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Petula Clark
This Is Christmas
When we discovered that Petula Clark has never put out a proper Christmas album, we knew what we were getting for her fans this holiday season! And, this being a Collectors' Choice Music release, we've packed it with rarities galore. We've pulled tracks from throughout Petula's career. Christmas tunes from the '60s, '70s and the '90s are here along with four brand new tracks she recorded especially for this release! Click for the full details and tracklistings!
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King Family
Christmas With The King Family
The King Family’s Christmas specials were an annual family television event, and their Christmas album was repackaged a staggering 8 times—nevertheless, 'Christmas with the King Family' has been out of print since 1977! It’s simply a classic of the genre, and we’ve added 15 mostly unreleased tracks pulled from various specials and TV appearances to the original album’s 12 tracks to form a holiday album that we suspect will be a Christmas evergreen. Includes from the original album 'Caroling, Caroling/Come Dear Children; White Christmas; Go Tell It on the Mountain; Hark the Herald Angels Sing/O Come All Ye Faithful/It Came upon a Midnight Clear/Joy to the World; Holiday of Love; Silent Night; Hear the Sledges with the Bells; Little Drummer Boy; Star Carol/O Little Town of Bethlehem; What Child Is This?; Some Children See Him; Jolly Old St. Nicholas/Jingle Bells', and 'The First Noel/Auld Lang Syne/We Wish You a Merry Christmas', plus the bonus tracks '’Twas the Night Before Christmas/Santa Claus Is Coming to Town; Sleigh Ride; The Shopping Song; Tell Us What You Got; Holiday of Love; I’ll Be Home for Christmas; Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas; I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm; Do You Hear What I Hear Medley; Snowfall; Chree-see-mus; Children Go Where I Send Thee; My Favorite Things; Winter Wonderland', and 'The Christmas Song/Christmas Waltz'.
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King Family
Christmas With The King Family (dvd)
Throughout the ‘60s and ‘70s, Christmas just wasn’t Christmas without the King Family’s classic holiday TV specials. In celebration of the 45th anniversary of their television debut, join the Kings as they take a heartwarming and song-filled look back at their classic Christmas specials in this all-new holiday TV event. In clips unseen for nearly three decades (now digitally remastered), The Kings perform a cavalcade of classic showstoppers, while sharing personal, behind-the-scenes memories in contemporary interviews featuring King Sisters Yvonne King and Marilyn King, Tina Cole and King Cousins Cathy, Candy, Ric, Jamie & Xan along with Cam Clarke (anime star and voice of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ “Leonardo”) and King Kids Laurette and Susannah. Gather your family for heartwarming performances of such beloved classics as 'I’ll be Home for Christmas, White Christmas, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, My Favorite Things, Caroling, Caroling, The Christmas Waltz, The First Noel'; a swinging bossa-nova '‘Twas the Night Before Christmas', and many more. And as a special bonus, this DVD features the King Family’s classic 1967 special in its entirety, which includes one of their best remembered TV moments—the surprise Vietnam-era, on-camera reunion of King Sister Alyce with her son Ric, who’d been away on military service. This holiday season make Christmas a family affair with this retro TV holiday delight—as seen on public television!
DVD
$ 14.98
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The Jackson 5
Ultimate Christmas Collection *
The bestselling Jackson 5 Christmas album from 1970 'plus' a whopping 10 bonus tracks! 'The Christmas Song; Frosty the Snowman', and the rest of the original LP join Michael’s rare 'Little Christmas Tree'; a-cappella and “stripped” mixes; seasons-greetings messages from Michael and his brothers, and more.
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Various Artists
Christmas With Sinatra And Friends
Audio Mixer: Larry Walsh.
Liner Note Author: Ken Barnes.
Concord's CHRISTMAS WITH SINATRA AND FRIENDS highlights several unforgettable songs of the season with a few lesser-heard but enjoyable cuts mixed in. Eight Sinatra songs are taken from A JOLLY CHRISTMAS FROM FRANK SINATRA and 12 SONGS OF CHRISTMAS. The remaining four tracks feature Rosemary Clooney ("White Christmas"), Mel Torm‚ ("The Christmas Song [Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire]"), Tony Bennett and Bill Evans ("A Child Is Born"), and Ray Charles and Betty Carter ("Baby, It's Cold Outside"). Even though this compilation is relatively short, CHRISTMAS WITH SINATRA AND FRIENDS is a fairly solid collection of holiday music.
Concord's Christmas with Sinatra and Friends highlights several unforgettable songs of the season with a few lesser-heard but enjoyable cuts mixed in. Eight Sinatra songs are taken from A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra and 12 Songs of Christmas. The remaining four tracks feature Rosemary Clooney ("White Christmas"), Mel Torm‚ ("The Christmas Song [Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire]"), Tony Bennett and Bill Evans ("A Child Is Born"), and Ray Charles and Betty Carter ("Baby, It's Cold Outside"). Even though this compilation is relatively short, Christmas with Sinatra and Friends is a fairly solid collection of holiday music. ~ Al Campbell
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Dean Martin
My Kind Of Christmas *
MY KIND OF CHRISTMAS includes a variety of holiday favorites performed in Dean Martin's inimitable easygoing style. Among the 14 cuts are "Blue Christmas," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!," and "Baby, It's Cold Outside." Those who appreciate Dino's smooth voice should find this budget-priced disc a welcome addition to their holiday music collections.
My Kind of Christmas includes a variety of holiday favorites performed in Dean Martin's inimitable easygoing style. Among the 14 cuts are "Blue Christmas," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!," and "Baby, It's Cold Outside." Those who appreciate Dino's smooth voice should find this budget-priced disc a welcome addition to their holiday music collections. ~ Al Campbell
$ 13.98
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Aretha Franklin
This Christmas
Audio Mixer: Al Schmitt.
Photographer: Timothy Wise.
With THIS CHRISTMAS, Aretha Franklin delivered what was, amazingly, the first Holiday CD of her stellar, decades-long career. Producer Tena Clark wisely keeps it simple, framing the queen of soul's heaven-sent voice with velvety, sparsely adorned retro-style R&B. The album includes a mix of time-worn chestnuts given typically sensitive, understated readings ("Silent Night," "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing") and impassioned takes on lesser-known songs such as the funky, gospel-infused "Christmas Just Ain't Christmas" and the smooth-as-silk title track.
