Christmas Album

1. O Come All Ye Faithful

2. Deck the Halls

3. Mistletoe and Holly

4. Lully, Lullay

5. What Child Is This? (Greensleeves)

6. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

7. Christmas Song

8. Coventry Carol

9. Silent Night

10. Good King Wenceslas

11. First Noel

12. In the Bleak Midwinter

13. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

14. O Christmas Tree (O Tannenbaum)

15. White Christmas

16. Angels We Have Heard on High

17. Holly and the Ivy

18. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Christmas Album,Charlie Byrd,Concord Records,Bop,Bossa Nova,Brazilian Jazz,Christmas,Christmas / Chanukkah,Holiday

Jazz

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Average customer rating: Wonderful December Lovely but, sadly not the best. Veteran Christmas Rocker Moody Blues Christmas Album - December Loved it.

December The Moody Blues Manufacturer: Polydor / Umgd ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: The Present Strange Times Journey into Amazing Caves: Soundtrack from the IMAX Theatre Film Blue Jays Sur La Mer ASIN: B0000DJYOD Release Date: 2003-10-28

Tracks:

1. Don't Need A Reindeer
2. December Snow
3. In The Quiet Of Christmas Morning (Bach 147)
4. On This Christmas Day
5. Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
6. A Winter's Tale
7. The Spirit Of Christmas
8. Yes I Believe
9. When A Child Is Born
10. White Christmas
11. In The Bleak Midwinter

Amazon.com

It was inevitable that The Moody Blues would produce a Christmas record. Why it took this long is the mystery. The group's classical music underpinnings have always been ripe for the Christmas canon and on December they add to it with their own contributions. "Don't Need A Reindeer" is a remarkably sweet little pop song that proves Justin Hayward can still write what sounds like a hit. A fair amount of orchestration shades the rest of the CD, as the band arranges and adds lyrics to a Bach piece (here called "In the Quiet of Christmas Morning") while also taking on "In the Bleak Midwinter," "When A Child Is Born," "White Christmas," and the John Lennon/Yoko Ono classic, "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)." In the same vein, though less cheerful, John Lodge pens a melancholy meditation on the horrors of the Mideast in 2003. While he's no John Lennon and December is uneven at best, for Moody Blues fans it will be like finding the lost chord.--Martin Keller

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful December.......2007-06-23

I recently got this CD and I must say I am very very happy with it. My dear Moody Blues have still got "it" - in spades. Their lyrics, music and voices are as wonderful as ever. Those fabulous Hayward & Lodge harmonies sound so very good and this CD is just chock full of their blended vocals. 'December' is such a joy to listen to; in fact I am listening to it right now, and it's 90 plus degrees outside on this June day!

I highly recommend this beautiful Moody Blues work. It's great to listen to at Christmas, or at any other time you want to hear these fabulous men make a joyful noise in your ears.

Lovely but, sadly not the best........2007-05-20

If you own all the other Moodies albums then this is a must. However, if your still building your collection, Strange Times blows this one out of the water. With Ray now gone, there's an empty space in the harmonies and writing

December is avery nice album, and grows on you fast if you don't "get it" at first. 4 stars for the original songs, and is a good snap-shot of the Moodies today.

Still awaiting their next...

Veteran Christmas Rocker.......2007-01-23

Recognizable Moody Blues no matter what the song. With touches of classical (Bach) and vintage (Iving Berlin) Christmas music but with the distinctive Hayward and Lodge touch, as well as their own compositions, this cd evokes pleasant memories of Christmas past while holding out the promise of pleasant listening next December as well.

Moody Blues Christmas Album - December.......2007-01-13

Buy it! This great CD has some old favorites but it's the new songs that really get you. Absolutely one of my most favorite holiday CDs ever.

Loved it........2007-01-04

I've had it for a couple of years and just love it. To me, it is soothing and relaxing.
It brings back memories of the old days and all their LP's from the 70's. There's just something about the sound of Moody Blues that you can't quite describe.
Great!

Average customer rating: The Who Classic Masterpiece AS YOU NEVER HEARD BEFORE A Landmark Classic Now Made Even Better. A Milestone of Early Rock! I Love it ! The Who's classic rock opera gets a 35th birthday celebration fit for a king!

