Sounds of Christmas

Track Listings

1. Jesus Joy Of Man Desiring

2. Angels We Have Heard On High

3. O Little Town Of Bethlehem

4. We Three Kings

5. O Holy Night

6. God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman

7. Christmas Dance

8. What Chid Is This

9. Good King

10. Hark The Hearld Angel Sing

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
A fantastic back drop for the holiday season . light new age contain 10 tracks christmas classics.

Sounds of Christmas,Instrumental

Sounds of Christmas

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:

Excellent Christmas carol recording
A Must Christmas album

A Feast of Carols

Manufacturer: Kodanja Records Ltd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:

The John Rutter Christmas Album
Dallas Christmas Gala
The Many Moods of Christmas
Holiday Pops
Sleigh Ride

ASIN: B0000ZQTGE
Release Date: 2003-11-21

Tracks:

Gloria!
A Feast of Carols (Gloucester Wassail Carol / Il Est Nele Divin Enfant / Veni, Emmanuel / The Holly and the Ivy / God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen / We Wish You a Merry Christmas)
Glory to God (from "A Savior Is Born")
I Wonder As I Wander
The Night Before Christmas
White Christmas
A Symphony of Carols (Chanticleer / Pat-a-Pan / Fum, Fum, Fum / Stille Nacht / Still, Still, Still / Adeste Fideles)
Christmas Set of Three (Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas / Lovers on Christmas Eve / The Christmas Song)
Seasonal Sounds (Santa Claus is Comin' to Town / Here Comes Santa Claus / Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer / Frosty, the Snowman / Jingle Bells)

Album Description

The only Christmas album that every home must have features Sir Derek Jacobi naratting The Night Before Christmas. This recording represents the only complete collection of these Randol Alan Bass works that were originally commissioned by major US symphony orchestras. The renowned National Symphony Orchestra of London creates this collection with the Tallis Chamber Choir.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS:

RANDOL ALAN BASS ...
Mr. Bass has achieved an impressive array of performances by orchestras such as the Cleveland Orchestra, the Boston Pops Orchestra, and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Active for more than two decades as an arranger, Mr. Bass is now focusing his talents on original compositions, largely due to the demand for his music. His transcription of Conquest of Paradise, can be heard on the April 30, 1996 release from the Boston Pops, Summon the Heroes which celebrated the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.

SIR DEREK JACOBI ...
A brilliant English stage actor who has made occasional screen appearances. He studied at Cambridge and trained at the Birmingham Repertory Company until Laurence Olivier saw him perform and eventually invited him to join the National Theatre Company. Jacobi performed in a myriad of roles and was featured in the Olivier produced films of Othello (1965, as Cassio) and Three Sisters (1970, released here in 1974). He has also been featured in The Day of the Jackal (1973), The Odessa File (1974), The Medusa Touch (1978), The Human Factor (1979), Enigma (1982), Little Dorrit (1988), and the Kenneth Branagh films Henry V (1989, as the Chorus) and Dead Again (1991, in an amusingly flashy part). Jacobi won a Tony Award for his role as Benedick in "Much Ado About Nothing," and may be best known in the US for his stunning TV work in the BBC series "I, Claudius" and as Hitler in "Inside the Third Reich."

LURETTA BYBEE, Mezzo-soprano ...
American mezzo-soprano Luretta Bybee has proven herself to be an artist of remarkable range and versatility in her performances throughout the world in a wide variety of repertoire. International recognition came early in her career when she sang the title role in the world tour of Peter Brook's La Tragedie de Carmen. Bizet's heroine has since figured heavily in Ms. Bybee's schedule, having taken her to several companies both in the U.S. and abroad and marked her debut at New York City Opera as Carmen.

ABOUT THE MUSIC ...

