I listened to them exclusivly for the entire 18 years of their existence. After they were gone, KLOS-Radio was the only thing close enough left to listen to. Too bad that after all that time, a new owner came in and changed everything. Fired all of the DJ's, changed the call-letters, and changed to format to "Easy Listening", (AKA: Elevator Music I call it!). Doctor Demento had his radio program every Sunday night. Later, he took his radio show accross the nation, on a syndicated, shorter version of the same show. I once had the 45-Single Record of "Cheech and Chong's": "Santa Claus and His Old Lady" in my collection. where it went to, I'll never know! They never put this cut on any of their albumns, it was only available on the 45-Single Record. I remember that on the B-Side of the record was "Dave", another classic from Cheech and Chong. Now every Christmas I think about that comedy-cut, and wonder how to get a copy of it. I hear it played on some radio stations, but until now I never have found it on any record, tape or CD. Thank you, thank you, once again for bringing back a fond memory of my past! Note: PS... All of the other comedy-cuts on this Doctor Demento Christmas CD are "Classic-Great Hits" too! I just love it!!

Sincerely,

Jeffrey Mark Motta ... Read more

Album Description

"Venture forth to the Realm of Shadows where restless spirits arise from unknown depths to wander the shores of night.Midnight Syndicate once again takes you on a musical journey through the darkest corners of your imagination.Dim the lights, but take heed... what darkness conjures, the night harbors."

Following the tremendous success of "Born of the Night," Midnight Syndicate presents "Realm of Shadows," their third CD featuring the unique blend of haunting orchestration and sound effects that has made them a rising force in gothic-horror music today. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Classic Midnight Syndicate
"Realm of Shadows" is a tremendous followup to "Born of the Night." Set in an abandoned village by the sea, the disc incorporates some outdoorish atmosphere with their classic gothic symphonies. "Soliloquy", the beautiful piano piece is my personal favorite along with "Legions of the Dead" and the album-closer, "Eclipse."

This is a particularly good MidSyn disc for those of you who like to listen to the music while drawing, writing, or reading. Sets a great atmosphere.

They are the masters of what they do and this disc is no exception. Excellent!

The Night Beckons
I, for one, am not big on any type of background music but Midnight Syndicate is a proud exception for they certainly know how to create good atmospheric Goth music that's gloomy and foreboding. The dark moods (tortured wind blowing, distant bells ringing, mournful singing full of sorrow, ect.), eerie dialogue and haunting orchestrations (the dirge of an organ playing especially gives me the chills) are a perfect companion to a spine-tingling horror novel or a spooky video game or a ghostly house on Halloween. Just don't play this around kids as it might give you, I mean them, nightmares.

Musick from The Shadows...
"Venture to The Realm of Shadows where restless spirits arise from unknown depths to wander the shores of night." - Booklet Literation.

More intrumentations from the minstrels of the Macabre. XXI songs array this manifestation, which incorperates sound effects such as gongs, sqwaking crows, howling wind, violins, growling hounds, church bells, & nefarious narrations.

With titles such as "Into The Abyss", "Realm of Shadows", "Serpent's Lair", "Black Woods", "The Night Beckons", & "Witching Hour" {not the Venom song}, there is no doubt to the darkened quality of this opus.

The perfect mood setter
I found this CD to be the perfect companion for reading and writing horror fiction and poetry. It can call forth the shadows in a decidedly effective and inspiring way, and serves exceptionally well in evoking a sombre atmosphere of foreboding and dread. While on the whole the disc tends more toward subtlety, there are several intense moments that maintain an air of suspense and keep the listener ever wary...Well done, gentlemen!