Tommy Manufacturer: Geffen Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Supergroups | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Who's Next (Deluxe Edition) Live At Leeds [Deluxe Edition] My Generation (Dlx) (Dig) Avalon Quick One (Happy Jack) ASIN: B0000DJZAH Release Date: 2003-10-28

Tracks:

1. Overture
2. It's A Boy
3. 1921
4. Amazing Journey
5. Sparks
6. Eyesight To The Blind (The Hawker)
7. Christmas
8. Cousin Kevin
9. The Acid Queen
10. Underture
11. Do You Think It's Alright
12. Fiddle About
13. Pinball Wizard
14. There's A Doctor
15. Go To The Mirror!
16. Tommy Can You Hear Me?
17. Smash The Mirror
18. Sensation
19. Miracle Cure
20. Sally Simpson
21. I'm Free
22. Welcome
23. Tommy's Holiday Camp
24. We're Not Gonna Take It
25. See Me Feel Me/Listening To You

Tracks:

1. I Was
2. Christmas (Out-Take 3)
3. Cousin Kevin Model Child
4. Young Man Blues (Version 1)
5. Tommy Can You Hear Me? (Alternate Version)
6. Trying To Get Through
7. Sally Simpson (Out-Takes)
8. Miss Simpson
9. Welcome (Take 2)
10. Tommy's Holiday Camp (Band's Version)
11. We're Not Gonna Take It (Alternate Version)
12. Dogs (Part 2)
13. It's A Boy
14. Amazing Journey
15. Christmas
16. Do You Think It's Alright?
17. Pinball Wizard

Customer Reviews:

The Who Classic Masterpiece AS YOU NEVER HEARD BEFORE.......2007-06-12

The Album is a masterpiece of all time rock n roll, even if this is "the less Who album" of the Who... but nevermind!
The Sound in both Stereo (from the original master tape discovered in the vault of UMG) and 5.1 (mixed by Pete Townshend himself) is great...
As you put the disc in your player you'll hear the great differences from the 1996 reissue even if you have only a "simple" CD player..
If You're a great Who fan and you a have SACD player buy ABSOLUTELY this album and enjoy it 'til the laser of your player won't work anymore...
The second disc is clearly for fans only but the quality of some track even if are demos or outtakes is very very good!!

A Landmark Classic Now Made Even Better........2006-12-26

One of the most important, groundbreaking amd influential albums in the history of rock and roll, The Who's 1969 magnum opus "Tommy", a rock opera about a deaf, dumb and blind kid who sure plays a mean pinball, is now better than ever thanks to the brilliance of SACD and DSD remastering techniques.

Every song on the cd sounds like it was recorded just yesterday. It is 100 % crystal clear, perfectly remixed and remastered. It gives you a clearer view of the story as well as a more pleasurable than ever listening experience. Pete Townshend and the people involved in this truly put their hearts into making "Tommy" better than ever.

The bonus disc is also worth it. A lot of awesome raritis. The liner notes are an interesting read, and the album itself is of course a masterpiece nobody should be without.

A Milestone of Early Rock!.......2006-09-29

"Tommy" is beyond question one of the big milestones of early rock. Musically the band were at the peak of their creativity.

All band members were obviously extremely talented musicians and both Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend were/are great singers. Apart from few exceptions like "Cousin Kevin" all songs are outstanding; and it's really great to have the whole story on one CD - compared to the old double vinyl album.

Though the storyline may seem a little weird today ( to me it always did ), there is so much great music on this album.

The second bonus CD gives a very interesting insight in the developement of some of the songs. Though the sound quality is exellent CD 2 will mainly be of interest to hard-core Who fans. None of these alternate versions are better than the ones chosen for the album, though a few come close. The studio version of "Young Man Blues" which did not appear on the original album is a nice addition too!

I Love it !.......2006-09-06

I was so blind-sided by this reissue - really. I have looked at this for a few years now, but I never picked it up. My impression of this was that it had some very good music along with some dated sounding tracks, so it wasn't a high priority. I'd been having very good luck buying hybrid SACD's even though I don't own a SACD player; the CD layers benefit greatly from the DSD mastering, making them stand head and shoulders above the latest PCM remasters (there are a few exceptions), so I decided to take the plunge.

The CD layer is stunning. I must have been sitting there with my mouth open after "Overture" began. I experienced emotion that wasn't there on previous listens to this on CD and vinyl. Yes, some of the tracks still sound dated, but most of this album is very good indeed, and this remaster is so incredible. If you own a great stereo rig, I highly recommend buying this - in fact, even if you don't have a great rig, I recommend it!

The Who's classic rock opera gets a 35th birthday celebration fit for a king!.......2006-08-13

