Christabel & The Jons - The Christmas Album (A TWO-FOR-ONE REVIEW)

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOzmTW7z1o15n2RCcn8oadO4bab86nx-XiaSB6QJMNgOaSN3F58y2SJxuXfxW8-xBOSm0aHPA3v8EV4eO0n9d8lhHl4D12Z4cgjrGZTs7XbADzKrPK2EFO0j5w0alXmoKfz9RP5PZwlj7/s1600/scan0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOzmTW7z1o15n2RCcn8oadO4bab86nx-XiaSB6QJMNgOaSN3F58y2SJxuXfxW8-xBOSm0aHPA3v8EV4eO0n9d8lhHl4D12Z4cgjrGZTs7XbADzKrPK2EFO0j5w0alXmoKfz9RP5PZwlj7/s320/scan0003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Received an interesting package at the <a href="http://christmasyuleblog.blogspot.com/2006/10/po-box-13207-fort-wayne-in-46867-3207.html">PO Box</a> a few weeks ago.  Inside was an advance copy of a Christmas album (in a clear DVD case) from a band I had never heard of before.<br /><br />The cover letter read thusly:</span></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFz-A8oETyPo8dd3r4mCh2RNsJJjJZh2Sl3tUcsvSVgjkiWdDJszPTNu-DoW5DUc_KXrvk-kJVgYU7Zf00hneMQkY2WTFbWXfZdZGuI5Qz999D8GdqhCIrZIlAqeq4R1C6XJCSQBeVvU3H/s1600/scan0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFz-A8oETyPo8dd3r4mCh2RNsJJjJZh2Sl3tUcsvSVgjkiWdDJszPTNu-DoW5DUc_KXrvk-kJVgYU7Zf00hneMQkY2WTFbWXfZdZGuI5Qz999D8GdqhCIrZIlAqeq4R1C6XJCSQBeVvU3H/s400/scan0001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I quickly added December 3rd to my calendar as I sat down trying to figure out more about this band.  From their <a href="http://christabelmusic.com/">bio</a>:<br /><br /><span style="color: red;">CB&J has been performing their distinctive style of folky swing since the spring of 2005. They released their first full-length album, “Love and Circumstances” in November of 2006. Their second and most recent album, “Custom Made For You,” was released on December 12th, 2008. </span><br style="color: red;" /> <br style="color: red;" /><span style="color: red;"> In addition to headlining many shows, Christabel and the Jons has also performed at numerous festivals in the US including Bonnaroo, Riverbend, Bele Chere, Blue Plum Festival, Shakori Hills Festival, Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion, and Sundown in the City. They’ve also opened for many national acts including The Brazilian Girls, The Be Good Tanyas, The Red Stick Ramblers, The Wilders, and Loudon Wainwright.</span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsGftO6wathCm6VMPQf9sbCew-9t42547xSvKPAH_I5WziRGe6KXoCG7dLwmQ2ADA6DSXHVnjAB1c4Af92QNVtafDJybAVcJ6BW7j5GJrVZGYYbir-z3o1ZGcdol1FBKPV_siICmPetuH/s1600/scan0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsGftO6wathCm6VMPQf9sbCew-9t42547xSvKPAH_I5WziRGe6KXoCG7dLwmQ2ADA6DSXHVnjAB1c4Af92QNVtafDJybAVcJ6BW7j5GJrVZGYYbir-z3o1ZGcdol1FBKPV_siICmPetuH/s320/scan0004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">TRACK REVIEWS:<br /><br />1.) Best Kind of Friend<br /><span style="color: red;">Original Christmas song written by the lead singer - it's a great showcase for the band's Tennessee swing sound and Christa's amazing sultry voice.</span><br /><br />2.) Winter Wonderland<br /><span style="color: red;">The pedal steel guitar by Brock Henderson gives this one a island feeling which goes well with the overall band sound.  Seth's trumpet solo made me laugh out loud!</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3.) The Christmas Song</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <span style="color: red;">Very straightforward version of this classic.  Nicely done.</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">4.)  It Won't Cool Off</span></span><br /><div style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I've never heard of anyone covering this old Dean Martin classic until now.  Kudos to the song selectors - this one's flat out perfect!</span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">5.)  I'd Like You For Christmas</span></span><br /><div style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">More kudos to whomever chose this song.  Written by Bobby Troup ("Route 66") for his wife Julie London, no one ever dared covering this song.  Another outstanding song!</span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">6.)  What Will Santa Claus Say?</span></span><br /><div style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Even more kudos to the person who picked this Prima pasterpiece (okay, I stretched).  If Louis Prima was from Tennessee, I'd imaging his Christmas song would sound like this.  Great, great, great!</span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">7.)  Christmas Island</span></span><br /><div style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">More pedal steel guitar, Seth's great ukulele, Christa and the band's amazing vocals on this track make this one remarkable.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">8.)  Santa Baby</span></span><br /><div style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Another great version of a Christmas classic.  More on this one later.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">9.)  Baby It's Cold Outside</span></span><br /><div style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The interplay between Christa and </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Andy Bean of the <a href="http://www.thetwogentlemen.com/">Two Man Gentleman Band</a> adds a special Tennessee touch to this song.  Very nice.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">10.)  Christmas In Prison</span></span><br /><div style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm admittedly not a fan of this song but this John Prine song given the full CB & J treatment makes it one to listen for.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">11.)  Silent Night</span></span><br /><div style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A very distinctive version that will make you re-listen to this one three or four times.  I enjoyed this quite a bit.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">12.)  Christmas Time Is Here</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">What better way to go out on than with Vince Guaraldi?  Seth and the band reworks the Guaraldi sound to their advantage - I'm a fan of this band's sound.</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">After I had heard this album for the 19th time, I was inviting all of my friends out to <a href="http://www.brassrailfw.com/">The Brass Rail</a> on December 3rd.  Not many wanted to come fearing the bar's former reputation.  But owners John Commorato Jr and Corey Rader have done a great job transforming the former dive bar into an alternative band showcase since 2007.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The show started at 10 PM with local band Buffalo Jump playing a lively, 45 minute set before CB & J took the stage.  No Christmas songs from Buffalo Jump but I definitely enjoyed the song about the Brass Rail.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Christabel and The Jons took the stage to set up - down time, a chance to get another drink, visit the restroom, or a quick smoke for those so inclined.  We waited.  And waited.  And waited.  </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Seems the band had difficulty setting up their synthesizer and electric guitar hooked up - many of the effects they showcased on the Christmas album wouldn't be available for the show.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">After 45 minutes, the band started with several of their non-Christmas songs that quickly won the Fort Wayne crowd over.  Their sound was fast, impactful, and full of swing that you couldn't help tap your toes and sway to the rhythm.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">First Christmas song of the night:  "Merry Christmas Baby", a song that wasn't featured on their album.  From where I was positioned in the back of the bar, I failed to capture it on my cell phone camera.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">However, not wanting to make the same mistake twice, I moved up into the crowd and closer the stage:</span></span><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VLrRfGp0Da0?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VLrRfGp0Da0?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Other Christmas songs played were "Best Kind of Friend", "Blue Christmas", and "Winter Wonderland".  The rest of their amazing two hour set (yeah, these guys wailed) was more of their patented Tennessee swing.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Around 1 AM (this stay-at-home dad's eyes were bleary), I made my way up to the band members and thanked them for an amazing show and an even more amazing Christmas album.  Seth, Christa, and Jon (who was about as tired as me when I caught him out dragging a butt) were personable and charming throughout.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This band has one of the <a href="http://christabelmusic.bandcamp.com/">best Christmas albums</a> of the 2010 season.  </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Their other album that I bought at the show - "<a href="http://christabelmusic.bandcamp.com/album/custom-made-for-you">Custom Made For You</a>" - has won some airtime on my boombox here at my home.  It's the first non-Christmas album to do that in December in about fourteen years.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Not digitally dead yet at the ol' yuleblog...</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Capt</span></span>

Christabel & The Jons - The Christmas Album (A TWO-FOR-ONE REVIEW)

Received an interesting package at the PO Box a few weeks ago.  Inside was an advance copy of a Christmas album (in a clear DVD case) from ...