GLORIA! ... This particular setting of the "Gloria" text makes use of multi-metric rhythmic patterns reminiscent of the dance music found in much of Eastern Europe. It contains moments of bittersweet lyricism and much fanfarish brass writing as well; these qualities have made it a frequent inclusion on Holiday programs, both in church and in the concert hall. The work was especially composed for performances of the New York Pops Orchestra (Skitch Henderson, conducting) and the Texas Christian University Choirs (Christmas, 1990.)

A FEAST OF CAROLS ... There are six carols included in the arrangement, set out as follows:

Gloucester Wassail Carol
Il Est Neé, le Divin Enfant
Veni Emmanuel
The Holly and the Ivy
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
We Wish You a Merry Christmas

The orchestral opening introduces all 6 themes and there follow extended arrangements of the various carols, connecting one to the other in rhapsodic fashion.

I WONDER AS I WANDER ... This traditional Appalachian folk song was collected in North Carolina in July, 1933 by John Jacob Niles and published shortly thereafter in his 1934 Songs of the Hill-Folk. This most plaintive and serene of carols is here cast in a stark, glassy setting for solo mezzo-soprano, chorus and orchestra. The arrangement retains the simple, questioning quality of the original tune while making effective use of modern orchestral forces for subtle color and text-painting.

GLORY TO GOD ... This short choral setting of the famous biblical nativity text comprises a single movement of th

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Christmas carol recording.......2007-01-03

This is a fine recording of Randol Bass music. I have used his arrangements for several Christmas programs and have found them to be both well constructed and rewarding in performance. For those wishing to use choral-orchestral arrangements of traditional Christmas music, these carols are among the best and are very well performed on the recording.

A Must Christmas album.......2004-04-17

If you like orchestral Christmas music, this album is a must. Performed masterfully by the National Symphony Orchestra of London the album includes the modern American Christmas standards as well as a sampling of less well known Christmas classics from overseas and the past. It is unusual in that it is conducted by the arranger of the pieces, so we can be sure we are hearing the arrangements exactly as intended. This album should be in everyone's collection to be played every holiday season. Highly recommended.

A Dog's Christmas - Holiday Songs with Dog Bark Sounds

Average customer rating:

A Dog's Christmas - Holiday Songs with Dog Bark Sounds
Happy Holiday Howlers
Manufacturer: Zakari Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Indie Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 Soundtracks | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Christmas Unleashed
Meowy Christmas
Jingle Bells
Rhythm and Mews
Happy Clucking Holidays

ASIN: B000BVNX9I
Release Date: 2005-10-25

Tracks:

Deck the Halls
Good King Wenceslas
Silent Night
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Joy to the World
Jolly Old St. Nicholas
O Come All Ye Faithful
Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
First Noel
Up on the Housetop
Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Jingle Bells
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
We Three Kings
Away in a Manger
O Christmas Tree
Angels We Have Heard On High
O Holy Night
What Child Is This
Auld Lang Syne
We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Product Description

Your favorite traditional Christmas holiday songs sung by barking dogs. Ruffs, barks and growls to make your friends howl with laughter. Includes traditional orchestral arrangements so no one listening will know it's a gag gift CD until the barking starts. Performed by the Happy Holiday Howlers.

Average customer rating:

The Blenders are the Kings of Christmas!
The Blenders have done it again--these guys are amazing!!!!

Most Wonderful Time
Blenders
Manufacturer: Sounds of the Season
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

A Cappella | Folk | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

When It Snows
Songs from the Soul
Nog
Holiday Best
Totally Whipped

ASIN: B000B5KQZ8
Release Date: 2005-10-25

Tracks:

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Go Tell It on the Mountain
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
Santa's Little Helper (Interlude)
Frosty the Snowman/Here Comes Santa Claus
I Wonder as I Wander
Deck the Halls
O Little Town of Bethlehem
I Bought You a Plastic Star (For Your Aluminum Tree)
Away in a Manger
Christmas Eve (Interlude)
All Wrapped Up

Product Description

1. I Bought You A Plastic Star (For Your Plastic Tree)
2. Go Tell It On The Mountain
3. I Wonder As I Wander
4. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
5. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
6. Deck The Halls
7. Away In The Manger
8. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
9. All Wrapped Up

