Amazon.com

As an incredibly successful TV drama that encourages the perseverance of the human spirit against all odds, Touched by an Angel is a natural outlet for the religious celebration of Christmas. The lineup is a veritable who's who of contemporary country, R&B, pop, and gospel, and the music is all smooth as butter, with pianos twinkling like lights on the tree. Angel star Della Reese contributes the mild R&B-inflected "I Can Dream." Country star Randy Travis, with a bounty of flutes and stringed instruments, adds his Nashville twang to the Elizabethan ballad "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen." Keb' Mo' contributes the finger-pickin' blues surprise "Jingle Bell Jamboree." Charlotte Church, the Welsh-born classical singer who topped the charts at the ripe old age of 12, delivers the incredibly poised "Panis Angelicus." Kirk Franklin collaborates with Crystal Lewis on "I Still Believe." Roma Downey closes things out with the dramatic spoken-word piece "An Irish Blessing." --Rob O'Connor ... Read more

Reviews (12)

TBAA has definitely got a keeper
If you like TBAA and the other things that are on the market by the creators, then you will definitely like this CD. You will be able to enjoy this at any time of the year, not just Christmas. It has all of your top artists on the CD singing your famorite Christmas music. This is definitely a keeper.

Very nice surprise
I picked this up because I love the show and was in the mood for some inspiring Christmas tunes.

However, I have now listened to "An Irish Blessing" (track #13) about 500 times. I put it on the CD player, hit the repeat button and then lay down on my couch and just let the beautiful and soul-filled music wash over me. This music is filled with light and love and has a powerful comforting effect. It eases my fears and worries and reminds me of God's love.

This (2002) is my first post-divorce Christmas (after 24 years of marriage) and I was afraid of getting swamped by the loneliness, but this ONE CD has done so much to assuage those sad thoughts.

It has really lifted the depression and has reminded me that Christmas is truly a holy time. And even if we find ourselves utterly alone in the world, we're always in the company of too many angels to count. The music on this CD conveys that simple message with clarity, power, joy and strength.

As I type this message, I'm listening to "O Holy Night" by Collin Raye. Another favorite is "Panis Angelicus" by Charlotte Church. The title means "Heavenly Bread." This may be the most beautiful song I've ever heard. It's as though the angels themselves are serenading you.

Do I like this CD? Yes. The quality, sound reproduction, accompanying instrumentation, etc., are all first rate. It is a treasure.

My Favorite!
This is my favorite Christmas CD!! I thought I had lost it this year, and it made me realize how much it meant to me. I'm buying it for gifts, to share the joy!

Christmas and All Year 'Round
This is an album which has unique Christmas songs you might not hear anywhere else, but more importantly, it is an album which has meaning and which can be listened to all year 'round. It has depth and can be felt peronally, something lacking in so much music today. It is at the top of my list for all CD's I enjoy.

com"YULE"ation Cleric : Angelic Aspiring Above Alsos
Shepherds awakened in the fields by angles singing in the sky, wise men seeking a child in a manger,peace and hope in the miracle of one life, one birth, one night from which we count all the nights that have come since. It's hard to close our eyes and imagine it as a real event at all. This disc offers a few seasonal standards and many untraditional songs to aid in feeling an angel`s touch and inspiring heart. The compiliers movement between style,tempo,and spirit is with an aim toward truth. I do rejoice in reciting the modern-merry-mirth-making and celebratory orginality that flows from the mouth, here and there throughout and pleasantly out this disc`s delta.~~Merrily Mix~ 1# , 2#1\2 , 3# , 4#1\2 , 6# , 7$ , 8# , 11% , and 13$ ~~Post Script: For those in the Know and\or YULEtide Treasure Seekers get a X out and place upon track 11 "Jingle Bell Jamboree" a bluesy accoustic strummer from Keb' Mo'and track 13`s benediction***buyit*saveit*sharemost*giveit*donateit to the local library*** ... Read more

Amazon.com

One of the most successful folk groups of the 1960s ("Puff the Magic Dragon," "Where Have All the Flowers Gone"), Peter, Paul & Mary reunited in 1978 and have pretty much continued playing together for people of all ages. This celebration is helped along by the New York Choral Society and includes many familiar Christmas songs. While none of them possess an extraordinary singing voice or dexterous musicianship, their talents combined make for a sound greater than the sum of its parts. Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind" is their one concession to their success as topical performers. The rest is festive and often moving. --Rob O'Connor ... Read more

Reviews (15)

My favorite Christmas album ever
I'm about to buy my first CD of this album; I've owned the tape for about 13 years, and it's by far my favorite Christmas collection. Peter, Paul, and Mary have the perfect voices to sing these songs, and they include less well-known songs, like the Cherry Tree Carol (about Joseph's suspicions of Mary's infidelity) , as well as popular songs like "We wish you a merry Christmas." The one Chanuka song on he album, "Light One Candle" almost brings tears to my eyes.

This is the album to listen to while you trim your tree
Always a favorite holiday album, "A Holiday Celebration" has not only the warmly familiar harmonies of Peter, Paul and Mary, but the support of the New York Choral Society. This 1988 album was also recorded live, which has always been the best way to listen to the trio sing. Most importantly, this is a "holiday" album, which means it is not limited to Christmas songs, but covers the entire spectrum of the season. There are conventional Christmas songs ("We Wish You A Merry Christmas"), religious songs ("O Come, O Come Emmanuel"), Jewish Songs ("Hayo, Haya"), Children's Songs ("The Friendly Beasts"), familiar poems set to music ("'Twas the Night Before Christmas"), old PP&M classics ("A Soalin'") and even protest songs ("Blowin' In the Wind"). Truly, there is something for everybody on this album. Mary Travers is featured on a beautiful song you have probably never heard before, "I Wonder As I Wander." This is just a lovely album and as soon as I listen to it each year I am in the mood for the holidays. This is also the first album I put on each year when it is time to trim the tree.

Solid, interesting choices
It's definitely Peter, Paul and Mary with choices, such as Blowin' in the Wind, which I had not heard before on a Christmas album. The New York Chroal Society is there, but in the background, not overpowering the leads. Folk-oriented in style on many occasions.

My favorite holiday CD
This CD features a recording of Peter, Paul & Mary singing live at a holiday concert with the New York Choral Society. It includes a variety of holiday songs that children and adults will love in addition to a finale of "Blowin' in the Wind." I also enjoy the two Hanukkah songs on the album, especially "Light One Candle."

Holiday folk music at its 5 star best
As pointed out by others, this is not solely Christmas, but honors the Jewish celebrations as well. In each song, there is a feeling of joyousness.

"We Wish You A Merry Christmas" is the one totally familiar song of the season here. Of course, "Blowing In The Wind" is totally familiar, but just not quite a Christmas song...however, it is so identifiable with the trio, that it fits in nicely as the last song.

"Light One Candle" is probably the most beautiful cut, but "Children, Go Where I Send Thee" is the most rousing and joyful one.

