Celtic Christmas

1. Calennig

2. Tàladh Chriosda (Christ Child's Lullaby)

3. Wren Hornpipe/The Christmas Eve/Winter Apples

4. Oikan Ayns Bethlehem (Baby in Bethlehem)

5. Hunting the Wren: The King/Can Hela'r Dryw/Shelg y Drean/The Wren-Boys

6. Kanomp Nouel (Sing, Nowell)

7. Dublin Tune

8. Mari Lwyd: Can y Fari Lwyd/Cariad Cywir

9. Day Dawns/Christmas Day I da Moarnin/The Papa Stour Sword Dance

10. Tree of Life

11. Carval NY Drogh Vraane (Carval on Base Women)

12. Gower Wassail

13. Plygain: Wel Dyma'r Borau Gorau I Gyd

14. Arise and Hail the Glorious Star

15. Seven Rejoices of Mary

16. Ffarwel Gwyr Aberffraw (The Farewell of the Men of Aberffraw)

17. Leanabh an Aigh (Blessed Child)

18. Highland Pipe Medley: Ho! Fill Your Glass/We're No' Awa' Tae Bide Awa'/

Celtic Christmas,Various Artists,Saydisc,Celtic,Celtic Pop,Christmas,Christmas / Chanukkah,Christmas Music,Classical,Holiday,Ireland,Xmas Classical Vocal Collections

Average customer rating: Excellent Music celtic woman One of the best music CD I have ever bought Christmas celebration Celtic Woman: A Christmas Celebration

Celtic Woman: A Christmas Celebration Celtic Woman Manufacturer: Manhattan Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | 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 International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Celtic Woman A New Journey Celtic Woman - A New Journey: Live at Slane Castle, Ireland Wintersong An Irish Christmas ASIN: B000I2ISF4 Release Date: 2006-10-03

Tracks:

1. O Holy Night
2. Away In A Manger
3. Ding Dong Merrily On High
4. White Christmas
5. Silent Night
6. Christmas Pipes
7. The Christmas Song
8. Carol Of The Bells
9. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
10. Panis Angelicus
11. That Night In Bethlehem
12. O Come, All Ye Faithful
13. The Little Drummer Boy
14. The Wexford Carol
15. Let It Snow!

Amazon.com

One of the more impressive things about A Christmas Celebration is its glowing immediacy. The record's rich vocals and colorful instrumentals create a concert-like setting, reprising the season's most loved hymns, carols, and pop standards, along with a Gaelic version of "That Night in Bethlehem." Unexpected numbers such as "Christmas Pipes" and "Carol of the Bells" (here led by the spirited fiddling of Mariread Nesbitt) only enhance an already engaging disc that finely weaves between the piety of classical music and the playfulness of pop. Chloe Agnew, Orla Fallon, Lisa Kelly, and Meav Ni Mhaolchatha combine their Celtic voices against orchestral arrangements and sparser settings--spiked with the traditional Irish fare of uilleann pipes, harp, and ancient choral harmony--to deliver an assortment of reverent but lively arrangements that wouldn't be out of place at a church, concert hall, or good Irish celli. --Martin Keller

Amazon.com

Irish producer/arranger David Downes, the creative mastermind behind Celtic Woman's chart breakthrough and burgeoning international success, here conjures up an inviting holiday showcase for his neo-superstar crossover quartet. He pushes the group's crowd-pleasing formula into more expansive arrangements with the Irish Film Orchestra, supplemented by a strong core of featured instrumentalists, including Downes himself. If the ethnic folk influences that gave the group its name are sometimes less pronounced, the result is a collection whose dignified, pop elegance often transcends national boundaries. The vocal performances are expectedly polished, with the quintet breaking off into smaller units and solo showcases such as Lisa Kelly's Broadway-lullaby take on "The Christmas Song," a neo-classical "Panis Angelicus" by Chloe Agnew, and the muscular orchestral/choral setting for Mariead Nesbitt's earthy fiddle on "Carol of the Bells." The quintet (backed only by Nesbitt's spare strings) harmonize richly on "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and bring their trademark neo-Celtic charms more fully to bear on intimate translations of "Silent Night" and "The Wexford Carol" as well as a glorious take on the Gaelic traditional "That Night in Bethlehem." Perhaps to remind fans of their true range, the swinging, big-band bonus track "Let It Snow" closes the collection with upbeat flair. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Music.......2007-07-23

Terrific music. I gave this to my mother for a stocking stuffer....in August. Great CD.

celtic woman.......2007-05-20

Love the CD. Am giving it as a Christmas gift to friends.

One of the best music CD I have ever bought.......2007-05-14

One of the best music CD I have ever bought

Christmas celebration.......2007-05-14

Christmas never sounded so good. Mairead's playing is wonderful as always. Orlagh is the stand out for me with that hauntingly beautiful voice but when they all sing together it is something special.