Format: CD

Customer Reviews:

The Blenders are the Kings of Christmas!.......2007-05-17

The Blenders are great at what they do, and they are best at singing A Capella, and Christmas music is their forte. They have put out four Christmas CDs, one of which is a greatest hits type of CD of their Christmas music (Holiday Best). We have the other three CDs including this one, which are all great Christmas music. We have been known to listen to these CDs even when it isn't Christmas. They have great arrangements and cover traditional Christmas music as well as having some nice originals and lesser known Christmas songs. There are no repeats of songs between the three CDs which include Nog (which has also been released under the name Christmas A Capella style with the Blenders) When It Snows, and Most Wonderful Time. These three are our all time favorite Christmas CDs.

The Blenders have done it again--these guys are amazing!!!!.......2005-12-01

This is the 4th of The Blenders Christmas offerings (the 3rd being a composite of songs from the 1st 2 recordings) and it does not disappoint. The a cappella version of "I Wonder as I Wander" moved me to tears. Don't let the "a cappella" label fool you--this is like no a cappella you've ever heard. Percussion aside, these arrangements are so rich that you'd SWEAR there is instrumentation, and their execution is flawless! Very contemporary--something for everyone. None of my Christmas recordings sees as much play as my Blenders cd's. You'll want them all in your collection!

Sounds of the Season: The John Legend Collection

Average customer rating:

Legend's a Legend

Sounds of the Season: The John Legend Collection
John Legend
Manufacturer: Sony Music Entertainment
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
Similar Items:

Once Again
Get Lifted/Live at the House of Blues
Get Lifted
Used to Love U/Money Blown
P.D.A. (We Just Don't Care)

ASIN: B000LMEK5I

Product Description

Holiday Christmas collection featuring 4 new recordings: 1. Let It Snow 2. O Holy Night 3. Jesus, What a Wonderful Child 4. Winter Wonderland 5. It Don't Have to Change 6. What a Wonderful World

Customer Reviews:

Legend's a Legend.......2007-01-01

This brief Christmas sampler is more moving and entertaining than a dozen over-produced CDs from our favorite artists. The four piano-voiced cuts are the greatest, but the inclusion of "It Don't Have to Change" from "Get Lifted", featuring the Stephens family, is an exquisite and totally appropriate choice to include on this heartfelt CD. Legend's "What a Wonderful World" pays tribute to the great Ray Charles while interpreting it as a Christmas treat. John Legend has many more treats to give us in his future. What a wonderful Christmas album.

Average customer rating:

The Darkest Midnight

Manufacturer: Sounds True Direct
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | 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 | Celtic | International | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music

New Age | Imports | Stores | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:

The Virgin's Lament (Caoineadhi Na Maighdine)
Vox de Nube
Soundings
Stor Amhran (A Wealth of Songs)
Celtic Soul

ASIN: B0000037AJ
Release Date: 1996-11-19

Tracks:

The Seven Rejoices Of Mary
Christmas Day Is Come
Song Of Jerusalem
Ye Sons Of Men
Good People All
Song For New Year's Day
The Darkest Midnight
Sciathluireach Mhuire (Mary's Breastplate)
And Teicheadh Go hEigipt (The Flight Into Egypt)
Now To Conclude Our Christmas Mirth
O Pia Virgo (O Blessed Virgin)

Average customer rating:

Wonderful CD
A Christmas Favorite
Appropriate Title
My all-time favorite Christmas music.
Favorite holiday recording

Sounds of the Season, Vol. 1
Maggie Sansone
Manufacturer: Maggie's Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

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

Pop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music

International Folk | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Celtic | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music

International | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:

Sounds of the Season, Vol. 2
Ancient Noels
A Winter's Night; Christmas in the Great Hall
A Scottish Christmas
A Victorian Noel: European Carols Arranged for Dulcimer, Harp, Piano and Strings

ASIN: B000003JLD
Release Date: 1994-05-05

Tracks:

Deck the Hall/Ding Dong, Merrily on High
Wexford Carol
Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming
Gower Wassail
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel/Masters in This Hall
Baloo Lammy
Joy to the World/Here We Come A-Wassailling
Christmas Eve Is Here/Fum, Fum, Fum/Christmas Eve Reel
Il Est Nring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella
What Child Is This?
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Personent Hodie
I Saw Three Ships
Angels We Have Heard on High
Scotch Mist/Marquis of Huntley's Strathspey
Abbots Bromley Horn Dance
Mioss Patterson/Johnny's Gone to France
Bridget Cruise
Ductia
Parson's Farewell

Album Description

Timeless carols are reborn with a Celtic spirit in chamber folk arrangements performed on hammered dulcimer with Celtic harp, recorders, cittern, violin, mandolin, guitar, concertina, viola da gamba and hand drums. Contains 20 additional bonus tracks of Celtic music from the CD- Traditions, MM104.Also see Sounds of the Season II- its companion CD with the same Celtic/Early Music cross-over sounds. One of the first recordings to hit the market reflecting the perfect chamber folk blend and sound for Christmas. What's new under the Musical Christmas Tree? This is it! Listen to this recording- which is one of the first and still continues to be the bestselling Celtic Christmas recording around each season.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful CD.......2007-01-25

This CD has become the traditional music for our Christmas morning festivities. The dulcimer is played expertly, and the selection of songs is diverse and instrument appropriate. Because it is instrumental only, it can serve as nice background music for any holiday occassion. This has been our family's favorite holiday CD since we first acquired it four or five years ago.

A Christmas Favorite.......2006-12-04

This is a wonderful album which we have listened to for years. The variety of tunes is enjoyable. It makes a great Christmas gift, as well.

Appropriate Title.......2003-10-05

Unfortunately, many people - especially those who are employed in the record stores - would probably consider this 'New Age' or E/Z Listening Christmas music. That's because most of those record store people do not know their musical history. Nor do they probably care to as long as they have the so called holiday music of Mariah Carey and the like to dilute their senses.
This collection by Ms. Sansone is just one in a long line of Old World style Christmas Music (see my other reviews for more of this type of music) that is pretty much only available at Amazon. It's a great introduction to this type of instrumental Christmas music for those who want to get their feet wet, mainly because many of the wonderful well-known tunes are here: Deck The Halls, Joy To The World, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, etc. But it's the not-so-well-known tunes that really jump out at you, such as Abbot's Bromley Horn Dance, Wexford Carol, Gower Wassail, and Baloo Lammy. After a few listens you'll begin to recognize and anticipate these lesser known songs every bit as much as the popular ones. By the end of the Season you'll be scouring Amazon for more of this style of music - it becomes an addiction. Just ask anyone who collects it! Next thing you know you'll be playing it for your friends, who of course, will want copies of THEIR own. Then you realize something: you've been spending your Holiday Season listening almost exclusively to this Old World Christmas Music and you're not sick of it! And you don't even miss Santa Claus Is Coming To Town or Feliz Navidad or so many of the other over-played carols! Because you now have fresh Christmas music to give you the spirit.
A fine collection to brighten the Holidays.

My all-time favorite Christmas music........2001-12-15

Hammered dulcimer lends a magical, peaceful quality to the holiday spirit in the air. Throw on the Christmas tree lights, mull some cider and kick up your heels (either in a jig or on an ottoman!)to these uplifting, instrumental versions of traditional carols. Mixed in are wonderful medleys of melodies that round out the cast of regulars perfectly: #9 ("Il Est Ne/Jeannette Isabella) brightens my mood every time I hear it.

Favorite holiday recording.......2000-01-05

Maggie Sansone's Sounds of the Seasons is an absolutely sensational recording. After listening to it every year I just enjoy it more and more. You will love it!