What darkness conjures, the night harbors.
2000's "Realm of Shadows" is an eerie soundscape set in a desolate village beyond the coast of Raven's Hollow. It was said that centuries ago, all of the occupants suddenly vanished during a thunderstorm, and that a curse (indicated by a murder of squawking black birds) condemned the missing inhabitants to forever stay in the crumbling dwellings. With this synopsis in mind, composers Gavin Goszka and Edward Douglas composed an original score for a movie yet to be made, one where the listener's mind is free to decide the action. Dominated by droning cellos, moaning choirs, trolling trumpets, and fragile piano keys, "Realm of Shadows" emits sepulchral melodies that crawl through the muddy earth and dive in the crashing waves.
It would be extremely difficult for me to describe the album's tracks in symphonic detail. Instead, I will mention the various scenes that Midnight Syndicate conjures in my head. The bellowing "Into the Abyss" travels on a hero's vessel, floating to an unknown destination. "Noctem Aeternus" sinks into a pit of lonliness, creeping out to a vast and empty space. "Tempest" sets the background for a near-fatal storm that tosses the ship back and forth, assailing the unnamed explorer with heaving gusts of wind and spraying rain. "Eye of the Storm," with its own twitching violin, parts the clouds asunder, exposing a full moon. "Sanctuary" lands the main character (and all listeners), onto the shores of Raven's Hollow. As a pipe organ plays a despondant melody, the island's abandoned ruins rise over the town square like menacing mountains. During "Realm of Shadows," where both the organ and violin strings quaver, angry spirits slowly emerge from the town's slimy ditches and vaults. Then, "Beyond the Gates," clues are found in relation to the island's mystery; the track's steady waltz is highlighted by twirling piano keys. The harp on "Spectral Mist" twinkles as an enchanted fog billows out of the ground. "Soliloquy" can be described as a blissful ballet, one that incorporates self-reflection with the past memories of loved ones. The muffled grunts of "Twilight" first appear to echo from the bowels of the earth, only to glance up into the stars' craters. "Black Wood" is a heartstopping chase through the woods; this particular tune includes a bass violin that can crush dry leaves under its feet. The bass rhythm on "Legions of the Dead" methodically claws both the trunks of trees and the flesh of its prey.
I can say in the end that "Realm of Shadows" is a sinister cinematic trip through one's imagination. I recommend you purchase this album as well as "Gates of Delirium." ... Read more

Amazon.com

Loreena McKennitt's "songs for the season" are haunting for their beauty and her fascinating voice. Blending traditional Irish music with worldbeat and New Age-like instrumentation, McKennitt's arrangements are at once elegant and eloquent, enchanting and familiar, whether she's singing "Coventry Carol," "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen," or "Good King Wenceslas." "Snow," adapted from a 19th-century poem, and the traditional "Seeds of Love" are so lofty and deep they reach almost mystical places. --Martin Keller ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Very Splendid
Several people have called this CD too short, but one must understand that this is not a real album, but and EP. One must also remember that this was made at the same time she was making "The Book of Secrets" and didn't have enough time to make a full lenght Christmas album. If you are and Enya listener who has some singles that are about 10, 15, or 20 minutes long, you will not be bothered by the length of this CD.

Anyway, this is a very beautiful collection of music, exactly 22:28 minutes long. I really loved the Middle-East beat of "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen", a one of a kind style! I also really loved the old traditional Celtic sound of "Good King Winceslas", which I heard on the radio a few weeks ago. I'm very glad that she was able to include uillean pipes in the music, for it gave the music feeling and old style. Loreena also did a new version of "Snow" which sounded very nice, but I found it to be a little too fast paced. I also liked "Coventary Carol", but found it to be too fast paced. I highly recommend people to hear the version on Charlotte Church's "Dream A Dream", which was slower and brought more meaning to the music and lyrics. But then there also is the traditional English "Seeds of Love", which I really LOVED. It sounds so traditional, clear, simple, and lovely. Though the music is very different from the original version, it sounds just as old and traditional as the real version. Though I have to admit that I did have one disappointment and that was that the booklet did not explain the meaning of the words of the song. You see, "Seeds of Love" is not a Christmas song(though it brings meaning to the title 'A Winter Garden', but a tradtional English song about love and sorrow. The flowers are meant to symbolize characteristics. The violet symbolizes modesty, the lily is purity, and the pink is curtesy. The red rose means true love and the twisting willow tree is sorrow. The version on this CD omitted the last verse, which brings meaning to the message of love. I have to go now, but let me say that this is a very good Christmas album.

A Beautiful Collection, but Lamentably Short
Any collection of Christmas music that includes the Coventry Carol is worthy of praise. Ms. McKennitt's voice and selection, as always, are excellent - but, unfortunately, *not* enough (especially when one of the pieces is repeated on her full-length album "To Drive the Cold Winter Away"). Regardless, "A Winter Garden" is well worth buying as a companion to her other CD's and for the holy day season. Those who enjoy Ms. McKennitt's work, but desire a more "uptempo" or "semi-popular" collection of Christmas carols will find "A Winter Garden" more to their liking. Those who simply love Loreena McKennitt's talents, will find "A Winter Garden" well worth any price.