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The Hipwaders - A Kindie Christmas

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt34T8nSNHdQJUvGIm7hBm_l38FLsRn2QCzfVxGhV_U9YjOm_Y0ulbfnsI0rtYcKmLBpQ-vgv2n4jumAMY7oQrgfTvuldWuGkJzrjZEnlzgrzD7zPtbff3fn0JnQDMdsD3t4scXg_TCYmI/s1600-h/hipwaders,+the+-+A.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397861831342619730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt34T8nSNHdQJUvGIm7hBm_l38FLsRn2QCzfVxGhV_U9YjOm_Y0ulbfnsI0rtYcKmLBpQ-vgv2n4jumAMY7oQrgfTvuldWuGkJzrjZEnlzgrzD7zPtbff3fn0JnQDMdsD3t4scXg_TCYmI/s320/hipwaders,+the+-+A.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 285px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br />This is the last of four new Christmas releases that I received at my <a href="http://christmasyuleblog.blogspot.com/2006/10/po-box-13207-fort-wayne-in-46867-3207.html">P.O. Box</a> that I'm reviewing this week. Ironically, this was one of the first of those four that arrived. It's been sitting patiently while I reviewed <a href="http://christmasyuleblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/emmanuel-shall-come-to-thee-noel.html">Emmanuel Shall</a>, <a href="http://christmasyuleblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/kevin-koelbl-this-is-christmas-time.html">Kevin Koelbl</a>, and <a href="http://christmasyuleblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/silvia-fleming-love-for-christmas.html">Silvia Fleming</a>, eyeballing me the entire time, tempting me with its artwork.<br /><br />To quote the press sheet:<br /><br /><span style="color: red;">"Since 2004, The Hipwaders have performed their own original Christmas songs along with their 'wader-ized' versions of Christmas classics. Finally, the band got around to recording their original compositions for the holidays.</span><br style="color: red;" /> <br style="color: red;" /><span style="color: red;"> "Christmas music has traditionally always been "family music" and The Hipwaders carry on this tradition with their songs celebrating all aspects of Christmas with a special admiration for Santa Claus and his exploits. Some say The Hipwaders 'exploit' Santa - but that's for you to decide..."</span><br /><br />Indeed it is... and I must admit, I'm pretty intrigued already...<br /><br />TRACK REVIEWS:<br /><br />1.) Santasploitation<br /><span style="color: red;">Quick, fun 49 second track that opens the CD. Don't take my word for it:</span><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/X048xj8xIcg&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/X048xj8xIcg&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />2.) There's Too Much Good<br /><span style="color: red;">Not sure if this qualifies as a Christmas song ("Silver Bells" is mentioned) but its sound is great and leads into...</span><br /><br />3.) It's Wintertime<br /><span style="color: red;">Again, not too heavy on Christmas but the winter sounds make up for it. Everybody dance...</span><br /><br />4.) Santa's Train<br /><span style="color: red;">WOW! Great song with a definite country feel to it! Well worth the train trip.</span><br /><br />5.) Goodnight<br /><span style="color: red;">A Christmas lullaby that I wished was sung to me when I was a kid (instead of the usual cries of "SHUDDUP AND GO TO SLEEP!").</span><br /><br />6.) Wake Up<br /><span style="color: red;">Natural follow-up to "Goodnight". I love this track but you decide for yourself:</span><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZsR3RY3Lm34&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZsR3RY3Lm34&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />7.) Yes, It's Christmas<br /><span style="color: red;">For a brief moment, I thought this was R.E.M. - it has that sound! Standout track.</span><br /><br />8.) Tinsel & Lights<br /><span style="color: red;">There's not many modern songs that detail Christmas decorations, photos, and the small nuances that make up Christmas. Until now... Another standout track.</span><br /><br />9.) Wake Up (reprise)<br /><span style="color: red;">Quick instrumental version of track six (see above) that has a video game feel to it that has me chuckling.</span><br /><br />10.) Christmas Vicuna<br /><span style="color: red;">GREAT JUMPIN' ICEBERGS!!! Latin-flavored tale of a lonely </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vicu%C3%B1a" style="color: red;">vicuna</a><span style="color: red;"> in Peru who wants to join Santa's sleigh. Amazing, clever, and a whole lotta fun!</span><br /><br /><br />At their official <a href="http://kindiechristmas.blogspot.com/">blog</a> this past Tuesday (official release date of this album), head Hipwader Tito Uquillas writes "It's the day that's been over 20 years in the making. Really. A couple of tracks from "A Kindie Christmas" date from the late '80's and, like a good fruitcake, have been properly aged to perfection. OK, I can't believe I just wrote that either."<br /><br />I can't believe I cut and pasted that, either.<br /><br />The album is a genuine gem of Christmas tunes - all original, some more Christmas than others, fantastic sounds throughout. It was worth the 20 year wait. Well done, 'Waders, one and all!<br /><br />XM Satellite has been playing The Hipwaders' kiddie CDs for some time now and I suspect their seasonal Christmas stations will be cranking out their holiday fare. I only wish several of the tracks make it onto terrestrial Christmas radio to give us a break from the same 20 - 30 Christmas songs on shuffle mode.<br /><br /><br />Capt<br /></span></span>

The Hipwaders - A Kindie Christmas

This is the last of four new Christmas releases that I received at my P.O. Box that I'm reviewing this week. Ironically, this was one ...

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Emmanuel shall come to thee - Noël

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHUmZKvmbCp-qb_KSKbItuw8GCtyl3gWnWzgcN-RKx8T1iJkhfWzLCioJ74cORSJhJgRWco66T7kbYVG-zKJQHwfdEtArlxmsIbVb2eHds4X_ZI-Jf6vHgZYhjHPYfozPyoQma__Ds3dy/s1600-h/emmanuel+shall+come+to+thee+-+A.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397861229800235842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfHUmZKvmbCp-qb_KSKbItuw8GCtyl3gWnWzgcN-RKx8T1iJkhfWzLCioJ74cORSJhJgRWco66T7kbYVG-zKJQHwfdEtArlxmsIbVb2eHds4X_ZI-Jf6vHgZYhjHPYfozPyoQma__Ds3dy/s320/emmanuel+shall+come+to+thee+-+A.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 286px;" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />This was the third new Christmas release to arrive at my <a href="http://christmasyuleblog.blogspot.com/2006/10/po-box-13207-fort-wayne-in-46867-3207.html">P.O. Box</a>. Unfortunately, no press sheet or additional material accompanied the CD. So it was off to their <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Emmanuel-Shall-Come-to-Thee/105096773750">Facebook</a> page to find some threads of info off their wall. A post on October 25th states "this album is currently the top-selling holiday album at <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/emmanuelshall">CD Baby</a>!"<br /><br />I clicked on the CDBaby link and found the answer to several of my questions:<br /><br />"Emmanuel Shall Come to Thee is a Chicagoland collective of musicians led by composer Matthew Prins. The group incorporates classical, folk, new-age, orchestral, jazz, and minimalist influences into their progressive interpretations of familiar works.<br /><br />"Featuring 19 new holiday arrangements and compositions by composer Matthew Prins, Noël fuses a myriad of influences into a Christmas album quite unlike any heard before. Performed primarily by Prins and multi-instrumentalist A.J. Nelson, Noël features a harmonious blend of hand bells, hand chimes, carillon, strings, woodwinds, and brass, as well as the talents of vocalist Amy Yassinger."<br /><br />While there, I found yet another review from the good folks at <a href="http://www.christmasreviews.com/wemmanuelshall.shtml">ChristmasReviews.com</a>:<br /><br />"With just a hint of new age drama and a gentle heart, Nöel is touching in its understated brilliance....[T]he most striking fact about Nöel is its integral construction and execution. The tracks flow seamlessly, one into the next, and remind one of butter being stirred into hot fudge, swirling and glistening, warm and sweet."<br /><br />Well... this could be interesting...<br /><br />TRACK REVIEWS:<br /><br />1.) Verbum supernum, prodiens.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Played on the carillon and lasting 39 seconds... understated intros are sometimes the best!</span><br /><br />2.) O come, all ye faithful.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">The different arrangements sound amazing but as it moved past the four minute mark, I was done.</span><br /><br />3.) The holly and the ivy.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">This instrumental is beautifully constructed and executed with all elements firing on all cylinders.</span><br /><br />4.) Good Christian men, rejoice.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">A 21st century take on a 14th century carol - excellente!</span><br /><br />5.) Who mourns in lowly exile here.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Take the first few measures of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" and repeat. Different.</span><br /><br />6.) Infant holy, infant lowly.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Another well-constructed carol - very good work all around.</span><br /><br />7.) Carol of the bells.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Harp, hand bells, chimes, carillon, soft piano all meld together into a great instrumental version of this song. Skipping back to hear it again...</span><br /><br />8.) God bless ye merry, gentlemen.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Right as I was thinking "it's stretching a bit" around the 2:30 mark, Yassinger's sweet vocals arrive. Good save!</span><br /><br />9.) And ransom captive Israel.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">The woodwinds on this track make the song - a definite change of sound! I like the way they keep playing with the arrangements...</span><br /><br />10.) Let all mortal flesh be silence.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">The steady cannon drumbeat and church bells with snatches of "The First Noel" coming through gives this one ambiance deluxe!</span><br /><br />11.) 'Twas in the moon of wintertime.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">I thought I had switched on Mike Oldfield for a moment... another well done, well arranged carol!</span><br /><br />12.) O come, o come, Emmanuel.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">This one lasts just around 1:30... why so short? </span><br /><br />13.) What child is this?<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Shades of Philip Glass! This one's going to need several re-listens as well... Amazing track from start to finish!</span><br /><br />14.) Bring a torch, Jeanette, Isabella.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">At 36 seconds long, this is the shortest track on the CD. </span><br /><br />15.) Sleep, holy babe.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Very pretty - I will need to look for this carol in my church hymnal and show it to the music director there.</span><br /><br />16.) Until the Son of God appears.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Some of these tracks have a transition feel to it (see tracks 5, 12, and 14 above) and I'm guessing this is one of them.</span><br /><br />17.) Holy night.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">A re-working of "Silent Night" that I didn't warm up to at first. After another listen, it clicked - nicely done.</span><br /><br />18.) Rejoice, rejoice... o Israel.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">The transitions culminate with this loop track that repeats over and over and over... </span><br /><br />19.) Benedictus Agnus Dei (hundredfold).<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Which leads into this loop track (6:45 !!) that's a disappointing way to end the CD.</span><br /><br /><br />When I first got this CD, I had my doubts - the track list looked very public domain. The fact that really scared me was CDBaby's recommendation that if you like Mannheim Steamroller, you'd like this album. After listening to this, I'm glad to report it's nothing like Steamroller's synthesized purile pop.<br /><br />Producer/arranger/musician Matthew Prins really deserves a congratulatory pat on the back. There are some tracks on this album that are sheer artistry and deserve to be heard. He chose some wonderful carols forgotten by the passing of time (when was the last time you heard "Good Christian men, rejoice" on the radio at Christmas time?) and given them new life.<br /><br />Yes, there were some tracks that rambled but I'm willing to overlook them. <a href="http://www.emmanuelshall.com/">Emmanuel Shall</a> could have made a Christmas CD with the usual mix of safe carols and Christmas pop standards. Instead, they made a unique album that mixes new age, jazz, orchestra, and even minimalism with Christmas. Listen for yourself - click on the link!<br /><br />Kudos to Prins, A.J. Nelson, and Amy Yassinger for top notch work!<br /><br /><br />Capt<br /></span></span>