Celtic Woman: A Christmas Celebration.......2007-04-03

All of them will touch your heart. They are excellent highly recommended

Average customer rating: ok, THIS is Loreena McKennitt's CHRISTMAS Album Great Artist! wonderful a winter garden beautiful!

A Winter Garden: Five Songs for the Season Loreena McKennitt Manufacturer: Quinlan Road ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Celtic New Age | New Age | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music New Age | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Fusion | Celtic | International | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music 4-for-3 International | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Jazz | 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 Similar Items: An Ancient Muse To Drive the Cold Winter Away The Visit Parallel Dreams The Mask and Mirror ASIN: B000002N3H Release Date: 1995-11-07

Tracks:

1. Coventry Carol
2. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
3. Good King Wenceslas
4. Snow
5. Seeds Of Love

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews:

ok, THIS is Loreena McKennitt's CHRISTMAS Album.......2007-06-16

Everyone considers Loreena McKennitt's "To Drive the Cold Winter Away" her Christmas album. I ask people not to call it that, it is more than that, it is music for the whole season from leaf-fall to buds and sprouts in the spring.

This, then, is her Christmas album. Although short, at only five songs, it is a well thought-out album, and a definite "Must-Have" and a "Keeper". The songs here are wonderful, not your standard fare for Christmas, so it is a fresh experience, something always welcome with music for this time of the year, don't you think? Her accompanyment, here, is harp only, so everything is light and open, just right, and soothing after all the crash and bang regular Christmas music......I mean, how many times can one listen to Silver Bells, Jingle Bells, and Here Comes Santa Claus before you just wanna scream "STOP!", huh?

Pick this album up, take it home, and slip in between some other Christmas albums, and be prepared to go "WOW!....That's Nice!", and to also find a new favorite Christmas album. ~operabruin

Great Artist!.......2007-05-14

This is an awesome holiday / winter / Christmas CD. It is short (only 5 songs) but it is full of voice and enough to set the mood perfectly. Not traditional versions of the songs, but none the less beautiful.

wonderful.......2007-01-20

This is THE Christmas album to have.Loreena McKennitt's hauntingly beautiful voice and the wonderful arrangements of traditional Christmas songs has made this our most listened to Christmas album in the last few years.I like to play this album any time of the year as it is very peaceful and relaxing to hear.

a winter garden.......2007-01-11

I love Loreena McKennitts' music. this CD is very melodic in a Celtic way. the music on this CD is also very mellow listening. I love the rhythms of the instruments used.

beautiful!.......2006-12-31

The only reason I gave this item "4 stars" is because it only has the 5 songs on it - I wish it had more. However, it's still worth buying. The songs are hauntingly beautiful, in McKennitt's signature style. If you enjoy her music, this album won't disappoint. I recommend it! :-)

Average customer rating: Sonic Yulescaping Enya Christmas Music Quality... Total ripoff Just Lovely

Christmas Secrets Enya Manufacturer: Wea International ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Ireland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music New Age | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Fusion | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Celtic New Age | New Age | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Christmas Ep Sounds of the Season May It Be Amarantine, Pt. 2 Amarantine [Exclusive Box Set] ASIN: B000JVSUXY Release Date: 2006-11-27

Tracks:

1. Adeste, Fideles
2. Magic of the Night
3. We Wish You a Merry Christmas
4. Christmas Secrets

Customer Reviews:

Sonic Yulescaping.......2007-02-20

This is a celebrative, yet meditative, collection of songs that elicits the beauty of the Yuletide season. The only 'problem' I find with it is that it is too short, but at least it's longer than her other Christmas EPs. The textures and nuances of melody and arrangement make it an engaging offering.

Enya Christmas Music.......2007-01-27

It's a great addition to both a Christmas Music collection or Enya collection!

Quality..........2007-01-08

The other reviewer seems to miss the point - most artists today put tons of music, so you can get your money's worth, but where's the quality? Better four good songs than fifteen lousy ones.

This is an exquisite EP, not anything different from other Enya works, but that is a good thing - she has never put out anything but good music. So you are sure that when you buy an Enya CD, you don't have to worry if you will not like it. It is always mysterious, otherworldly and lovely. Great present for the Holidays or any other time.

Total ripoff.......2006-12-22

I love Enya, so I sent this CD to my sisters for Christmas, and ordered one for myself. I was horrified to discover that the CD contains four songs, about 15 minutes of music. What a paltry, humiliating Christmas present for my sisters, when I thought I was sending them something so special!

Just Lovely .......2006-12-19

This is the import version of a U.S. release. The U.S. release is only available in Target stores and at the NBC store in Rockefeller Center in New York City (and likely other NBC stores, if there are any).

If you watched the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting this year, Enya sang "Magic Of The Night" on the air. That is the highlight of this CD and is such a pleasure to hear over and over. It caught my ear immediately, yet Amazon music searches in early December were not turning up any new Enya releases. Was quite frustrated until I discovered that sales were NBC & Target in-store only.