Emotional
As others have said, there are some traditional Christmas songs here but the mix is such that you could listen all year long. I defy anyone to listen to Snow and not be truly moved by its beauty.

Wonderful songs - too few!
These 5 songs are terrific - if only there were 5 more on here! As with Loreena's other works, her voice is clear and true, the lyrics are poetic, the music is uncluttered and beatuiful. Some songs are toe-tappers, others just let you rest and be quiet while the beautiful sounds float around you. Great for anyone who loves celtic music especially and for anyone celebrating the season. Beautiful!

One of my favorite Christmas albums
I heard McKennit's version of "Good King Wenceslas" on the radio and I just had to have this album. The renditions are rather like Medieval music with that almost Moorish sound of drums and odd double-reed horns. I never get tired of this album and only wish it were longer. If you like antique music or Celtic music, this Christmas album may become a real favorite of yours as well as mine. ... Read more

Album Details

Kenny Rogers original Christmas story. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Kenny"s Gift
I truly enjoyed Mr. Rogers album "Gift." Why? There are three songs on this album, one I dedicate to members who are or who have served in arm forces around the world. Has it ever occur to you how easy it is to forget those who are away from our loved ones during the christmas Holidays? Mr. Rogers performance of "The King's Soldier" helps me to remember those who have served distinguishly and with honor. Secondly, there are soldiers who believe in Christ the King and some of the lyrics truly fits what they are doing.

My second favorite is "The Messiah." It has a wonderful chorus and the words are simple, yet to me inspiring.

Finally, a fantastic duet can be heard in "Mary did you know," performed by Winonna Judd and Kenny Rogers. They sing with truth and conviction.

As for the other songs, I did like hearing them but not as much as the others that I have mentioned. I hope you'll like this album as I did.
Merry Christmas to all and good night

Great Christmas CD!
I would have to say that this is the best Christmas album Kenny has ever recorded! Every Christmas I play this CD to death! All the songs are sung beautifully! One of the highlights of this album is the duet with Wynonna, "Mary, Did You Know?". I just love this song! And another hightlight is the "Chosen One" montage. This is just great! I can't describe the feeling I get when I hear this! This CD should be in the homes of every person at Christmas time!

My favorite Christmas CD
This is my favorite Christmas CD. I love all of the songs and they are mostly unique. Kenny and Wynonna sing Mary Did You Know just beautifully and Kenny's renditions bring me to tears. this is a must get Christmas CD!!!!

A Christmas Classic
Kenny Rogers has become one of the greatest interpreters of Christmas songs. He has released 5 Christmas albums that have all been popular. Each one is a classic in its own way.

"The Gift" is probably the finest of Kenny's Christmas releases. In fact, it is one of the finest Christmas albums of all time.

What makes "The Gift" so unique is that it consists of new original Christmas songs. Kenny's version of "Mary, Did You Know?" with Wynonna is certainly the finest version of the song ever. "A Soldier's King" really captures the meaning of Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ. "Pretty Little Baby Child" is a unique offering with an island sound to it. The group The Katinas add a great sound to the track with words sung in Samoan. The rest of the songs are exceptional also.

The highlight of "The Gift" is a 16 minute piece titled "The Chosen One Montage." The track consists of a new song, "The Chosen One" written by Kenny Rogers, Warren Hartman, and Steve Glassmeyer. It also has pieces of Christmas standards such as "O Holy Night," "Away In A Manger," and "We Three Kings." In the montage, a child sings a part, and Kenny answers the child with spoken biblical adaptations. Kenny then moves into the traditional Christmas songs. The piece was used in Kenny's 1996 Christmas tour "The Gift," and he continues to use it in his Christmas tours to this day.

"The Gift" is a masterpiece for all Christmas music fans. It is not country sounding. It's not pop sounding. It's Kenny's own style that makes these songs instant classics. All music lovers can appreciate the message that "The Gift" instills. The album really highlights the true meaning of Christmas.

Now for the technical side...

"The Gift" was originally released in 1996 on the independent Magnatone Records. Kenny left the label in 1997, and since then Magnatone has closed up shop. Curb Records has taken over what was issued on Magnatone. This issue of "The Gift" was released for the 2002 Christmas Season on Curb Records.

The packaging is great for a reissue. The original printing had a special fold out CD case and the lyrics printed in the booklet. This reissue does not. But the album cover and much of the CD information including Kenny's liner notes are still intact. This is not always the case with reissues. Merry Christmas!!

