Reviews (7)

ANOTHER WINNER FROM ELVIS
Elvis has always been my favourite artist. This cd shows how wonderfully capable Elvis was at singing any style of music he chose. Great sound quality and packaging make this another winner from BMG .

a Must have double Collection
I dig Elvis doing Gospel&Christmas Music.His voice fits both styles solidly here.this is a welcome addition to any music collection.this is a great compliment to His Vocal range&all-Around depth as a Artist.

The greatest holiday CD ever
Christmas Peace by Elvis Presley has made our home soooo festive and warm. Elvis' voice is dream-like. He sings the Christmas classics like no one else can. He is at the top of his game here.

The gospel songs are interesting as I have not been a gospel music fan. However, I am now exposed to gospel, Elvis style !!

Really a great CD. Buy it and share it with all generations of your family.

The King has never left the building....
This is a fine collection (if not a complete one) of Elvis' holiday and spiritual selections. His voice on both CD's is fabulous, as always, and the sound quality is supurb. The first selections show Elvis in his younger years, rocking and rolling. The later selections show a more reflective mood, when his voice sounds more bluesy. Both eras show an incredibly gifted man with an undeniable talent in interpreting songs. This also shows that before Springsteen, Madonna, Neil Young or anybody was labeled a "Genius" for reinventing themselves, Elvis had already done it many times over. In 1957 no other rock star would have done a Christmas album, let alone a Christmas album containing religious standards. Elvis would end up releasing another Christmas album and three religious albums throughout his career, as well as sing songs from every genre of music. It is clear that Elvis is having fun, and that he truly loves the songs he is singing (especially the gospel numbers). So if you want the best Christmas and gospel music done by the greatest artist is the history of music, this CD is for you. Hopefully it will just be a taste and you will dig further for more music by the King, if you aren't already a fan. TCB !!!

More ELVIS Cds ...Please!
"Christmas Peace" Follows The Two Hits Collections!! The Sound On All Of These Cds Are Stunning, Making Them Sound As If They Were Recorded Today!!! I Have Been An ELVIS Fan For Years & Have Bought His Cds, Dvds & Videos But The New Sound Is Worth Buying Repeats!!! Please RCA/BMG Release More ELVIS Cds!!! Favorite Tracks Are... "White Christmas", "On A Snowy Christmas Night", "Holly Leaves And Christmas Trees", "Crying In The Chapel", "Amazing Grace" & "I Beleive"!!! Happy Holidays One & All ... Read more

Amazon.com

The queen of modern R&B-influenced gospel soul brings a typicallyupdated approach to this, her first Christmas album. Although the singing isless intense and earth-shatteringly amazing than on last year's breakthrough,Mountain High... ValleyLow--how intense can one be when singing "Little Drummer Boy"? Her takeon "It Came upon a Midnight Clear" is so thick with slow-jam funk that it almostloses its way, but it never does, and is instead a highlight of this solid(although not superlative) disc. Unfortunately, this is mostly a set of secularshopping mall tunes. One notable exception is "Born on This Day," which drops aheavy choir funk vibe. And her take on "O Holy Night" is so truly transportingthat it'll have you taking a cue from the song and falling down on your knees inthanks for the many blessings of the holiday season. --James Conde ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Christmas with Yolanda
I love this Christmas CD. Yolanda Adams has made wonderful gospel music for years and now she brings us traditional christmas songs with her own style of song and praise--this is truly a blessing. This is one for the christmas tree and every holiday season.

SING GIRL, SING!
I bought this album on a whim. I'm not especially a fan of Yolanda Adams, save for 2 songs. However, I was not disappointed by this CD, and I am quite impressed with her voice. This woman SANG on this CD, do you hear me? She sang her heart out - her interpretations of the classics, as well as the ad libs on the more "jesus is the reason for the season" songs have me filled with the spirit and happy in general. I have been playing this song for the past few weeks, and have a feeling that I'll be playing it all year round. This CD, for me, makes up for the fact that Anita Baker doesn't have a Christmas CD - which she needs to do soon! (The first track, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, is my favorite - Judy Garland's version used to top the list - now Judy falls 2nd to Yolanda.)

Never Grows Old Excellent CD!!!
I've owned this CD since December 2000. You may ask the question. How come you just writing a review? My answer to that is hmmm...not sure. To start, I would like to say that i've enjoyed this CD since it's release in 2000. Every Christmas since then I can't wait to play this CD. It brings so much joy when I listen to it. It's very uplifting, and you won't forget the reason for the season (Jesus). I Love all of the tracks, but the standout tracks are "Carol of the Bells/What Child is this", "Born this day", "The Christmas Song" and Silent Night". To add, I think "Born this Day" will become a Christmas classic. I hope you enjoy this CD like I did.
Peace

I highly recommend this CD
Yolanda Adams' Christmas CD is simply beautiful. I love the arrangments of all the songs on this disc. I can listen to the whole CD over and over again. Her rendition of The Christmas Song is my favorite. You will not be disappointed with this album.

Christmas With Class
You know a Christmas disc is good when you playing it in April! I was going through my mother CD collection and stumbled upon this one. My only dilemma was that her copy was damaged. My only solution was to buy my own, and I am proud to say that I am very satisfied with my purchase. What make this Christmas complication stand out it the combination of Jazz & Gospel. My only complaint is here weren't more songs! One of my favorites songs was "Joy Medley: Joy to the World/Angels We Have Heard on High/Hark the Hera." If you're looking for that "Perfect" Christmas CD to play for the holiday I would strongly suggest this one. ... Read more

Reviews (37)

Sinatra Christmas
If you own only one holiday cd, this is the one to buy. Not a lemon in the lot. Great vocals by Sinatra and arrangements by Gorden Jenkins of traditional and holiday favorites. Recorded at the peak of his vocal performance, this album stands out as a holiday classic that will never go out of style. His versions of "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" sound like he is actually away from his family for the holidays. Also included, are two singles recorded a couple of years earlier with arrangements by Nelson Riddle, the classic "White Christmas" and the Sinatra original "The Christmas Waltz", witch was rerecorded for the album. This is a must not only for sinatra fans, but fans of holiday music.

Christmas Music The Way It Ought To Be Sung
Even in 1957, how many more times could you have heard "Jingle Bells," "I'll Be Home For Christmas," or any Christmas classic before they seemed repetitive? Especially if you're Frank Sinatra and Gordon Jenkins (who had earlier worked on the sad, beautiful "Where Are You?") recording in mid-July Los Angeles. But the beautiful results heard here speak to the staying power of these songs and to the mastery of their singer. The songs mentioned above, plus "The Christmas Song," "Christmas Waltz," "First Noel," and Mendelsson's "Hark The Herald Angels Sing," receive beautiful, lush string treatments with the reverence Jenkins always gave to Sinatra's most serious material. On the remastered version, Nelson Riddle's "Christmas Waltz" is also uncovered; it's interesting to compare the two versions. This music is every bit as refreshing as a breath of cool Christmas air.

wish I could know more
I wish that I could find out if this is the version of Adeste Fideles that I have been looking for. Most versions, even the ones labeled in Latin, are English only versions. The one I am looking for has English and Latin.