U.S. version contains six tracks: 4 new holiday recordings and 2 previously-released. All are very well done and a joyful addition to her holiday music repertoire. The six tracks are: "Adeste Fideles" (new), "Magic Of The Night" (new), "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" (new), "Christmas Secrets" (new), "Amid The Falling Snow" (from her Amarantine CD) and "Oiche Chuin (Silent Night").

The CD's U.S. title is "NBC Sounds Of The Season: The Enya Collection". It is more than worth the $6.99 that the NBC store and Target stores are charging. If you like Enya, you will like this CD.

Average customer rating: The Beauty of the Winter Solstice Season Incarnate! This was the most popular gift I gave for Christmas This CD just flew off the shelves last Christmas and I can see why Great Christmas Songs WOW~

An Irish Christmas Moya Brennan Manufacturer: Sparrow ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD British Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Celtic New Age | New Age | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music New Age | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Fusion | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: Celtic Woman: A Christmas Celebration Wintersong An Ancient Muse James Taylor at Christmas Signature ASIN: B000FVGNLY Release Date: 2006-09-26

Tracks:

1. Carol Of The Bells
2. The Wexford Carol
3. Deck The Halls
4. Do You Hear/Don Oiche Ud I Mbeithil
5. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
6. Gabriel's Message
7. Joy To The World
8. What Child Is This?
9. In The Bleak Midwinter
10. Angels We Have Heard On High
11. In Dulci Jubilo
12. Oiche Chuin (Silent Night)

Amazon.com

Blending moods of reverence and quiet good cheer, Moya Brennan's first seasonal recording is a dignified, easy-to-like assortment of familiar standards and a few lesser-known carols, all well suited to her crystalline voice and the recording's prevailing themes of innocence and humble joy. Celtic influences and instruments at times serve more as adornments than centerpieces (e.g., "Deck the Halls" exudes a sort of Fleetwood Mac vibe), yet the disc's most distinctive tracks tap more deeply into Brennan's Irish roots, particularly the ethereal textures and vocal tenderness exhibited on "The Wexford Carol" (a carol Brennan traces to 12th-century Ireland). Beyond the tympani-powered opening track, "Carol of the Bells," the 47-minute disc embraces the season's softer, gentler moods, concluding with a lovely, unhurried version of "Oíche Chúin" ("Silent Night"). Here, Brennan--the principal voice of Clannad and the elder sibling of Enya--breathes the lyrics as much as she sings them (it's one of just two tracks sung in her native tongue), then closes by adding the voices of her own children. Pleasant listening. --Terry Wood

Customer Reviews:

The Beauty of the Winter Solstice Season Incarnate!.......2007-02-20

I bought this CD without even previewing it, as I'm a Moya fan. Even still, I was blown away by the beauty of it, the simplicity of the vocal lines, and the intricate way in which the tunes are arranaged. This is not your ordinary 'holiday' clone CD; with one more boring recording of the same dozen or so overdone Christmas carols! All of the tracks offer refreshing new 'advents' into the wonder of the Winter Solstice Season. A haunting, blissful album!

This was the most popular gift I gave for Christmas.......2007-02-07

I was in Barnes and Noble when they were playing this and I was enchanted and bought a copy. One of my friends heard it and was likewise enchanted. By the time I was finished sharing it I had handed out 14 copies to friends, many of whom cited this as their favorite Christmas album this year! Absolutely lovely voice and unique, so that it's not just another version of the same songs sung by a different artist. You can tell that she is moved by what she sings and also that some of these songs are definitely being sung with the heart of a mother singing to her children and wanting them to feel warmth and magic of the Christmas season.

This CD just flew off the shelves last Christmas and I can see why.......2007-01-18

My order came in late, January, to be exact--but I'm still listening to Moya's Christmas CD and loving it. Moya's voice is one of the most incredible I've ever heard. If I were to be asked for a suggestion for future CD's, I'd like to hear more in Gaelic.

Great Christmas Songs.......2007-01-18

I love all this music by the Celtic Woman. I purchased this and one other Christmas cd. I also purchased the Celtic Woman cd. The most beautiful music.

WOW~.......2007-01-16

These ladies are so entertaining, whether you get to see them on TV or just listen to them on a CD!!! I will be lucky enough in May to get to see them in person! This CD brings back many wonderful childhood Christmas memories.

Average customer rating: Enya at her finest Sounds of the Season by Enya The Magic of Enya...

Sounds of the Season Enya Manufacturer: Rhino ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Celtic New Age | New Age | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Christmas Secrets May It Be Amarantine, Pt. 2 Christmas Ep Paint the Sky with Stars: The Best of Enya ASIN: B000KQHUUW

Product Description

6-track EP subtitled 'The Enya collection'. This exclusive CD features a collection of Holiday songs including 4 new recordings - produced in conjunction with NBC. Track Listing: 1. Adestes Fideles 2. The Magic Of The Night 3. We Wish You A Merry Christmas 4. Christmas Secrets 5. Amid The Falling Snow 6. Oiche Chiun (Silent Night)

Customer Reviews:

Enya at her finest.......2007-05-14

Oh, my goodness, what a HAUNTINGLY, beautiful cd this is!! I couldn't stop playing it during the holiday season last year.....Simply a MUST for any Enya fan.

scifigal.