Emmanuel shall come to thee - Noël

This was the third new Christmas release to arrive at my P.O. Box . Unfortunately, no press sheet or additional material accompanied the CD...

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Kevin Koelbl - This Is Christmas Time

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4Y_3wds0L640NwSzzMwi4PSAs-w1HwTChh2HAtqSIQCI8DZzegPcMh0ML7HHF-_WL4wHXIEX1t7K6nr7w9qsK1RPVav2JTDNmMjwRnb0jSQmzjf_f7QYsyAm8wLQ_cI66xFcIzZBM9mQ/s1600-h/koelbl,+kevin+-+A.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397860027081263170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4Y_3wds0L640NwSzzMwi4PSAs-w1HwTChh2HAtqSIQCI8DZzegPcMh0ML7HHF-_WL4wHXIEX1t7K6nr7w9qsK1RPVav2JTDNmMjwRnb0jSQmzjf_f7QYsyAm8wLQ_cI66xFcIzZBM9mQ/s320/koelbl,+kevin+-+A.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">This is the second of four new Christmas releases that I recently received at my <a href="http://christmasyuleblog.blogspot.com/2006/10/po-box-13207-fort-wayne-in-46867-3207.html">P.O. Box</a>. Thanks to the good people at Phil Putnam Public Relations for sending me the CD and cover sheet.<br /><br />Kevin Koelbl (pronounced "cable") has had a long and varied career in music. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance, Kevin went on to leading roles at various regional theatres across the country.<br /><br />Some of the shows Kevin's appeared in include "Carnival", "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", "The Fantasticks", "A Little Night Music", "Beauty and the Beast", "Oklahoma", "Anything Goes" and "Show Boat" with legendary MGM star <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Van_Johnson">Van Johnson</a> in the early 1990s.<br /><br />This led to his co-starring role with Michael Crawford ("Phantom of the Opera" no less) in the Las Vegas megashow "<a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/efx-1999-las-vegas-cast">EFX</a>", once the most elaborate and expensive show ever to play in Vegas. After Crawford left the role, Koelbl took over the role and held it down until the producers brought in ex-Partridge Family heartthrob David Cassidy.<br /><br />Several years later, Koelbl recorded his first album. "<a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/koelbl">Somewhere In Time</a>" was released in 2000 to good reviews and opened more doors in the music industry for Kevin. Along the way, he never lost his love for live performances and his time was split between the studio and the stage.<br /><br />Earlier this year, Kevin went into the recording studio and recorded the album you are looking at. Working in L.A. with some master professionals (John Bisharat, Matt Harris, Ray Brinker), he wanted an album of lush collection of Christmas classics re-imagined with a modern twist. Drawing on his deep love of jazz, cabaret, and Christmas, this is the end result.<br /><br />TRACK REVIEWS:<br /><br />1.) The Most Wonderful Time of the Year<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Smooth, jazzy, upbeat version of this song - Kevin's voice reminds me a little of John Davidson. Fine rendition.</span><br /><br />2.) Snowfall / White Christmas<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">The two songs are perfect counterparts. Koelbl sandwiches "White Christmas" with "Snowfall" It works!</span><br /><br />3.) This Is Christmas Time<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Original title track written by Steven Santoro. Lyrical walk through the Christmas season that meanders but stays on the path.<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"></span></span><br /><br />4.) Snow (duet with Heidi Godt)<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Move over <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rf71RsyT52c" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Bing, Danny, Rosemary & Vera-Ellen</a>... Kevin and Heidi have a trainload of fun with this rendition!</span><br /><br />5.) Welcome Christmas / Christmas Time Is Here<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Dr. Seuss meets Charles M. Schulz, at last. Another teaming of Christmas songs complemented by Kevin's fine singing.</span><br /><br />6.) Happy Holiday<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">This one's so closely associated with Bing Crosby that many artists don't even attempt it. Kevin's jazzy version will open some ears.</span><br /><br />7.) O Holy Night<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">This one's a little too Manilow for me (arrangement wise).</span><br /><br />8.) The Little Drummer Boy<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">WOW! The drums, percussion, and bass give this a Caribbean feel throughout. A standout track.</span><br /><br />9.) The Christmas Song<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">As in <a href="http://christmasyuleblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/silvia-fleming-love-for-christmas.html" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">yesterday's post</a>, any version that adds the intro gets extra points. Nicely done.</span><br /><br />10.) Count Your Blessings (duet with Tami Tappan Damiano)<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">What was a small intimate duet in "</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2-XXzYU77E" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">White Christmas</a><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">" is a full blown Broadway love ballad on this album - disappointing.</span><br /><br />11.) Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Add an acoustic guitar accompaniment, the long lost intro to the song, and you get an excellent rendition.</span><br /><br />12.) Sleigh Ride<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Starts with bass and Kevin's voice - then they crack the jazz whip and off on a great sleigh ride. Nice trip!</span><br /><br />13.) Silent Night<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">The press sheet states "and an arrangement of 'Silent Night' like you've never heard before". Yep. You can hear every production dollar in every note. And inbetween, the intimacy and power of the song gets drowned out by Michael Bolton-type swelling and singing. Ouch indeed. The song is called "Silent Night" for a reason.</span><br /><br />14.) Merry Christmas<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">In 2006, Bette Midler led off her </span><a href="http://christmasyuleblog.blogspot.com/2007/01/bette-midler-cool-yule.html" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Christmas album</a><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> with this long-forgotten song written by Fred Spielman and Janice Torre. Here, Kevin ends his album with it, very stylishly and elegantly. </span><br /><br /><br />Koelbl writes on his liner notes: "Every year there always seems to be the usual hustle and bustle leading up to Christmas." To which I agree. During this journey, there are always a thousand and one things to do and process while preparing for December 25th.<br /><br />And in a sense, that's what this album is. There are some fine moments on this drive with some occasional jolts that assault your attention. Like any good driver, you don't take your eyes off the road and the drive continues one smoothly.<br /><br />Koelbl is a very talented singer and some of the arrangements left my head scratching. But never once does his voice fail to deliver and his time behind the wheel was pretty good.<br /><br />If you live in the Los Angeles area, he will be performing a special concert on November 20th to celebrate the release of this CD. For more info on the concert and where to order of copy of this CD if your local music store doesn't have it, visit Kevin's <a href="http://www.kevinkoelbl.com/">website</a>.<br /><br /><br />Capt<br /></span></span>

Kevin Koelbl - This Is Christmas Time

This is the second of four new Christmas releases that I recently received at my P.O. Box . Thanks to the good people at Phil Putnam Public...