Oh by Gosh by Golly It's Time For Mistletoe and Holly!
I love this Christmas CD, it's one of my favorites. After I heard Frank Sinatra singing Mistletoe and Holly on the radio one Christmas it became one of my new favorite Christmas songs and I decided I needed to buy a Frank Sinatra Christmas CD for my collection and this is the one I chose and I love the CD and think I made an excellent purchase! I like every song on the CD but especially Mistletoe and Holly a song that always puts me in a jolly mood! I very greatly recommend this CD to fans of Frank Sinatra and wonderful Christmas music! BTW: I don't find this CD depressing.

Brings Tears to my Eyes
I grew up with this album so it's hard to be objective. I never thought of it as depressing. Maybe a little melancholy. His interpretations of the songs are wonderful. It's a great album I will always treasure. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A great CD for your collection
If you are a music teacher this CD is a must. If you aren't, it STILL is a must. This CD is full of light but amazing classical guitar. I can hardly wait to pop it in at Christmas. Even if you aren't a huge fan of classical guitar I bet this will amaze you so much you'll want to keep listening. LAGQ flawlessly performs countless dances you'll wonder how they do it. The music classroom can use the Renaissance music for medieval topics and dances. A great CD to have for some high quality back ground music - relaxing music.

wonderful music
It just doesn't get better than this. If you want to hear Tchaikovsky played by super classical guitarists, this is the CD for you. Its the BEST!

From Renaissance to Nutcracker is brilliant.
The Los Angeles Guitar Quartet's Nutcracker Suite is a triumph for guitar arrangement. This selection is an excellent choice for one's holiday listening enjoyment. In the Renaissance dance suites included here, the L.A.G.Q. masterfully utilize a number of the percussive timbres available on the body of the classical guitar to complete the instrumentation and invoke the spirit of the pieces. Though the recording is not as loud as most of the other L.A.G.Q. recordings, the quality of the performances more than makes up for it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

John Fahey has made a habit of recording a new album of Christmas music every five or six years, but The New Possibility, which was originally released in 1968, is still his best. On it, Fahey has pulled off the near miraculous feat of taking old holiday chestnuts like "Joy to the World" and "It Came upon a Midnight Clear" and making them sound fresh. When he plays a Travis-picking version of "O Come All Ye Faithful" or he recasts "Silent Night, Holy Night" as bottleneck blues, you get the feeling Fahey is treating the music with respect rather then piety. Also included in this reissue are six tracks from his 1975 release Christmas with John Fahey, Vol. II. The songs feature some nice duets with Rick Ruskin, but the arrangements lack some of the quirkiness that made The New Possibility sound unique. This isn't Bing Crosby singing "White Christmas," but it is a modern holiday classic nonetheless. --Michael Simmons ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Alternative christmas music
It's Christmas! It's John Fahey! It's wonderful!

This album works really well ripped into a collection of other Christmas music, put on shuffle. Use your computer as a jukebox for your Christmas party!

The BEST Christmas album EVER!
I won't spend a lot of time on this review to describe each song and how differently Fahey plays the old Christmas carols we all grew up hearing in church, or the radio. To hear him play *Silent Night* or *Joy to the World* are reason enough.

I've had this recording in one media or another for thirty years, and every Christmas another person asks me who the artist is, and they comment on how beautiful it is.

'The New Possibility' is a fabulous recording to play in the background of any Holiday activity (except maybe football). I especially like to hear it at Christmas Dinner or to have it playing while the family 'Unwrapping' ritual is performed.

I'd even go to say that this is probably Fahey's best and most well-rounded album of all. I bet it's probably his most lucrative. It is focused, reverant, and joyful. And yes, I listen to it at all times of the year.

If you want to capture a bit of the old-time feel of Christmas this year, pick up 'The New Possibility' by John Fahey. You'll be playing it for years and years.

It might well become your favorite, too.

com"YULE"ation Cleric :Inspiring Instru- tinsel Interps
With early blues and country as a core, Fahey's guitar playing is considered a pioneering YULEtide accomplishment and like the last 30 years we should cherish and share its' play often.With two albums complilied, reconstructed, repackaged, and reissued this is the one to seek out frist...mas Collector Crafting from this seasonal songsmith still dig~able...this cd packs in a full punch. ~~~Merrily Mix~ 1$, 3#1\2, 4#, 5#1\2, 8$, 9#1\2, 12$, 13#1\2, and 14$ ~~~ Post Script: I've found the liner notes most informative and agian a key arrose... artists accredited with amassing a vey large Treasure Chest of recordings do accomplish mas YULEridGEMality and can twist n' tweak with the best of'em.This is an "American Primitive Guitar YULEage Gem" and predates the ever mutating genre soundscape of New Age.***buyit*saveit*sharemost*donateit to the local library*** YULEridGEMality Factor = 2 1\2

After 25 years, a joyous reintroduction to a master.
I first encountered John Fahey's work in the mid-70's and like anyone with any sense was much impressed. As my musical tastes evolved away from "folk" and "bluegrass", I put Mr. Fahey's guitar playing into the back of my mind. When I went looking for a Christmas guitar recording a couple of weeks ago and found "The New Possibility" I smiled and said, "Oh yeah this guy was good." I was wrong, he is much, much better than that. For anyone with an Episcopal and/or Southern background, this is a must recording for Christmas or anytime. In addition to the classic hymns and carols, you will recognize bits from the Hymn book blended into other pieces flavored with bluegrass. For anyone who is a guitar fan and is not familiar with John Fahey this is a great choice for the holiday. You will be introduced to his great technique as well as his sense of humor and imagination. For anyone who enjoys Windham Hill's Winter Solstice recordings, you have to get this CD -- if Windham Hill is a Hershey's Kiss, Fahey is Godiva.

Not Like the XMas Album Mom Used to Play.
This is my favorite Chrismas album. Fahey fumbles his way through all the standard xmas tunes in a way that makes the CD humorous, but with fresh perspective.

This is solo guitar and its the "stipped down" minimalism of the production and Fahey's playing that makes this album so pretty, fun and unlike ANY other xmas album you have in your collection.

Your family will really like it. But be prepared, these are "gritty" arrangements but with a fine production quality.. Its not the finely mixed, fat production of so many other xmas CDs. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Because Its Christmas
This is my favorite Christmas Album and one of my favorite Barry Manilow albums of all time. The single "Because its Christmas" alone is worth buying this album.

the emergence of the '90s Barry
This Christmas album is great. i do wish there weren't as many medleys. Sing the complete songs, don't blend two together. the only stand-out track for me is the duet with K.T. Oslin on "Baby, It's Cold Outside". There are 10 tracks on here, 6 of the 10 include double songs...so there's actually 4 complete songs and 6 medleys. however, the medleys are all done as if they were one song and in that respect there isn't a problem...the medleys are actually LONGER than the full-length songs believe it or not. "Jingle Bells" is a duet with an all-female group known as Exposè, which had success on the pop chart from 1987-1990 and again in 1992. they were also on Arista. this CD gave an overall hint of the '90s Barry Manilow: the Swing/Jazz showman. his 2002 holiday album picks up where this one left off.