The obvious title here would have been Wreatha Now, but Aretha opted to follow in the footsteps of at least 20 other artists by going with This Christmas as the title of her first Christmas album. Apart from the Donny Hathaway/Nadine McKinnor-written title track, a duet with her son Edward that is both sweet and playful (at one point, Aretha interjects, "Eddie, you mustn't upstage mom with those high notes"), the disc is filled mostly with the spiritual and relatively serious side of holiday material. The likes of "Silent Night," "Ave Maria," "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," and "Angels We Have Heard on High" are given the kind of treatment only Aretha could grant, though it should be noted that there are moments where you might feel stuck inside the Aretha Melismatorium. It's not all reverence and reflection: best of all is a reading of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" that can only be termed "personalized." ~ Andy Kellman
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Ray Charles
The Spirit Of Christmas [Remastered] [Bonus Track]
Personnel includes: Ray Charles (vocals, piano, synthesizer); Marty Paich (arranger, conductor); Betty Carter (vocals); Jeff Pevar, Kevin Turner (guitar); Rudy Johnson (tenor saxophone); Freddie Hubbard (trumpet, flugelhorn); The Raelettes, The Jack Halloran Singers (background vocals).
Producer: Ray Charles.
Reissue producer: James Austin.
Recorded at R.P.M. Studios, Los Angeles, California.
Digitally remastered by Bill Inglot and Dan Hersch (DigiPrep).
Personnel: Ray Charles (vocals); Kevin Turner, Jeff Pevar (guitar); Freddie Hubbard (trumpet, flugelhorn).
Recorded in 1985, The Spirit of Christmas finds Ray Charles performing a variety of holiday favorites with vocal assistance from the Raelettes and an appearance by jazz trumpeter Freddie Hubbard. The ten tracks mix standards and originals, including "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," and the ballad "That Spirit of Christmas," which was featured in the movie National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. The Spirit of Christmas is perfect background music for any holiday celebration. ~ Al Campbell
The problem with most Christmas albums is that they're so similar to all other Christmas albums: same songs, same arrangements, same cheesy background choruses. Any fears that Ray Charles' THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS will fit the mold are quickly dispelled on the first track, "What Child Is This?," on which Charles renders a beautiful, soulful vocal, then leads a swinging big band through several tempo and feel changes, all accompanied by hot charts and hotter solos. True, Charles trots out the same old songs, but it's guaranteed you've never heard "The Little Drummer Boy," "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer," and "Winter Wonderland" performed this way before.
Charles pulls out all the stops on THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS, incorporating elements of gospel, soul, big band jazz, and country (Charles recorded his classic album MODERN SOUNDS IN COUNTRY AND WESTERN the same year that he recorded this album). The result is a brilliant fusion of American sounds that presents as cogent an argument as any for the cultural preeminence of the U.S. in the twentieth century. Rhino's reissue includes a bonus track, the Charles-Betty Carter duet "Baby, It's Cold Outside."
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Mannheim Steamroller
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas: 25th Anniversary Collection *
Personnel: Ron Cooley (guitar, lute); Glen Smith (12-string guitar); Mary Walter (harp); David Low , Gregory Clinton (cello); Bobby Jenkins (oboe); Paul Winter (sopranino saxophone); Tom Hartig (alto saxophone); Doug Waddell, Barbara Butler, Charles Geyer (trumpet); Oto Carrillo, Alice Render, Dale Clevenger, David "High D" Kappy (French horn).
Director: John Rutter.
The CHRISTMAS 25th ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION celebrates the chocolate-and-peanut-butter match that is Chip Davis' aural string assault and the yuletide season's turning a quarter-century old. The style is timeless; as it was in 1984, the lush arrangements surround the classic carols to create a unique, inobtrusive backdrop for any holiday party. This edition features a snazzy casing and extra tracks.
This 2009 double-disc set cherrypicks highlights from Mannheim Steamroller's six holiday albums -- 1984's Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, 1988's A Fresh Aire Christmas, 1995's Christmas in the Aire, 2001's Christmas Extraordinaire, 2007's Christmas Song, and its 2008 sequel, Christmasville -- making it a nice overview and introduction to the group's signature seasonal cheer. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine
2 CD SET
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Original Soundtrack
A Christmas Story
Personnel: Bruce Nyznik (sound effects).
Audio Mixer: Frank Marrone.
Liner Note Authors: Paul Zaza; Carl Zittrer.
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Anne Murray
Anne Murray's Christmas Album *
Personnel: Anne Murray (background vocals); Aidan Mason, Michael Francis (guitar); Bob Mann (acoustic guitar); Vern Dorge (saxophone); Jack Lenz, Doug Riley (piano); Brian Gatto (electric piano); Steve Sexton (keyboards); Tom Szczesniak (bass instrument); Barry Keane, Gary Craig (drum); Brian Barlow (percussion); Bob Hamper, Bob Farrar, Laurie Hood, Judy Marachak, Vern Kennedy, Tommy Ambrose, Jamie Rae, Colina Phillips, Debbie Schaal Ankeny, Debbie Fleming (background vocals).
Easy-listening superstar Anne Murray's third album of Christmas favorites, ANNE MURRAY'S CHRISTMAS ALBUM, is a 15-track set focusing equally on traditional carols like "Joy to the World" and pop holiday classics like "Jingle Bell Rock." Three songs, "Silent Night," "Winter Wonderland," and "Away In A Manger," have also been used in special sound-producing greeting cards. Guests include fellow Canadians Michael Buble and Diana Krall, who duet on "Baby It's Cold Outside" and "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," respectively.
On her seventh Christmas collection, songstress Anne Murray croons her way through some of the season's most beloved songs. Released in her 63rd year, Anne Murray's Christmas Album (which features five new recordings and ten previously released tracks) rivals holiday compilations from artists half the Canadian songbird's age. Classic numbers such as "Joy to the World" and "Silver Bells" sound as if they were written with no other artist in mind but Murray. On the latter, the singer, backed by a heavenly vocal choir and a silky orchestra, offers up a delightful reading of an ear-pleasing composition that has become as much a part of Christmas as a glass of eggnog and a fire crackling in the hearth. Murray gets in the holiday spirit as she struts her way through a jangly version of "Winter Wonderland" and later lilts beautifully on a soul-piercing cover of "Silent Night." An aching rendition of "Blue Christmas" finds Murray, in a voice as delicate as freshly fallen snow, warming the listener's heart while she gently breaks it at the same time. Curling piano licks bathed in satiny strings float softly around Murray's vocals. Guests on the album include fellow Canadians Michael Bubl‚ and Diana Krall. ~ Todd Sterling
As a master interpreter of pop songs, it was only natural for Anne Murray to try her hand (or voice as it were) at Christmas classics. This set has become a holiday staple, which is warranted as Murray does wonderful renditions of "White Christmas," "The Christmas Song," as well as "Christmas in Kilarnery." Anne Murray's "Christmas" should have a place on the same shelf as Perry, Andy, and Bing. ~ Robert Taylor
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Doris Day
Complete Christmas Collection [pa]
The Collector's Choice anthology THE COMPLETE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION contains all of the holiday material recorded by Doris Day at Columbia Records. The 22-track anthology features the entirety of 1964's THE DORIS DAY CHRISTMAS ALBUM along with 10 songs released as singles and on compilation albums between 1946 and 1959, along with two previously unreleased songs. Highlights include "Be A Child At Christmastime" and a warm rendition of the classic "Silver Bells."