The Who's fourth studio(and fifth overall) album Tommy was released in May of 1969.
The Tommy album by The Who was the make or break for the group because if Tommy had failed, The Who would have probably disbanded due to lack of funds despite their concerts selling out based on Pete Townshend's guitar smashing and Keith Moon's drum kit demolishing at the end of each gig.
Guitarist Pete Townshend, under the gun after I Can See For Miles failed as a single in the UK(although it was their biggest ever hit here in the US) came up with a rock opera about a deaf, dumb and blind kid named Tommy whom becomes those aforementioned things after witnessing an event as a child that traumatized him(his father killing his step-father whom he considered his father).
Originally considered to be a single length album, the band felt it didn't make sense so they expanded it into a double album and the result is one of rock's Top 10 greatest double studio albums in history(alongside other classic double albums like the then-already released Jimi Hendrix's Electric Ladyland and The Beatles' White album and would help pave the way for more classics like The Rolling Stones' 1972 masterwork Exile on Main Street, The Who's 1973 release Quadrophenia, Elton John's 1973 classic Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Genesis' 1974 masterwork The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, Led Zeppelin's 1975 classic Physical Graffiti, Pink Floyd's 1979 masterpiece The Wall and Bruce Springsteen's 1980 classic The River among many others).
Alot of classics appear on this album like the Overture, the classic Top 20 hit Pinball Wizard, Amazing Journey, the Underture(best instrumental on here which is basically a repeat of the album's other instrumental Sparks), Go to the Mirror, I'm Free, Cousin Kevin(one of bass player John Entwistle's greatest compositions), Fiddle About(about the perverted Uncle Ernie), Tommy's Holiday Camp(another excellent ditty written by drummer Keith Moon whom did an excellent rendition in the film version of Tommy in 1975) and the classic finale We're Not Gonna Take It/See Me Feel Me.
The other tracks on the album It's a Boy, 1921(You Didn't Hear It), Eyesight to the Blind, Christmas, The Acid Queen, Do You Think It's Alright, There's a Doctor I've Found, Tommy Can You Hear Me?, Smash the Mirror, Sensation, Miracle Cure, Sally Simpson and Welcome are all great pieces as well though tend to be overlooked.
The album made The Who legends for good and peaked at #4 on the Billboard chart and was their first Gold seller(eventually Platinum).
In 1996, the album was re-released as a remastered CD but used different masters for the remixed reissue.
In October of 2003(just in time for Tommy's 35th Anniversary), Geffen Records(formerly known as MCA) re-released the album as a 2-disc Hybrid SACD with the original mix on the CD layer and a killer 5.1 mix on the SACD layer and this version uses the very original tapes that were found in Universal's vault after being said that the original tapes were destroyed by Kit Lambert in a fire. As a result of the discovery of the original tapes, the sound quality is amazing on here.
Disc two has great outtakes and demos like I Was, The Who trying to record Sally Simpson with hilarious results and instrumental versions of Tommy Can You Hear Me and Tommy's Holiday Camp among many other rarities plus a cool booklet with rare photos.
Highly recommended.

Average customer rating: Very special christmas Rock'n Christmas Not worth buying Worst online experience ever Rocking Christmas

A Very Special Christmas The Pretenders , and John Cougar Mellencamp Manufacturer: A&M ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music 1980s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Arena Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Holiday Music | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music 1980-1989 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: A Very Special Christmas, Vol. 2 A Very Special Christmas 3 A Very Special Christmas - Vol. 5 A Very Special Christmas Live! A Very Special Acoustic Christmas ASIN: B000002GFJ Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town - The Pointer Sisters
2. Winter Wonderland - Eurythmics
3. Do You Hear What I Hear? - Whitney Houston
4. Merry Christmas Baby - Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
5. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas -The Pretenders
6. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus - John Cougar Mellencamp
7. Gabriel's Message - Sting
8. Christmas In Hollis - Run-D.M.C.
9. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) - U2
10. Santa Baby - Madonna
11. The Little Drummer Boy - Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band
12. Run Rudolph Run - Bryan Adams
13. I Wish Everyday Could Be Like Christmas-Bon Jovi
14. The Coventry Carol - Alison Moyet
15. Silent Night - Stevie Nicks

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews:

Very special christmas.......2007-01-22

Great cd, have the original on record & couldn't find it anywhere in Oz on cd. Not your traditional boring christmas carols - love it!

Rock'n Christmas.......2007-01-19

If you luv Xmas, but you are a little sick of hearing the same old 40's & 50's sounding carols & songs and you wish xmas would ROCK, just a little, then this is the CD for you!!!!
I luv it, I have heard these songs played on the radio and thought
"Where can i get a copy of these tracks!".
Well here they are, in 1 neat little package.
Merry Rockn Xmas Next Year!

Not worth buying.......2007-01-19

I bought the cd for my sister, because it was the only recording I could find of this particular Sting song that she loved. It turned out she already had the cd, and said the ONLY good song on the cd was his song. Therefore I took it back to another store, as I didn't want it either. Too much discordant, and rap type music, she said.

Worst online experience ever.......2007-01-18

Hermanstreet is lame and I would never, even with my life hanging in the balance, order from them again.

I e-mailed several times (3)inquiring about my order and not once received an e-mail back. Worst online experience ever, this coming from someone who does the majority of their shopping and all their bill pay online.

Rocking Christmas.......2007-01-15

This is a good Christmas CD for people who are tired of the usual same-old-same-old. It features Mellencamp and the Eurythmics among others. It's really good and I highly recommend it.