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Silvia Fleming - Love For Christmas

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbxoIF4AIPGxdZ_9lJZkYxa1eQSWOxbrLP0lj9CPcFIjiqyBtB_LAdnKH9Oh7TOHyzzBQ6nq0Vvha9OL6hlEzPiI4zYAYbkytdy0d2irjAWZshRbHIcNJcGe4jfIYFh_MAATi24thcNd7/s1600-h/fleming,+silvia+-+A.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397859319291288034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbxoIF4AIPGxdZ_9lJZkYxa1eQSWOxbrLP0lj9CPcFIjiqyBtB_LAdnKH9Oh7TOHyzzBQ6nq0Vvha9OL6hlEzPiI4zYAYbkytdy0d2irjAWZshRbHIcNJcGe4jfIYFh_MAATi24thcNd7/s320/fleming,+silvia+-+A.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 319px;" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />Silvia Fleming has been surrounded by music all her life. That's not surprising considering she had a mother who was a professional singer and a father who was an electronics engineer and a music manager for his wife.<br /><br />Needless to say, her mother's influence instilled a deep love of Big Band tunes, jazz, and all of the great American standards by George Gershwin, Richard Rodgers, Harold Arlen, and Irving Berlin. Fleming combined her love of singing with the study of classical piano and received a B.A. in Music Education from California State University, Fullerton.<br /><br />Last November, Fleming released this album which got a tremendous review from our friends at <a href="http://www.christmasreviews.com/">Christmasreviews.com</a>:<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">"Silvia Fleming has one of those honey-sweet voices that are just made for singing jazzy, romantic easy listening pop tunes. And with occasional support from the great Sam Levine on alto sax, she is able to deliver a sound that supports the romantic aspirations of 'Love for Christmas'.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">"Although Ms. Fleming is primarily striking a romantic pose, she delves more into sacred music here than one might expect. I particularly enjoyed her sweet and reverent More Than A Child. The Joy of Christmas was also quite quite lovely. Though her voice is a bit more sultry, these renditions are reminiscent of Karen Carpenter, and fans of Carpenter will most likely enjoy Silvia Fleming's 'Love For Christmas'."</span><br /><br />A voice of reminiscent of Karen Carpenter? Oooooo...<br /><br />TRACK REVIEWS:<br /><br />1.) Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Silvia's voice is rich and mellow (like Karen's) and the longing in her voice suits the song's mood perfectly.</span><br /><br />2.) Christmas Time is Here<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">With a great arrangement by Tim Hayden and another dose of Fleming gives this Vince Guaraldi chestnut a new spin that I enjoyed.</span><br /><br />3.) Love for Christmas<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">The title track was written in 1998 by two Caroles (King & Bayer Sager) and recorded for King's <a href="http://www.caroleking.com/index.php?p=discography&subp=ckalbums_detail&id=3522" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">2007 deluxe album</a>. The message is timely in this economically depressed season.</span><br /><br />4.) Santa Baby<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Silvia won't make you forget Eartha Kitt but she'll definitely hold your attention with this Christmas classic.</span><br /><br />5.) The Other Side of Christmas<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Unique original Christmas song (written by Tim Hayden) that reminds us about the secular side of Christmas intruding on the real meaning of Christmas. Enjoyed this one quite a bit.</span><br /><br />6.) In a Lowly Manger Sleeping<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Lovely reworking of this standard Christmas carol. Her voice gets more rich and mellow as I continue to listen.</span><br /><br />7.) I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">If only more artists would make standard Christmas carols like this more accessible... wonderful rendition.</span><br /><br />8.) More Than a Child<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Different arrangement showcases Fleming's vocal attributes to a "T".</span><br /><br />9.) My Grown Up Christmas List<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">CONFESSION: I've never been a fan of </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grown-Up_Christmas_List" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">this song</a><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> (too adult contemporary for me). Silvia does a great job but I couldn't warm up to it.</span><br /><br />10.) The Joy of Christmas<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">WOW! We need more original songs like this - the Christmas songbook needs new blood! Very, very nice!</span><br /><br />11.) What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Any version of any Christmas song that adds the intro gets an extra star from me. This is exquisite - my favorite track on the album.</span><br /><br /><br />I must admit, the review from <a href="http://www.christmasreviews.com/">Christmasreviews.com</a> made me think of Karen Carpenter quite a bit when I listened. However, if I hadn't read that first before listening, I would have declared the second coming of Karen Carpenter.<br /><br />Fleming has a wonderful Christmas album here and should you want a copy for yourself, <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/silviafleming2">CD Baby</a> has it for sale or you can head over to Silvia's <a href="http://silviafleming.com/">website</a> to listen to samples from this album and learn more about her.<br /><br />Thanks for the CD!<br /><br /><br />Capt<br /></span></span>

Silvia Fleming - Love For Christmas

Silvia Fleming has been surrounded by music all her life. That's not surprising considering she had a mother who was a professional sin...