Complete Christmas Collection from Collectors' Choice obviously promises every Christmas track recorded by Doris Day, and it delivers as well. The bulk of the program comes from 1964's The Doris Day Christmas Album, but it's filled out with tracks going back to her days with Les Brown & His Orchestra from 1946 (a rendition of "The Christmas Song"), several solo sides from the early '50s, and a few from the late '50s or early '60s. As for the music, Day's voice shines over the light and breezy arrangements; Christmas has often been a time to glory in the familiar, and few voices were as familiar as Doris Day's during the '50s and '60s. Most of her choices are gentle ballads, songs like "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" that make it easy to stay inside (preferably in front of a roaring fire). The arrangements, most of them by Pete King, are solid adult pop numbers, draped with a curtain of soft strings. ~ John Bush
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Voices Of Walter Schumann
The Voices Of Christmas
Liner Note Author: Ed Osborne.
Recording information: 1955.
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Walter Brennan
Old Rivers/Twas The Night Before CHRISTMAS...BACK Home
2 LPs on 1 CD: OLD RIVERS (1962)/'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, BACK HOME.
Compiling two complete Walter Brennan LPs onto one disc, Old Rivers/'Twas the Night Before Christmas...Back Home is probably the best collection of the actor/singer's music on the market, although one can't help but wonder why a seasonal record was included in the package as opposed to one more easily enjoyed all year long. ~ Jason Ankeny
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Various Artists
Swinging Songs For Santa
The 36 performances on the double-CD Swinging Songs for Santa are taken from radio broadcasts, all of which took place around Christmas time. Unfortunately no dates or personnel are given so the dates given in this review are approximate. The music ranges from swing to dance music, reverent versions of Christmas songs to novelties. Among the highlights are a couple duets by Bing Crosby and Ella Fitzgerald ("Silver Bells" and "White Christmas"), Al Jolson's version of "White Christmas," an amusing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" by Bing, Rosemary Clooney, and Johnny Mercer, Tex Beneke singing a happy "Jingle Bells," and Les Brown's band on "Swingin' the Nutcracker Suite." This nostalgic set is not essential, but it certainly has the Christmas spirit. ~ Scott Yanow
2 CD SET
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The New Christy Minstrels
Christmas With The New Christy Minstrels: Complete!
CHRISTMAS WITH THE NEW CHRISTY MINSTRELS: COMPLETE contains 2 LPs on 1 CD: MERRY CHRISTMAS! (1963)/CHRISTMAS WITH THE CHRISTIES (1966).
Originally released on Columbia Records.
Christmas With the New Christy Minstrels: Complete! offers not one, but two albums by the group of the same name. Interestingly, because of a number of personnel changes, none of the members present for Merry Christmas! in 1963 remained with the group in 1966 when Christmas With the Christies was recorded. While the group has been eclipsed by Peter, Paul, and Mary over time, the New Christy Minstrels' star shone as bright as any folk group in the mid-'60s. The group carved out a unique choral sound, achieved with the help of nine members. When the Christies combined complex arrangements with several talented lead singers on songs like "Beautiful City" and "Tell It on the Mountain," they created a rich tapestry of sound. With nine singers, only the most ardent fans know that the group was the brainchild of Randy Sparks, or that Nick Woods and Art Podell handled the arrangements on the early albums. The bottom line to most fans was how good the group sounded on songs like "The Shepherd Boy" and "Parson Brown." In fact, quite a few people consider Merry Christmas! to be the group's best album and have been listening to scratchy copies of the LP for over 25 Christmases. If this album shines less brightly, it has something to do with the more formalized arrangements and pop production. The New Christy Minstrels, like many folk groups, weren't quite sure how to carry on in the midst of the British Invasion and folk rock. Still, it's nice to have both albums together along with several bonus tracks. Christmas With the New Christy Minstrels: Complete! is fun holiday music. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.
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The Hollyridge Strings
Christmas Favorites [pa]
Probably our most-requested Christmas album! You certainly have heard orchestral versions of these chestnuts, but not orchestral versions like 'these'; includes 'Winter Wonderland; Jingle Bells; Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You); Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town; Santa’s Got a Brand New Bag; Jingle Bell Rock; Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas; White Christmas; I’ll Be Home for Christmas; Little Saint Nick', and 'Do You Hear What I Hear?'. Merry Christmas, everybody!
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Dean Martin
A Winter Romance [Collectors' Choice]
Liner Note Author: James Ritz.
A Winter Romance is perhaps best described as a "seasonal" album rather than a Christmas or holiday release, despite the inclusion of such familiar fare as "White Christmas" and "Winter Wonderland." Dean Martin has also included such standards as "The Things We Did Last Summer" and "June in January," as well as some specially written material such as Sammy Cahn and Ken Lane's title song and "It Won't Cool Off." Nevertheless, with its lush strings, well-scrubbed vocal choruses and buoyant mood, this collection has an appropriately festive feel. Martin does a competent job, even having fun here and there when the song allows him to present his take on a similar baritone (Bing Crosby on "White Christmas," Vaughn Monroe on "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!") or when the subject matter strays to something more comfortably suggestive like "Baby, It's Cold Outside" (performed with a female vocal chorus instead of a single female duet partner). All of which is to say that Martin makes the best of the situation without doing anything special with it. (The CD reissue adds one track, "Christmas Blues," recorded in 1953.) ~ William Ruhlmann
A Winter Romance is perhaps best described as a "seasonal" album rather than a Christmas or holiday release, despite the inclusion of such familiar fare as "White Christmas" and "Winter Wonderland." Dean Martin has also included such standards as "The Things We Did Last Summer" and "June in January," as well as some specially written material, such as Sammy Cahn and Ken Lane's title song and "It Won't Cool Off." Nevertheless, with its lush strings, well-scrubbed vocal choruses, and buoyant mood, this collection has an appropriately festive feel. Martin does a competent job, even having fun here and there when the song allows him to present his take on a similar baritone (Bing Crosby on "White Christmas," Vaughn Monroe on "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!") or when the subject matter strays to something more comfortably suggestive like "Baby, It's Cold Outside" (performed with a female vocal chorus instead of a single female duet partner). All of which is to say that Martin makes the best of the situation without doing anything special with it. [The 2005 reissue on Collectors' Choice inexplicably adds four songs unrelated to the concept of winter or Christmas, thereby wrecking the concept of the album.] ~ William Ruhlmann
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June Christy
This Time Of Year
Personnel: June Christy (vocals).