Average customer rating: What a Beautiful Voice!!!!!!!!!! A very good Christmas CD Great!!! Mediocre Fabulous!

One Wish: The Holiday Album Whitney Houston Manufacturer: Arista ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music R&B | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Merry Christmas Christmas with Yolanda Adams The Preacher's Wife: Original Soundtrack Album Bethlehem First Christmas ASIN: B0000E1WKE Release Date: 2003-11-18

Tracks:

1. The First Noel
2. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)
3. Little Drummer Boy
4. One Wish (For Christmas)
5. Cantique de Nvel (O Holy Night)
6. I'll Be Home for Christmas 3:46
7. Deck the Halls/Silent Night
8. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
9. O Come O Come Emanuel
10. Who Would Imagine a King {From the Preacher's Wife}
11. Joy to the World

Customer Reviews:

What a Beautiful Voice!!!!!!!!!!.......2007-06-27

Whitney may have some personnal issues but her voice is still in tact! She has added a twist to every song and it works only for her. This is a wonderful Cd to have on while entertaining for the holidays or just relaxing by yourself. She captures the holiday spirit in every song thaty only she can do!

A very good Christmas CD.......2007-03-01

We have several Christmas CDs. This one is by far one of the better Christmas CDs. This is not just your normal re-hashed Christmas music. This cd is funky and has a great gospel sound. This is a must buy!

Great!!!.......2007-01-15

Even though it is not Whitney's best, I still thought it was great! I bought my Mom one also, and she enjoyed it too. I read several other reviews and I do not agree with the negativity. I truly do hope Whitney will come back better than ever.

Mediocre.......2007-01-15

Whitney's voice is back, but I am not sure why she would ever do another Holiday CD with "The Preacher's Wife" soundtrack's timeless beauty and charm. This CD was just ok, nothing earth shattering.

Fabulous!.......2007-01-12

I love Whitney despite all that she has been through - she has been blessed with the gift of song.

This is a soulful Christmas must have CD!

Average customer rating: beautiful beautiful Ave Maria Ave Maria - penetrating hymns the Ave Maria Album My Dad used to sing this while shaving

The Ave Maria Album Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mascagni | Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Hadley, Jerry | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Gounod, Charles | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Mascagni, Pietro | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Schubert, Franz | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vocal Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | U to Z | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Ponselle, Rosa | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Price, Leontyne | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Mascagni, Pietro | ( M ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Hadley, Jerry | ( H ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Ponselle, Rosa | ( P ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Price, Leontyne | ( P ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Ave Maria The Fabulous Danny Boy Album The Ultimate Sacred Christmas Album ~ Ave Maria Ave Maria Sacred Classics - Messiah, Ave Maria, Pie Jesu, Zadok the Priest, L'enfance du Christ ASIN: B000007QGY Release Date: 1998-08-11

Tracks:

1. Ave Maria - Choir Of Men And Boys Of St. Thomas Episcopal Church
2. Ave Maria - Helmuth Froschauer
3. Ave Maria - Munich Radio Orchestra
4. Ave Maria - George Stoll
5. Ave Maria - Orchestra
6. Ave Maria - The Ave Maria Album
7. Ave Maria
8. Ave Maria
9. Ave Maria
10. Ave Maria
11. Ave Maria
12. Ave Maria
13. Ave Maria
14. Ave Maria
15. Ave Maria
16. Ave Maria

Customer Reviews:

beautiful beautiful.......2007-06-27

This CD was a gift for someone who loves the classic Ave Maria, and it delivers an assortment of the most beautiful recordings of the hymn ever made. Just lovely!

Ave Maria.......2007-05-30

Some very good renditions of various versions, but some were rerecordings and not remastered, so were grainy and sounded like old 33.3 RPM recordings. I was disapppointed in those, but most were excellent for my purpose in becoming familiar with the music.

Ave Maria - penetrating hymns.......2006-01-26

Other CD's have various versions of Ave Maria, as does this one. What distinguishes this CD is the quality of the recordings, the reverent tone of the vocalists, and the impressive blending of the singers and orchestras. Some versions inpsire an awesome silence, attracting our focus on these hymns and their solemnity. Ave Maria continually provides a respite from the world--it is so intense. These Ave Maria hymns are captivating enough by their music alone. The meaning adds the intended spiritual dimension. This album comes highly recommended.

the Ave Maria Album.......2005-10-03

My husband and I listen to this all the time .. whatever
version is your preference, you can probably find it on this
album. Excellent.