This definitely is a must for a good Christmas collection. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The success of the original Halloween launched six sequels, a ravenous decade's worth of imitators, and Hollywood careers for star Jamie Lee Curtis and director John Carpenter. But its budget was a micro one, and director Carpenter managed to save a few bucks by hiring the same composer he'd worked with since his days as a student and struggling indie--himself. Borrowing the staccato rhythmic devices of Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells cum Exorcist score, Carpenter overlaid them with a few simple Grand Guignol-esque synth chords and created nothing less than a surprisingly enduring horror classic. Carpenter also gleaned a few hints from Italian prog-rock horror-score kings Goblin, imbuing his simple, synthesizer-based cues with an almost subconscious sense of dread, tension, and impending doom. If the music has become something of a modern cliché, that's only a testament to its continued ability to strike terror in the hearts of listeners. --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (32)

Must Have for any Horror Movie Fan
This CD is a digitally remastered version of the original Halloween soundtrack. All of the music from the greatest horror movie of all time is on this CD. The unforgettable opening title sequence starts off the CD. Also included are audio clips of some of the most memorable lines from the movie. With all of the added tracks on this CD, it is almost like the entire movie has been put on to one CD. If you do not already own this CD, make sure it is the next soundtrack you buy.

It takes the soundtrack to all new levels!
I can only imagine what inspired John Carpenter when he began writing the soundtrack to the original "Halloween" movie. However, I can say that it has inspired terror in the generations who have had the chance to partake of either the movie, or even the soundtrack alone. Whats more, the soundtrack not only provides the original score, but a decent selection of the actual audio track from the movie, featuring the talents of Jamie Lee Curtis and Donald Pleasance, along with members of the supporting cast. These audio selections compliment the music as much as the music of this film compliments the movie. Especially creepy are the surreal sounds of the droning piano towards the end of the soundtrack which underscores the sounds of Jamie Lee Curtis as she confronts the "Shape" in the house. The new release of the soundtrack is intense, capturing all the things that are great about the movie.

This sounds like a Goblin Soundtrack
While I enjoy this soundtrack, it deserves no more than 2 stars because this music was for the most part composed the year before by the Italian prog rock band Goblin for Dario Argento's film Profondo Rosso. Listen to the title track for Halloween and then listen to the title track for Profondo Rosso - The Halloween theme is simply a stripped down version. Still amazing and frightening, but not as original as I once thought.

This is not a man!
Here's another nice Carpenter soundtrack release in the vein of the Escape from New York and Fog reissues. While those were both Silva Screen products, this is from Varese, who expand on their previous release with more music, dialogue snippets, and better sound.

The first release of the Halloween soundtrack was a bit repetitive, with numerous cues repeated several times with only length and sometimes tempo differing. Indeed, many of Carpenter's earlier scores are like this. Escape from New York is probably his first real dynamic and expansive score.

Halloween, however, is tremendously important to the film and the genre. Carpenter has famously stated that the film didn't have any real scares until he cut it with music and showed it again to the producers. Everybody knows that theme now.

This disc is a lot of fun, giving us the appropriate cues from the film and cutting in a lot of dialogue and movie scenes. The track listing is at least twice as long as the original, and there is certainly more music here. Entire scenes, such as Michael's escape from the hospital, are presented here with music and fantastic sound quality. For the most part, the music is not interfered with, though, making this an excellent package for new and old fans.

Even if you own the first Varese disc, this is worth picking up, especially if you love the Halloween films and Carpenter's soundtracks in general. Also recommended is the excellent Halloween II score.

trick or treat..
i saw this movie at the theater when it was first released in 78,it's probably the only movie that really scared me. the music is the scarriest thing about it, that creepy, relentless piano! this movie had me looking behind doors, and coutches. the really cool thing about the soundtrack is the movie dialouge in it, it's like watching everytime you listen. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

WHY ISN'T JANE OLIVOR A SUPERSTAR???!!!!!
Jane Olivor has successfully made me love Christmas music. ME!!! I must admit that I was disappointed when I heard that she was coming out with a Christmas CD. I thought "OH NO!! Jane's gone commercial!" I bought the cd last week, and had to eat my words. Not only has this cd NOT left my cd player, but, I don't think it will ever come out again!! Jane has really produced a cd that can be enjoyed year round. She did the impossible, by choosing songs that are so beautiful and mesmerizing that it draws the listener in and makes you want more...Christmas or not! Thankfully, Jane has rejected the routine "Santa Claus" songs that Eder and Streisand rely on, and defied convention, proving she is totally unique, and comparable to none.

The result of this cd is nothing short of fantastic. As a "new" convert to Christmas music, I applaud the re-teaming of Jane Olivor and Jason Darrow, and their sense of knowing what's right for her style and her audience. Time may have passed, but you could swear that "First Night" was released last year, upon listening to "Songs of the Season." Jane Olivor has proven that she and her music are timeless. What a beautiful cd. Thank God she's returned to us!!!

Jane Olivor, you've done it again...................
Jane Olivor hasn't had a album out in 18 years. What a pity. One of the most beautiful voices ever. Thanks to Varise Sarabane, we got Love Decides. It was a treasure of an album and now Jane has a holiday cd out, her first. Well, she certainly doesn't disappoint you. Here again is the most beautiful voice singing holiday songs, but not like the run of the mill holiday cd's. This one is special. She not only sings some of our favoite holiday songs, but some we are not familiar with. She creeps into your soul. Each song sounds like she is singing it to you and with all the feeling and warmth that her beautiful voice is known for. I'm not a big fan of holiday music, but his is not your run of the mill CD. If you are familiar with Jane, you wont want to miss this cd, and if you don't know who Jane Olivor is, now is the time to get to know her. I've been a fan since the 70's, and I'm so happy that Jane has came back to us and is making new albums. I have only one negative thing about the CD. IT's way too short. A CD can hold 80 minutes of music and this cd is only 34.08 long. When you buy a Jane Olivor CD, you want her to sing for hours, not 34 mintues. Other than that, this is a must for anyone who loves beautiful music and the greatest singing voice. Jane, thank you again.

Such Joy
For those of us lucky enough to know the music of Jane Olivor, we need say nothing. The only way that she can go wrong is by selecting bad music to sing (which she does not often do). Fortunately, this album contains only wonderful music that has a fantastic selection of not-so-common seasonal tunes, and just a few typical holiday tunes to plug into our hearts. The result is a treasure to keep (and play) for years.

Jane's artistry helps you to connect with your soul, and that is the best any artist can do.

A voice that continues to amaze
Mixing traditional with the unexpected ("Elusive Butterfly"???) is the forte in Olivor's holiday package. While she is less successful on the jazz-tinged tunes and she strains on hitting those fa la la high notes, "Madrigal" and "You Don't Know How Beautiful You Are" reiterates her remarkable voice. Olivor interprets the latter song so breathy and intimately that she becomes the lover laying beside you whispering in your ear.

A Beauty
Jane Olivor is one artist who we don't hear enough from, now comes this wonderful holiday package every note clear and well placed,particularly on Stephen Schwartz & Steve Young's "We Are Lights". Most of the album has pared down arraingments letting the beauty of Olivor's voice and the choice of material come through. My only complaint would be that in the "Christmas Potpourri" she does only snippets of the relatively unknown "A'Soalin" by Paul Stookey (of Peter,Paul& Mary) and "Breath of Heaven" by Amy Grant-these are song that should be made known as new standards of the Holiday. Hats off the Jane Olivor, and now I want more! ... Read more

Reviews (7)

diana sings christmas
wow.can you imagine diana ross and christmas music!?well,this is one of her best cds ever and the two go very well together.she sings on 14 great cuts and theres not a bad song or performance in the bunch!i listen to this even when it is not the holidays.