My most PRIZED Christmas CD
If I could only pick one Christmas CD for a trip, this would be it. It's not a song, pause, next song...the songs flow right from one into another. Every emotion that you feel around the holidays is on this CD. His duet, "Baby It's Cold Outside," is the best I've heard since Dean Martin's version. You're right there in his New York apartment with a blizzard going on outside. And, of course, the final song is his famous, "It's Just Another New Year's Eve," which I think has saved many a person's sanity over the holidays. I know a previous reviewer lamented the fact that this CD should not be sold in supermarkets or on bargain racks...but you know, maybe other people like us will discover and share the excellence of this Christmas music.

I'm Heartbroken
This is a fab album. I bought this beauty when it was new. Beautifully recorded and performed, this album does not belong in the budget rack. This platinum recording should go out of print instead of the status it now holds. If this album (cd) is available at the nearest grocery, it'll be the best six bucks you've ever spent. What a tragedy.

This good CD is not just for Christmas!
I have this CD and there are excellent cover versions of old classic Christmas songs which could only be covered this well by Barry Manilow.
The new songs are well worth listening to with brilliant arrangements.
Well done Barry, this is worth listening to all year round!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Attention teenage girls: As vocal guy bands go, 98 Degrees sing and snap their fingers with the best in contemporary pop. And while This Christmas is not as engaging or musically adventurous as other holiday albums from vocal tour de forces such as the Persuasions, Take 6, or the Blenders, it is a respectable, if predictable, seasonal effort targeted to their teen audience, chock full of standards and three radio-friendly originals. Those include two versions of "This Gift," a Christmas version that merely adds some sleigh bells and a pop version, sans bells. Their a cappella reading of "Ave Maria" shines above all else, with soaring four-part harmonies in a stirring, awesome arrangement. But just when you think these adolescent heartthrobs have climbed the stairway to heaven, they follow up "Maria" with that cliché-riddled lyrical and musical toss off called "This Gift" (the pop version). Talk about not having your (sequencing) priorities straight. --Martin Keller ... Read more

Reviews (90)

An awesome CD to listen to at Christmas time
1. If Every Day Could Be Christmas 5:04
2. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen 4:36
3. Christmas Song 4:08
4. I'll Be Home for Christmas 2:04
5. O Holy Night 3:20
6. This Gift 4:06
7. Little Drummer Boy 3:25
8. Christmas Wish 3:49
9. Silent Night 3:09
10. Ave Maria 1:56
11. This Gift (Pop Version) 4:08

If you enjoy listening to adult contemporary music or teen pop music, then you may like this cd. The members of 98* are Nick Lachey, Drew Lachey, Justin Jeffre and Jeff Timmons. Its tone of music is sensual, sexual, intimate, stylish, elegant and/or earnest

Mesmerizing, Magical, and simply Marvelous!
I loved this CD from the first time I heard it, when I got it 4 days before it even officially came out, and up to now. I loved the jazzy, romantic, and Motown feel of the entire album. Each and every song in the album makes you warm all over and puts you in a bright, yet spiritual, Christmas mood. The songs have great harmony, great musical instruments, great arrangements, and great voices.

My personal favorites, although I really love all of them, are: "Ave Maria" -- acapella at its finest, not to mention that this was done in Latin! "Little Drummer Boy" -- I never liked this song until I heard this version. Drew and Jeff gave the song the romance and jazz feel that it needs to be enjoyed. "If Everyday Could Be Christmas" -- Wow! A 98 Degrees original that is sure to become an instant classic. "Oh Holy Night" -- Jeff's high, expressive voice is simply perfect for this very solemn, spiritual song. It almost felt like he was reaching up to heaven while he was recording his verses. "Christmas Wish" -- a poppy Christmas treat that one can groove to; a special treat for those loyal 98 Degrees fans because Jeff co-wrote this with his best friend, Matt Fechter.

98 Degrees has simply created their best album to date with this one. It's a Christmas album that has something for the young and old at heart. The classics were treated with such spirituality, yet so romantic. The originals, which are the poppier songs, stayed consistent with the album by having the same great harmony and vocal style that has become 98 Degrees' trademark.

If there was ever any doubt before that 98 Degrees doesn't belong in that boyband category, then this is it. With this album, they have put themselves in a much higher category level, which in my opinion belongs only to respectable groups such as Boyz II Men, Take 6, now 98 Degrees, and other Motown/R&B greats. Motown is still very much alive in 98 Degrees.

I truly commend 98 Degrees for their vision in creating such a mature, wholesome, spiritual, and respectable album. When everyone else is just trying to make albums that will sell millions, they have chosen to make one which will not only accomplish that, but also has a great possibility of becoming a classic, instead of a fad. With "This Christmas", 98 Degrees has given us a great Christmas gift to enjoy everyday of the year.

Love 98 degrees, but...
The only songs I appreciated were This Gift and Christmas Wish, which were orginals, and very good. The others were all so different in styling, they clashed. You'd get really slow, then it would get lively, then it would get suddenly morose and too serious; I don't appreciate the barber-shop flavor, either. The vocal arrangements didn't suit Christmas at all. I read one reviewer say this album was too slow and sad, and I agree. It's not a 'happy' cd. Really a one star -- one star for effort which I'm sure was present. 98 degrees is a great group, and no one's perfect, but I hope they make a more jolly Christmas one one day. Their beautiful, sincere voices could be so well-suited to Xmas cheer with the right musical line-up. Try Tony Bennett's Christmas Album for a perfectly jazz-ish, jingly Christmas CD.

Sacred harmonies
These boys prove that talent is a gift from God and they've gotten that gift. Their exquisite harmonies and gorgeous voices just make this album absolutely brilliant. I recommend this for all Christmas music fans!

This goes beyond "boy band" appeal
This is a very listenable Christmas record for all ages, not just the teenage fans. The traditional carols are sung with feeling and reverence, while the newer ones do have actual meaning to them. I do wonder though if anybody feels there's a strong similarity between this album and Lonestar's "This Christmas Time" CD. Not that unusual to have three songs in common on Christmas albums, but the "Little Drummer Boy" interpretations seem rather similar, as well as the general pacing. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Gorgeous and dignified Hawaiian Christmas album.
This Christmas collection does honor to the Makaha Sons and the kinds of arrangements for which they have become so famous. Like previous albums, it is beautifully arranged for an entire group and quietly sung, emphasizing the songs and harmonies rather than solo voices.