My Dad used to sing this while shaving.......2005-06-11

This beautiful aria is interpreted 16 ways by several renown singers and composers, so I'm sure you'll find your own personal favorites among the different versions. Each rendition has its own descriptor, and I found myself thinking "riveting", "exhilerating", "captivating", "evocative", "inspiring", or even "heartbreaking" for the same compelling music. To me, even the old fashioned, ragged recordings herein had a certain charm, and I don't mind the 'scratchiness' at all. I believe my Dad would sing Franz Schubert's 'Ave Maria' as interpreted by tenor Jerry Hadley -- I swear it literally brought tears to my eyes when I first heard it. As a child, I remember the delight I took in hearing my Dad sing with all the passion and drama of an artiste -- and you know, for a man who didn't even know all the lyrics, he sounded pretty darn good in our old bathroom! Seriously, this is a wonderful collection, even without the reminiscent sentimentality. I highly recommend it.

Average customer rating: Not a must have - but quality fabulous A Christmans Album for All Seasons Very Enjoyable The Beginning of the End

Jethro Tull Christmas Album (Bonus Dvd) Jethro Tull Manufacturer: Fuel 2000 ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Similar Items: Nothing Is Easy: Live at the Isle of Wight 1970 Minstrel in the Gallery Songs from the Wood Heavy Horses The Broadsword and the Beast ASIN: B0002ZMJ5M Release Date: 2004-10-05

Tracks:

1. Birthday Card At Christmas
2. Holly Herald
3. A Christmas Song
4. Another Christmas Song
5. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
6. Jack Frost And The Hooded Crow
7. Last Man At The Party
8. Weathercock
9. Pavane
10. First Snow On Brooklyn
11. Greensleeved
12. Fire At Midnight
13. We Five Kings
14. Ring Out Solstice Bells
15. Bouree
16. A Winter Snowscape

Customer Reviews:

Not a must have - but quality.......2007-06-20

Good quality Tull material, some quite excellent in fact. Great production-one of their best sounding recordings ever.

fabulous.......2007-05-28

ian anderson is a genius. this cd is beautiful. it's been Christmas in April.

A Christmans Album for All Seasons.......2007-05-25

A totally unexpected Christmas Album from Ian Anderson with his virtuoso flute. Great rhythm and melodic variation distinguish this from other Christmas albums on Christmas standards and new originals. Too bad the other musicians are really not up to the task that Anderson's music demands most of the time--the other musicians playing are mediocre, particularly the uninspired drummer who has nowhere near his old man's chops.

Very Enjoyable.......2007-05-17

I've been a Tull fan since the early 1970's. During that decade I saw the band in concert 3 times. Although Ian doesn't have the power/range in his vocals anymore - the music is still quite refreshing. I like the spin on the old seasonal standards and wit and charm of his own material.
The pure instumentals are still way up to my Tull standards. There's a lot of music and it's very enjoyable. This one will be on my regular play list during the holidays - or whenever!

The Beginning of the End.......2007-04-27

This album marks the beginning of the end for Jethro Tull. Not because the band is going downhill on its own, but because Ian is driving it that way forcibly.

Here is where Ian starts to replace the top-notch, virtuostic players that have always made Tull the most musical band on the face of the planet, with people like his son, James Duncan Anderson, who, forgive me for being blunt, is a hack percussionist and utterly incapable at the throne.

Now he has replaced just about everyone else (except Martin) with second rate musicians that just can't play at the level which his compositions demand. And why? to save a buck. So Ian Anderson can die a rich man.

Tosh. This album is not bad, there's some really great playing, great fun arrangements of traditional tunes, but, there are a few spots where you wince at James' playing ability... and there will be a lot more of that if this new concert lineup stays. We're going to begin to miss Doane, Andrew and John.

Average customer rating: Rutter Christmas Album Unique and Beautiful! Johh Rutter Chirstmas Album Liked it enough to go through a lot of trouble to give it a review. John Rutter and Cambridge Singers

The John Rutter Christmas Album Cambridge Singers , Rutter , and City of London Sinfon Manufacturer: Collegium ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: John Rutter Collection Cambridge Singers Christmas Album Christmas Star Requiem & Magnificat/Rutter, Cambridge Singers Be Thou My Vision ASIN: B00006JJ4T Release Date: 2002-09-24

Tracks:

1. Wexford Carol
2. Jesus Child
3. There Is a Flower
4. Donkey Carol
5. Wild Wood Carol
6. Angels' Carol
7. Nativity Carol
8. Mary's Lullaby
9. Star Carol
10. Candlelight Carol
11. Shepherd's Pipe Carol
12. Christmas Lullaby
13. Dormi, Jesu
14. Love Came Down at Christmas
15. Sans Day Carol
16. I Wonder as I Wander
17. What Sweeter Music
18. Joy to the World
19. I Saw Three Ships
20. Deck the Hall
21. Very Best Time of Year
22. We Wish You a Merry Christmas
23. Silent Night

Album Description

Top of the British Classical Charts for 10 Weeks! Billboard Top Ten Classical Recording - December 2002! This album gathers together most of the carols I have composed over the years, plus a sprinkling of my arrangements of traditional carols, grouped to form a program which narrates, reflects upon, and celebrates the Christmas story. I have always enjoyed carols ever since I first sang them as a member of my school choir, and it was not long before I began to write carols of my own-in fact my first two published compositions were the Nativity Carol and the Shepherd's Pipe Carol. For any musician involved in choral music, Christmas is an especially joyous time, and I am indeed happy that it has played a part in my musical life for so many years- JOHN RUTTER

Customer Reviews:

Rutter Christmas Album.......2007-05-14

Great selection of music, and well presented. This is however older recordings that do not match the quality of Rutter's latest recordings such as the Te Deum or the Gloria.