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Old Hawaiian Christmas (SeaWest Records)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pO4WqxIMb5CsGAGUlQolS3IjOqev1wUp_JcQgkCaenut5Sa7uQtGeTstuRGkn928SYf2_NOW-BhG2mPXXGeAE38kf8Qn7WSmpccChP6allIQBkh-uZFs437yD-4dNSIcoe1RfmbjwNCk/s1600-h/old+hawaiian+christmas+-+A.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311951938044132962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pO4WqxIMb5CsGAGUlQolS3IjOqev1wUp_JcQgkCaenut5Sa7uQtGeTstuRGkn928SYf2_NOW-BhG2mPXXGeAE38kf8Qn7WSmpccChP6allIQBkh-uZFs437yD-4dNSIcoe1RfmbjwNCk/s320/old+hawaiian+christmas+-+A.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 318px; height: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />Last week, I reviewed a Christmas comp that was the last present I received last December. This CD was the very first present I received.<br /><br />Back in November, my good friend Martin Johns sent me his annual Christmas comps (which I'll be reviewing some time down the road). Inside the box was a wrapped Christmas package that read "DO NOT OPEN 'TIL DEC. 25". I dutifully tucked it under the tree and there it remained until Christmas morning.<br /><br />What went through my mind on Christmas morning as my kids tore through their gifts with this CD staring at me in the face? I remembered reviewing Martin's 2005 comp "<a href="http://christmasyuleblog.blogspot.com/2007/03/johnscds-2005-0152-027-no-rain-no.html">No Rain, No Rainbow: A Contemporary Hawaiian Christmas</a>" and mentioning this very CD when reviewing a version of "Jingle Bells" in Hawaiian:<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">WOW! "Jingle Bells" in Hawaiian! Featured on the 2001 comp "Old Hawaiian Christmas" which is OOP? I'm about to cry here...</span><br /><br />I also remembered that a year earlier, I sampled a track from Martin's comp for my <a href="http://christmasyuleblog.blogspot.com/2008/07/2007-playlist.html">2007 Christmas CD</a> - the hilarious track of the SeaWest Artists trying to record "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" played on the ukulele that came from this very CD.<br /><br />I wanted to give Martin a hug - this was totally unexpected, I was thrilled to no end, and it added another great Christmas memory to a long line of Christmas memories. Without a doubt, it was the best wrapped Christmas CD I had ever received:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0CA5rFCqgHdcBWL4_cyzNuqcx-7Xu_WsbONXr9grso1BT5-JfFQP_5XhQTmiDAItq_f84m3ejQmAm1p8qdGyHSnKyW6YNc96YQbtyUhhx_3JZ-2SWvDnmFNRAqiyzw14imGW_wVkfL82J/s1600-h/IMG_0040.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311954288096929922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0CA5rFCqgHdcBWL4_cyzNuqcx-7Xu_WsbONXr9grso1BT5-JfFQP_5XhQTmiDAItq_f84m3ejQmAm1p8qdGyHSnKyW6YNc96YQbtyUhhx_3JZ-2SWvDnmFNRAqiyzw14imGW_wVkfL82J/s320/IMG_0040.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a><br />As you could tell by the date on the picture, I had a hard time opening this one up - the wrapping was such a festive part of the CD. But how does one listen to the music? I finally opened the CD and the cats had a field day with the ribbons.<br /><br />I wish there was more I could tell you about SeaWest Records - their <a href="http://www.seaweststudios.com/">website</a> seems to be offline, their recording studios in Pahoa, Hawaii are still open by all accounts, and searching for other releases on their label has come up short. Can anyone add any details?<br /><br />I did manage to find a mini-review of this album from the <a href="http://archives.starbulletin.com/2001/12/14/features/story8.html">Honolulu Star-Bulletin</a> along with other Hawaiian Christmas releases in 2001. But nothing else much. Sooooo...<br /><br />TRACK REVIEWS:<br /><br />1.) <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=8494124">Leka & D Nui of Ka'u</a><a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=8494124"> </a>- Old Hawaiian Christmas<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">This reworking of Lee Greenwood's "Lone Star Christmas" isn't too Hawaiian nor too Christmas. Next...</span><br /><br />2.) <a href="http://www.mele.com/music/artist/pa%60ani+pila/">Kevin & Joe of Pa'ani Pila</a> - Mele Kalikimaka<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">This is a fool-proof song; you can't really screw it up and Lord knows many have tried. These guys do a fine job with their version.</span><br /><br />3.) <a href="http://www.nahenahe.net/kessler/">Bryan Kessler</a> - What Child Is This?<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">A simple acoustic guitar with added surf effects gives it just a touch of a Hawaiian feel. Okay.</span><br /><br />4.) <a href="http://www.mele.com/music/artist/pu%60uwai/">Bradshaw Ellis of Pu'uwai </a>- Po Hemolele<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">A lone ukulele, Bradshaw's fine tenor, add some great backing vocals, and you have an amazing Hawaiian version of "O Holy Night".</span><br /><br />5.) Bruddah Smitty - Please Come Home For Christmas<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">With a great song and above par singing voice, how can you go wrong? From note one, it sounds like the entire band is on a programmed synthesizer churning out the beat (despite a fine harmonica solo). A canned feel throughout...</span><br /><br />6.) <a href="http://www.myspace.com/kenemersonguitarist">Ken Emerson</a> & Jordyn Pung - (Walking In A) Winter Wonderland<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Ken plays the lap steel guitar and Jordyn shows an amazing maturity for a then-8th grader on vocals! The end result is a great version of this winter song!</span><br /><br />7.) D Nui & Leka of Ka'u - Pretty Paper<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Now we're talking - the guitars give it the Christmas feel and the fine Willie Nelson lyrics are sung well!</span><br /><br />8.) Bruddah Smitty - Christmas Big Island<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">WOW! Very good original song by Smitty - no band in a can here!</span><br /><br />9.) Ken Emerson & Orchestra - O Holy Night<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Ken's guitar talents are on full display with both acoustic & lap steel guitar - the orchestra is fully synthesized and detracts whenever Ken isn't playing.</span><br /><br />10.) <a href="http://www.aliciabaylaurel.com/"> Alicia Bay Laurel</a> - Festival Of Lights<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Man, this is so tranquil and Christmas-ey, I can't stand it! Laurel especially composed this song for this album and it deserves to be heard! Absolutely wonderful.</span><br /><br />11.) Na Leo 'o Leilani - Jingle Bell Rock<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">To quote the liner notes: Na Leo 'o Leilani are a group of friends who got together at the recording studio... just for fun. [Producer] Rick played the guitar, ukuleles, and bass (all at the same time)... what a guy. Why not join us and 'sing along' with Jingle Bell Rock! I pass judgement on this one.</span><br /><br />12.) Kevin & Joe of Pa'Ani Pila - Po La'i'e / Silent Night<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Sung in English, Hawaiian, and both toward the end. Very reverent and Hawaiian all at once.</span><br /><br />13.) Lindsey Trinidad - Merry Christmas Darling<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Lindsey was a 16 yr. old high school student at the time of recording. Many synthesizers in effect.</span><br /><br />14.) Ka'u featuring D Nui - Kani Na Pele / Jingle Bells<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Sung straight in Hawaiian - this is more fun than a one horse open sleigh ride!</span><br /><br />15.) SeaWest Artists - We Wish You A Merry Christmas<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">It gets funnier every time I hear it. Aw nerts!</span><br /><br /><br />This <a href="http://www.mele.com/video/artist/various+artists/old+hawaiian+christmas/">Christmas CD</a> is out of print so if you can find a used copy, grab it because the pluses outweigh the negatives on this comp. Some tracks were great, others good, a few bad. But even the bad tracks have their moments to those without a Hawaiian Christmas ear.<br /><br />"Old Hawaiian Christmas" is the 17th Hawaiian Christmas CD in my collection - Christmas organ took over as the largest sub-genre in my collection a while back. If I were to add two or three more Hawaiian Christmas CDs, it's right back at the top of the list. I have found a new goal for 2009!<br /><br />Martin, many many mahalos for this gift. I'm glad to have it but even more happier to have you as a friend.<br /><br /><br />Capt</span></span>

Old Hawaiian Christmas (SeaWest Records)

Last week, I reviewed a Christmas comp that was the last present I received last December. This CD was the very first present I received. B...

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A Very Standard Christmas (Standard Recording Co.)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTZv5MEtefCxpCT7y_LXhmU3IRvADe4l6HmUBO8eE9hHzoX-oolHUKVF-hvNAs5UkxxlC361SASAKUBHYCft7p5UYgzNnLB8Ha3in9CEJjSiNcWpADsLuCyM7dneHgDsgty-WN_BbMgom/s1600-h/very+standard+christmas+-+A.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309727539552000178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTZv5MEtefCxpCT7y_LXhmU3IRvADe4l6HmUBO8eE9hHzoX-oolHUKVF-hvNAs5UkxxlC361SASAKUBHYCft7p5UYgzNnLB8Ha3in9CEJjSiNcWpADsLuCyM7dneHgDsgty-WN_BbMgom/s320/very+standard+christmas+-+A.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 284px;" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />This is the very last Christmas CD I received as a present last December. It came from my best friend Joel who took a brief moment from his Indianapolis holiday getaway with his charming wife Samantha to check out a used CD store to see if there was something inside that I didn't have.<br /><br />Joel actually called me from the store itself to read off titles to see what I had and didn't have (with Sam standing alongside, bored to tears). After reading off the limited Christmas LP titles, Joel scanned through the holiday CDs and found this particular compilation that I had never heard of.<br /><br />Back in the early part of this decade, two guys named Mark Latta & Kevin Phillips decided to help out <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.habitat.org">Habitat For Humanity</a> in Indianapolis with a benefit CD. And that's how <a href="http://www.standardrecording.com/">Standard Recording Company</a> began. Since then, Mark & Kevin have improvised running an indie label as they've gone along, getting distribution deals, signing up talented Indy bands, and issuing releases when and where they want.<br /><br />Back in August of 2006, they decided to release this Christmas compilation by asking their then-roster of bands for tracks. According to the liner notes, this was "the culmination of two very quick months of recording by these twelve artists and two and a half very quick days of mixing and mastering in November, 2006."<br /><br />TRACK REVIEWS:<br /><br />1.) <a href="http://www.myspace.com/bigbigcar">BIGBIGcar</a> - All I Want For Christmas (Is You)<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">I really thought Bee Gees falsettos went out of style 25 years ago. However, if you're covering Mariah Carey's Christmas tune, it works splendidly! A good time was had by all - including me!</span><br /><br />2.) <a href="http://www.myspace.com/everythingnow">Everything, Now!</a> - Jesus Christ / Nuclear War<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Take Alex Chilton's song "Jesus Christ", add elements of Sun Ra's "Nuclear War", and you get an amazing sounding song that's extremely light on Christmas but fascinating to listen to. </span><br /><br />3.) <a href="http://www.myspace.com/therevpeytonsbigdamnband">Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band</a> - Plasma for Christmas<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">The simple tale of giving blood for extra money at the holidays. Unique rock, folky type of sound from Rev. Peyton.</span><br /><br />4.) <a href="http://www.mevio.com/music/?artist_id=6326">More Animals Of The Arctic</a> - I Tell Lies<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Alan Parsons-type ambient folk song (wow!) that's not very Christmas-ey at all. Seldom do Christmas songs work when the "F" bomb is dropped.</span><br /><br />5.) <a href="http://www.myspace.com/redqueenhypothesis">Red Queen Hypothesis</a> - Crockpot Barbeque<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Much like the title, this one has everything - a garage band, a chorus, horn section, kazoo solo, and a fun tale of Christmas all told in just under 2:15.</span><br /><br />6.) <a href="http://www.myspace.com/thisstory">This Story</a> - Themes From Christmas<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">An instrumental track, the simple theme builds to a crescendo around the 3 minute mark. The final 1:15 is kitchen utensils, pots, and pans being thrown around like jingle bells with the theme underlying it all. Strange.</span><br /><br />7.) <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.elephantmicah.com">Elephant Micah</a> - Jesus Christ<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Alex Chilton strikes again - a good cover of his Big Star Christmas song. "We're gonna get born now..."</span><br /><br />8.) <a href="http://www.myspace.com/arrahandtheferns">Arrah & The Ferns</a> - Merry Christmas, Not X-mas<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">One electric piano, a smatter of drums, and Arrah's fine vocals make this original song a cut above the rest. The song seemingly ends at 2:30 but they end it with a fast flourish exclamation point.</span><br /><br />9.) <a href="http://www.myspace.com/harleypoe">Harley Poe</a> - It's Christmas Time Again<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">What starts out as a cautionary tale on being caught by Santa turns into a laundry list of evil things the Big Guy will do if he catches you awake: "Down the chimney with all his might, you're lucky if you live tonight!". Funny and disturbing all at once.</span><br /><br />10.) <a href="http://www.myspace.com/everthusthedeadbeats">Everthus the Deadbeats</a> - Deadbeat Christmas<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">With lyrics like "It's Christmas time again and they just shut off the heat", this is a tale of woe and misery. A slacker's Christmas anthem indeed. </span><br /><br />11.) <a href="http://www.myspace.com/chadserhal">Chad Serhal</a> - When The First Snow Comes<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">GREAT JUMPIN' ICEBERGS! Chad takes his simple song and layers on harmonies and counterpoint to amazing effect! Two and a half minutes of pure vocal - refreshing and mystical.</span><br /><br />12.) <a href="http://www.myspace.com/deanplayshardball">Dean Plays Hardball</a> - Little Retail Boy<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">With some help from Red Queen Hypothesis (see #5 above), Dean reworks "Little Drummer Boy" as a reverent, materialistic shopping list for the newborn King.</span><br /><br /><br />This is a very solid Christmas comp with surprises and something for everyone - even the non-Christmas stuff had me listening. If you're interested in this comp, Standard has it available for $6 at <a href="http://www.standardrecording.com/catalog.html">their site</a> - not too shabby!<br /><br />Even though this comp is over three years old, most of the bands listed here are still associated or on speaking terms with Standard Recording. In the ever-changing world of indie rock, that must be a record for sure. Mark & Brian, keep doing what you're doing! <br /><br />Joel, thank Sam for going into that used CD store with you! Thanks for the add!<br /><br /><br />Capt<br /></span></span>