Here traditional Christmas music is presented with an honesty of feeling and simplicity of accompaniment which makes the songs' messages all the stronger. The tenor line is particularly sweet, with all voices blending to create a mellow and dignified presentation of traditional carols, a gorgeous "Mele Kalikimaka" gift to their many fans. Mary Whipple, whose heart is at Mauna Kea. ... Read more

Amazon.com

What's a nice Jewish girl from Brooklyn cum internationally renowned pop diva doing releasing a(nother) Christmas album? Well, maintaining a long-lived American tradition, for one thing. But then, this companion piece to Barbra Streisand's 1967 A Christmas Album has a mature, jazzy charm and sometimes smoky atmosphere that don't exactly conjure chestnuts roasting by an open fire. Just as Streisand has always used music as a stepping stone to something more ambitiously dramatic, she's used the holiday season here as an excuse to explore rich emotional sentiments, if not necessarily sentimentalism itself. As on its 1960s forebear, her choice of material here is mostly as fresh as it is surprising. Among the contemporary More Usual Suspects (David Foster's "Grown-up Christmas List," "A Christmas Love Song," and "Christmas Mem'ries" by Alan and Marilyn Bergman) are gems familiar ("I'll Be Home For Christmas," "What Are You Doing Christmas Eve?") and rare (Sondheim's updated "I Remember," "It Must Have Been the Mistletoe"). While not bathos-exempt (see "Closer"), Streisand's rich, ever-expressive voice masterfully drives a collection that stretches from "Ave Maria" (Schubert's, this time) to the ecumenical timeliness of "One God." --Jerry McCulley ... Read more

Reviews (156)

Thank you, Barbra
Those who automatically want to criticize this new holiday theme CD from Barbra, please do me a favor. Listen to it again. Forget what you know about traditional holiday fare. Listen to it again.

I too, at first, felt a bit disappointed about how many of the songs sounded the same. But the more I've listened, the more I've fallen in love with this CD. Here she captures the same emotion and careful song selection that was evident on "Higher Ground." Her voice gets deeper and more radiant with age. Just listen to the wonderful phrasing of each lyric. She wanted to give her fans something special, so sorry to those who were expecting another rendition of "Let It Snow".

Should-be instant holiday classics include "Christmas Lullaby" and "Christmas Mem'ries". Other standouts: "I Remember" ~ a dark & depressing song that showcases Barbra's love for broadway. "Closer" ~ a song that will carry special meaning for me throughout the year. And finally, a true testament to how incredible her voice remains after recording for forty years, "Ave Maria."

"Christmas Memories" is a gift to treasure and the only new worthwhile holiday recording to buy this year. Thanks Barbra!

Christmas Memories: A Great Holiday Album.
From the opening bars of "I'll Be Home for Christmas" to the final spirited note of "One God", Christmas Memories is a great gift for the holiday season. It covers themes we associate with this period in a mix of traditional and contemporary tunes that have both a lightness of mood and serious reflection. Of course they also have the unmistakable voice of Barbra surrounded by a big lush orchestral sound.

There are fun tracks like "It Must Have Been the Mistletoe", beautiful romantic treats such as "A Christmas Love Song" and "What Are You Doing New Years Eve", a small prayer in "Christmas Lullaby" and one of the best songs, "Christmas Mem'ries" which captures the childlike heart of the season. "Grown-Up Christmas List" with its hope for love and peace is great stocking filler. "I Remember" is a haunting remembrance of Christmas' past rewritten by Stephen Sondheim for this album. There is also the sacred classic "Ave Maria" recorded previously for the first Christmas album in the 60s. Barbra's vocals are especially impressive on the more dramatic tracks, demonstrating that ability to soar into the stratosphere, but also display a warm humor on the more carefree numbers.

The CD cover art includes a lovely invitation: "let's come together and listen to the music", amidst some Christmas decorations and a glass of coffee, with Barbra's portrait framed in a Christmas ball. It's all red, gold and glowing like a table set for Christmas dinner with bonbons and tinsel.

What better present to find under your tree on Christmas morn or with the New Years Eve champagne!? Let's raise our glasses in a toast to Christmas Memories!!

Singing carols, stringing popcorn...

Jingle Tills .......
In a market where most every Yuletide recording covers the same old tracks (don't they write new Christmas songs anymore?) I was pleased to see Barbra finally found some new things to say (sing). Having loved the mix of good cheer, whacky humour and sacred sentiment on the earlier "A Christmas Album" I forgot how seriously the 'born in Madagascar, raised in Rangoon' artist is taking herself and her craft these days. The result is a commercial Christmas memory (one I don't share), sung with greater depth and vocal maturity but more with an eye on the cash till and less on the yule log or manger, than before.

A very nice album...
I've been a very serious fan of hers all these years so I realize my opinion is too compromised...anyways...I believe this album to be a must have for all of us. It's a nice choice for music consumers. She never fails amaizing me...
For other Streisand fans here is my adress igco.grm@infomed.sld.cu
You hit it again Babs!!!

Beautiful Christmas album!
I must say that this is a beautiful Christmas album from Barbra Streisand. I love her music and her! She's one of my favorite singers behind Céline Dion. I received this as a Christmas gift this year, from my Mom and I'm glad she got it for me! And I think every Barbra fan or just a fan of Xmas music should have this, and this is a wonderful Xmas gift for anybody! I reccomend this CD to anyone! :) ... Read more

Amazon.com

Jumping high heels first into the Christmas genre, Toni Braxton has come up with a spectacular first effort. Teetering into smooth jazz territory, Braxton gives her sophisticated, breathy vocals a workout on this untraditional Yuletide collection. Instead of revamping old holiday standards, Braxton has cowritten seven new songs--with husband Keri "Mint Condition" Lewis, her sister Tamar, David Foster, and Kenny "Baby Face" Edmonds--and has created what sounds more like a proper Toni Braxton album thana seasonal offering. When Braxton did decide to cover a classic, she choose more contemporary tunes such as perennial favorite "The Christmas Song," which she revives with aplomb and crisp pacing, and the beloved "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," which she doesn't tinker with at all. Braxton also pulls Charlie Brown's "Christmas Time Is Here" out of mothballs and gives it a contemplative, melancholy spin that serves the tune well. "Snowflakes of Love" is penned by Braxton and Lewis, and uses the same instrumental that Memphis soul giant Isaac Hayes recorded for the soundtrack for 1974's Truck Turner, giving it a jazzy, masterful feel. The real standout on the album is the reggae-spun "Christmas in Jamaica" with the raunchy, comic vocals of Shaggy. Like the snowflakes it's named after, this CD is a real original. --Jaan Uhelszki ... Read more

Reviews (28)

A Braxton Christmas
Christmas time is coming, and a flock of Christmas albums are finding their way to your local record shops. One of them is Toni Braxton's fourth album release, "Snowflakes."

The newly married diva proudly shows her pregnant belly on the sleeve of the album.

Braxton is very brave to release a Christmas album without any promotion or even a single. Moreover, she is facing a lot of competition because the dynamic R&B trio Destiny's Child are also releasing their own tribute to the season with "8 Days Of Christmas."