Excellent!
Beautiful music and a perfect, mature voice. Why has this record has to be an import?

Easily Diana Ross' best CD of the 90s...
A wonderful, first class CD by Diana Ross...easily the best music she made in the 1990s. The arrangements are classic, the songs are tasteful--in short, it's a perfect Christmas CD from start to finish, and Diana does everything right. My question is, why on earth was this not released in the U.S.? Is it too sophisticated for Americans? Since Diana Ross' recent lackluster albums were released in the U.S. (such as "Take Me Higher" and "Every Day Is A New Day"), why not release her best album from that era? Bewildering. And, to boost, those albums fizzled and were forgotten after three weeks...good Christmas albums like this one sell year after year after year, and become reliable catalogue items.

An astonishing performance of historicproportion.
This is a world class performance by the worlds best diva end of discussion....i dare you to challenge me on this one.This cd demonstrate the amazing vocal skills and extraordinary talent of this woman.Any record company can decide to release there cds in Europe and Asis only,but to deprive the American public of this masterpiece is pure insanity.

A very Special CD from the Supreme Diva
I was doing a search online to find some nice Christmas music when I stumbled upon this CD. I ordered it out of curiosity and have not stopped listening since. My question is, why is a CD this good so unknown?

I have heard Diana Ross sing before, but never had I heard her voice so clear and beautiful. All the songs are beautiful. When I listened to "What the World Needs Now", "His Eye is on the Sparrow", and "Overjoyed", I thought, this is some great stuff, but then I listened to "O Holy Night" and "Ave Maria", and got goose pimples all over.

It is really sad that this CD is not promoted for Christmas, but I am taking it with me to church for the entire month of December, and play one or two songs each Sunday so my brothers and sisters can hear such beautiful renditions of these Christmas favorites.

Well done Ms. Ross! ... Read more

Album Description

"Enter the Dark Tower where creatures of the night lurk in shadows, and ghostly sounds echo through the halls.This gothic soundtrack contains chilling sound effects, haunting melodies, and pulse-pounding orchestrations to set the mood for your darkest nightmare. Venture forth...if you dare."

Although the multimedia concerts supporting their self-titled 1997 debut received much critical acclaim, it was this collaboration with gothic-fantasy artist Joseph Vargo ("Born of the Night")that garnered Midnight Syndicate an underground following throughout the United States and abroad. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Music for an underground haunted temple!
I like this album because of the dark side power Midnight Sindicate gives. I love the creepy whispers, church bells, and that phantom organ. The dark side music is so sweet and beautiful! that you can never stop listening to it. The music of Midnight Sindicate is the most wonderful thing that I've ever felt when I listen to it. All the tracks including Something Wicked, The Dungeon, Requiem, Born Of The Night, Dark Tower, Haunted Nursery, and Vampire's Kiss are the finest dark tunes suitable for this album. The voice narations are what makes this album for the dark side of the heart. This music of midnight Sindicate is the only way of taking you on a journey towards your future as it does me. This music is what wants to hold you in the arms of darkness. The reason why this music is suitable for an underground haunted temple is because of the dark side power that Midnight Sindicate offers. Oh come in to the arms of darkness. Let the darkness's voice softly whisper things you've never imagined. Buy this music and let it take you on a journey to the love that the dark side of the heart wants to give you. I love Midnight Sindicate, and so shal all music fans of the future. Buy this CD and enjoy it. It's the only way to the years of your life that you've been dreaming of.

Music for a haunted house!
This music is best played when you are up at night, decorating your haunted house, or settin up a stage play. I would listen to it and imagine that I was held in the arms of the vampire Lestat, or when I'm in love with the demon child Claudia. You'll have to forgive me. I must have been listening to too much Ann Rice Novels. This is the best Cd I've been listening to ever since the month of October. I also listen to it when I'm listening to an audio tape of an Ann Rice Novel. I like the dark music because! the dark side makes love with the light and extinguishes the light of ordinary life. Oh my beautiful darkness! come into my arms my people, and together we'll become one as one dark sider to another. This is the best Cd that can give you the love in the dark side. The dark side music of Midnight Syndicate never harms you. This Cd only gives you the love of the dark side. To future fans. I hope my review inspires you to buy this best music. So! Until we meet again! I'm thinking of you always. I love you, and I wish you were here in my arms.

A Great Horror Soundscape
I wanted a background CD for the Halloween season and ordered this after some research into the subject. It was certainly what I was looking for.

Midnight Syndicate specializes in musical gothic horror soundscapes heralding back in tone to the classic locales of Victorian England and Colonial American Hudson Valley. Think Stoker, Poe and Irving (if you're the type inclined to think the Headless Horseman wasn't Brom Bones), with a good dash of Lovecraft thrown in. This, their first horror disk, centers around an ominous tower overlooking a coastal cliff.

What will strike you at first is the perfect buildup. At first you get a sense that it's still daytime, but that pea-soup kind of daytime in which you're already getting a little uneasy even though it isn't evening yet. Then you get a perfect musical interpretation of night falling, and the time when all sensible people are locking themselves indoors. Church bells tolling in the distance seem to suggest that you're not as close to civilization as you should be at this point, and sure enough the next few tracks once the sun goes down suggests that you encounter spirits (or worse) in a graveyard and are chased into the tower by living gargoyles who have wakened and taken wing into the night. Of course, in this case shelter hardly makes matters better as you then deal with more spirits and undead, including a baby in a nursery who presumably met a horrible fate, a ghostly funeral procession and at least one vampire in the tower's lower levels as midnight approaches.

What really surprises me is that the CD is so imaginative that I've found myself on occasion listening to it outside of October. It can be alot of spooky fun to make your own mental picture of what you're supposed to be seeing. The average horror affecionado will probably only need one CD of this kind, but if you want more, Midnight Syndicate and it's offshoot Nox Arcana offer several other horror scenarios, including Realm of Shadows - a direct sequel to Born of the Night relating the musical story of Raven's Hollow, a coastal town which the Dark Tower overlooks. Apparently, it turns out that reaching the nearest outpost wouldn't have done Born of the Night's protagonist any good after all...

Beautiful Nightmares...
"Enter The Dark Tower where creatures of the night lurk in shadows, and ghostly sounds echo through the halls. This Gothic soundtrack contains chilling sound effects, haunting melodies and pulse-pounding orchestrations to set the mood for your darkest nightmare. Venture forth...if you dare..." - Booklet Literation.

By far, the darkest and most morbid opus yet by these malefik minstrels. Every song is an incantation, summoning up dire wraiths from the black void of the dark side of the mind. I found it somewhat amusing that these CD's are available at the commoner's outlets, as these conjurations will invoke something far more profound than the Halloween frivolities they would expect. I Am reminded of a display I once erected - I overheard someone say "...this is too much!" as they hurried down the hill to the street. And with that, I was pleased.