Average customer rating:

I LOVE this disc !
awesome prog christmas music
VERY INTERESTING
Interesting, but...
Great Xmas tunes for a Jewish rocker

Sounds Like Christmas
December People
Manufacturer: Magna Carta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | 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
Similar Items:

Winter Carols
Twisted Christmas
Milliontown
The Captain and the Kid
Bat Out Of Hell III

ASIN: B00005MJW5
Release Date: 2001-10-30

Tracks:

Carol Of The Bells
We Three Kings Of Orient Are
I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day
Silent Night
What Child Is This?
Little Drummer Boy
'Twas The Night Before Christmas
Up On The Housetop/Deck The Halls
Angels We Have Heard on High/Christmas Lullaby
The First Noel
The Light
Merry X-Mas (War Is Over)
A Christmas Poem #1

Amazon.com

After handing out electric guitars and 17-piece drum sets to a mop-top generation sometime in the 1970s, science-fiction icon Santa Claus ditched all the century-old carols in favor of progressive rock. At least, that's the premise of this strange Robert Berry-helmed project. Berry tweaks the tender and mild "Silent Night" until it sounds like a hazy Pink Floyd romp. Likewise, "The First Noël" imitates King Crimson, and "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" sounds like something from Queen. "We Three Kings" recalls Tina Turner and Sting. Beating Berry to the eggnog, special guests Kansas offer "The Light," a new chestnut for roasting on a hot Hammond organ. --Ian Christe

Customer Reviews:

I LOVE this disc !.......2004-12-02

First off, let me say that I love eclectic Christmas Music. My collection encompasses Brian Setzer, Chicago, Bob Rivers Comedy Corp, Andy Williams, Mannheim Steamroller & Trans-Siberian Orchestra, among others. But of all my CD's (30 plus so far) this is DEFINITELY my fave. I won't spoil it by telling you all the artists that are paid tribute to. Half the fun of this disc is figuring it out on your own. But even standing on its own merits, the music is impressive. I know alot of Prog fans find some of Trent's productions tedious, but I think this is some of his most creative work. And bottom-line it's just plain FUN ! If you a fan of Prog, Christmas music, or just want something different to play while sitting in front of the fireplace this season, by all means BUY THIS DISC !

awesome prog christmas music.......2003-03-22

I love this cd!Up on the rooftop is my favourite track on this cd.I also like the song the light.Great Xmas prog!

VERY INTERESTING.......2002-12-22

What I got from this CD is pretty much what I had expected , great versions of Christmas songs proged up with some very interesting and inovative extras. While listening to this disc you can here bits and pieces from many different older prog bands. I`m a big Kansas fan and I loved Steve Walshes version of We Three Kings Of Orient Are and the Jake Livgren (Kery`s nephew I believe) sings a great version of Up On The House / Christmas Lullaby , it has bits of Carry on Wayward Son`s music and is fantastic. But the song I loved most was I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day sung by Robert Barry its done the way Queen in there hey day sounded and is super cool. Basicaly if you have ever sat around watching the carrols and thought to yourself musicaly "I WANT MORE" in a progressive sense this is the CD for you. The bonus song by Kansas is a good song however its not the high point of this CD and I couldn`t hear Robby Steinhardt`s violin in the mix ? The CD finishes on what I would personaly consider to be a average Christmas song Merry Christmas (War Is Over) but the singers do a good job of this fairly over played modern Christmas song, apart from a few small complaints its a brilliant Christmas CD. Kudos go to Robert Berry the hard work paid off, Trent Gardner your Voice sounded great on What Child Is This and Steve Walsh for singing the way you do. I hope you enjoy this CD as much as I do its worthy to add to your collection and good (due to its fresh aproach and progressive nature) to play all year round, enjoy !