Nonetheless, Braxton caters to a more mature audience. "Snowflakes" starts off with ambition. "Holiday Celebrate" is a starter to the highlight track "Christmas In Jamaica," a collaboration with Mr. Bombastic himself, Shaggy. The result is a smooth, swift sound.

Then, in a Toni Braxton fashion, the album takes a merry turn into the mellow. "Snowflakes Of Love" and "Christmas Time Is Here" are both standard Christmas ballads - the kind you hear at Wal-mart when the season takes affect.

All of the ballads are constructed simply with the piano and Braxton's deep vocals, which is more of a showcase for Braxton's vocal range than the fabulousness of the songs. A good example is the feeble "Santa Please..." and "This Time Next Year" - a song that sounds like it could go somewhere but stops halfway through.

"The Christmas Song" is the only ballad that can really be listened to from start to finish.

It is the type of album you'd listen to while having a conversation - definitely not a sing-along record.

It really consists of eight full songs, plus two remixes and an awkward interlude, "...Pretty Please" - the effort to end the directionless "Santa Please..."

Christmas albums usually have an upbeat factor that this one lacks. Maybe releasing an album while recording another and starting a family wasn't such a good idea after all.

"Snowflakes"- is a MASTERPIECE
This album will be a SureFire Hit throughout the holiday season and Even After ! I never would have believed that I could actually groove to a holiday cd,(BUT IT'S POSSIBLE) because Ms. Braxton's cd is more (love/passion/fun )with the holiday's in mind on this album. The vocals are superb on "Holiday Celebrate" where Toni coo's "Holiday Celebrate-with my babe",and "Snowflakes of Love" which sounds as if she is transported to the days of real jazz music,can be only described as "Breathtaking". This album will really have hits like "Christmas in Jamaica" - where Toni Braxton is magically transported to Jamaica to hook up with her man for the holidays. This album can truly be listened to through out the year and is really worth picking up.ALSO CHECK OUT- "Santa Please"- "Toni Braxton" asks "Santa Claus" to bring her man home in time for the holidays,which is so sweet, this album is really unique, it is the bomb ! I MUST GIVE A HATS OF TO TONI BRAXTON-LEWIS AND KERI LEWIS FOR A JOB WELL DONE !

The Best EVER
All I can say is this album is so good, I listen to it all year round and I never get tired of it. Toni Braxton's voice is beautiful and the songs are smooth and relaxing, I love this album fs you buy it you will NOT be dissapointed.

A Very Toni Christmas!
I love Toni Braxton's sassy musicstyle mixed with low, smoky vocals. Unlike most mediocore Pop/R&B/Christmas Albums (like Destiny's Child's), Toni still incorporates that Holiday Cheer that brings warmth to the fireplace at Christmas time. There are some GREAT original songs on here like "Holiday Celebrate" and "Christmas In Jamaica" featuring Shaggy, a hit last year. Another great new one is the beautiful "Snowflakes of Love." Don't forget however the holiday classics, which toni takes on well: "Christmas Time Is Here", "This Time Next Year" and "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas." I can't believe how flawless this album is. The mix of contemporary R&B with traditional Holiday-style music is just beautiful. If you know someone who likes Holiday Music but also likes Toni Braxton, this makes a great gift. Reccomended to couples as well as families. Thank you, Toni for making this excellent album for us to cherish at Christmas Time, and Merry Christmas to you too.

Best Xmas CD release in 5 years
I have listen to alot of Xmas cd's and this is the best I have heard in several years. I don't count the smooth jazz releases because that would not be fair. But vocally Toni got down and I would never would have expected it. It's like hitting a home run first time out I don't see here doing it any better. Get your copy, you can play it all year around. Word ... Read more

Reviews (13)

The Christmas Album you never knew you always wanted!
Christmas Music is perhaps the most mood-setting element in the holiday season. Perhaps even more than a brightly lit tree or a freshly baked batch of cookies; the music of the season defines its experience. Yet what about Christmas cocktail parties? One could play a popular christmas album by any number of popular singer/songwriters but the sound can get monotonus for a large gathering. Quasi-religous choral music certainly is not appropriate for the occasion either. Christmas Cocktails is just the answer to this sphinxian riddle. The album is first and foremost F-U-N, with selections bu Dean Martin, Lena Horne amoung others: one can expect only the most entertaining and finest quality lounge music. To hear traditional classics arranged in the lounge idiom is equally thrilling since all the other ultra-lounge albums display music that is only "LOUNGE MUSIC," not music that has been well and creatively adapted. My personal favorite track: Jingle Bells. Only Ms. Horne can take a standard like that and make it a highlight. Just buy it already!

A warm cinder for a snowy Christmas..
This was the first of the Ultra Lounge series I ever bought and I loved it at first play! I picked it up on a lark just before Christmas last year... It's the reason I'm picking up more out of the series, particularly Christmas Cocktails I. It's such a fun and refreshing break from the tired old Christmas sounds we hear every year... Really glad I happened upon it and am recommending it to all. Kick back and enjoy...

Let's toast a
Both Vol.1 and Pt.2 of the ULTRA LOUNGE CHRISTMAS series consists of a great musical holiday soundtrack for child raised during the cocktail 1960s.
Upon listening to both CDs, your memories will transport you back in time to tinsel clustered trees drowned in multi-color lights & wasted uncles with a plastic baby jesus' lying under an artificial tree.

This collection of holiday CDs are the perfect tool for entertaining & injecting "kitchy" ambiance into your holiday festivities.
The sound is retro and currently very trendy.

It's fun listening to these long forgotten classics dusted off and delivered in with a "LOUNGE" packaging.

Both volumes should be added into your collection!

Raise Your Holiday SPIRITS!
Leave it to the geniuses at Ultra-Lounge to put together the Christmas Album you always wanted but could never find. This is Christams through an ironic lens. So cleary not "cool" that its ridiculousness makes it so. Very paradoxial. This is Christmas music devoid of any real sentinment but still shiny with a glossy venner of wholesomeness--underneath one can see (as with all lounge music) the seedy side of the 1950's. This IS Cocktail music after all. (Dean Martin ONLY sang Cocktail music, ask his liver!) Highlights of this edition include Mr. Martin's BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE, The delightful Bonus Track "What is a Santa Claus" and Lena Horne's spellbinding JINGLE ALL THE WAY. To hear her sing the word "Horse" with no less than six vowel sounds is worth the price of the album alone. As always the album and jacket art are first rate and the liner notes by RJ SMITH are amoung the best in album commentary EVER! Smith captures the period, the music, and the modern attraction to it in a stylish and comic essay. Once again the Ultra Lounge gives us everything we want from lounge music and more. So sip some spiked egg nog, light the yule log, and have a swinging holiday season.