The Star
This CD offers unique Christmas songs. I particularly enjoy the Tiny Little Baby song, as it has a Jamacian beat which I find myself dancing along to as it plays. Most of the songs center around the real reason for Christmas which is Christ as a newborn child. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys Kenny Rogers. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Hark all ye fans of Dame Darcy, Gothic Archies, and madrigal dinners! The Mediaeval Baebes follow-up their Christmas-themed debut with Worldes Blysse, an imperfectly enchanting homage to the cycle of life and death. Numbering the mystical 13, the Baebes are Miranda Sex Garden's Katharine Blake and her girlfriends, supplemented by a somewhat older period instrumentalist who, along with Blake, is the only classically trained musician. Fancied mistresses of dark faerie tales and maidens of Lilith Fair, the Baebes, bedecked in diaphanous gowns and locks like Rapunzel, perform traditional plainsongs of the 13th through 15th centuries, as well as originals written in that style. Acoustic period-inspired accompaniment flits round a cappella numbers and is given the spotlight on the frolicsome instrumental "La Volta." Giving hardly a hoot for chops, and rather reveling in vivacity, the Baebes court the image of themselves as a naughty flock of strumpets: scooping and sliding into notes at times like rosy-cheeked choirgirls ("Kinderly," "Beatrice"), and at others sounding like bratty children tromping through a village green ("Ecci Mundi Gaudium," "How Death Comes"). Not for purists or classical snobs, Worldes Blysse is a weirdly wonderful windfall for melancholy teens, drama queens, and hipsters too cool for authenticity. --Paige La Grone ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Blysse-ful Baebes
A longtime Loreena McKennitt fan, I got hooked on the Medieval Baebes halfway through the first song, "Kinderly" -- and that's not even the best song on Worldes Blysse, an honor I'd reserve for "Erthe Upon Erthe", "All Turns to Yesterday," or "Pearl." This album is wonderful.

The thing which astonished me most about it was the congruence between the middle English lyrics and the original melodies to which they are set. Most of the songs on this album are not really medieval compositions, but they partake richly of that tradition. The Baebes keep things simple, letting their choral arrangements and personalities shine. One of the most stunning pieces, "Pearl", combines original music with an excerpt from a long poem (required reading in many medieval lit classes). These lyrics were never meant to be sung. Yet in the Baebes' hands, it sounds seamless and right, complex and energetic, equally appropriate for a Renaissance Faire, a choral concert, or a morning jog.

If you like your medieval music strictly authentic, the Mediaeval Baebes aren't for you. But I'm thrilled that a skilled vocal group is mining the rich, underappreciated lode of middle English poetry and creating something beautiful and relevant out of it. Bravo, Baebes.

The BEST Baebes album!
Have you heard a few Mediaeval baebes songs but are wondering which album to start with? Start with Worldes Blysse and you'll be hooked on the Baebes!! I listen to celtic music (bothy band, deanta, clannad, lothlorien, ect. ) but also love moody haunting medieval music as well. This Baebes album for me is their best. Haunting melodies, true medieval sounding music (with memorable hooks - not mundane medieval music you forget 2 minutes after listening to it) with brilliant harmonies, and no "modern" instruments! This music is PERFECT for getting in the mood to go to a renaissance faire! (or to listen to while you're driving to that renaissance faire) The last 2 albums have introduced some modern elements in a few songs (drums,guitar,ect.) although the Baebes still are one of my favourites. Start with "worldes blysse" , if you love this album as I do, then try "undrentide" and "sal va nos". I have still yet to get "the rose" , but I think it's just a matter of time!

Classical Music So Sexy it's almost Pornographic
You can make love to Motown; Or try this album. It is erotic, transformational and utterly delicious. Where did these baebes come from? The world never ceases to amaze me.

DEE
Absolutely love this cd!! The Baebes sound heavenly in all their albums! Katherine Blake does a great job arranging these songs and the vocals come together perfect.