Sounds of the Season by Enya.......2006-12-01

Needless to say, I was impressed with this CD by Enya. As soon as I found out on the Enya website that another Enya CD was being released, I quickly purchased Sounds of the Season. Enya's rendition of Adeste Fideles is wonderful, and Magic of the Night has to be my favorite single on this CD.

The Magic of Enya..........2006-11-21

If for nothing else, buy this for Enya's rendition of "Adeste, Fideles". It's a great addition to the holiday. Funny that a proper Christmas album has yet to be done - Enya's music fits so well into the winter months. Her melodies definitely warm things up.

Among the remaining traditional carols ("We Wish You A Merry Christmas" & the now classic, "Oíche Chiúin"), we get 2 original seasonal pieces.

"The Magic of the Night" has that Enya vibe we all know and love. Full of layered stings in a staccato waltz time. The perfect background for trimming the tree or the soundtrack to your holiday gathering.

"Christmas Secrets" is a sweet, delicate ballad. There is a longing for that special someone you're missing. With hope that distance won't keep you apart for Christmas: "So I am waiting here for you. If you don't come, what will I do? Who shall I tell my secrets to?"

Addtionally, "Amid the Falling Snow" shows up. It is lifted from 2005's "Amarantine."

Average customer rating: A Listening Pleasure

Christmas Songs Anuna Manufacturer: Koch Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Celtic New Age | New Age | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music New Age | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Fusion | Celtic | International | 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 International | 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 4-for-3 New Age | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Essential Anuna Behind the Closed Eye Cynara Sensation Deep Dead Blue ASIN: B0002VEQ5M Release Date: 2004-10-05

Tracks:

1. AWAY IN A MANGER
2. THE WEXFORD CAROL
3. THE FIRST DAY
4. RIU RIU
5. SILENT NIGHT
6. THE COVENTRY CAROL
7. CODHLAIM GO SUAN
8. CHRISTMAS DAY IS COME
9. WINTER, FIRE AND SNOW
10. PIE JESU
11. HYMN TO THE VIRGIN
12. O HOLY NIGHT
13. THER IS NO ROS

Customer Reviews:

A Listening Pleasure.......2005-12-12

This is a five star album from a five star group. "Away in the Manger" is done in a simple, but exquisite manner. The quality of sound is magnificent. Monica Donlon has a gorgeous voice, well showcased on the Irish "Wexford Carol." "The First Day" adds instrumental interest, a very contemplative piece with voices used as pedal tones. "Riu Riu" is rhythmical and catchy. "Silent Night" is performed at an extremely slow tempo milking the harmonization and classic Anuna sound in a aura of sensual sound. The plaintive melancholy of "The Coventry Carol" aptly suits the text. There are interesting harmonizations and slight tweeks in the melody that separate this arrangement from the average. Four of the next six tracks are original compositions by Michael McGlyn and are a wonderful addition to the Christmas repertoire. The liner notes are ten pages that include the lyrics and brief commentary. Like the album, they are rendered in a classy manner. If you appreciate fine choral music and exceptional Christmas music, this album is a must.

Average customer rating: Oi to the punks and Oi to the skins, but Oi to the world and everybody wins! christmas music that has the feeling If you're going to write new christmas stuff, you'd better be good at it or else stick to the classics Third time's a charm. Not the strongest in the series

A Very Special Christmas 3 Various Artists Manufacturer: A&M ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Ska Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Third Wave Ska | Ska | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Post Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music Modern Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Alternative Folk | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Fusion | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Celtic New Age | New Age | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music Blue-Eyed Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music East Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Rock Jam Bands | Jam Bands | Rock | 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, Vol. 2 A Very Special Christmas A Very Special Christmas - Vol. 5 A Very Special Christmas Live! A Very Special Acoustic Christmas ASIN: B000002GOJ Release Date: 1997-10-07

Tracks:

1. I Saw Three Ships - Sting
2. Christmastime - The Smashing Pumpkins
3. Children Go Where I Send Thee - Natalie Merchant
4. Santa Baby - Rev Run & The Christmas All Stars
5. Oi To The World - No Doubt
6. Blue Christmas - Sheryl Crow
7. Christmas - Blues Traveler
8. Oiche Chiun (Silent Night) - Enya
9. The Christmas Song - Hootie & The Blowfish
10. Ave Maria - Chris Cornell
11. Christmas In The City - Mary J. Blige
12. Santa Claus Is Back In Town - Jonny Lang
13. Christmas Song - Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds
14. Christmas Is Now Drawing Near At Hand - Steve Winwood
15. O Holy Night - Tracy Chapman
16. We Three Kings - Patti Smith