Interesting, but..........2002-12-09

As a big fan of progressive rock groups like Yes and Kansas, I thought this sounded like a very interesting concept. Now that I 've listened to it a couple of times, I'm not sure what to make of it. It IS interesting, but also a bit disappointing. Part of the problem is that I expected it to sound like the actual groups were performing Christmas carols. What they've done, however, is cop some signature licks/sounds and adorn the songs. You'll be able to pick most of the songs that are borrowed from. In other words, they're not trying to sound like the BANDS, they're trying to sound like the SONGS. Not that it's bad, but it sometimes comes off almost like a parody, as opposed to a tribute.

The musicians are quite good, as are most of the vocalists, but I do have a couple of complaints. In some cases, the vocalists just don't sound enough like the singer they're imitating. Not that they sound bad, they just don't sound "right." My other complaint pains me to point out. Even though several other reviewers have singled out Steve Walsh's vocals, to me they're almost painful to listen to. At one time, Steve Walsh had a great voice, but the years have taken a toll. If you liked how Steve sounded on Somewhere to Elsewhere, you'll probably be happy, but if you're expecting Leftoverture vintage sounds, you're likely to be disappointed.

I'm still glad I bought this, but it's not as good as I was hoping.

Great Xmas tunes for a Jewish rocker.......2002-12-08

As a Jew married to a Christian, it's often hard to listen to the same Xmas music over and over. This album is excellent, not only for the creativity put into sounding like classic rock bands, but for making Xmas songs sound cool. Ranks up there with Trans-Siberian Orchestra's albums as a must-play during the holidays. Worth it just to listen to the Yes and Pink Floyd sounding tunes.

Average customer rating:

Soulful Sounds of Christmas
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

New Jack | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:

12 Soulful Nights of Christmas
Ultimate Soul Christmas
Motown Christmas
Slow Jams Christmas, Vol. 1
Soul Christmas

ASIN: B0002Y4SUC
Release Date: 2004-10-12

Tracks:

The Christmas -- Dru Hill
Happy Holidays To You -- New Edition
Snowy Nights -- En Vogue
Let It Snow! -- Boyz II Men
O Holy Night -- Yolanda Adams
Christmas in Hollis -- Run-D.M.C.
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer -- Babyface
Comin' For X-Mas? -- Usher
Do You Hear What I Hear? -- Whitney Houston
Sleigh Ride -- TLC
Oh Little Town of Bethleham -- Take 6
Silent Night, Holy Night -- Bebe and Cece Winans
Now Behold the Lamp -- Kirk Franklin and the Family
Christmas Without You -- Xscape

Amazon.com

The Soulful Sounds of Christmas is a solid collection, mostly of '90s urban contemporary pop from the likes of chart-toppers Whitney Houston, En Vogue, Yolanda Adams, Dru Hill, New Edition, Babyface, Take 6, and Usher. There's plenty of party jams, plus a stunning a cappella turn from Take 6 on "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem" and the prototype rap of Run-D.M.C.'s classic "Christmas in Hollis." Add the indefatigable BeBe & CeCe Winans on "Silent Night" and the gospel-powered verve of Kirk Franklin & the Family on his reverberating spiritual "Now Behold the Lamb" and you've got a holiday disc that both goes to church and decks the halls without missing a beat or amen. --Martin Keller

Album Description

Get your holiday groove on! Cozy up to the fire and connect to the soulful side of the season, as exemplified by the all-star roster of urban contemporary, R&B, new jack swing, soul, and hip-hop icons on this smooth new compilation. Many of the biggest stars of the last two decades-both naughty and nice!--get into the spirit, including Usher, Whitney Houston, Run-D.M.C., En Vogue, Babyface & more!