Again, this musick is a sonic key to The Gate of The Abyss, and will manifest the shadowmancy. Therefore, play it loud on The Night of The Ghoul, to give the herd a true fright as is the spirit of the season, and in thine secret chambres the year through.

Midnight Syndicate's first audio journey into horror.
As the precursor to "Realm of Shadows," "Born of the Night" acts as an excellent introduction to Midnight Syndicate's atmospheric horror compositions and gothic soundscapes. "Born of the Night" presents wonderfully rich orchestrations, further augmented by chilling sound-effects. The final result is a cerebral journey to a dark place populated by even darker things. Imaginative, inventive, and fun. It is this reviewer's humble opinion that "Realm of Shadows," the follow-up to this album, is superior. However, "Born of the Night" presents the precursory thematic elements that would underpin "Realm of Shadows" and, thus, deserves a place in every music lovers' collection. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Anyone who's seen Kirk Franklin live knows that he's a powerful entertainer and an animated gospel singer who brings the church and the word with him wherever he goes. Christmas is Franklin's testament to faith and a showcase for some of the finest gospel singers in the Family as they soar through standards such as "Silent Night" and "Go Tell It On The Mountain," along with less familiar fare such as "Now Behold the Lamb" and "They Need To Know Him." Franklin's no gospel purist, however, whether he's charging through a hymn or telling that "Jesus Is the Reason for the Season." He interjects R&B and bits of hip-hop phrasing and jazz into the works. All of it makes for a rousing good time, one that almost turns a studio recording into a live front-pew experience that few Christmas records even come close to delivering. Somebody say Amen. --Martin Keller ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Powerful!!!
Kirk Franklin and Family capture the true spirit of the holiday season with this compilation of the classics, as well as some you might have never heard but will certainly be glad that you did. "Now Behold the Lamb" is the most powerful song on this CD, in my opinion. It moves the soul and sends your spirit climbing higher for that blessed touch from God. Enjoy!

Kirk Franklin Christmas
I really, love Kirk Franklins Christmas, I exspecially like Silent night as a church musician, I fine the arrangement, different and more sothing in its form, it has been easy to teach my choir, and it has a message for the youth of today, GOD bless you Kirk Franklin and the family on a great Christmas album,love ya guy, and I hope you get out and get this album, it will bless you greatly, and put you in the Christmas spirit.
Rev. Shelbert Creswell Jr.

Outstanding!
This is undoubtedly the best gospel christmas album I have ever heard. It is absolutely beautiful. My favorite tracks are 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 11. And #9 is my ABSOLUTE favorite. Kirk Franklin and the family really out did themselves. You must have this CD in your music collection.

CHRISTMAS ALBUM FOR ANOTHER MILLUNIUM
LETS GET TO THE POINT IF YOU DONT HAVE THIS ALBUM FOR THE SEASON YOU HAVENT SEEN NOTHING. KIRK FRANKLIN AND THE FAMILY HAS DONE IT AGAIN FOR JESUS BIRTHDAY

Christmas
I normally turn away from listening to alot of the Kirk Franklin recordings. However, during choir rehersal, one of the members decided to introduce the song, 'Now Behold the Lamb'. Now that's gospel music - and to the glory of God I sing! ... Read more

Album Description

They have taken you deep into the crypts of a forbidden castle and to the edge of the sea among the ruins of a cursed village . . . Now the masters of gothic/horror soundscape invite you to take a musical journey into the macabre world of Haverghast Asylum.Your horse and carriage awaits you . . . ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Journey into to the Halls of Madness
Of the Midnight Syndicate discs I own, this is one of my favorites. There's a lot of musical variety and some really creepy soundscape moments. The setting for this masterpiece is a haunted turn-of-the-century asylum. As is with all the Midnight Syndicate discs, the atmosphere is created through a blending of orchestral, instrumental, movie-soundtrack type music and occasional sound effects.

Although predominantly very dark and tenebrous, there are some tracks that have more of a reflective, haunting feel to them. Tracks like the title track, "Unrest in the East Wing," "Halls of Insurrection," "Welcome," and my favorite, "Alternative Therapy" are the up-tempo, sometimes frantic, on-the-edge tracks that most would associate with an operating house of madness. However, pieces like "Haverghast Asylum," "Residents Past" (also a favorite), "Ebony Shroud," and "Cage of Solitude" are slower, sometimes sinister, more haunting pieces that hint at the supernatural element of the establishment and show a different angle of the residents.

As opposed to "Born of the Night," "Vampyre," and "Realm of Shadows" where the setting and consequently the sound effects are more ghostly and otherworldly, the sound elements on this disc are more present/real-worldly. For example, you will hear actual inmates yelling, or talking, at several point on the disc in addition to an occasional ghostly murmur, howl, etc. In the tradition of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," "Legend of Hell House," and the asylum in "Disturbing Behavior," these soundscape elements create some especially creepy moments (especially in headphones) - on tracks like "Sleep Tight," "Dead of Night," and the cool intro piece "Arrival."

If the occasional (and it is only occasional) "human-element" to your horror discs doesn't bother you, this disc is perfect to set the mood for any dark and stormy night. A disc chock full of memorable melodies and some of my favorite Midnight Syndicate tracks to date. Excellent for Call of Cthulu roleplaying game sessions. Second only to "Born of the Night" in being the best Midnight Syndicate disc to blast out of your house during Halloween night. Close your eyes and enjoy the journey.

The Asylum Awaits...
"A lone scream pierces the night...dark shadows envelop unwilling guests of a wretched stronghold that harbors an unspeakable terror...Welcome to Haverghast Asylum."

If you are searching for music to compliment your Satanic rituals & ceremonies, this is a marvellous addition to your sinister collection. Also magnificently useful for your Halloween festivities. It will send Trick or Treaters screaming in terror!

XXI Hellish tunes that will send chills up the spines of any ghoul. These are eerie instrumental soundscapes of nightmares & dreams which shall bestow a sense of Power & bliss in the Satanist. Compliment your own haunted abode with these tracks year 'round to set that ambiance for a myriad of diabolical purposes.

Titles include "Phantom Sentinels" {reminds Me of 'Dementors' from the Harry Potter series}, "Procession of The Damned", "Dark Discovery", "Morbid Fascination", & "Ebony Shroud".