A Very Standard Christmas (Standard Recording Co.)

This is the very last Christmas CD I received as a present last December. It came from my best friend Joel who took a brief moment from his...

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Los Lonely Boys - Christmas Spirit

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4-vSFEfbm1hz3jImVze-KjigkSVQLtKMEDY9dRGAyNHrUZNPlGON3R6iWDpQT7LwaTeVB10bLk50KByhHzQnfHnG4gAZ5PYjCy_1Pmi_3JypCa4bSrf0KOjXux4ojlXaryME5pWDCZvV/s1600-h/los+lonely+boys+-+A.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293733428380999538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4-vSFEfbm1hz3jImVze-KjigkSVQLtKMEDY9dRGAyNHrUZNPlGON3R6iWDpQT7LwaTeVB10bLk50KByhHzQnfHnG4gAZ5PYjCy_1Pmi_3JypCa4bSrf0KOjXux4ojlXaryME5pWDCZvV/s320/los+lonely+boys+-+A.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 315px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Since the beginning of 2009, I've been attempting to review Christmas CDs (and one other DVD) that I received as gifts on December 25th. The CD you see before you was a present from my son Alex who especially liked the "neat" cover artwork when ordering it from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Spirit-Los-Lonely-Boys/dp/B001EYGOGA">Amazon.com</a> (with help from his mom).<br /><br />Shortly before Christmas, this CD wasn't on my wish list. I didn't know a thing about the Garza brothers or their music - my musical tastes have pretty much excluded anything non-Christmas since 2004.<br /><br />That changed during one of my Christmas shopping runs when I turned on a local radio station who was broadcasting Christmas music 24/7 throughout December. I tuned in during the middle of an intriguing version of "Feliz Navidad" that I hadn't heard and my interest was piqued.<br /><br />I dialed 411 on my cell phone, got ahold of the radio station DJ who played the song, and asked for the artist. "Oh man, that's <a href="http://www.loslonelyboys.org/">Los Lonely Boys</a>, ain't it cool?" Roger wilco, good buddy!<br /><br />It's appropriate that I use CB lingo because the Los Lonely Boys story starts in the 1970s. Enrique Garza and his brothers formed a conjunto band called The Falcones and played their music to whoever would listen throughout southern Texas in the 1970s and 1980s.<br /><br />Around this time, Enrique and his wife raised a family in the town of San Angelo. Their three sons Henry, Jojo, and Ringo all grew up surrounded by the music of their father, his ancestors, and their ancestors' ancestors.<br /><br />Even though the Garza boys grew up listening to Santana, Stevie Wonder, fellow Texan Stevie Ray Vaughan, and four guys from Liverpool, they always cited their father as their main inspiration for their music.<br /><br />Like any musicians with a dream, came the day when they left Texas. They travelled to Nashville for a brief time in the mid-1990s, made some vital contacts, but the pull of family and Texas brought them back. However, they ended up at Willie Nelson's Texas studio (<a href="http://www.arlyn-pedernales.com/pweb/">The Pedernales</a>) where they recorded their first album entitled "Los Lonely Boys" in 1997.<br /><br />The Garzas gave a name to their brand of music: Texican Rock N' Roll. A nice spicy mixture of rock, blues, soul, country, and Tejano, the music has something for everybody. However, music was dominated by hip-hop, boy bands, and Britney Spears at the time and their music was overlooked.<br /><br />Like their father before them, they played the Texas circuit and released a follow-up album in 1998 ("Teenage Blues"). However, mainstream success eluded them for several more years. Buoyed by a strong fan base and their beloved familia, the Garzas stayed true to their sound and kept playing their music.<br /><br />In 2003, a single from their album ("Real Emotions") reached #71 on the Billboard charts, catching the eyes and ears of Epic Records. They bought the rights to their first album and re-released on their label the following year<br /><br />Their music was an instant hit - they released the single "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSoUGzrhK6U">Heaven</a>" (which dominated the airwaves on its release - it even crossed over onto the COUNTRY chart), their album went to #9 on the charts, and went multi-platinum - a rarity in this day and age. For their efforts, they received a Grammy award for Best Pop Performance by a Group or Duo for "Heaven" in 2005.<br /><br />The Garzas followed up their success by making an appearance on Santana's 2005 album, releasing two "live" albums, and entering the studio for their follow-up album "Sacred" with guest appearances from Willie Nelson and their father Enrique. Their single "Diamonds" was a moderate hit while the album reached #2 on the charts.<br /><br />In 2008, they released two albums - "Forgiven" and the album you see before you. Recorded at the Pedernales once again, this CD has ten songs total (including two Christmas originals). It clocks in just over 30 minutes in length.<br /><br />TRACK REVIEWS:<br /><br />1.) I've Longed For Christmas<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">One of the two originals by the Garzas, this is a great mix of harmonies, bluesy guitar, and Christmas pop. Pop the clutch and let's go...</span><br /><br />2.) She'll Be My Everything For Christmas<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">The other original has a definite rock/country feel throughout. Nice to hear two original songs back-to-back on a Christmas album!</span><br /><br />3.) Run Run Rudolph<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">I close my eyes and I hear the Stevie Ray Vaughan influence first, Chuck Berry's great Christmas song second. Add some harmonica by the Garzas and it's a great cover from start to finish.</span><br /><br />4.) Carol Of The Bells<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">We are treated to a light rock version of this song for starters but that all changes at 1:30 - the Tejano guitar and spirit infuses this song to amazing new heights. This one's gonna wind up on my annual Christmas CDs for sure some time in the near future!</span><br /><br />5.) Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">A garage style cover of everyone's favorite reindeer with the discolored nose - the Beatle-like harmonies are a plus.</span><br /><br />6.) Santa Claus Is Coming To Town<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">More like Stevie Ray is coming to town... this is flat out great.</span><br /><br />7.) Away In A Manger<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">One lone electric piano and the tight harmonies of the Garzas are featured on this one - very moving.</span><br /><br />8.) Feliz Navidad<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Jose Feliciano's Christmas standard is given an overdue Texican transplant - I loved it when I heard it on the car radio, I loved it now.</span><br /><br />9.) Jingle Bells<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">This one was done for fun - one of the Garzas does his best Louis Armstrong voice backed by a steady drumbeat and family. A good time was had by all - especially by this listener.</span><br /><br />10.) Silent Night<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">One lead guitar and one acoustic guitar playing this one with all the feel of southern Texas at Christmas. Beautiful.</span><br /><br /><br />Thank goodness I turned on the car radio at that exact moment - otherwise I would have missed out on one of the best Christmas releases of 2008.<br /><br />There's not one bad song on this entire album - the Garzas' Texican style doesn't get old after the 2nd, 3rd, or 484th time you listen to it. I especially enjoyed "Carol Of The Bells", "Silent Night", and I'm gonna lobby long and hard for this version of "Feliz Navidad" to replace the original!<br /><br />In December of this year, my wife and I will be hosting my entire family for Christmas - the tamales, tequila, and kids will be flowing throughout my home. I suspect the sounds of Los Lonely Boys will be doing the same at that time.<br /><br /><br />Capt</span></span>