Average customer rating:

Perfect for the Season
FOR WHISTLING OR SINGING ALONG

Joy to the World

Manufacturer: Compendia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Lullabies & Berceuse | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Holiday Music | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Classical Instrumental | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Solo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Classical Instrumental | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
Similar Items:

50 Most Loved Christmas Carols
The Joy of Christmas
A Festival of Carols in Brass

ASIN: B000003QWB
Release Date: 1994-06-07

Tracks:

The Nutcracker Ste: Miniature Ov - London Festival Orch
The Nutcracker Ste: March - London Festival Orch
The Nutcracker Ste: Dance Of The Sugar-Plum Fairy - London Festival Orch
The Nutcracker Ste: Russian Dance: Trepak - London Festival Orch
The Nutcracker Ste: Arabian Dance - London Festival Orch
The Nutcracker Ste: Chinese Dance - London Festival Orch
The Nutcracker Ste: Dance Of The Mirlitons - London Festival Orch
The Nutcracker Ste: Walts Of The Flowers - London Festival Orch
Carol Of The Bells - London Festival Orch
Sleighride - Rochester Pops Orch
Ov To Hansel And Gretel - London Festival Orch
Three German Dances: Sleighride - Rochester Pops Orch
Angels We Have Heard On High: Vars - Lyn Larsen
Snowdrops Waltz - Rochester Pops
Babes In Toyland: March - Rochester Pops
A Scottish Carol - Lyn Larsen
Mount Of Olives: 'Hallelujah!' - Carlo Curley/Chm Chr Of Grand Rapids
Thais: Meditation - Lyn Larsen/Carlo Curley
Choral, Sym No.9 in d: Finale - Chor

Tracks:

Messiah-Part One: Ov - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part One: Comfort Ye - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part One: Every Valley - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part One: And The Glory Of The Lord - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part One: Thus Saith The Lord Of Hosts - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part One: But Who May Abide - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part One: And He Shall Purify - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part One: Behold! A Virgin Shall Conceive - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part One: For Behold! Darkness Shall Cover The Earth - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part One: The People That Walked In Darkness - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part One: O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings To Zion - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part One: He Shall Feed His Flock - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part One: I Know That My Redeemer Liveth - Royal Choral Society

Tracks:

Messiah-Part Two: For Unto Us A Child Is Born - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part Two: And Suddenly There Was With The Angel A Multitude - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part Two: Glory To God - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part Two: Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter Of Zion - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part Two: His Yoke Is Easy - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part Two: Behold The Lamb Of God - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part Two: He Was Despised - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part Two: All We, Like Sheep - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part Two: Hallelujah! - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part Two: The Tpt Shall Sound - Royal Choral Society
Messiah-Part Two: Amen - Royal Choral Society

Tracks:

Hymns Of Christmas: Joy To The World - Irish Promenade Orch
Hymns Of Christmas: In Dulci Jubilo - Chor/Bel Canto Voices
Hymns Of Christmas: Away In The Manger - Chor/Bel Canto Voices
Hymns Of Christmas: Sans Day Carol - Chor/Bel Canto Voices
Hymns Of Christmas: Adeste Fidelis - Irish Promenade Orch
Hymns Of Christmas: Whence Is That Goodly Fragrance - Chor/Bel Canto Voices
Hymns Of Christmas: Born On Earth The Divine Christ Child - Chor/Bel Canto Voices
Hymns Of Christmas: Down On Yon Forest - Chor/Bel Canto Voices
Hymns Of Christmas: I Saw Three Ships - Chor/Bel Canto Voices
Hymns Of Christmas: Fant on 'Greensleeves' - Chor/Bel Canto Voices
Hymns Of Christmas: Silent Night - Chor/Bel Canto Voices
Hymns Of Christmas: O Little Town Of Bethlehem - Irish Promenade Orch
Hymns Of Christmas: Jesu, Thou The Virgin Born - Plymouth Festival Orch & Chor/Bel Canto Voices
Hymns Of Christmas: Savior Of The World Is Born - Plymouth Festival Orch & Chor/Bel Canto Voices
Hymns Of Christmas: The First Nowell - Plymouth Festival Orch & Chor/Bel Canto Voices
Hymns Of Christmas: On Christmas Night - Plymouth Festival Orch & Chor/Bel Canto Voices
Hymns Of Christmas: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Plymouth Festival Orch & Chor/Bel Canto Voices
Hymns Of Christmas: Little Drummer Boy - Irish Promenade Orch
Hymns Of Christmas: How Brightly Shown The Morning Star - Chor/Bel Canto Voices
Hymns Of Christmas: God Is Born - Chor/Bel Canto Voices
Hymns Of Christmas: In Nightly Stillness - Chor/Bel Canto Voices
Hymns Of Christmas: O Holy Night - Irish Promenade Orch
Hymns Of Christmas: In The Manger - Chor/Bel Canto Voices
Hymns Of Christmas: Lullay, Dear Jesus - Chor/Bel Canto Voices
Hymns Of Christmas: Merrily To Bethlehem - Chor/Bel Canto Voices