Amazon.com

Part three of a series of records that benefits the Special Olympics, A Very Special Christmas 3 from 1997 is as excitingly eclectic as its predecessors. Though it features the likes of R&B chart toppers and hip-hoppers Mase, Puff Daddy, and Snoop Doggy Dogg and alt-rockers No Doubt, Smashing Pumpkins, , Blues Traveler, and others, the real standout performances belong to Jonny Lang, with his bawdy, barroom version of "Santa Claus Is Back in Town" and Sting, who delivers a proper reading of that old English carol "I Saw Three Ships." The showstopper, though, is Natalie Merchant's "Children, Go Where I Send Thee" in an arrangement so rich and compelling it may top even the many five-star versions of this African-American hymn that have come before it. --Martin Keller

Customer Reviews:

Oi to the punks and Oi to the skins, but Oi to the world and everybody wins!.......2006-12-17

This is obviously the third volume in the highly successful Very Special Christmas series. It came out in 1997 and most of the performers here are ones that were popular at that time. Most of the performances are good, with nothing being flat out terrible, which is always a bonus. Which ones you like best will depend on your taste of course. Personally, I think I like the songs by Sting, Natalie Merchant, No Doubt and Chris Cornell the best. But that's just me, you might like some of the others better.

christmas music that has the feeling.......2006-02-22

This cd is very good and should be in anybody collection

If you're going to write new christmas stuff, you'd better be good at it or else stick to the classics.......2005-12-08

The artists who stuck to the classics always come out better on these albums. It is a dangerous thing to write a new one unless you can come up with something really significant. Sadly "Christmas Time" by Smashing Pumpkins is not. It's maudlin (meaning sickly sweet and whingey) and the words are worthless. "Christmas time is fun presents for everyone" Ohhh please. Perhaps Bob Geldof and Bono could teach some wealthy rockstars that not everyone gets presents at Christmas and it ain't always fun for those whose families have difficulties or who are under persecution or war. Better to teach the real meaning of Christmas- that Christ was born to offer a new start to everyone. This makes every difficulty you are under fade and is a much better message than "presents for everyone".
Sorry for the diehard pumpkins fans. I actually like their stuff, but Christmas Time is pumpkin pulp. hohoho

Third time's a charm........2005-10-11

I found many songs I like on the other "Very Special Christmas" albums, but front to back this is easily my favorite. Maybe because it includes alot of "adult-alternative" artists, but probably just because the songs are sooo good. Just look at the tracklist. Sting, Natalie Merchant, and Sheryl Crow all do great covers, and I also love the songs done by Tracy Chapman and Enya. As far as originals go, I was really impressed by the tracks from Smashing Pumpkins and Blues Traveler, both are excellent, and both sound very seasonal. My reason for purchase however was for "Ave Maria". Chris Cornell (Soundgarden/Audioslave) does an amazing job with it, and it's really quite moving. The rest is good at the least. As the holidays approach, I already can't wait to play this. I also suggest "The Edge Of Christmas" and "You Sleigh Me: Alternative Christmas Hits".

Not the strongest in the series.......2005-01-14

I was very impressed by the first two volumes in the series but this volume, while it has some great tracks, does not match those two although I like this set better now than when I first bought it some years ago.

The highlights for me are I saw three ships (Sting), Blue Christmas (Sheryl Crow), Christmas (Blues traveller), a Gallic version of Silent night (Enya), Santa Claus is back in town (Jonny Lang), Christmas is now drawing near at hand (Steve Winwood) and O holy night (Tracy Chapman). Most of the other tracks are OK but the version of Santa baby included here is definitely not my kind of music. I much prefer Madonna's version, to be found on the first volume in the series, or the original Eartha Kitt version from the fifties.

If you are a big fan of nineties pop and rock music, you may enjoy this more than I do, as my taste in pop and rock is rooted in an earlier era. Otherwise, you are likely to feel (as I do) that this is not an essential purchase. You can contribute to the Special Olympics by purchasing the first two volumes (also filled mostly with pop and rock music) or the more recent Very special acoustic Christmas (filled with country and bluegrass music), all of which I reviewed long ago.

Average customer rating: Old Christmas Carols A Haunting Experience Let all that are to mirth inclined

To Drive the Cold Winter Away Loreena Mckennitt Manufacturer: Verve ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Celtic New Age | New Age | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music | General Christmas | Today's Deals | Box Sets | Children's Music | Classical Instrumental | Halloween | Hanukkah | Kwanzaa | Opera & Vocal | Pop Instrumental & Easy Listening | Pop Vocal Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music New Age | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Fusion | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Verve | Verve Music Group | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: An Ancient Muse Elemental A Winter Garden: Five Songs for the Season The Visit The Book of Secrets ASIN: B000J233TY Release Date: 2006-11-14

Tracks:

1. In Praise Of Christmas
2. The Seasons
3. The King
4. Banquet Hall
5. Snow
6. Balulalow
7. Let Us The Infant Greet
8. The Wexford Carol
9. The Stockford Carol
10. Let All That Are To Mirth Inclined

Customer Reviews:

Old Christmas Carols.......2007-01-12

Wonderful in style and execution; I thought that I had heard the best but I was wrong. Anything from Loreena McKennitt is truly an amazing experience!