Los Lonely Boys - Christmas Spirit

Since the beginning of 2009, I've been attempting to review Christmas CDs (and one other DVD) that I received as gifts on December 25th....

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The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Celebrates Christmas DVD

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QgeK5tg0NRsLsM3OBLl5JhWGq3kzc5sGEkmkdJyC2KBitwWtLOho92ZJ85IsfnylHxs1UIhNYiX4sTt1X-AMZwiW-1Af9b5v9c8No0xjVU4OXbvwKHLv7u7QCvukhoP3x_b5GKTDEoqF/s1600-h/johnny+carson+christmas+DVD.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289043147267188834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QgeK5tg0NRsLsM3OBLl5JhWGq3kzc5sGEkmkdJyC2KBitwWtLOho92ZJ85IsfnylHxs1UIhNYiX4sTt1X-AMZwiW-1Af9b5v9c8No0xjVU4OXbvwKHLv7u7QCvukhoP3x_b5GKTDEoqF/s320/johnny+carson+christmas+DVD.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 224px; height: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />This was a Christmas present given to me by my son Alex. In the past, Alex chose several Christmas albums (<a href="http://christmasyuleblog.blogspot.com/2008/01/oh-santa-new-used-holiday-classics-yep.html">Oh Santa (Yep Roc)</a>, <a href="http://christmasyuleblog.blogspot.com/2007/01/gene-autry-complete-columbia-christmas.html">Gene Autry</a>) to give to my on December 25th but instead chose a DVD on my Santa list.<br /><br />My Santa list contained several DVD titles and several that I asked for were under the Christmas tree. I'm attempting to lose weight as a New Year's resolution (40 lbs. by my 40th birthday in June) and these will be used while exercising on the stationary bike or treadmill.<br /><br />Back in September, I discovered this DVD would be hitting shelves in October. At first, I was pretty psyched. A full DVD full of vintage Christmas clips from the Mighty Carson Art Players and Johnny himself, I thought.<br /><br />Last December, I posted a <a href="http://christmasyuleblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/its-youtube-christmas-pt-9.html">YouTube video</a> that had a clip from his 15th Anniversary show that contained a pretty hilarious Christmas clip. My friend Stubbyfears informed in the comments that he had seen the DVD and wished there were more clips like the one I had posted.<br /><br />Now I was full of trepidations - my wife said "too late" and on Christmas morning, the DVD was in my hands. The back of the DVD states "three classic shows" = good. The running time says "72 minutes" = not good.<br /><br />The menu tells another tale - each three shows came from the decade of the 1980s (1984, 1987, 1989). Why nothing earlier? Two likely reasons:<br /><br />1.) Nearly all of Johnny's work from 1962 to 1973 was never saved. TV network practices had engineers reusing early videotape for other programs.<br /><br />2.) During his legendary battle with then-head of NBC Fred Silverman, Carson gained ownership of his show away from NBC in 1980. Any clips from 1973 and 1980 would be the property of the Peacock and cost a fortune to license.<br /><br />With a roster of guest stars including Garry Shandling, Tony Bennett, Robin Williams, and the one and only Mr. Bob Hope stacked in its favor, how bad could this be?<br /><br />TRACK REVIEW:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.johnnycarson.com/carson/search.do?singleDateMonth=12&singleDateDay=21&singleDateYear=1984">Show 1 - 12/21/1984 - Guests: (NOT SHOWN), Garry Shandling, Manualist John Twomey</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKWXXj0jfm4JC-QXfbyldpTH1Ns6MxG9WSoe2lv6qd5tkxWA9cXstoQnznE1vgMuf5BoWXHtB9hL9DaU6BuXLZVGBDNRyeZEwmY0TSKh9OsxP8mb_6BP71uSSMW6o7PWcfwaWU2WiLxq2Z/s1600-h/title+card.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290774282737547154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKWXXj0jfm4JC-QXfbyldpTH1Ns6MxG9WSoe2lv6qd5tkxWA9cXstoQnznE1vgMuf5BoWXHtB9hL9DaU6BuXLZVGBDNRyeZEwmY0TSKh9OsxP8mb_6BP71uSSMW6o7PWcfwaWU2WiLxq2Z/s320/title+card.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 222px;" /></a><br />As the familiar strains of "Johnny's Theme" begins, we get a patch job for the introduction - a title card from the late 70s / early 80s, no Ed McMahon voice over, and random full frame clips of Carson as various characters.<br /><br />This is totally different from the floating images intro of "The Tonight Show" that were used throughout the 1980s. Ed yells "Here's Johnny!" and we settle in for a Carson monologue. <br /><br />After hearing several quick jokes tinged with Christmas, the editing fairies arrive, cutting out non-Christmas jokes from the monologue (the Highway Patrol, Californians, Mike Wallace, Prince Harry, and Hong Kong.). This happens not once nor twice - try four times! Sacrilege.<br /><br />The original first guest on this show was Tony Bennett who sang three non-Christmas songs (even more money for licensing needed) and went to panel with Carson. Their talk wasn't too heavy on Christmas so his appearance was excised out - the reason for the edits in the monologue.<br /><br />After Johnny's golf swing, we get our first skit - Carson as then-President Ronald Reagan reading "The Night Before Christmas"; "From out on the Rose Garden, there came such a din - I thought it was Mondale trying to break in". Very topical, very 1980s, very Christmas, pretty funny.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVaKXcdb8l7Vo8OD1Fm5o_c0jiHbLKicVssvIYoyTEETROhyphenhyphengXL94s8W4DTBXCC_5v5FJL56Utw7ai7KdLY-FiVLHDgq9ZljYYxQYmLVmYHVPSyu4id6rEQzpQxrB-fuobUICbfZye66MB/s1600-h/carson+as+reagan.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290776777853953746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVaKXcdb8l7Vo8OD1Fm5o_c0jiHbLKicVssvIYoyTEETROhyphenhyphengXL94s8W4DTBXCC_5v5FJL56Utw7ai7KdLY-FiVLHDgq9ZljYYxQYmLVmYHVPSyu4id6rEQzpQxrB-fuobUICbfZye66MB/s320/carson+as+reagan.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 218px;" /></a><br />We skip ahead to Carson introducing the second guest Garry Shandling with actual hand claps from Tony Bennett - wonder if they paid extra for those. Shandling's routine and panel appearance is slightly flavored with Christmas but it remains intact - no edits.<br /><br />What gives? Why slice Johnny's monologue and leave Garry's intact? Who made those decisions?<br /><br />The final guest is manualist John Twomey who made several appearances with Carson over the years:<br /><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/f26qMlN742w&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/f26qMlN742w&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />Twomey gives us priceless renditions of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen", "White Christmas", "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town", and "Jingle Bells" using his hands. This is a study in reactions: Twomey's deadpan facial reaction, the audience reacting to the hilarious sounds, the occasional Carson reaction to both.<br /><br />By far, the best thing from this particular show. This was Twomey's second to last appearance with Johnny and why he never recorded albums (especially Christmas) is beyond me.<br /><br />Johnny comes back to wish everyone a Merry Christmas at the end (no goodbyes to the panel), we cut immediately to black and the main menu appears.