Welcome, one and all, to Haverghast Asylum!
I have collected 4 albums by Midnight Syndicate. In my opinion, this 2001 recording is the best of the four, for it musically expands from where the duo's last album left off. With a slightly higher production value, composers Edward Douglas and Gavin Goszka have created a much more expressive and spastic score for the horror genre. While 2000's "Realm of Shadows" conjures an imaginative adventure endured by one hero, "Gates of Delirium" is seen through the eyes of many characters at once. Dominated by agitated violins, a grim piano, and a few cellos, this album is a one-way trip through a Victorian hell. The intended fright film is set within the claustrophobic walls of London's Haverghast Asylum, where the mentally ill are subjected to cruel and inhumane treatments. Babbling and ranting lunatics are bound in straitjackets, imprisoned against their will, and injected regular doses of poison.
This CD has quite a few sonic highlights. "Haverghast Asylum" will waltz listeners into the dank darkness of the institution, preventing anyone from ever seeing the sun. "Halls of Insurrection," with its groaning bass strings, is a twisted dance that spirals in and out of a crazed mind. In "Cage of Solitude," the harsh moonlight stares down upon a catatonic patient, who stands on his knees and gazes at the freezing floor. The sweeping "Residents Past" focuses on the doctors and surgeons who anxiously scribble in their medical journals; in an Age of Science, these educated individuals are awarded the privelege to examine and diagnose the potentially psychotic. During "Phantom Sentinels," a severe piano marches and twirls simultaneously. As for the track's scenerio, it appears as if several inmates are planning an escape, arming themselves with tools and weapons. "Gates of Delirium's" militaristic drums and feverish organ take listeners through a dingy sewer pipe; a narrow passageway a person has to crawl through with great care. In "Procession of the Damned," the drums hammer the nails on a coffin, while a spider harpsicord spins a symphonic web of charnel house fear. "Dark Discovery" injects a rush of adrenaline as the unseen characters try to flee from the laboratory, losing a sense of direction in a terrifying maze of twisting hallways. The notes of "Morbid Fascination" cartwheel off the walls and ceiling with astounding ease. The whisking, almost metallic violin strings of "Alternative Therapy" slice through the scalpel of an unlucky victim; he or she has become the tragic victim of unorthodox brain surgery. "Unrest in the East Wing" is a violent altercation between a raving madman and several staff members; as the doctors try to subdue the lunatic, he bites and claws with the cunning of a wild animal.
I happily recommend this album for anyone craving the bizarre, the mysterious, and the macabre. Purchase this one as well as 2001's "Realm of Shadows."

Very Appropriate
I am the chief psychiatrist at a local mental health institution (asylum). I have found that playing this music, especially at night, over the piped in loudspeakers has outstanding theraputical effects on the patients. While some of them are normally hyper-violent when not medicated, I have found that this music seems to fit their psyche and place them in a world they find very comforting, and "normal" in a sense.

The only thing that frightens me is that over the last few months I have met more and more patients who insist that they have heard the music before - in the days previous to arriving at the institute. While I am certain this is impossible - simply a reflection of their mental instability, the fact that the night watchman (actually in charge of playing the music through the night), has recently had a breakdown and sadly been admitted to the ward himself. A disturbing thought.

The previous not withstanding, this is an excellent album. I do hope you enjoy it.

See you soon!

Great Sounds, Two Thumbs Up
I run one of the top haunts in the country and when it comes to looking for music to play for the guests while they wait, there is no better soundtrack than Gates of Delirium. Not only does it give a chilling feeling, along with cool sounds, it allows my actors to blend to the music. ... Read more

Album Description

Musicians include Christopher Marlowe, Jay Leonhart, John Redsecker, Ken Sebesky, Joe Passaro Engineer: Randy HansenProduced by David Friedman for MIDDER Music Records, Inc. All arrangements by Christopher Marlowe (except where noted) ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Nothing Like Her
When I learned this album was on the way, I had already bought all of Nancy's earlier recordings. I was already so in love her voice but, though my hopes were high for her Christmas album, I wondered if she could bring anything new to holiday songs that had been done and done and done.

When I heard "Just in Time for Christmas," I was bowled over by the new life she breathed into all the old songs. "I Saw Three Ships/Bring a Torch Jeanette Isabella", "Some Children See Him", "I'll Be Home for Christmas" -- just three tracks that I believe are now the definitive recordings of those tunes.

And the title track, "Just in Time for Christmas," is classic Nancy La Mott -- she starts out on the quiet side, grabs your attention in small ways, and then builds up to an emotional peak that's almost too much to take.

Thoughtful song choices, brilliant Chris Marlowe arrangements, and of course that singular voice -- what an amazing combination. Every year when I open the box of Christmas music and see this album waiting for me again, I feel that strange and wonderful blend of joy and sadness that Nancy La Mott and her music brought us for the all-too-short time she was here.

Still the Best
This is still my favorite Christmas recording ever made. Nancy LaMott's voice, the terrific Chris Marlowe arrangements, and the song choice are all wonderful. "I'll Be Home For Christmas" has never been sung more effectively, "Just in Time For Christmas" and "All those Christmas Cliches" are touching and lovely. Unusual choices like "A Child is Born" and "Earth and Sky" reflect Nancy's originality and humanity perfectly. If you like Christmas music, this CD is essential for your collection. You'll find yourself listening to it repeatedly!

My Favorite Christmas Album
Admittedly I'm a huge fan. Having seen her numerous times live, I'm pre-disposed to love this album.

That said, I this is a very special album. It is a great mix of songs, including a knockout "All Those Christmas Cliches" and the title song. The whole thing is tasteful and of course with Nancy LaMott, beautifully performed. The arrangements are great ("Santa Claus is coming to Town" is great fun) and perfect for her.

Happily after a few years moratorium, her albums will be available again soon. Put this at the top of your list!

Grab this used or anyway you can
I agree with everything said by every other reviewer. "All Those Christmas Cliches" can move me to tears -- through my smiles -- in August. Not to be missed.

Give This CD To Your Friends For Xmas
Five stars could easily be raised to the tenth power for this singer who's phrasing of I SAW THREE SHIPS offers a range of dynamics and tempo other singers will not attempt. That's just the start. This is an Xmas recording for people who don't want yet another traditional song and performance offering. Give this recording as a gift and friends will hear a new sound for the season by a voice they will never forget. Had Nancy made volume two and three I would have been in line to purchase those as well. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Jewel has concocted an intriguing and at times beautifully inspired holiday album, playing it straight with a big orchestra and backing voices for the first half of the record with standards such as "Joy to the World," "Winter Wonderland," "Silent Night," as well as a lovely rendition of "Ave Maria." Things finally get sparkling in the last half where Jewel does a low-key, kid version of "Rudolph" and sings her own compositions. Her moving "Face of Love" and "Hands" are certain to become holiday standards, capable of being sung in a country, pop, gospel, or R&B vein and deserving of an audience as wide as the nation itself. The record'scenterpiece, however, seems to be a six-minute-plus medley that mixes "Go Tell It on the Mountain" with the recent hit "From a Distance" and her own "Life Uncommon." Nonetheless, her stunning adaptation of "Gloria" inspired, in part, by Bach's B-Minor Mass, two tracks later is as powerful and lovely a Christmas vocal performance as you will find anywhere. Produced by the legendary Arif Mardin, Joy is destined to become a holiday classic. --Martin Keller ... Read more

Reviews (149)

A great Christmas album
I got this CD for Christmas this year, and I loved it. Jewel's renditions of the Christmas classics, are amazing, and beautiful.
~~~~~~~~~
Joy to the World ~ 5 stars
O Holy Night ~ 5 stars
Silent Night ~ 5 stars
Winter Wonderland ~ 5 stars
O Little Town of Bethlehem ~ 5 stars
Ave Maria ~ 5 stars
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing ~ 5 stars
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer ~ 5 stars
Face of Love ~ 5 stars
Medley:
a. Go Tell It on the Mountain
b. Life Uncommon
c. From a Distance ~ 5 stars

I Wonder As I Wander ~ 5 stars
Gloria ~ 5 stars
Hands (Christmas Version) ~ 5 stars
~~~~~~~~
This CD is very beautiful, and I recommend "Joy - A Holiday Collection" to all Jewel fans. A great Christmas CD to add to your collection. :)