Tracks:

A Baroque Christmas: Christmas Oratorio: Sinf/The Four Seasons: Winter - Stuttgart RSO
A Baroque Christmas: Allegro Non Molto - Camerata Academica Of Salzburg
A Baroque Christmas: Largo - Camerata Academica Of Salzburg
A Baroque Christmas: Allegro - Camerata Academica Of Salzburg
A Baroque Christmas: Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - St. Louis Brass Qt
A Baroque Christmas: Canon in D - London Festival Orch
A Baroque Christmas: Messiah: Sinf - Stuttgart RSO
A Baroque Christmas: Sheep May Safely Graze - Philip Brunelle
A Baroque Christmas: Air On A 'G' Str - RPO
A Baroque Christmas: Samson: Awake The Tpts Lofty Sounds - Carlo Curley/Chm Chr Of Grand Rapids
A Baroque Christmas: Brandenburg, Con No.2 in F: Allegro - Camerata Romana
A Baroque Christmas: Fanfare ('Masterpiece Theatre' Theme) - Cathedral Brass
A Baroque Christmas: Arioso For Brass - St. Louis Brass Qt
A Baroque Christmas: Rondeau - Carlo Curley
A Baroque Christmas: Table Music Ov - Camerata Academica Of Salzburg
A Baroque Christmas: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God - Carlo Curley/Chm Chor Of Grand Rapids
A Baroque Christmas: Joy To The World - Chor

Customer Reviews:

Perfect for the Season.......2005-11-19

I purchased this years ago and the enjoyment has grown every Christmas. Handel's Messiah is beautiful, The Nutcracker is a classic and the arrangement of hymns conveys the true wonders of the season. While there is a place for pop carols, these classics should be in every Christian's music library. I loved this so much, I actually purchased a complete replacement set when I lost one of the discs. Certainly an excellent value that any music lover would treasure.

FOR WHISTLING OR SINGING ALONG.......2003-12-28

The gifted Richard Hayman (Boston Pops arranger for more than 30 years) offers an interesting collection of holiday favourites. The back cover says "Orchestra and Chorus" - beware, there is no chorus. The sub-title "Philharmomic Symphony Orchestra" is rather pedantic. Why not simply "Richard Hayman and His Orchestra"? The opening and closing numbers are sing-along medleys... the liner notes offer the words. Two Leroy Anderson numbers receive a fair treatment: SLEIGH RIDE and SONG OF THE BELLS, the latter being played rrather slowly. There is a beautiful rendition of MUSIC BOX DANCER, the only version I know that uses the music box. The counter-melody is too loud and takes away the charm of the main theme. A few compositions by the conductor himself. A great collection for tree-trimming, whistling or singing along.

Pop Music:

Pop Music

pop music

Recommended Music:

Apostrophe (Limited Edition Japanese Mini LP Sleeve CD)

Fabulous Femmes

Jazz Suite [Box set]

Music: Bellydance with Ihsal Al Munzer

I'm Not Like Everybody Else [Import]

Salsa Music: 12 Exitos Rancheros

It Could Happen to You

Four Famous Basses of the Past

Jealous Kind/Plain from the Heart

Holiday for Swing

Jazz from the North Coast [Import]

Incredible Kai Winding Trombones [Original recording remastered] [Import]

Hitmix 2004

Beethoven: Violin Sonatas "Kreutzer" & "Spring"

This Is Spinal Tap