Wonderful Selection for the Lounge
This album is fantastic. The songs were bright and happy and made my heart swell with Christmas spirit. It's a perfect companion to the first volume and hopefully will not be the last. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Kathy Mattea's lovely, strong vocals, coupled with uplifting arrangements, make Good News an especially rich and deep spiritual testament. "There's a New Kid in Town" is the highpoint of this 1993 outing, but "Christ Child's Lullaby" and the title track really showcase the soulful and smart Mattea. In time, this might prove to be a seasonal country classic. --Martin Keller ... Read more

Reviews (44)

My favorite Christmas Album
I bought this CD after hearing Kathy Mattea sing "Mary Did You Know" on a Whitehouse Christmas Celebration on television. I could not forget the song so I tracked down the album and was thrilled with it. Every song on the album is wonderful. I can listen to it year round. The songs have so much meaning and really touch my heart. I would recommend this album for Kathy Mattea fans and for anyone who loves Christian Christmas music.

A Christmas album my family and I will cherish forever.
My three small children and I love this album. To my children these songs will be as important as "White Christmas" and "Jingle Bells" were to me. Thank you Kathy for beautiful music that includes the real message of Christmas. My childrens favorite is "Mary Did You Know".

The CD for the Reason for the season
No fluffy Christmas covers here. Until I purchased this CD, as a gift for my parents, I never realized how fantastic a singer Kathy Mattea is. So, now I have the CD for myself too.
The arrangements on this album are fabulous, the songs wonderful and you can tell by the way she sings the songs that Ms. Mattea is an extremely spiritual person.
If you believe that Jesus is the reason for the season, do yourself a favor, buy this CD.
"Mary, Did You Know" is my favorite track and explains everything.
Merry Christmas!!!!!

Simply the best Christmas CD
I've owned this CD a very long time. I originally purchased it the year it came out and fell in love with the whole album. Each song is uniquely beautiful and well done. This album rarely leaves my stereo during the holidays. My personal favorite is "Brightest and Best". I love the arrangement. I HIGHLY recommend this one.

A Great CD!!!
The Kathy Mattea Christmas version of her CD is my favorite Christmas CD. My favorite song on there is Mary, Did you know. It is the best CD EVER!!! ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Childhood Christmas
I used to play this album on my dad's record player over and over from mid November until Christmas. I still know almost every word by heart and I'm 30 years old! When I saw that it was out on CD I had to have it. I cannot wait to play it for my kids! You don't even have to like Star Wars to enjoy this classic Christmas album.

I agree it's great fun
20 years ago this October I had my appendix removed and missed the opportunity of a life time. My choir classmates went to NYC to record what would be the final song on this album,The Meaning of Christmas. We were written about in the newspapers and had a spread in the yearbook. Some of us still have the sheet music and the album posters obtained from the local music stores. Many of us purchased the album for ourselves and for family members as gifts that year. Since then not too many outsiders have believed us when we tell them that we sang on a professional/commercial album. Now that it is on cd we can share it with our own children and relive a wonderful high school memory. No longer do our new friends stare in disbelief. They actually find themselves enjoying some of the songs. It is still difficult for me to listen to our song but my children and I are often seen at red lights singing What can you get a wookie for Christmas. I hope many more people will take the opportunity to enjoy this album. It's a must have for Star Wars fans or any one with young children.

Stay far, far away
This is obviously a quickly made album that attempted to cash in on the popularity of Star Wars. Unfortunately, it stars one of the least entertaining characters from the movie. Imagine if C3PO had been the main character - the movie could have been as bad as this music. It was so bad that it went out of print on vinyl, only to be resurrected on CD by Rhino Records, and then go out of print again. The fact that it is hard to find makes collectors willing to pay 2 or 3 times the price of a normal CD to get it. The presence of Jon Bon Jovi (then known as John Bongiovi) will add to the value for other collectors. But the sad truth is, it is hardly worth the price of one CD. The songs are idiotic; full of bad droid and wookie references, and teeming with awkwardly forced rhymes. The song called "Sleigh Ride" is sung to the tune of the holiday standard, but with new lyrics featuring C3PO teaching R2D2 how to sing. Worst of all is the last song "The Meaning of Christmas", which of course is not about the real meaning of Christmas, but rather just some syrupy schlock that drags on for over eight minutes!

you won't believe this...
But it's true-- bon jovi is the vocalist on this--- check it out on allmusic.com. now if that doesn't tell you how bad this is, nothing will. PLEASE keep this out of stock AND out of print.

The Best!
This album is wonderful! I know the people who did background vocals. The music is fun, a great family album! ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Some missin' & Song Title
There're some good songs missing on that OST but anyway it's kind of cool.
The song which was played right after 'family affair' on the party (which is also not on the cd) is called 'i taste just like candy' performed by foxy brown feat. kelis. i think that was the song you're lookin' for.

song name
does anyone know the name of the song that played after I taste like candy? I believe it was the last song playing before the Christmas party ended in the apartment. It is not on the soundtrack

helping you out
THE SONG THAT EVERYBODY IS ASKING ABOUT THE ONE THAT IS PLAYING WHEN ELROY AND PINKY ARE FIGHTING OVER THE GIRLS IS THE STREETS BY WC WITH NATE DOGG AND SNOOP DOGG OK I HOPE THAT HELPS EVERYBODY OUT

just asking
Hey does anybody know that song that played when elroy and pinky were fighting over the girls. Its not on the cd. Help me out

whats that song called?
Does anyone know what that song is called, the one that was play'n when Day Day was talking about pimp'n out of the barbecue shop? Sounds like Ras Kass but i'm not sure. Can anyone help me out? ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Orchestral and Spooky Compositional Tour de Force
Dee Snider, of Twisted Sister fame, has managed to put together a rather notable concept album with this latest project. Inspired by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Van Helsing's Curse sets out to impart upon the listener a creepy Halloween experience mixed with dark and formidable classical selections, and they indeed achieve their goal. Van Helsing's Curse combines electronic elements with crunching guitars, operatic vocals (including a choir singing in Latin), unnerving sound effects, and well-known classical music to create some outstanding compositional medleys that manage to be spooky, orchestral, and powerful all at the same time.

Some highly recognizable pieces included are "Rite of Spring" by Stravinsky, "Night on Bald Mountain" by Musgorski, "Hall of the Mountain King" by Edvard Greig, "Funeral March" by Chopin, "Moonlight Sonata" by Beethoven, and "Carmina Burana." Also included are "Ave Satani" from the movie "The Omen," as well as "Tubular Bells" from the movie "The Exorcist," which any fan of the horror genre can appreciate. Black Sabbath's self-titled song is also revamped and has its place on this album.

Woven into these classical masterpieces, however, is a somewhat cheesy story involving a child whose innocence is to lift a demonic curse (referred to only as "it" or "the entity") placed on the Van Helsing family. Furthermore, Dee Snider's narration comes off as being overly dramatic and extremely contrived, cheapening the listening experience to some extent. In fact, the music really could have stood quite well on it's own.