Classic and Contemporary
Being a big fan of classic Christmas album artists like Bing Crosby and The Carpenters it was quite a stretch for me to buy a "contemporary" album like this one. All the same I bought it and it's truly a miracle that it gets to escape my cd player at ANY time of the year!
Jewel's classicly-trained vocals are haunting and touching on carols like "Silent Night", "O Holy Night", "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and "Joy to the World". Not only does she do justice to the spirituality of these songs but she has fun with Berlin-esque tunes like "Winter Wonderland" and "Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer".
Using her mother as an alto back-up, Jewel experiments with rarely heard songs like "I Wonder as I Wander" (an acapella version) and "Gloria".
The hidden treasure on this album for me was the song "Face of Love" which reminded me of why Christmas is such a special holiday and I should try to keep it in my heart all year long.
Overall it's a fabulous album to sing with and listen to - it won't let you forget the magic of the season.

Celine dion she's not!
she sounds dumb. she can't even sing. get Celine Dion's Christmas cd instead, now that's a legitimate singer!

A Must have
Her voice is just right. The mix has fun and religious. This is one of, if not my favorite christmas CD. Jewel hits all the notes just right. Her voice is pleasing. It is bound to become one of the Christmas classics with Nat King Cole ,Tthe Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The Vienna Boys Choir and Bing Crosby. And others....It captures all the emotions in Christmas. I love this.

The Sounds of Freedom
I am very positively surprised that this kind of music is still produced and enjoy this album 5 times a day during the dark days before christmas. While recording, Jewel was guided by 2 vocal coaches. Maybe this was producer Arif Mardin's idea, I dont know, but it shows the absolute dedication to the main part of the production, the singing. Each and every word is sang so beautiful by Jewel, so well-considered yet spontaneously that it really lightens up my mind, my house, the world. As far as the musical production, it sounds like right out of heaven and it surrounds Jewels voice perfectly. Never bombastic or looking for popular effects...just sparkling. The orchestrations are also awseome and remind me somehow on movies from the fifties. My favorite tracks are Oh Holy Night when Jewel peaks cristal clear and sky high and the medley with its very uplifting gospel. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A New Family Favorite
A perfect assortment of songs. These renditions are rich and full-bodied. The performers and performances are top-notch. Enjoyable for children and adults. Hava Nagila includes English stanzas that I had never heard before and are beautiful. Theodore Bikel has a marvelous voice. The Ladina Chanukah song in Spanish is a treat. Nell Carter's "Rock of Ages" is unique, memorable, and powerful. In short, our family loves this CD.

A fun, must-have for lovers of Chanukah music
If you are looking up this album, odds are that you are already familiar with most of the songs contained in this collection. I purchased this album last year as I was feeling nostalgic for the songs I grew up with at Hebrew School. "Rock of Ages" and "Havah Negila" are burned into my psyche, and I wanted a collection that had all of my old favorites.

This collection does not disappoint in any way. There are old favorites, and some new interpretations (such as Nell Carter singing "Rock of Ages") that make the album a fun, enjoyable experience for all. This album is terrific to listen to as you are on the computer, as it provides the perfect background music to soothe your soul and to placate your need for latkes. The collection has all of your Jewish favorites, and the songs are presented in a fresh, clean way that makes it worthwhile listening.

More than just Chanukah music - excellent CD
I've owned this CD for a couple of years. My children light up like a menorah on the eighth day of Chanukah when I play the CD. It's got an excellent mix of songs in Hebrew, Yiddish, English, and even Ladina, a language rooted heavily in pre-Inquisition Spanish.

In addition, there are songs for Pesach, Purim, Rosh Hashanah, Simchat Torah, Shabbat, along with traditional festive songs, including a selection by the great Mandy Patinkin. It's a perrenial mainstay in our household. It has enhanced my sons' interest in Judaism, and helped their self-confidence in Synagogue, as they recognized a number of songs from the CD.

This is no hokey kid's CD, either. Some of the tracks have familiar tunes, and the beauty and depth of others is stirring for even the most casual of lantzmen.

This CD makes a great gift for Jewish parents, grandparents, etc. Have I mentioned that I like the CD? Trust me, I don't throw five-star reviews around. This one is a five-star.

Great CD!
I think this CD was great! Every song that you ever new when you were growing up is on this CD. Everytime I listen to it, I want to get up and dance to it! I listen to it so much. I would tell anyone to buy this CD. I wish there were more CD's out there with really good music. The thing that is also nice about it, there a plenty of songs on it. Usually you get those CD's with 5-10 songs this has over 30 songs.

Beautiful, fun, classic Jewish music for the generations.
To Life! is a wonderful way to share Jewish cultural music with your children, family and friends. It has everything from rousing Chanukah songs to deeply spiritual songs like Avenu Malkeinu (my favorite) to Hava Nagila. Our five-year-old daughter already knows all the words, and we're sure to be listening throughout the year and for many years to come. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Looking for a straight-ahead Christmas record, no gimmicky seasonal songs or original songs trying to sound like classics? Look no further than Martina McBride's White Christmas. It's so completely straight and narrow that the music doesn't even sound country, country-rock, or anything but a very predictable slab of easy-listening pop--strings and all, safe as milk. McBride's not out to sell anything but the songs, all 10 of them, including such staples as "The Christmas Song," "Away in a Manger," "I'll Be Home for Christmas," and... you get the idea. Deep? Not particularly. Surprising? You be the judge. McBride's not blessed with a terribly distinctive voice, and the arrangements are more faithful to the original versions than swans who mate for life. --Martin Keller ... Read more

Reviews (46)

Favorite Christmas CD - Very Comforting to listen to!
I highly recommend this cd to anyone.... whether you are a fan of Country music or not. Martina has done such an excellent job on this cd that you can't tell that her genre is Country.

For years, I've been on the search for the "Perfect" Christmas CD. One that had all the favorites I remembered as a child singing with my family around the Christmas Tree. I FINALLY FOUND IT! :)

Martina's voice is soothing and comforting on every song. I listen to it while driving home so I don't get over stressed over the holiday season. It's the PERFECT cd for Christmas morning breakfast or brunch!

If you need to listen to any song sample for proof that this cd is a great one.... listen to "O Holy Night" or "Silent Night" and you will be convinced it's great!

Love it!

If Martina was not such a sweetheart, I would think she was a showoff on this CD. Her vocals absolutely soar on this collection of holiday standards. She sings with a lot of style, but remains traditional at the same time. My personal favorites are "O Holy Night" and "Do You Hear What I Hear". Martina softens up her voice for "White Christmas"; her version of "Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow" is sassy without being trite; and "Silent Night" is simply stunning. I cannot wait to see these songs performed live next month.

In the sometimes overwhelming market of Christmas CDs by female country singers, make this one your first choice, you will not be disappointed!