Very good album, glad to have it.
If you don't already know, The Mediaeval Baebes sing songs composed of centuries old dialects of English,French, Latin or occaisionally other languages accompanied by period type music. I've been pleased to find that in this album the ladies do a lot of singing either without any musical accompaniment or they kept it to the background. #3 Love me Broughte is 14th century English, and one of the better tunes, I also like #5 Ecce Munde Gaudium which is called 13th century English but sure looks like Latin to me (the lyrics of all songs provided in original languages as well as modern English)
Well worth owning, I only hope their latest album "The Rose" is as good. ... Read more

Amazon.com

When was the last time you heard collard greens being sung about in a Christmas song? Probably never, unless you're a Run DMC fan, or were wise enough to hop on the Very Special Christmas tip. The rappers' contribution to this benefit collection is probably the highlight, although traditional songs covered by now-traditional artists like the Pretenders ("Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas") provide the majority of the material here. Eurythmics turn in a suitably chilly "Winter Wonderland," Stevie Nicks sings a beautifully haunting "Silent Night," and Whitney Houston proves again that she's every woman with "Do You Hear What I Hear"--that is, every woman with a voice strong enough to do the song justice. "Santa Baby," Madonna's contribution, isn't as sultry as it could be, but there's more fun thanks to hell-on-heels, the Pointer Sisters and Bon Jovi. --Steve Gdula ... Read more

Reviews (26)

First and still best in the series
Here's the collection that started it all. Proceeds of course go to the Special Olympics, so you get to hear a great set of holiday songs and help out a great cause at the same time.

If you are looking for a rockin' Christmas, you'd be hard-pressed to find holiday music better than U2's remake of the Darlene Love classic "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" or John Mellencamp's "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus." Bob Seger's update of "Little Drummer Boy" is one of the best versions of that oft-recorded classic as well. For poignancy, you get Sting's "Gabriel's Message" and for festivity you get the Pointer Sisters' exalting about "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town." Whitney Houston is at her most soulful on "Do You Hear What I Hear?" while Madonna camps it up Betty Boop style with "Santa Baby." It's a smorgasboard of emotions!

Is the collection perfect? Well, no. Stevie Nicks sounds like a goat on "Silent Night" and Run DMC's "Christmas In Hollis" is too noisy for my tastes (but then again, I don't like rap). Overall, however, it stands (along with the Phil Spector Christmas album) as one of the best Rock and Roll Christmas collections ever.

Christmas Rock
What can I say? I grew up listening to the old guard's Christmas albums (Perry Como, Andy Williams, etc.). A VERY SPECIAL CHRISTMAS was probably the first "contemporary" Christmas album I'd heard. While I still prefer the retro artists singing my Christmas music, there are some noteworthy efforts on this CD.

I always like to hear the Pointer Sisters sing the opening song, "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town." That's a great one out of the gate because the Pointers sound so excited about Christmas, sounding almost childlike with glee.

Though I'm not much of a Whitney Houston fan, one of my favorite songs on this CD is Houston's soulful version of "Do You Hear What I Hear?" I could have done without Run-DMC's "Christmas in Hollis," but I welcome it on the CD because it helps round out the flavor of the music--from Bruce Springsteen's gritty "Merry Christmas Baby" to Sting's ethereal "Gabriel's Message."

But it is Alison Moyet's haunting rendition of "The Coventry Carol" that makes this CD worth listening to. I had pulled the CD out to listen to on a Christmas road trip several years ago, and when I heard that song--WOW! I like Loreena McKennitt's version (on her CD, A WINTER GARDEN) much better, but it was Moyet's version that got me interested in listening to Christmas music that's off the beaten path.

I recommend this CD to those who want their Christmas with an Eighties touch. I would even recommend it to traditionalists who want a change every once in a while.

wonderful!
This is one of my ALLTIME favorite Christmas cd.s! It has some great artists and wonderful songs! I recommend to anyone who either likes these artists or likes Christmas music to get this one for sure!!

Madonna's "Santa Baby" is the BEST!
I just LOVE Madonna's rendition of "Santa Baby". She is so talented! I like to play it over & over. I think that this is the only CD where her recording of this song is available.

Have Yourself a Very Special Christmas
This was the first of the Very Special Christmas albums, and it's still the best. There are some great performances here, but I have to make special mention of Eurythmics, who turn in the best version of "Winter Wonderland" I have ever heard. Run-D.M.C. contribute the only original song here, "Christmas in Hollis", and it's a terrific one. I also love the songs by the Pointer Sisters, Bruce Springsteen, the Pretenders, John Cougar Mellencamp, U2 and Madonna. The only weak performance here is by Bon Jovi, but they can't all be great. This album would make a fine addition to anyone's Christmas music library. ... Read more