Paltry story line aside, the masterful musical arrangements make this CD well worth a listen, particularly on a cold, dark Halloween night. It will be interesting to see what Van Helsing's Curse comes up with next, as they improve upon these well-laid foundations. Overall, "Oculus Infernum" is an outstanding melding of 80's style heavy metal with classical compositions. Van Helsing's Curse has created a savory blend of fierce and unsettling music that has earned its place as a soundtrack for Halloween.

the edge of your seat...
...this CD kept me on the edge of my seat from the first note through to the last. From the heart pounding drums to the ear piercing choir, it sucks you in. The icing on the cake is the tantalizing violin that brings to mind someone tickling your neck with sharp scissors. Van Helsing's Curse does for Halloween what Trans Siberian Orchestra does for Christmas.
review by: the child

I came, I saw, I kicked your ass!
That about explains this CD. Outstanding work that Dee done on this CD. The sound of the music is very clear and really shines out well. Joey Franco is still at his best and really pounds on his drumkit! About knocks you off from where you are sitting!

This is the first stage of Van Helsing's curse. So much more will be introduced next year in 2004! You need to have a beginning and get a word of mouth started and this was the first step.

I cannot wait to see what is in store for us next year, But get this CD! Halloween or not...The music still is very good and you will never get bored of listening to it!

Something Wicked This Way Comes
Dee Snider has achieved his desire. To come up with a worthy equivalent to the Christmas Spirit of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. This desire, albeit a dark and insidious one has led to the creation of "Van Helsing's Curse". Oculus Infernum is indeed a soundtrack for Halloween. It is moody, creepy and sounds powerful on the recording. It is Dee's hope to make this a touring company similar to the TSO sometime next year. I am only imagining if he does it properly, this will be a spectacle to behold.

Tubular Hell starts off the opus, and amidst an eerie narration by Dee, the tale is told of an evil spirit among us once again. Other portions of the music include Hall Of The Mountain King, and the Omen along with a symphonic and operatic version of Black Sabbath. That impressed me a lot. Among the performers are Mark Wood who tours with the TSO on violin and Joe Franco, former Twisted Sister and Good Rats on the drums. I look forward to seeing this brought to life next year and recommend fans of the TSO and Twisted Sister or anything outright spooky to go check this out. The bands website is www.vanhelsingscurse.com so visit soon.

My gripe, the story should have been outlined more in the book and included more pics and details. It is nice, but its skint.

An amazing Halloween soundtrack for 2003.
Dee Snider's new project, Van Helsing's Curse, at last unleashes an album that's guaranteed to make EVERY DAY Halloween. Heavily inspired by the Transyberian Orchestra, "Oculus Infernum" is a captivating masterpiece of symphonic metal. With crunching guitars, sobbing violins, howling brass horns, and operatic church choirs, this album captures the dramatic essence of a pyrotechnic stage show. I guarantee it, kiddies; the music isn't short of spectacular. Van Helsing's Curse applies electrified jolts into a few classical tunes, including Beetoven's "Moonlight Sonata," Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring," Orff's "Carmina Burana," and Chopin's "Funeral March." Horror movie fans will be pleased also, as Snider carefully incorporates ominous versions of "Tubular Bells" from The Exorcist, and "Ave Satani" from The Omen. I strongly recommend you to hear this while the lights are turned off!
So why did I choose to give "Oculus" 4 stars? I did it because Dee Snider's dark narration should have been omitted from the track list. Don't get me wrong, kiddies. I know this CD was conceived entirely by the Twisted Sister frontman. But what really bothered me was how trite, campy, and melodramatic his narration was. It was difficult for me to take the story seriously. But if you enjoy having such a host guide you through the thrills and chills of an audio recording, than I'm sure you won't have a problem with this one. I still recommend "Oculus Infernum" all the same. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A tour de force of guitar players Steve Vai has known rock around the Christmas tree in this must-have Yuletide album. Vai, who began his career as a member of Frank Zappa's band and in more recent years has been David Lee Roth's partner in crime, transcends both roles by playing matchmaker between a few of our more inventive (albeit overlooked) guitar slingers and some of the best-loved Christmas carols. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer's proboscis has never glowed quite so brightly as when Kenny Wayne Shepherd cranks up his guitar and takes us down an edgy blues journey. Eric Johnson's clear-as-a-Christmas-bell tones are a joy to listen to in his rendition of "The First Nowell." The standout, however, is Jeff Beck's haunting and emotional "Amazing Grace." --Jaan Uhelszki ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Great Guitar and Christmas CD
This CD is a great one for chirstmas time. I very much look forward to listening to this every year.

I agree with others that Jeff Beck's "Amazing Grace" is the best tune on the record. It is really worth the five stars alone. No one can compare to the skill and emotion of Jeff Beck.

Steve Morse's "Joy to the World" is also very nice. Eric Johnson's "First Noel" and Shepard's "Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer" are amongst the best on the CD.

Why I give it 4 stars, however, is because a few of the songs are duds. Joe Perry's Blue Christmas is more humourous then it is a pleasure to listen to. Satch starts off with a nice Silent Night, but the 7 minute jam is a little much. Don't get me wrong, it's still a pretty good tune. Hotei's tune may be a Christmas tune but it seems out of place.

However, Jeff Beck, Eric Johnson, and Steve Morse are three really good reasons to buy this.

Rockin' around the Axemas tree
You know how it always seems like they start playing Christmas music WAY too early and by the time Christmas actually gets here you're actually sick of Christmas music? Well, this will be the exception. In my opinion the absolute centerpiece of this CD is Steve Vai's exquisite rendition of "Christmas Time is Here". I just crank it up as loud as I can and close my eyes. Suddenly, I'm ice skating with Snoopy and Woodstock on a frozen pond in the moonlight. Beautiful! This track is so completely gorgeous it sends chills up my spine. Eric Johnson does a wonderful job with "The First Nowell" and I also love Steve Morse's "Joy to the World". I am a big Joe Satriani fan, however, I didn't much care for "Silent Night Holy Night Jam". Sorry, Satch. Although I very much liked Jeff Beck's "Amazing Grace", I thought it a little out of place on a Christmas CD. The Brian Setzer Orchestra & Joe Perry keep you rockin' around your Christmas tree with their rollicking versions of "Jingle Bells" and "Blue Christmas", respectively. A great way to make Christmas last all year long!

Guitar Heroes Do Christmas
Eleven guitar heroes join together to cover Christmas tunes in their own personal way. This gives a rockin' twist to the standards. From the first few notes from Kenny Wayne Shepherd's "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" you'll now that you're in for melodic delight. Everyone is here from Steve Vai, Satch, Beck, EJ and the BSO.

Highlights include "The First Nowell" from Eric Johnson. He starts us off with an acoustic rendition before stepping over to his electric guitar and wowing us with his fancy finger work, but nothing so flashy as to take away from the original work. As always, EJ's tone is right on and after a couple of his patented licks and runs he turns the tune into his own. The Brian Setzer Orchestra rocks Christmas with a swinging version of "Jingle Bells". The horns blare, and Brian gives us that Rockabilly fell on his Gretch. After checking out this upbeat tune you'll never know how it could have been any other way. Hotei comes in with a good rendition of Lennon's "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)". Jeff Beck gives a haunting performance on "Amazing Grace" pulling out his trademark bends, dives and swells. His take is very beautiful and fitting to more than just Christmas.