Unique and Beautiful!.......2007-03-09

John Rutter, and his beautiful music, is such a gift to the world. This unique Christmas CD is magnificent! Especially touching are two of Rutter's original carols, "Christmas Lullaby" and the joyful "Angels' Carol." The musical selections speak to the soul, helping the listener connect to emotions of joy, peace, faith, hope, and love. This is a worthy addition to your collection of Christmas CDs.

Johh Rutter Chirstmas Album.......2007-02-19

If I were to choose only one Christmas album to ever own, this would be the one. John Rutter is an exceptional composer of religious music, with unusual harmonies. The music is difficult to sing, and because this is his own choir and he is directing it, the performance is flawless. Gives you goosebumps.

Liked it enough to go through a lot of trouble to give it a review........2007-02-07

Great music by John Rutter: Great performance!

John Rutter and Cambridge Singers.......2007-01-18

This is quintessential English cathedral music; beautifully sung. Reminds one of the English Christmas -- warm and serene -- that we've only experienced in our dreams!

Average customer rating: excellant A very Special Christmas -Vol.5 BOB JOVI ROCKS! Good Christmas CD intelligent 30 something

A Very Special Christmas - Vol. 5 Macy Gray , and Wyclef Jean Manufacturer: A&M ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music East Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Experimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Holiday Music | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: A Very Special Christmas Live! A Very Special Christmas 3 A Very Special Christmas, Vol. 2 A Very Special Christmas A Very Special Acoustic Christmas ASIN: B00005R7TZ Release Date: 2001-10-30

Tracks:

1. This Christmas (Hang All the Mistletoe) - Macy Gray
2. Little Drummer Boy/Hot Hot Hot - Wyclef Jean
3. Noel! Noel! - Eve 6
4. Blue Christmas - Jon Bon Jovi
5. Merry Christmas Baby - Stevie Wonder & Wyclef Jean
6. O Come All Ye Faithful - City High
7. Christmas Is The Time To Say I Love You - SR-71
8. Christmas Day - Dido
9. Run Rudolph Run - Sheryl Crow
10. Back Door Santa - B.B. King & John Popper
11. Little Red Rooster - Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
12. Christmas Don't Be Late (Chipmunk Song) - Powder
13. Silent Night - Stevie Nicks
14. I Love You More - Stevie Wonder & Kimberly Brewer
15. White Christmas - Darlene Love

Amazon.com

Five volumes in 14 years would probably qualify these all-star benefit albums (Special Olympics) as a holiday tradition by now, even if all five have been hit-and-miss affairs. Still, the 2001 edition has a few more highlights than a quick glance at its offerings might indicate. Jon Bon Jovi tries to imitate Elvis on "Blue Christmas," and Darlene Love--surely as important a voice in the genre as Bing Crosby--falls short in her attempt to recreate her superior 1963 Phil Spector version of "White Christmas." Genuinely cool, though, are Macy Gray's jazzy "This Christmas," Eve 6's pop-metallic "Noel! Noel!," City High's hip-hop Christmas hybrid, and SR71's goofy take on Billy Squier's already goofy "Time to Say I Love You." Things get downright steamy--and Santa-sized--when John Popper meets up with B.B. King for the bluesy "Back Door Santa." --Bill Holdship

Customer Reviews:

excellant.......2007-01-16

I ordered this at the last minute for a Christmas gift and it came in plenty of time and in great shape! thanks so much!

A very Special Christmas -Vol.5.......2005-12-20

Stevie Nicks singing Silent Night is the best I have every hurd the arrangement was beautiful. Thank you

BOB JOVI ROCKS!.......2005-12-14

Although the entire cd is very enjoyable, Bon Jovi does a great interpretation of Elvis with "Blue Christmas". Very enjoyable cd for all.

Good Christmas CD.......2005-12-05

This, like all of the 'Very Special' Christmas albums, offers a very fun alternative to the typical christmas song. This one definately favors modern rock, so if you're looking for Nat King Cole, break out your 45's and get out of here.

intelligent 30 something.......2005-12-04

No this isn't the greatest CD ever made, but there are many really excellent tracks performed by some of my favorite artists. If you are a fan of Natalie Merchant than this CD is a must have. That track alone is worth buying the whole disc. The rock version of the Chipmunk Song is also very cool. The rest of the CD is fun and enjoyable. I guess you must be young enough to enjoy the newer artists. I have the classic christmas artists versions as well, so it is nice to mix it up a bit. Put all my Christmas CD's in my 200 disc changer on random!