Arranger: Pete Rugolo.
June Christy was always an exceptional vocalist steeped in cool jazz who had a knack for unearthing interesting songs and fostering under-recorded songwriters. With the unjustly neglected This Time of Year Christy decided to address the fact that every single Christmas album seems to feature the same few seasonal songs. This Time of Year is that rarest of things -- a winter concept album of all new material that can be listened to even when the holidays are over. While Christy had a sunny image, listeners sometimes confuse her upbeat blonde looks with her actual music; here she continues her propensity to explore the darker end of the emotional spectrum on what is basically the Only the Lonely of Christmas albums. The fact that the title track finds Christy singing, "I feel like a Christmas Cinderella/Trading in her fellah and her dreams" immediately clues you into the fact that this isn't exactly the kind of yuletide cheer that Andy Williams spreads. But the album isn't only a refreshing change of pace -- it succeeds on musical merits alone and master arranger Pete Rugolo (who was to June Christy what Nelson Riddle was to Frank Sinatra) contributes deceptively complex charts that support Christy beautifully. Of course, things get better for the lovelorn protagonist through the course of the album, but not before Christy reminds you that the forced joviality of Christmas can sometimes make you feel less, not more, connected to your fellow man. This Time of Year remains the Christmas album of choice for those who feel a little out of step with the holidays. ~ Nick Dedina
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Various Artists
A Merry 1940s Christmas
Collectors' Choice Music will definitely get something good in their stockings thanks to this compilation of classic Christmas melodies circa the 1940s. More than two-dozen vintage seasonal songs are gathered on 2004's A Merry 1940s Christmas, many made available for the first time on compact disc. The ageless nature of these entries has ensured that most have been passed from generation to generation. Titles such as "I'll Be Home for Christmas" (Jerry Wayne), "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" (Frank Sinatra), "Winter Wonderland" (Buddy Clark), "White Christmas" (Charlie Spivak), and "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" (Gene Autry) will be familiar to kids of all ages. Conversely, "Merry American Christmas" (Kate Smith), "Jingle Bell Polka" (Modernaires), "Ol' Saint Nicholas" (Doris Day), "Little Jack Frost Get Lost" (Frankie Carle), and "When You Trim Your Christmas Tree" (Les Brown) might be best remembered by those who lived through the World War II era. While primarily a secular anthology, there are a few notable sacred selections, including a medley of "The First Noel" with "Angels from the Realms of Glory" (Richard Keys Biggs), as well as "Adeste Fideles (O Come, All Ye Faithful)" (Lyn Murray Singers) and "Ave Maria" (Hour of Charm All Girl Orchestra and Choir). The sound quality is striking in its richness, especially as these recordings are over a half century old, making A Merry 1940s Christmas recommended for all interested parties. ~ Lindsay Planer
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Al Martino
A Merry Christmas
There are very few Al Martino albums available, but this one went Top 10 on 'Billboard’s' Christmas charts in 1964! Includes 'You’re All I Want for Christmas; White Christmas; We Wish You a Merry Christmas; I’ll Be Home for Christmas; The Little Drummer Boy', and more.
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Don Ho
The Don Ho Christmas Album
Arranger: Gordon Jenkins.
This seasonal Don Ho offering is very much what might be anticipated from the Hawaiian crooner. Ho's vocals are augmented with a full chorus as well as bathed in lush orchestrations from noted arranger/conductor Gordon Jenkins. With an ear toward an adult MOR sound, Ho brings his trademark relaxed and easy demeanor to the 11 traditional and pop tunes on this collection. "Songs of Christmas," which opens the album, may best be remembered from Bing Crosby's similarly delivered rendition. However, this song was actually composed by one of Ho's Hawaiian musical mentors, Kui Lee -- who provided Ho with much of his original repertoire. His interpretation of "O Bambino" is airy, with almost a Latin feel. Ho's bilingual lyrical approach adds to the authentic traditional air. Incidentally, the track was also prominently featured as a duet between Tina and Nancy Sinatra on the Sinatra Family Wish You a Merry Christmas (1968) album as well as on the Harry Simeone Chorale's genre-defining Little Drummer Boy (1964) LP. Another tune covered by not only Ho and Bing Crosby, but even artists as far afield as the Beach Boys to Arthur Lyman is "Mele Kalikimaka." The likeness in style and delivery between Ho and Crosby has never been as vividly pronounced as it is here. With the notable exception of "Po La'i" -- Hawaiian for "Silent Night" -- the remainder of the Don Ho Christmas Album contains straightforward renditions of standards such as "Silver Bells," Mel Torme's classic "Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)," and "Merry Christmas Neighbor." ~ Lindsay Planer
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Kingston Trio
The Last Month Of The Year
The Kingston Trio: Dave Guard, Nick Reynolds, Bob Shane.
Recorded at Capitol Studios, Hollywood. Originally released on October 3, 1960. Includes liner notes by Bob Furmanek.
An essential part of any Christmas album collection, these are true Christmas folk songs, from spirituals to Old English rounds. ~ David A. Milberg
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Fred Waring & His Pennsylvanians
Now Is The Caroling Season
Includes liner notes by Tom Pickles.
All tracks have been digitally remastered.