A Haunting Experience.......2006-12-12

The best word I can come up with for Loreena McKennitt's voice is "haunting". I almost said ethereal and that would have been correct too but I chose haunting because it is one that keeps coming back to me. It makes me wonder if I really heard some of the things it said. In this context, that is a good thing.

This is a collection of "Christmas" songs but it is definitely not a collection of carols. They are songs of midwinter and the voice and instrumentation conveys that theme as well as the lyrics. They would not be out of place in a medieval hall.

This is not a somber collection but it might well be perceived as such by someone expecting ditties about reindeer with red noses or jolly old elves. It is a joyous collection with the joy is sedate, as is the whole album. That does not stop it from being a masterful work of art.

Try this one and let it haunt your memories through the winter and the rest of the year.

Let all that are to mirth inclined.......2006-11-15

Most Christmas albums sound tailor-made for mall muzak -- bland and recycled, with the same ol' songs about bells, Santa Claus, and snow. Loreena McKennitt breaks the mold with "To Drive the Cold Winter Away," an enchantingly wintry collection with muted instrumentation, and a classic feel.

It opens with the ethereal "In Praise of Christmas," a languid little harp ballad, and the rich "Seasons," which sounds like a solo performance at a medieval banquet. "Come all you lads and lasses, I'd have you give attention/To these few lines I'm about to write here,/'Tis of the four seasons of the year that I shall mention,/The beauty of all things doth appear," McKennitt sings in her rolling voice.

Those songs set the tone of the remaining songs -- pretty, airy wintry ballads accompanied mostly by harp. A few exceptions are sprinkled through it, such as the icily pretty instrumental "Banquet Hall," languid harp music in "Snow," and a few songs like "Let All That Are to Mirth Inclined" are done without instrumentation at all.

It's not hard to get sick of the endless repetitions of "Jingle Bells," "The Christmas Song" and "Let It Snow." It comes to the point where people get violent at mall loudspeakers. Loreena McKennitt's "To Drive the Cold Winter Away" is an antidote of sorts -- she dips into traditional Christmas and winter ballads from England, Scotland and Ireland, sometimes going back hundreds of years.

On the other hand, the sound quality is worse than McKennitt's other albums, particularly her a capella songs. While her singing cannot be faulted, she sang them in an old Irish abbey, which causes a weird echo effect in some songs. Her voice doesn't sound quite on top form in these.

However, the instrumentation often covers this effect -- it's much more minimal than in most of Mckennitt's work, often with her merely playing harps, and occasionally a tin whistle or accordian. The ethereal, minimal instrumentation gives the feeling of chilliness and beauty in a winter forest.

It's a bit hard to sing some old ballads, especially since many do not have specific tunes assigned to them. McKennitt does well at this; despite a few awkward moments, she sings richly and soulfully. "The King," her duet with Cedric Smith, is not so great, however since Smith's mediocre voice often blots out hers completely. Aside from that, her voice lilts lightly over the songs about Christ, snow, and firesides during the winter.

"To Drive the Cold Winter Away" is a truly beautiful collection of traditional Christmas songs. Despite the occasional echo problems, McKennitt's sweet voice and music bring out an older, richer side of Christmas.

Average customer rating: No music gives me more christmas spirit Great Christmas CD. Hands down - best holiday cd EVER Already a favorite Irreplaceable Part of my Christmas Collection

The Bells of Dublin The Chieftains Manufacturer: RCA Victor ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD British Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Celtic Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Ireland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | 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 CDs $7 - $10 | Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | International General | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | International General | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Celtic | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Celtic | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | British Isles | Europe | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | British Isles | Europe | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Holiday Music | Miscellaneous | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Holiday Music | Miscellaneous | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music $7 - $10 | Today's Deals | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music 4-for-3 International | 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 Similar Items: The Best of the Chieftains Long Black Veil Light of the Stable The Wide World Over: A 40 Year Celebration Water From the Well ASIN: B000003F53 Release Date: 1991-07-01

Tracks:

1. The Bells Of Dublin Christmas Eve
2. Past Three O'Clock
3. St. Stephens Day Murders
4. Il Est Ne/Ca Berger
5. Don Oiche Ud I MBeithill
6. I Saw Three Ships A Sailing
7. A Breton Carol
8. Carol Medley: O The Holly She Bears A Berry
9. Carol Medley: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
10. Carol Medley: The Boar's Head
11. The Wexford Carol
12. The Rebel Jesus
13. Skyline Jig
14. O Holy Night
15. Medley, 'The Wren! The Wren!': The Arrival Of The Wren Boys
16. Medley, 'The Wren! The Wren!': The Dingle Set--Dance
17. Medley, 'The Wren! The Wren!': The Wren In The Furze
18. Medley, 'The Wren! The Wren!': A Dance Duet--Reels
19. Medley, 'The Wren! The Wren!': Brafferton Village/Walsh's Hornpipe
20. Medley, 'The Wren! The Wren!': The Farewell: The Piper Through The Meadow Strayed.
21. Medley: Once In Royal David's City
22. Medley: Ding Dong Merrily On High
23. Medley: O Come All Ye Faithful