For anyone looking for a little less traditional take on Christmas music, or if you're a guitar junky, don't miss celebrating Christmas without this axe-ful album. You may even have to spin this disc in July.

Well-rounded Guitar Rock Christmas Collection
You can listen to this CD is August... you just might feel a little silly at a stop light with the windows down and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" cranked up to 11. Just take a look at the line-up of guitarists on this CD. You won't find anything like that anywhere else.

There is a lot of great stuff, but Steve Morse has the real stand-out track on this collection. "Joy to the World" indeed!
The Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Brian Setzer tracks are fun to listen to, and you can even sing along if you're into that kind of thing. Eric Johnson and Steve Vai each slow it down and do some great work on their songs.

A couple of interesting excursions away from Christmas come from Jeff Beck and Joe Satriani. Beck does an inspiring rendition of "Amazing Grace", but as far as I remember, that's not a Christmas song. And Satriani's "Silent Night/Holy Night Jam" begins and ends with the "Silent Night" melody, but there is a whole other trademark Satch jam in the middle that doesn't sound much like Christmas.

The disc kind of grinds to a close with a few clunkers. I liked Joe Perry's sloppy blues-y "Blue Christmas", but I could do without the last 3 songs. Alex Lifeson goes with too much synth and, of all things, a drum machine on "Little Drummer Boy". Hey Alex, don't you know a pretty good drummer who could have helped you out a bit?

Merry Merry Meery
Axemas and to all a good nite!

This sits right next to my Bing Crosby and Nucracker LPs. A classic for any guitar lover. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The King of Rock & Roll recorded music for every occasion and has been packaged in every shape and size imaginable. This collection is a particularly generous overview (25 tracks!) of his many Christmas recordings and includes four previously unreleased alternate takes. Guests include the Jordinaires and the Imperial Quartet. Elvis didn't always receive the most supportive musical backing, but the musical fluff that sabotaged much of his work doesn't weigh down these tracks. His skill as a vocalist is in evidence on such tracks as "Silver Bells," "O Come All Ye Faithful," and "The First Noel." If you were to pick one Christmas Elvis release, this would be a wise choice. --Rob O'Connor ... Read more

Reviews (15)

This is a MUST Christmas CD !
Well I have to say, whether or not your even an Elvis Presley fan, this album is simply incredible. Not only does it contain Elvis' early xMas recordings, but includes tracks from Elvis' xMas album recorded in the 70's. The album has a great mix, including both "rocker" songs as well as "ballad" style songs, which of course Elvis' voice is flawless. I can't recommend this album enough.. Enjoy !

This is the Elvis Christmas CD!
Stop right there! Your search for an Elvis Presley Christmas album has just been completed. This 1994 CD is a compilation of the best songs from Elvis' two Christmas LPs, one from the late 50's and one from the early 70's, plus the 1966 title song and some bonus alternative tracks. It contains all his classic Christmas songs including "Blue Christmas" and "Santa Claus is Back in Town." It also features "Winter Wonderland" with a Vegas lounge lizard finale and "Silent Night" which starts with a special Holiday greeting from the King.

This a great collection for those who are just looking for one Elvis Christmas LP- virtually every traditional Christmas song he ever recorded is on this CD. As for the non-traditional songs? The non-traditional songs on his 50's LP were probably its strongest elements and thus justify inclusion on this compilation, but some of the songs written specifically for the 70's LP are just weak especially "Holly Leaves and Christmas Trees." Elvis was not always perfect in his song choices. However, this is a great, great Christmas compilation from one of the greatest recording stars of all time, and is well recommended to any Elvis or Christmas music fan.

A Fine CD!
I bought this CD for the bonus tracks and I think it was worth it for those extras! If you want to buy this CD you won't be disappointed! You are not being cheap for buying it!

Don't buy this Cd..
If you want to buy a Elvis Christmas CD, don't buy this only... Don't get me wrong.. the songs an the Cd is GREAT.. but you should buy instead the Christmas Peace by Elvis.. it has all this songs and More for a few bucks more.. don't be cheap...

Elvis Sings With Christmas In His Heart
Christmas music is a genre that Elvis Presley sings with the same passion he brings to his gospel music and the Southern hymns that reflect his roots. During his career he recorded two complete albums of Christmas music. Many of these songs and others are brought together in this wonderfully cheery and inspirational CD.

Along with the title song, the heart-rending renditions of "If I Get Home on Christmas Day" as well as "It Won't Seem Like Christmas Without You" are personal favorites of mine. But this album contains more than just the secular, jingle-bell tunes like "Here Comes Santa Claus" (sung as only Elvis can) and "White Christmas' (more over, Bing!) but Elvis' voice soars on the religious cuts like "O Little Town of Bethlehem," "The First Noel," and more.

If you need just one more Christmas CD to lift your spirits during the Holiday season, I highly recommend this one. ... Read more

Album Description

A ceremony of songs for choir, hammer dulcimer, and percussion.Composed and arranged by Malcolm Dalglish.Featuring the poetry of Wendell Berry.Songs are in praise of the beauty and glory of nature. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Once in a while one finds a gem
I have had a copy of this CD for a couple of weeks purchased through this site. I have enjoyed the hammered dulcimer artistry of of Malcolm Dalglish for some time and took a chance in purchasing this offering. My first impression was that it was sort of unusual but had a certain delight in the rich harmonies which reminded me of a group called the Free Design I listened to years ago. But, it also has hints of "Shape Note" style singing which, to some who do not know it's history, can be a bit irritating as this type of hymn singing prefers vocal strength to purity and beauty. The CD comes with liner notes and words to songs and is best enjoyed by listening and reading to get a better interpretation of the themes and messages. This will make the whole album come alive. Once in a while one finds a gem and this is definately a gem.

Spiritual Flight
I have bought at least six copies of this cd to give to friends. The dulcimer accompaniment is lovely, but it is the vocal arrangements of the "hymns," both the poetry of Wendell Berry and some original lyrics by Dalglish, that make this music soar. Our college library owns an earlier version recorded with a boy's choir that I like even better, because the voices are even lighter, and I had visited this site hoping to find that it was being reissued, so that I could have BOTH versions to listen to. The pieces on this album have great beauty as well as depth and subtlety. One of my favorites is "Lay Me Low," a lament for the souls of the children (old and young) lost at Hiroshima. There isn't a sentimental note on the whole album. This is not your mother's new age muzak.

Anyone who puts Wendell Berry's poetry to music has a heart.
Anyone who puts Wendell Berry's poetry to music has a heart that is full! The boys choir voices bring Wendell's words to a whole different experiential plateau. Sounds from heaven! ... Read more