NOT WHAT YOU EXPECTING...
Martina McBride's voice is still lacking as always! The song mix, are so cookie cutter and so FAKE! Something you would expect from this cheap Faith Hill wannabe. I really feel like I just didn't get my money worth of music. This is a valueable lesson to all of you who is thinking about buy anything that Martina Mcbride sings. RUN AWAY, FAR AWAY! SHE SUCKS LIKE NO OTHER!

Very Best Christmas CD (non instrumental)
This cd is the best Christmas cd I've listened to in a long time. Martina's voice is great and the classic songs really bring the spirit of Christmas alive. You cannot go wrong with this CD! Happy Holidays!

Best of the Best
I am a lover of traditional Christmas music and this one is my favorite. Her voice does justice to the old classics and makes me never get tired of playing it! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Not only does Jessica Simpson know how to light up a room (and a TV series, various awards shows, and a flurry of magazine covers), she's also got a gift for warming up rooms. If you have yet to feel the heat, look no further than Re-Joyce, on which things get roasty-toasty in the space of a few tracks. Simpson's is a crooning style that's carol-ready--she toboggans her way through opener "Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow" effortlessly enough to make us wish we were riding shotgun; vamps it up on "Baby It's Cold Outside," a duet with husband Nick Lachey; and pounds out the rum-pa-pum-pums impressively with sister Ashlee on "Little Drummer Boy." On more heartfelt numbers like "O Holy Night" and "What Child Is This" the odd vocal quirk that makes it sound as though she's choking back a song rather than singing it surfaces, and at times her singing is a little too Amy Grant-clean, but on balance Re-Joyce, named for Simpson's late grandmother, supplies welcome kindling in a winter wonderland overgrown with deadwood. --Tammy La Gorce ... Read more

Album Description

The hilarious Christmas ballad about a kid who fears that a bout of flatulence while visiting Santa might jeopardize the holiday. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Bound to be a Christmas classice
On the way to work this morning I heard this song on The John Boy and Billy Show... All I can say is hillarious. I almost took out the ATM. I was laughing so hard. Buy this one and break it out every Christmas.

I Farted On Santa's Lap
I heard this song on HI 99 Radio station in Terre Haute Indiana. My kids and I thought it was hillarious. Thank you so very much for the huge laughter I heard from my kids. We all needed that this Christmas. Hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

A song with a lot of hoot for all who toot!
When I heard this song it made me laugh so hard. I had to hear it over and over. It is not just for christmas it is a great song for those of us who like bathroom humor. We all do it and might as well laugh at someone who was smart enough to write a song.The girl singing the song is precious. This song is a real hoot!

As if children need to learn more disrespect
I heard this on KFRG this morning, I have a very healthy sense of humor but as a kid I was in awe of Santa Claus, Policemen, Teachers, the Easter Bunny, and other authority figures who loved children. Kids today can sue their parents if they are unhappy, guns are prevelant in schools, now they are taught to fart on the only person left who will bring them gifts for no other reason than they were "good" kids. Perfect. Next year we'll have a song about kids pulling guns on Santa to get the toys they want. Where did the respect go?

Santa's lap
I heard this song on the way to work on
the radio show Bob and Sheri. I found myself
laughing out loud. After work I ordered
it immediately. One of the child singers has
cystic fibrosis and some of the proceeds from the
recording will be donated to that cause. So buy
the song, do something good for someone else
and have a good belly laugh yourself all in the
spirit of Christmas. ... Read more

Amazon.com

You just need one look at Rob Zombie to know that the guy knows a thing or two about Halloween. He really proves his mettle--and his metal, for that matter--on this loud, garish, downright fun collection of rip-roaring devil's music. There's actually very little to be afraid of, to tell the truth--unless, that is, you have a phobia about the kind of goofy good times laid down by Zombie and pals like Rocket from the Crypt, Satan's Pilgrims, and the wrestling-masked power-surf combo Los Straitjackets (who turn in a hypercharged "Munsters Theme"). The garishly groovy package, which features some of Zombie's most over-the-top cartoon illustrations, is rife with haunting hoedowns like the Dead Elvi's "The Creature Stole My Surfboard." More fun than a coven meeting any day. --David Sprague ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Fun for all ages!
This is a fun Halloween CD assembled by Rob Zombie. Most of the music here is either rockabilly or surf, and it's all pretty wild. The one performance that seems out of place here is by Frenchy, which is sort of bachelor pad lounge music. Some of my favorites here are by Reverend Horton Heat, Southern Culture on the Skids, The Amazing Crowns, Swingin' Neckbreakers, Los Straitjackets, Dead Elvi and Rob Zombie himself. Get this CD if you want to have a rocking Halloween party.

One of my favorites!
This is one of my favorite CD's. I play it every year around halloween to get me in the mood (and other times during the year). All the tracks are such rockin' good fun! Lots of my favorite surf and rockabilly bands on this one. I loooove Zacherly's tracks the best. I've had a number of people borrow it from me. A big hit at parties, too!

Dig those fiendishly fun sounds!
I love this CD to death! It's got surf, rockabilly, and even some macabre mambo music. This is hauntingly hip halloween party music you'll want to play all year round.

It also features a spoken intro by Zacherley, the famous TV Horror Host from the fifties. He also sits in with the crazy fun Southern Culture on the Skids for some spoken word on the track, Sinister Purpose.

This is one of those CD's I put in the player and hit repeat all tracks and start working at the computer, because I enjoy all of it. I just have to get up from working occassionally to dance around madly. The artwork inside and out on the CD is also very killer, very retro creature feature-esque.

Fun stuff!

spookabilly
beach blanket surf monster mash part ... Read more

Reviews (35)

Music for all generations!
Like the other reviews, I grew up listening to this music on my parent's stereo. After I was married, I found a cassette tape copy and played it often every year - from Thanksgiving to New Year's. It was usually the cassette I played in my car. Now, I have a 15-year old daughter who has several Christmas albums by more recent artists. This year, I offered to buy a Christmas cd for her to encourage her to build her "Christmas music library" as I have. I expected her to choose one of the new releases. I was at first surprised to hear that her first choice for me to look for was Ray Coniff. After a little thought though, I realize that this album is a classic. Everyone loves it - even teenagers. It's wonderful to pass on the tradition. I'm ordering two more!

Touches the heart
This is a true classic and a beautiful one. You just can't beat Ray Conniff and his singers for joyful, rich Christmas music. The spirit of these performances are magical and endearing. The upbeat numbers are Christmas cheer to the highest degree and the sacred songs are done so beautifully. The singers do an outstanding and haunting job. The final medley containing "The First Noel" is just gorgeous and really showcases the beauty of their voices. Conniff's version of "The Little Drummer Boy" continues to be the greatest one I've ever heard.

When I hear this album it takes me back to the Christmases of my childhood. I can see the beautifully decorated doors and windows covered in shiny paper and bows, and the strings of large Christmas bulbs with their warm, colorful glow illuminating the winter night. Make some memories with Ray Conniff's music and add this superb Christmas CD to your collection. It's guaranteed to be a favorite.

The best of the best!
This cd is a must-have for the holiday season. I remember, when I was young, that we had this on vinyl and during the holidays it was played all the time! A very nostalgic collection, brings back so many great memories of Christmas's past.