Amazon.com

Ireland's world-class ambassadors the Chieftains seem determined to play with anyone who is anyone, regardless of genre. On The Bells of Dublin, they do an exceptional job of teaming up with the likes of rockers Jackson Browne and Elvis Costello, as well as songbirds Marianne Faithfull, Rickie Lee Jones, Kate and Anna McGarrigle, and Nanci Griffith. There are many resplendent performances here, the least of which is Costello and company's raucous "St. Stephen's Day Murders." Like a banquet of traditional Irish fare with some updating to accommodate individual guests, Bells is the kind of holiday record you don't want to end. --Martin Keller

Customer Reviews:

No music gives me more christmas spirit.......2007-01-18

This is a beautiful album. The Irishness and Chieftains-esque thread runs through it all, but the guest appearances make for a varied and unique listen. It is old and new at the same time. I love this music. Merry Christmas to all.

Great Christmas CD........2007-01-12

The Chieftains are, as usual, awesome and with the help of some good friends have crafted what I think is the best Christmas/Celtic CD out there. It came out years ago, but it has never lost it's flavor, timeliness, or sense of pure Celtic enjoyment. An absolute joy to own again and to listen to.

Hands down - best holiday cd EVER.......2006-12-12

The Chieftans are the only ones capable of making the global leap and carrying such a variety of artists to play WITH them. True it's a holiday cd and it's all you expect: inspiring, comforting, humourous and familiar. It's also breath taking beautiful. Light the candles and cozy up; I've never found a better cd for the season BUT! I don't know how some people keep this for holidays only -- I play the Macgarriles and The Wren medley frequently just for a pick me up.

I'm eternally grateful to the Chieftans for the musical education they've provided me throughout the years - amazing artists and this cd is a must if it's not in your holiday collection.

Already a favorite.......2006-12-06

I actually bought this CD because I am a huge Jackson Browne fan and he performs "Rebel Jesus" on it. Turns out that I prefer Jackson's rendition of "Rebel..." on his "Next Voice You Hear" CD MUCH better.
But as for this CD, it's wonderful. I loved it and I have played it every day since it arrived. Light the candles, and turn it up. Even my day care kids love it! I will need to buy another copy...so I have one for my car and one for my home. And a few for gifts for friends and family......a great CD!

Irreplaceable Part of my Christmas Collection.......2006-08-17

I love Christmas music. I'm one of these annoying people who can hardly wait until the day after Thanksgiving to play it around all the other people who can't stand to hear it until then. It's not necessarily a religious thing for me, because it's been true even through my atheist years; but more of a traditional thing associated with the types of European and folk music I like. So I long ago began collecting all sorts of Christmas CD's, both to listen to as a whole, and to combine with others in mixes of music to play at parties, or simply at home while preparing for the holiday.

I've had this one about fifteen years and would never part with it. In fact, I thought it was lost once, bought it again, and ended up with two! I find the Chieftains' and childrens' choirs the most compelling performances. The lone boy's voice singing "Once in Royal David's city" so evokes a blanket of snow with tiny flakes falling down one can imagine young carollers in Ireland. "The Holly Bears the Berry" has always been a favorite in my house simply because of my niece, Holly, who still likes to pantomime her importance in the life of Christ as exemplified by that song (a lot more fun than Deck the Halls, I am told, although that is provided here too).
We are given the history of the trapping of the wren, how people went from place to place to beg money to bury the wren, and then would dance for the people who payed to bury the wren. This is the occasion for glorious dance music that is hard to sit by and just listen to if you are used to getting up to a jig or a reel!

I am not as fond of the celebrities singing on this disk, with the exception of the McGarragle sisters. Their version of the French songs "Il est ne" and "Un flambeau" prove they are as comfortable with folk as pop.

But Elvis Costello is not, and he does not make is black humor sound at all humorous in the "St Stephen's Days Murders."

And I am not sure what Rickie Lee Jones' song sounds like, but it frightens me.

Nancy Griffith's session is fine, but it sounds like a Nancy Griffith session with the Chieftains; they do not blend as well as I would have liked.

The one last jewel, however, regardless of the sound, is the lyric written by Jackson Browne called "The Rebel Jesus." If you are a Christian of any stripe----strong, doubting, seeking; if you're not a Christian wondering why those Christians are so....you know; mostly hypocritical, this may be the song you wish you had written. I often buy Chieftains CDs and Christmas CDs for how they sound, not necessarily the lyric....but this one stops me in my tracks. I'm glad it's on this lovely CD.