Average customer rating: A Perennial Favorite That Pointed Grant in Pop/Rock Direction A Christmas present...found! My favorite Christmas CD I LOVE this Christmas Album! A childhood favorite

A Christmas Album Amy Grant Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Christian Rock | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Home for Christmas A Christmas to Remember Home for Christmas Breath Of Heaven: A Christmas Collection The Collection ASIN: B000002WOJ Release Date: 1993-08-10

Tracks:

1. Tennessee Christmas
2. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
3. Preiset Dem Konig! (Praise The King)
4. Emmanuel
5. Little Town
6. Christmas Hymn
7. Love Has Come
8. Sleigh Ride
9. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts)
10. Heirlooms
11. A Mighty Fortress/Angels We Have Heard On High

Amazon.com

Amy Grant's first Christmas album is not only one of the best recordings of her career, it's easily one of the best contemporary Christmas collections available. Grant's Christian beliefs have been incorporated into her music for years, and maybe it's the artistic translation of the depth of her faith that makes these songs so inspiring. "Emmanuel" and "Angels We Have Heard on High" have Grant's vocals soaring, especially on the sustained chorus of the latter. Her country roots show nicely in "Tennessee Christmas," while "Sleigh Ride" is as fun as it is romantic. "Heirlooms" is particularly poignant--maybe not to the point of "hand me a tissue," but it's powerful all the same. A must for fans, and a good holiday addition for those looking for a Christmas record that comes without the cobwebs. --Steve Gdula

Customer Reviews:

A Perennial Favorite That Pointed Grant in Pop/Rock Direction.......2007-01-30

In the spring of 1982, around the time that her soon-to-be widely successful album Age to Age was released, Amy Grant was asked whether she would be interested in crossing over from the contemporary Christian music (CCM) market to a more mainstream market. She responded in the affirmative. Her next release was A Christmas Album in the fall of 1983. Grant has said in interviews over the years that she wanted this album to quell the high expectations raised by her considerable recent success. But whatever her intentions might have been, the album actually did the opposite: it increased her fan base and carried her farther down a pop/rock path that would a mere year-and-a-half later culminate in her first dual release (1985's Unguarded) to the secular pop/contemporary Christian market.

For a holiday release, A Christmas Album is a remarkably excellent album. The formula used by Grant and producer Brown Bannister is nothing new: stir in new tunes with the expected traditional favorites and include a few instrumentals. With the holiday classics (both religious and secular), Grant provides renditions respectful of the originals while often adding her own twists to the proceedings. This in itself fit well with the CCM target audience's worship practices of the time. During the 1980s and into the 1990s, it was standard (in larger evangelical churches, at least) to take traditional hymns or songs and embellish them with brassy orchestras, large choirs, and, often, more contemporary vocals and arrangements.

But even in following this trend, Grant's versions are of markedly higher quality than what you'd normally find on a CCM album of the time. She stretches her voice on "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and "Angels We Have Heard on High" and towers over the voices of the choir that backs her. She includes a new song from her own pen, "Christmas Hymn," that aims to become a Christmas standard of its own. This "hymn" is the best track on the album and has been picked up by some churches as part of their worship. (A second new Christian song, "Heirlooms," is pleasant enough but not as memorable.)

Grant's versions of secular Christmas songs like "Sleigh Ride" and "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts)" not only serve as tributes to the original recordings but also bring a sense of fun to the album. In the same vein, Grant's collaboration with then-husband Gary Chapman, "Tennessee Christmas," is as all-American as the previous tunes. When you factor in the album's cover snow scenes and interior photo of Grant's extended family gathering, it's not that much of a stretch to say that Grant comes across here as all American as the individuals in a Norman Rockwell painting.

If the album had just been composed of Christmas standards and new tunes in the traditional mode, it undoubtedly would have succeeded in Grant's goal of deflating expectations. Bannister and Grant also, though, have planted a few left turns in the album. The most obvious one is Michael W. Smith's "Emmanuel," a song that, despite its name, is not specifically Christmas-oriented. (Smith stole the lyrics from a top-selling poster of the names of Christ.) Sandwiched between traditional hymns, "Emmanuel" begins with heavy synthesizers and quickly expands into a full-blown pop/rock tune. It quickly became a CCM hit single and remained a concert standard for some time after Grant "crossed over" into the secular market. The second pop song, "Love Has Come," is sandwiched between "Christmas Hymn" and "Sleigh Ride." The backing vocals from secular pop/rock band Chicago's Bill Champlin provide a harder edge than had been heard in Grant's songs to date, even though "Love Has Come" is not nearly as hard-driving as "Emmanuel."