Few recordings define the year-end holiday season as auspiciously as Fred Waring & His Pennsylvanians' classic Now Is the Caroling Season from 1957. As one of the earliest full-length 12" Christmas albums, it became practically anthemic to generation upon generation of baby boomers. Even as rock & roll was invading the youth-driven marketplace, this collection ably entered the Top 20 pop charts in 1957 and 1958. Waring formed his aggregate while a student at Penn State University, appropriately enough calling the combo the Collegians. Oddly, it was after relocating to Detroit that their name was permanently changed to the Pennsylvanians. By the late '50s, Waring and company had become household names thanks to years of radio, stage, and cinematic exposure. They were additionally the very first musical act to get their own weekly program on the burgeoning medium of television. Now Is the Caroling Season was their second LP for Capitol Records and is presented in much the same fashion as their TV show, with an easy continuous flow combining a cappella or sparsely accompanied choral singing with bold, brimming orchestral scores. The ensemble's capacious sound reflects a spacious stereophonic image that audiophiles will revel in, especially with the close-listening environs of headphones. Although the 21-song track list might suggest the package is housed on more than one disc, most of the selections run well under three minutes, yielding a total playing time of just under 45 minutes. There is an abundance of both sacred and secular material, including traditional numbers such as "Here We Come Awassailing," "March of the Kings," "O Christmas Tree," "Bring a Torch, Jeannette Isabella," "Angels We Have Heard on High," and "O Come, O Come Emmanuel," the vast majority arranged by Waring's seasoned associates Robert Shaw, Roy Ringwald, Jack Best, and Hawley Ades. There are also originals of note, including "It Was a Night of Wonder," "Christmas Was Meant for Children," "The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You)," and the title composition, "Now Is the Caroling Season," offered on its own and in a medley with "Sleigh Ride" at the album's midpoint. ~ Lindsay Planer
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Various Artists
Hollywood Christmas
From the screen to your stereo come these all-time holiday classics. Warm up with 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' Burl Ives; 'Frosty the Snowman' Jimmy Durante; 'Sleigh Ride' Ella Fitzgerald; 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas' Judy Garland; 'White Christmas' Bing Crosby; 'Christmas Time Is Here' Vince Guaraldi; 'That Spirit of Christmas' Ray Charles; 'Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!' Lena Horne; 'Merry Christmas, Baby' Charles Brown, plus Jackson 5, Olivia Olson and Lindsey Buckingham!
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Various Artists
Traditions - The Time Life Treasury Of Christmas
This ultra-bargain 2-CD set packs in 50 holiday classics in beautiful choral and orchestral arrangements. Pieces by Handel and Tchaikovsky join 'Joy to the World; The First Noel; Jingle Bells; Deck the Halls; Ave Maria; Silent Night; The Twelve Days of Christmas; Hark! The Herald Angels Sing; O Holy Night', and more, predominantly performed by the legendary Royal Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus!
2 CD SET
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Neil Diamond
A Cherry Cherry Christmas
Photographers: Mark Seliger; Jesse Diamond.
Neil Diamond's first two holiday albums were plainly titled THE CHRISTMAS ALBUM and THE CHRISTMAS ALBUM VOL. 2, which gave a pretty good indication of the by-the-book music they contained, just like how the very name of 2009's A CHERRY CHERRY CHRISTMAS is a tip-off that this collection is a decidedly less serious affair, even if it recycles a good chunk of the same recordings that comprised those earlier albums. A CHERRY CHERRY CHRISTMAS keeps a barbershop quartet arrangement of "Deck the Halls," a doo wop "White Christmas," and a swinging "Jingle Bell Rock," but what's notable are the additions: a ridiculous, self-celebrating title track that's trumped only by a goofy cover of Adam Sandler's "Chanukah Song."
Neil Diamond's first two holiday albums were plainly titled The Christmas Album and The Christmas Album, Vol. 2, which gave a pretty good indication of the by-the-book music they contained, just like how the very name of 2009's A Cherry Cherry Christmas is a tip-off that this collection is a decidedly less serious affair, even if it recycles a good chunk of the same recordings that comprised those earlier albums. A Cherry Cherry Christmas keeps a barbershop quartet arrangement of "Deck the Halls," a doo wop "White Christmas," and a swinging "Jingle Bell Rock," but what's notable are the additions: a version of "Cherry Cherry Christmas" that's trumped only by a goofy cover of Adam Sandler's "Chanukah Song." ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Neil Diamond's first two holiday albums were plainly titled The Christmas Album and The Christmas Album, Vol. 2, which gave a pretty good indication of the by-the-book music they contained, just like how the very name of 2009's A Cherry Cherry Christmas is a tip-off that this collection is a decidedly less serious affair, even if it recycles a good chunk of the same recordings that comprised those earlier albums. A Cherry Cherry Christmas keeps a barbershop quartet arrangement of "Deck the Halls," a doo wop "White Christmas," and a swinging "Jingle Bell Rock," but what's notable are the additions: a ridiculous, self-celebrating "Cherry Cherry Christmas" that's trumped only by a goofy cover of Adam Sandler's "Chanukah Song." These two new cuts make Diamond seem like the garrulous uncle at your family's holiday party, the one who is eager to prove how cool he is, which only makes him seem all the more out of touch. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine
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Barry Manilow
In The Swing Of Christmas [Bonus Tracks]
Lyricist: Bruce Sussman.
Personnel: Barry Manilow (vocals, keyboards, background vocals); Tim Pierce, George Doering (guitar); Tom Scott (flute, saxophone); Sal Lozano, Jay Mason, Eric Marienthal (woodwinds); Dan Fornero, Warren Leuning, Jeff Bunnell, Warren Luening (trumpet); Brian "Bubbles" O'Connor (French horn); Charlie Morillas, Andy Martin (trombone); Matt Herskowitz, Mike Lang, Randy Kerber (piano); Jim Cox, Ron Pedley (keyboards); David Rozenblatt (drums, percussion); John "Hot Fat Reynolds" Ferraro, Gregg Field, Joe La Barbera, David Rozenblatt (drums); Jeff Gunn, Patty Lloyd, Jennie Snyder, Greg O'Connor, Debbie Lytton, Jeffrey Foskett, Michael Lloyd , Randy Crenshaw (background vocals).
Audio Mixers: Don Murray ; Michael Lloyd ; Scott Erickson; Bill Schnee.
Recording information: Capitol Studios, Hollywood, CA; Pepper Tree Studio, Palm Springs, CA; Schnee Studio, North Hollywood, CA; SongLee Studio, La Canada, CA; Studio At The Palms, Las Vegas, NV.
Author: Barry Manilow.
Photographer: Jeff Katz.
Arrangers: Roger Treece; Greg O'Connor; Michael Lloyd ; Ray Ellis; Barry Manilow.