CHRISTMAS TREASURE/OLD FASHIONED RECIPE FOR DECORATIN' TREE
I HEARD A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS SONG ON (SATILLITE) RADIO OUT HERE IN WYOMING.

IT IMMEDIATELY TOOK ME BACK TO THE OLD 33 1/3RD ALBUM COMPILATIONS THAT WERE PUT OUT BY GOODYEAR OR GOODRICH TIRES. YOU GOT ONE FOR A MERE FRACTION OF WHAT OTHER ALBUMS WERE PRICED.

IT WAS THOSE CAREFREE "SLEIGHRIDE" DAYS WHEN DAD AND I WOULD/COULD GO CUT OUR OWN CEDAR TREE (BLUE BERRIES) AND THE GREAT AROMA OF A CEDAR TREE CHRISTMAS WITH ALL BLUE LIGHTS----BEAUTIFUL IN THE SNOW!

I PROMPTLY ORDERED THREE RAY CONNIFF CD'S UPON HEARING THE SONG ON SATILLITE RADIO. ALSO, WHO CAN FORGET SING ALONG WITH MITCH MILLER (WHICH I ORDERED LAST YEAR) PERCY FAITH AND MAHALIA JACKSON:>)

LOTS OF BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS MUSIC ON SATILLITE RADIO AND T.V., BUT YOU BEST SCOOP UP THESE GEMS OR FOREVER BE WITHOUT THE FLAVOR OF A SIMPLER INNOCENT TIME:>) (OLT@NETCOMMANDER.COM)

GREAT Christmas music
The entire CD is beautiful! It contains RING CHRISTMAS BELLS -- this is my all-time FAVORITE version of this song! TRUE Christmas music! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Following The Key, Gill's hardest country album to date, the Christmas album Breath of Heaven turns so far in the other direction it hardly seems like the same man's work. Don't expect steel guitar and fiddles here: This is pure symphonic pop and a kind of ode to the cinematic string arrangements--not of Nashville, but of Nelson Riddle, or the classic seasonal recordings of Bing Crosby. The selection is tasteful if conservative, though Gill sings every chestnut expertly and even digs a bit deeper on the religious material. The only surprise is the Amy Grant-composed title cut, the album's one undeniably soulful moment. If you're looking for lush and easy-swinging holiday mood music, brimming with the sentiments of the season, you've found it. --Roy Francis Kasten ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Breath of Heaven throughout the year
Once again Vince Gill delivers a superb Christmas album. His voice has never sounded so clear and pure. Highlights are Blue Christmas, A cradle in Bethlehem as well as the Amy Grant penned title song. He's one of a kind

Nice, but oh so bland
As both a Vince Gill fan, and a fan of Christmas records, I must say that this one just doesn't do it for me.

Though his persona is Nashville slick, Vince Gill's best stuff is unmistakably country - he's got a mournful mountain purity to his beautiful high pitched voice - almost a male equivalent to Dolly Parton. And just like Dolly, his best efforts are usually the most purely acoustic and country, from the harmonies of When I Call Your Name to the simple instrumentation of The Key To Life.

I guess I'll give him points for trying the big orchestra thing - I'm sure it was an exciting change of pace for him. And certainly, the CD is not truly bad. But I think the orchestral accompaniment is overdone, and so 'un-country' - and I think it leads Vince to oversing. I did like the two more recent songs best - the new "Cradle In Bethlehem" and Amy Grant's new holiday standard "Breath of Heaven".

I suspect most Vince Gill fans will focus on his voice and still enjoy this CD (as most of the other reviews attest). But I just long for the potential of Vince doing a rootsy country holiday CD, along the lines of Emmylou's Light of the Stable or Patty Loveless' Blue Grass, White Snow.

Come on Vince, it's been another five years - time to give it a go on another holiday CD.

A voice as clear as the stars...
A little artistic license taken with my title, but for me, a deaf person who cannot hear most tones of human speech and that includes music, Vince Gill still remains one of the few very clear artists that I can hear enough when the amps are jacked up in my car. Maybe next year, I won't be able to hear him. I don't know when those tones will go, but I am so grateful for his beautiful voice on Christmas music that I love. I especially adore his spiritual music (rather than the secular stuff) and wish he would do an album of nothing but spiritual Christmas music (hint, hint). Amy Grant's Breath of Heaven is one of the most heart-tugging songs of our generation, and was most assuredly inspired. So the combination of Grant's words and Gill's voice is spectacular.

One suggestion for the music industry. You guys keep believing the stereotype that deaf and hard-of-hearing people cannot enjoy music. You are wrong...and we are a population that will buy. But I most often choose to buy music with the words in the flyer inside the CD case. I do not have the time with my work in bioethics and education to go looking all over the Internet for the lyrics.

Again, Gill's Christmas music is a definite need for your Christmas collections.

Karen Sadler

Best CD ever!!!
This is Vince Gill's best Christmas CD ever!!! His voice is just so amazing and powerfull. The music is super too!

Heavenly
Vince Gill released his first Christmas album LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH just five years before this 1998 release. For most country artists, putting out a second holiday set so soon after the first one would seem pointless. Gill's angelic tenor, however, is tailor-made for Christmas music and this eleven-track album is seemingly heaven sent.

Breadth Of Heaven uses the same formula as its predecessor: a couple of hymns like "O Holy Night" and "O Come All Ye Faithful," a couple of new efforts like "A Cradle In Bethlehem" and the title track, with the rest made up of modern standards, including "It's The Most Wonderful Time" and "Winter Wonderland."

A joyful tone permeates throughout this collection, whether the music is secular or spiritual, creating a festive listening experience that even the Grinch would enjoy. Check it out! ... Read more

Reviews (16)

The best "Solstice"
Windham Hill records has released about five "Winter's Solstice" albums that attempt to creat a somber mood of midwinter and sober reflection of the Holiday season. Of the five, the first one is the best because it contains a minimum of obvious holiday standards and because it creates the most somber mood. The music here, from various Windham Hill artists, is achingly beautiful. It is the type of music to curl up in front of a warm fire with a cup of hot cocoa and reflect on what it all means. This is a must have for fans of new age music.

Interesting mix.
This is my favorite of all the Winter's Solstice collections.The music presented is a nice mix of types.While some is definitely Christmassy,the mood is wintry,in the sense of those of us who love winter,snow,icy sunsets,curling up by a fire.Some of the pieces are new and memorable.Good listening.

A Windham Hill Classic
I cut my teeth on Windham Hill music with this recording. I was a Sergeant in the US Army's MI Branch in South Korea. The nights were cold and long, but this compilation from a number of artists was like a cup of hot cocoa.

Uplifting to the spirit and soul; A Winter Solstace is what winter would sound like, if you could put winter to music. There were many nights I would put this recording on, sit back, close my eyes and dream of happier times and simpler times.

Buy this CD and have your own experience.

Best of Winter Solstice series
Out of the first five of this series, this is my favorite. It may be the shortest, but it flows together like magic. This contains one of the best compositions by Mark Isham and David Qualey. The album was my introduction to Windham Hill and has remained a favorite.

Great relaxation music
This music is so great for relaxing. It calms the spirit as you listen to it. It can make your thoughts wander and forget about troubles for just a little while. I highly recommend it. ... Read more