Average customer rating: Rip off One of Enya's Best Singles I wanted to say something clever in Gaelic, but I don't speak Gaelic. No Way Enya Go to Itunes a buy Oiche Chiun seperately

Christmas Ep Enya Manufacturer: Wea International ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Celtic New Age | New Age | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music New Age | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Fusion | Celtic | International | Styles | Music Alternative Rock | Imports | Stores | Music New Age | Imports | Stores | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Amarantine May It Be Christmas Secrets The Celts Paint the Sky with Stars: The Best of Enya ASIN: B00005K8EC Release Date: 1994-11-04

Tracks:

1. Oiche Chiun (Silent Night)
2. As Baile
3. 'S Fagaim Mo Bhaile
4. Ebudae
5. The Celts

Album Description

Five track EP features her version of 'Silent Night' sung inGaelic under the title of 'Oiche Chiun', plus 'The Celts' and the non-album tracks 'As Baile', ''S Fagaim Mo Bhaile' &'Ebudae'. Standard jewel case. 1994 WEA International release.

Album Description

One of our annual best-selling Christmas titles, back again in time to make sure you'll have enough stock on hand for the holidays! This 1994 Canadian-only EP features beloved Irish new age vocalist Enya's cherished take on the classic Chrristmas carol "Silent Night" sung in Gaelic under the title of "Oiche Chiun". Accompanying the gentle melody here are four other essential recordings by this former member of Clannad: the title track to her 1987 debut solo album 'The Celts', plus "Ebudae" from her best-selling 1991 outing 'Shepherd Moons' and the hard to find B-sides "'S Fagaim Mo Bhaile" & "As Baile" (a Gaelic-sung version of the standout track "Exile" from her breakthrough 1988 album 'Watermark'). Comes packaged in a standard jewel case.

Album Details

Irish Newage Singing Sensation Enya Released this Mini-Album in 1994 Through WEA International. Features a Stunning Version of 'Silent Night' Sung in Gaelic ('oiche Chiun'), the Title Track to her 1987 Recording ('The Celts'), a Cut from 'Book of Days' ('as Baile') & Two Other Rare Selections.

Customer Reviews:

Rip off.......2007-01-12

What a rip off. Very little music for the money. Recycled music at that.

One of Enya's Best Singles.......2007-01-04

I am a HUGE Enya fan, and I felt that with this EP, it was definitely a good buy. The best thing about this CD is it has a couple songs of hers that ARE NOT on any of her albums. So, if you're like myself, you're better off getting this Single to complete your Enya music library.

I wanted to say something clever in Gaelic, but I don't speak Gaelic........2006-12-24

This is Enya's Christmas CD. It starts off with a beautiful rendition of "Silent Night" sung in Gaelic. The rest of the CD is also in Gaelic, other than the last track which is an instrumental. These songs are ok, but they don't seem to have anything to do with Christmas.

No Way Enya .......2006-12-07

Why in the world would I pay 40 bucks for a cd with oly 5 tracks, let alone 4 of those tracks can be found on your other cd's.(And make a real Xmas cd next). And those of you who bought it and complaint afterward, well you're an IDIOT.

I still love you Enya.

Go to Itunes a buy Oiche Chiun seperately.......2006-12-05

Why in the heck is Enya (sorry Enya, I do love all of your other albums) releasing an album with only 5 tracks and, the first two tracks are available for 99 cents each on Itunes. If you really want to hear some modern groups (bands from the 80's & 90's)sing some new renditions of Christmas classics then purchase "A Very Special Christmas: Volume 3" this has the Smashing Pumpkins, No Doubt, Enya (Oiche Chiun), Sting, and Blues Traveler, & many more.

Oh, the song is a good song, just not worth the cost of the album so that's why I gave it 3 stars.

Track Listings:

1. Cherubini: Requiem in do minore
2. Clara...claridad
3. Concerti Opus 4
4. Concerti Opus 4 7-12
5. Concerti Sacri 1-5
6. Concerti Sacri 6-10
7. Diamond: Symphony No.8/Suite From The Ballet TOM/This Sacred Ground
8. Diverting Mozart
9. Domenico Maria & Pietro Paolo Melli: Musiche a voce sola e intavolature di liuto e tiorba
10. Dvor k & Saint-Sa‰ns:Cello Concertos

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

Futher Adventures of Bruce Co [Import]

Naxos: Ten Years of Success (includes catalogue as CD-ROM) [Enhanced]

On Holiday

Music: Little Light of Mine

Runaway Found [Import]

Sing The Hits Of No Scrubs R&B Female (Karaoke)

Praise [Import] [Soundtrack]

Joffrey Ballet of Chicago

Mumford: Original Soundtrack [Soundtrack]

Marina Lima

Mary Lou Lord [EP]

Neu Konservatiu [Original recording remastered] [Import]

Mojito Mix

Shostakovich: Symphony No. 8

The Sky Of Mind