Since Manilow released his previous delightful holiday album A Christmas Gift of Love in 2002, the legendary singer and entertainer became a Las Vegas staple and experienced a pop chart renaissance with his collections of greatest songs of the '50s, '60s, and '70s. True to its title, his engaging third Christmas CD is more swinging and jazzy than his other two, which had an interesting musical variety but were definitely more pop. Since his '70s heyday, the singer has done everything from brilliant jazz, big-band, and show tune projects to a fanciful Sinatra tribute, and here he creates unforgettable arrangements of many familiar songs that draw from all of these genres. Texturing his own voice, he creates a Take 6-flavored twist on "Silver Bells," then on "Jingle Bells," mixes a hard-driving jazz trio and '40s big-band-flavored approach with a touch of the whimsy of Barbra Streisand's famous version. His MaD Fusion trio featuring the wild piano improvisations of Matt Herskowitz adds inspired energy to a medley of two songs we've heard a million times but rarely as entertainingly, "Joy to the World"/"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year." Beyond enjoying Manilow's mix of unique jazzy vocal approaches with tender straightforward deliveries (as on "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,"), what makes this perhaps his best Christmas disc are a few unexpected song choices: the beautiful "Violets for Your Furs" (best known as a song on Frank Sinatra's legendary 1954 album Songs for Young Lovers); the easy swinging, brass-inflected "Toyland," from Victor Herbert's operetta Babes in Toyland, and "Count Your Blessings," the "other song" Irving Berlin wrote for the film White Christmas. Fans of Manilow and Christmas music would pick up this disc even if it was average and prosaic, but the obvious love the artist put into these fresh choices and arrangements makes it one of his most unique and inspired efforts ever. ~ Jonathan Widran
Since Manilow released his previous delightful holiday album A Christmas Gift of Love in 2002, the legendary singer and entertainer became a Las Vegas staple and experienced a pop chart renaissance with his collections of greatest songs of the '50s, '60s, and '70s. True to its title, his engaging third Christmas CD is more swinging and jazzy than his other two, which had an interesting musical variety but were definitely more pop. Since his '70s heyday, the singer has done everything from brilliant jazz, big-band, and show tune projects to a fanciful Sinatra tribute, and here he creates unforgettable arrangements of many familiar songs that draw from all of these genres. Texturing his own voice, he creates a Take 6-flavored twist on "Silver Bells," then on "Jingle Bells," mixes a hard-driving jazz trio and '40s big-band-flavored approach with a touch of the whimsy of Barbra Streisand's famous version. His MaD Fusion trio featuring the wild piano improvisations of Matt Herskowitz adds inspired energy to a medley of two songs we've heard a million times but rarely as entertainingly, "Joy to the World"/"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year." Beyond enjoying Manilow's mix of unique jazzy vocal approaches with tender straightforward deliveries (as on "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,"), what makes this perhaps his best Christmas disc are a few unexpected song choices: the beautiful "Violets for Your Furs" (best known as a song on Frank Sinatra's legendary 1954 album Songs for Young Lovers); the easy swinging, brass-inflected "Toyland," from Victor Herbert's operetta Babes in Toyland, and "Count Your Blessings," the "other song" Irving Berlin wrote for the film White Christmas. Fans of Manilow and Christmas music would pick up this disc even if it was average and prosaic, but the obvious love the artist put into these fresh choices and arrangements makes it one of his most unique and inspired efforts ever. [This release features the bonus tracks "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Christmas Is Just Around the Corner."] ~ Jonathan Widran
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Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash Christmas 1976 - 1979 (dvd)
Leading up to his 1980 induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, these Christmas specials capture the Man in Black at a special time in his career. You’ll see Johnny on stage and at home and watch over 60 performances: 'Cannonball Rag' Merle Travis; 'White Christmas' Jerry Lee Lewis; 'That’s When Your Heartaches Begin' Andy Kaufman; 'Christmas Is' Tom T. Hall; 'The Christmas Song' Roy Clark; 'Steel Guitar Rag' Barbara Mandrell; 'Blue Suede Shoes' Carl Perkins; 'Oh, Pretty Woman' Roy Orbison, and more including tons of tunes by Johnny! (4 hours)
4 DVD SET
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Elvis Presley
Christmas Duets [Digipak]
Composer: Bergen White.
Personnel: Curtis Young, Kerry Beatty, Jeremy Calloway, Larry Strickland, Ray C. Walker, The Jordanaires, Louis Dean Nunley, Gordon Stoker, Millie Kirkham (vocals, background vocals); Kimberly Schlapman, Karen Fairchild , Brian Beatty, Kimberly Schlapmann, Gretchen Wilson, LeAnn Rimes, Martina McBride, Amy Grant, Olivia Newton-John, Anne Murray, Sara Evans, The Palmetto State Quartet, Wynonna Judd, Carrie Underwood, Karen Fairchild (vocals); Richard Bennett , Richard Rodney Bennett (acoustic guitar); Steve Gibson, Jim Long , Steve Gibson (electric guitar); Nashville String Machine (strings); John Jarvis, Hargus "Pig" Robbins (piano); Gordon Mote (Hammond b-3 organ); David Hungate, Glenn Worf (bass guitar); Eddie Bayers (drums); Eric Darken (percussion); Brian Beattie (background vocals).
Audio Mixer: Chuck Ainlay.
Recording information: Bates Brothers Recording, Birmingham, AL; Germano Studios, New York, NY; Phase One Studios, Tornto, Ontario, Canada; RCA Victor Studio B, Nashville, TN; Sound Stage Studios, Nashville, TN; Studio 27, Nashville, TN.
Authors: Karen Fairchild ; Kimberly Schlapmann; Gretchen Wilson; Martina McBride; Amy Grant; Olivia Newton-John; Anne Murray; Sara Evans; Wynonna Judd; Carrie Underwood.
Arranger: Elvis Presley.
In the manner of Natalie Cole's UNFORGETTABLE, Elvis Presley's CHRISTMAS DUETS is a collection of Christmas songs that Elvis recorded throughout his career, remixed in 2008 to add new vocal parts by many of today's biggest female country stars, some of whom had not yet been born when Elvis died in 1977. Guest vocalists include Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, Sara Evans, LeAnn Rimes, and Amy Grant. Other guests include Anne Murray and Olivia Newton-John, the only two vocalists here whose careers intersected with Elvis chronologically.