In fact, both "Emmanuel" and "Love Has Come" easily could have fit on Grant's next studio album, Straight Ahead (released just a few months later in early 1984). That album features pop/rock tunes at the same musical level as A Christmas Album: far beyond anything on the mostly mellow Age to Age's plate and with hints of Unguarded's full-blown technopop. A Christmas Album, then, contains the first signs of Amy Grant's coming transition from CCM superstar to secular pop artist.

But beyond any considerations of its place in Amy Grant's career, A Christmas Album is an excellent album in its own right. Even more than two decades later, its production quality is excellent, thanks to the sterling work of producer Bannister. (The closest CCM Christmas album to this one in spirit is Steven Curtis Chapman's The Music of Christmas, which was also helmed by Bannister.) Grant has released two additional Christmas albums in the succeeding years, but it's this one that's fondly remembered. Many people put it in rotation every Christmas season and even throughout the year.

A Christmas present...found!.......2007-01-19

I looked all over in stores for this CD. It's my mom's favorite Christmas CD...I remember having the record album when we were little! She needed the CD, but we could never find it. So, I looked on Amazon, and there it was!
Thanks!!

My favorite Christmas CD.......2007-01-19

This is the third time I have bought this CD (actually first 2 were Cassettes) but the music is classic as well as some modern updates of old favorites. It just brings a smile to you as well as reminds us the reason for the Season. I am sure it will be as much of a blessing to you as it has been to me.

I LOVE this Christmas Album!.......2007-01-10

I grew up listening to this album and I never get tired of it year after year. It's always the first one I play when Christmastime rolls around.

A childhood favorite .......2007-01-04

This CD brings back childhood memories. Every year my mother would put it on around Christmas. It's classic.

Average customer rating: Andy Williams Timeless Christmas Album The Essence of Christmas The Andy Williams Christmas Album Lazy Mastering

The Andy Williams Christmas Album Andy Williams Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music All Bargain Titles | Holiday Music | Miscellaneous | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music 4-for-3 Broadway & Vocalists | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Musicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Merry Christmas Greatest Christmas Songs White Christmas Frank Sinatra Christmas Collection Holiday Sing-Along with Mitch Miller ASIN: B0002S94M0 Release Date: 2004-08-24

Tracks:

1. White Christmas
2. Medley: Happy Holiday/The Holiday Season
3. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)
4. It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
5. A Song And A Christmas Tree (The Twelve Days Of Christmas)
6. Kay Thompson's Jingle Bells
7. The First Noel
8. O Holy Night
9. Away In A Manger
10. Sweet Little Baby Jesus
11. The Little Drummer Boy
12. Silent Night, Holy Night

Amazon.com

This was one of the best-selling Christmas records of the 1960s, and with good cause! Somehow, without the fatherly image of Bing Crosby, or the svelte croon of Frank Sinatra or Tony Bennett, or even the reverent innocence of Perry Como, Andy Williams managed to make a holiday institution! This collection of Christmas songs is full of standards normally identified with other artists, but armed with an average tenor and lots of exuberance, Andy Williams made them his own. His "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" is the most exhilarating version of the song there is, and even his "White Christmas" and "O Holy Night" are more than just passable. This is not only Williams's best Christmas collection, this is one that should be in every holiday music collection. --Steve Gdula

Customer Reviews:

Andy Williams.......2007-05-10

I have the 33 album so am thrilled to have this on CD. Arrived very quickly.

Timeless Christmas Album.......2007-03-29

I fell in love with this album in my childhood and it is the epitome of Christmas songs!!! I would recommend it to anyone who loves the standards.

The Essence of Christmas.......2007-02-22

The Andy Williams Christmas Album is the official album of the season. All the wonderful memories of childhood are embodied in this delightful christmas chestnut.

The Andy Williams Christmas Album.......2007-02-12

A perfect addition to your Christmas library - especially if you were lucky enough to have enjoyed the Christmas specials Mr. Williams did on television. His clear, mellow voice makes this recording a must have.

Lazy Mastering.......2007-01-23

C'mon Sony! Put at least a little effort into your Christmas reissues! I own this and Andy's other Christmas album, as well as Tony Bennett's Sony Christmas album, and they did the same thing to all three - They sapped the life out of the recordings by filtering out the highest frequencies to reduce the tape hiss. They could have reduced the hiss by utilizing other methods, but that would have required effort. I guess Sony doesn't take their Christmas offerings very seriously.

Jazz Music:

1. Christmas Time Is Here
2. Chromatic Palette
3. Collectors' Items
4. Double Image
5. Dynamite
6. Earth Step
7. Elmo Hope Trio
8. Facets
9. Finesse
10. First Edition

Jazz Music

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