Elvis Presley never recorded duets, but that didn't stop RCA from compiling an album of duets for the 2008 Christmas season -- all with the help of the latest studio technology and ten willing duet partners. The guests are virtually all female, and virtually all come from the country field (or have recorded country in the past). It's easy to note the clever marketing moves made throughout the entire project, but that doesn't stop the results from being surprisingly agreeable, a good effort at attempting to re-create the sound and feel of classic Elvis Christmas songs from the '50s (and a few from the early '70s). It's clear that the project was handled with a great deal of care, from the sympathetic productions to the fact that the producers got help from more than just a few musicians who knew Elvis well. With Gordon Stoker leading the Jordanaires (Elvis' prime backing group), and Hargus "Pig" Robbins tinkling the ivories, this is certainly the kind of session date that Elvis wouldn't have missed (and would have ensured lasted well into the night). The duet vocals are usually fine, especially since Elvis and his guests are usually trading lines, which works much better than the occasional duet harmonies. The opener, "Blue Christmas" with Martina McBride, sets the mood, laid-back and slightly bluesy, while McBride makes sure she gives the King plenty of room. Carrie Underwood's piercing, crystalline vocals threaten to overwhelm "I'll Be Home for Christmas," but LeAnn Rimes goes back and forth in a great duet on "Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)." The only outright failure is Gretchen Wilson's attempt to echo Elvis' lines and really stretch out during the eight-minute "Merry Christmas Baby." ~ John Bush
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Various Artists
A Sexy Christmas
Sex and Christmas: They go together! Yet A SEXY CHRISTMAS is more about romance and cuddling around the fire than it is about getting down under the mistletoe, and therefore receives a G rating. The duet between Vanessa Williams and Bobby Caldwell, "Baby It's Cold Outside," heats things up at the outset, with Toni Braxton's "Snowflakes of Love" and Aaron Neville's "Please Come Home for Christmas" adding fuel to the fire. But Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, and Elvis Presley help keep A SEXY CHRISTMAS a traditional, seasonal family affair.
Time Life's Sexy Christmas leaves little to the imagination. With its lazy title and not-so-subtle cover photo of a woman's leg sliding into a Santa boot, one can only assume the worst, but despite all of its urban-lite, seasonal dentist office cheer (Vanessa Williams and Bobby Caldwell, Aaron Neville, Toni Braxton, Kenny G.), there's enough quaint, old-school Viagra bawdiness from the likes of Dean Martin, Elvis Presley, and Tony Bennett to keep your "spirit" up. ~ James Christopher Monger
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Various Artists
A Charlie Brown Christmas [Bonus Tracks] [Remaster]
Personnel: Vince Guaraldi (piano); Monty Budwig, Fred Marshall (bass); Colin Bailey, Jerry Granelli (drums).
Includes liner notes by Ralph J. Gleason.
Adapter: Vince Guaraldi.
Personnel: Vince Guaraldi (piano); Fred Marshall, Monty Budwig (bass instrument); Colin Bailey, Jerry Granelli (drums, drum).
Audio Remixer: Stephen Hart .
Liner Note Author: Joel Selvin.
Arranger: Vince Guaraldi.
The pianist Vince Guaraldi's scores for the PEANUTS animated features added immeasurably to the utter charm and ultimate success of those TV productions. Whatever the context, Guaraldi always made real jazz, never dumbing down the music for whatever potential audience he was writing and playing for. Of course, it helped that Guaraldi always played in a concise Latin-derived popular style in the first place.
A mixture of traditional Christmas tunes, Guaraldi originals ("Linus & Lucy," the lovely "Christmas Time Is Here"), and even a little Beethoven ("Fur Elise"), A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS is one holiday album that can be enjoyed all year 'round. It's quite possible that Guaraldi made more than one lifetime jazz fan with these timeless tracks.
Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz called on pianist extraordinaire Vince Guaraldi and his trio to compose and perform music that would reflect the humor, charm, and innocence of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the entire Peanuts gang for their 1965 Christmas TV special. It was a perfect match: Guaraldi strings together elegant, enticing arrangements that reflect the spirit and mood of Schulz's work and introduce contemporary jazz to youngsters with grace, charm, and creativity. "What Child Is This" touches on cool jazz's richly textured percussive nuances, while "The Christmas Song" reflects Christmas' relaxing, mellow moments. The renowned "Linus and Lucy" gives the Peanuts characters a fresh, energetic feel with its tantalizing meter changes, brilliant percussion, and dashing, humorous piano lines. "Christmastime Is Here," perhaps the album's most endearing and eloquent moment, is six minutes of soft, lullaby-like melodic and percussive flavors. This collection of soul-soothing melodies would not be complete without the romantic gem "Skating," which blends musical references to falling snowflakes with the dashing feel of swing. Finally, the uplifting, emotionally stirring swing tune "Christmas Is Coming" really brings the listener into the joyous light of the Christmas spirit. Fred Marshall's alluring walking basslines and drummer Jerry Granelli's hauntingly beautiful brush work give most of the album a warm foundation, while Monty Budwig and Colin Bailey shine through with eminent dexterity on bass and drums on "Greensleeves." As for Guaraldi, his penetrating improvisational phrases paint pictures of the first winter snowfall, myriad glistening trees, and powdery white landscapes. With its blend of contemporary jazz and lyrical mannerisms, A Charlie Brown Christmas is a joyous and festive meditation for the holiday season. ~ Shawn Haney
Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz called on pianist extraordinaire Vince Guaraldi and his trio to compose and perform music that would reflect the humor, charm, and innocence of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the entire Peanuts gang for their 1965 Christmas TV special. It was a perfect match: Guaraldi strings together elegant, enticing arrangements that reflect the spirit and mood of Schulz's work and introduce contemporary jazz to youngsters with grace, charm, and creativity. "What Child Is This" touches on cool jazz's richly textured percussive nuances, while "The Christmas Song" reflects Christmas' relaxing, mellow moments. The renowned "Linus and Lucy" gives the Peanuts characters a fresh, energetic feel with its tantalizing meter changes, brilliant percussion, and dashing, humorous piano lines. "Christmastime Is Here," perhaps the album's most endearing and eloquent moment, is six minutes of soft, lullaby-like melodic and percussive flavors. This collection of soul-soothing melodies would not be complete without the romantic gem "Skating," which blends musical references to falling snowflakes with the dashing feel of swing. Finally, the uplifting, emotionally stirring swing tune "Christmas Is Coming" really brings the listener into the joyous light of the Christmas spirit. Fred Marshall's alluring walking basslines and drummer Jerry Granelli's hauntingly beautiful brush work give most of the album a warm foundation, while Monty Budwig and Colin Bailey shine through with eminent dexterity on bass and drums on "Greensleeves." As for Guaraldi, his penetrating improvisational phrases paint pictures of the first winter snowfall, myriad glistening trees, and powdery white landscapes. With its blend of contemporary jazz and lyrical mannerisms, A Charlie Brown Christmas is a joyous and festive meditation for the holiday season. [This edition of A Charlie Brown Christmas included bonus tracks.] ~ Shawn Haney
$ 14.98
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Faith Hill
Joy To The World
Personnel: London Oratory School Schola, Metro Voices (vocals); Dann Huff, Jerry McPherson, Tom Bukovac (guitar); Pete Hutlinger, Bryan Sutton (acoustic guitar); David Schnaufer (dulcimer); Jonathan Yudkin (celtic harp, fiddle, viola, cello); Michael Compton (mandolin); Connie Ellisor, Karen Winkelmann, Gerald Greer, Denise Baker, Carolyn Bailey, Beverly Drukker, Mary Kathryn Vanosdale, Bruce Wethey, Carl Gorodetzky, Pamela Sixfin, David Davidson , Alan Umstead, David Angell, Catherine Umstead, Cate Myer, Janet Askey (violin); Stuart Duncan (fiddle); Kristin Wilkinson, Jim Grosjean, Monisa Angell, Gary VanOsdale (viola); Julie Tanner, Sari Reist, Lynn Peithmann, Anthony LaMarchina, Carole Rabinowitz-Neuen (cello); Nashville String Machine (strings); Ann Richards (flute); Eric Rigler (tin whistle, Uilleann pipe); Lee Levine (clarinet); Bobby Taylor (oboe); Jim Lotz (bassoon); Doug Moffet, Robbie Shankle, Matt Davich, Sam Levine , Denis Solee, Buddy Skipper (saxophone); Jeff Bailey , Mike Haynes , Steve Patrick, George Tidwell (trumpet); Beth Beeson, Jennifer Krummer, Jeff Meyer, Calvin Smith (French horn); Chris Dunn, Prentiss Hobbs, Chris McDonald, Barry Green (trombone); Gilbert Long (tuba); John Gilutin (piano); Bettie Ross (organ); Jimmy Nichols, Charles Judge (keyboards); Jack Jezioro, Paul Bushnell, Craig Nelson (bass instrument); Glenn Worf (upright bass); Neil Stubenhaus (electric bass); Keith Carlock, Shannon Forrest (drums); Eric Darken, Steve Brewster, Sam Bacco, Ron Sorbo (percussion).
Audio Mixer: Allen Sides.
Arrangers: Dann Huff; Faith Hill; David Campbell; Byron Gallimore.
The marketing department at Warner Brothers must have really wanted to get a jump on the holiday season when they released Faith Hill's 2008 Christmas album, JOY TO THE WORLD, in September. Hill's set of carols and traditional songs may not suit the late summer, but that doesn't make JOY TO THE WORLD any less of a treat. As albums like BREATHE and FIREFLIES proved, Hill has no problem crossing over to mainstream audiences, and this Christmas set (the singer's first) should strengthen that appeal. If the song selection itself isn't surprising--including the usual fare like "What Child is This," "O Come All Ye Faithful," and "Silent Night"--the arrangements are. A large orchestra, featuring brass, strings, reeds, percussion, and two different choirs, give these renditions a full, sweeping flavor reminiscent of the big bands of the 1940s and `50s. The album also includes an original single, "A Baby Changes Everything," which features one of Hill's most compelling performances.
Faith Hill's holiday album Joy to the World is a proudly old-fashioned record -- almost too much so, really, as there is nothing surprising about it, from its collection of shopworn standards to the full-blown yet curiously stiff production. Basically, this is an album where if you read the title, you will know how the song will sound: "Joy to the World" gets a big, bombastic, orchestral arrangement appropriate for a concert recital, "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" swings like Sinatra conducted by Billy May, "Little Drummer Boy" is prim and proper, "Holly Jolly Christmas" feels pulled from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, "Away in a Manger" is sweet and stately. Everything is business as usual, right down to Hill's performances: big, not blustery; they're immaculate theater, sometimes verging on grandstanding but often suited for the occasion. Which might not make Joy to the World a singular holiday album in any respect -- it's too pat and perfect to be memorable -- but for anybody looking for a new old-fashioned Christmas album, this suits the bill just fine. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine
$ 18.98
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Nat King Cole
The Christmas Song [2009]
Personnel includes: Nat "King" Cole (vocals, piano); Natalie Cole (vocals); Ralph Carmichael (conductor).
Producer: Lee Gillette.
Reissue producer: Brad Benedict.
Includes liner notes by Dick LaPalm.
Digitally remastered by Bob Norberg (Capitol Mastering).
First issued in the early 1960s, this collection of musical Christmas cheer is packed full of the smoothly sung, sentimental favorites associated as much with Nat "King" Cole himself as with the season. The singer's performance of "The Christmas Song" is an unforgettable classic reprised here twice, once in an updated version that includes a contemporary vocal from his daughter, Natalie, and also in Cole's original 1946 recording. Other traditional religious favorites like "I Saw Three Ships" and "Away in a Manger" are also featured, in a setting that, with its well-arranged orchestral accompaniment, manages to sound both sophisticated and folksy.
Nat King Cole recorded the definitive version of "The Christmas Song" in 1946, and while this 1960 re-recording is sublime, seek out the original. Although there is a heavy-handed use of orchestras and choruses on this record, Cole rises above the dreck with stellar versions of "Adeste Fidelis," "O Holy Night," and more. Originally released in September 1963, The Christmas Song [Capitol 1967] was reissued on CD in 1990 and again in 2005 with the addition of two bonus tracks.. ~ Dennis MacDonald
Nat King Cole recorded the definitive version of "The Christmas Song" in 1946, and while this 1960 re-recording is sublime, seek out the original. Although there is a heavy-handed use of orchestras and choruses on this record, Cole rises above the dreck with stellar versions of "Adeste Fidelis," "O Holy Night," and more. Originally released in September 1963, The Christmas Song [Capitol 1967] was reissued on CD in 1990. ~ Dennis MacDonald
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The Beach Boys
Christmas Harmonies *
The Beach Boys were the ultimate summer band, their songs full of sun, surfboards, and endless waves of good vibrations, but it is always interesting to remember how many of those bright productions featured sleigh bells as part of their rhythm tracks, as if Brian Wilson wanted to stick a little bit of winter in there. So it should come as no surprise that the Beach Boys recorded two Christmas albums, the first, The Beach Boys' Christmas Album, in 1964, and a second unreleased set, Merry Christmas from the Beach Boys, a decade later. This disc combines tracks from both projects, throwing in an alternate take of "Auld Lang Syne." If the Beach Boys favored sleigh bells in summer, then their bright and sunny vocals brought warmth into the dead of winter as well, particularly with their classic holiday single, "Little Saint Nick," which is included here. The alternate mix of "Auld Lang Syne" (this one without Dennis Wilson's spoken interjections) spotlights the gorgeous multi-tracked harmonies of the group, while the cluttered kitchen sink production of "Child of Winter (Christmas Song)" shows how complicated Beach Boys arrangements could get when left unchecked. These tracks have been repackaged and re-released countless times over the years, and there's really nothing particularly compelling about this particular package. You do get those gorgeous harmonies, though, and that's the bottom line. ~ Steve Leggett
$ 14.98
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