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.johnnycarson.com/carson/search.do?singleDateMonth=12&singleDateDay=18&singleDateYear=1987"><br />Show 2 - 12/18/87 - Guests: Robin Williams, Bob Hope, Tony Bennett</a><br /><br />We get the same made-for-DVD open as described above but surprise! We actually get a full, unedited monologue from Carson chock full of 1980s references (Jim & Tammy, Jessica Hahn, Madonna & Sean Penn's divorce) sprinkled with just enough Christmas.<br /><br />According to the link above, Carson followed this monologue with some material read from his desk - a master pre-Christmas checklist to help you as a public service. Sadly, it isn't included on the DVD (perhaps to avoid paying the writers who came up with the gags).<br /><br />Johnny introduces Robin Williams who comes out to plug "Good Morning, Vietnam" and takes over the stage like only he can. This appearance / rant remains intact as well and is excruciatingly funny or painful depending on who you talk to. I was surprised they left it untouched (including showing the clip from "GM, V").<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAdFMSuCTMUcTG1G-ctFoaA1Rc-FxKdhO6KzMfJZAdTomWJpw5gEfXLaKP1TE0mDNqxUBOy8YrtV0Yjb2gxhxIQjA30GNCvkv-tbGHQoNmdaDAwuK1LEDUUZP-lOBBWtVVWOsNi33ry-S/s1600-h/robin+williams.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290777143562918994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAdFMSuCTMUcTG1G-ctFoaA1Rc-FxKdhO6KzMfJZAdTomWJpw5gEfXLaKP1TE0mDNqxUBOy8YrtV0Yjb2gxhxIQjA30GNCvkv-tbGHQoNmdaDAwuK1LEDUUZP-lOBBWtVVWOsNi33ry-S/s320/robin+williams.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 218px;" /></a><br />After the commercial break, Johnny introduces the next guest who's on the show to plug "Bob Hope's Christmas Show: A Snow Job In Florida". <span style="font-weight: bold;">Bob Hope 2</span>nd<span style="font-weight: bold;"> billed</span>?<br /><br />As "Thanks For The Memories" starts, Bob saunters out with a mild look of disgust. But as the audience rises to its feet (presumably) and yells its approval, Bob's get the wickedest grin on his face as if to say "Second slot or not, I still can win the hearts and minds of the audience".<br /><br />Hope thanks Johnny for the spot (Hope on Robin Williams: "He's wild, isn't he?") and gives a series of one word answers to questions put to him by Johnny - punishment for the second spot. Hope comes to life now and then (especially when Robin butts in with a joke) but it's an amazing display of body language - fiddling with his coat, squirming in his chair, occasionally looking at Johnny.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuo-kl_SeYF_8wrDd1l6P9SNuM3pZIUQMcl-36US4WpBcguqj4AFgXC-EdFabGyEU8FAN0NYTEn0YTBRQBExGIZirkmiz1gzLjht1muKV5hGlcVd4ditbM8kgpnws_Z76lCXSRBrXHsdD-/s1600-h/bob+hope.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290777428328207906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuo-kl_SeYF_8wrDd1l6P9SNuM3pZIUQMcl-36US4WpBcguqj4AFgXC-EdFabGyEU8FAN0NYTEn0YTBRQBExGIZirkmiz1gzLjht1muKV5hGlcVd4ditbM8kgpnws_Z76lCXSRBrXHsdD-/s320/bob+hope.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 219px;" /></a><br />Apparently, the DVD compilers decided to cut out Hope's clip from his special (if you hear a noise, that's Bob rolling over in his mausoleum) and we go directly into Johnny introducing Tony Bennett. Carson holds up an actual LP of "Bennett: Berlin" and we're treated with a great slow version of "White Christmas" backed by the Ralph Sharon Trio.<br /><br />Tony gets over to Johnny at the desk but we fade to black for commercial. Upon returning, Johnny thanks Tony, Bob (who awakens to make sure Johnny gets the time right for his special), and Robin snaps off several more jokes.<br /><br />The show ends with Doc Severinsen & The Tonight Show Band playing "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas". With Doc on lead trumpet a la Harry James, it's a great rendition as the credits roll. But like the rest of the show, it's abbreviated - time ran out and the song goes to black as well.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHGz2jw9mh04GEM9vNl56ap4tIZsqglZDdxjfhKCusxmP31UU9nVZFlyoJjtVXl1rKutb_OBTEJNo8m5gGkUpJCKFugNN8iOy6IfUsHLXAC6p_LjjrLB2bHy5Dg2pQTFer27LZxJYUKpO/s1600-h/doc+%26+band.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290777862258928610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHGz2jw9mh04GEM9vNl56ap4tIZsqglZDdxjfhKCusxmP31UU9nVZFlyoJjtVXl1rKutb_OBTEJNo8m5gGkUpJCKFugNN8iOy6IfUsHLXAC6p_LjjrLB2bHy5Dg2pQTFer27LZxJYUKpO/s320/doc+%26+band.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 219px;" /></a><br />It's far better than show one and the most complete show on the DVD.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.johnnycarson.com/carson/search.do?singleDateMonth=12&singleDateDay=15&singleDateYear=1989">Show 3 - 12/15/1989 - Guests: (NOT SHOWN), Kevin Meaney, (NOT SHOWN)</a><br /><br />Another edited monologue to start. Considering it's length, should it even be called a monologue? One discussion with Doc over the pronunciation of "poinsettia", and three jokes. Why the jokes about getting into the spirit of Christmas in California were edited, who knows. <br /><br />If you click on the link above, you'll see the entire rundown of this particular show from Carson's own website. Upon learning that a segment with Johnny at the desk involving celebrity Christmas albums was removed irritates me to no end.<br /><br />Instead, we are serenaded by the Mighty Carson Art Players aka The NBC Yuletide Carolers (Johnny, Ed, Doc). Dressed in Victorian costumes, they sing a specially written version "The Twelve Days Of Christmas":<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictf7Ii9O_WyiV5wUlA4gLVb6JR-9Q3DMTH7vmMNGFSGFYZ33DOoAtshH1LXbSAkflqvOUUma8CNlhyphenhyphen-EuIxyQmSjWLz3ZUzVy7Bol3oNLGMkrxuYhmAQ7E8YHdnATpYHgNvVbAgTJjDpT/s1600-h/NBC+yuletide+carolers.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290778205889421138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictf7Ii9O_WyiV5wUlA4gLVb6JR-9Q3DMTH7vmMNGFSGFYZ33DOoAtshH1LXbSAkflqvOUUma8CNlhyphenhyphen-EuIxyQmSjWLz3ZUzVy7Bol3oNLGMkrxuYhmAQ7E8YHdnATpYHgNvVbAgTJjDpT/s320/NBC+yuletide+carolers.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 219px;" /></a><br />"On the second day of Christmas, my true love TOOK from me, two swimming pools, and the house in the hills of Beverly". Considering there were six divorces between the three (Johnny 3, Ed 2, Doc 1), this topic was always a good source of humor over the years on "The Tonight Show" - it's still funny.<br /><br />The first guest of the night was Bob Hope, who was there plugging his 1989 Christmas special entitled "Bob Hope's Christmas Special from Waikoloa, Hawaii" ("Hey, how 'bout those hula dancers, aren't they somethin'?). However, his entire appearance disappears from the DVD. Retribution?<br /><br />We get comedian Kevin Meaney's complete comedy routine (lightly flavored with Christmas) that is painfully unfunny until he imitates Johnny Mathis & Ethel Merman dueting on "Winter Wonderland". After all, this IS a Christmas DVD and there should be some of that here, huh?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNbDLVh3AQbkwENNQ4p3E0VkSs7kFwn3Gchlowc6oJVJpSUpd-7yftYoWwafu_ub_Dt7xBnoAtdj6T-FXltoU3E0USdfFFC9fOYX6_PD6w2ZaOFT3Fpdh8xwyLpyM4Rb5rqWKrVu-dVgS/s1600-h/kevin+meaney.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290778533559250818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNbDLVh3AQbkwENNQ4p3E0VkSs7kFwn3Gchlowc6oJVJpSUpd-7yftYoWwafu_ub_Dt7xBnoAtdj6T-FXltoU3E0USdfFFC9fOYX6_PD6w2ZaOFT3Fpdh8xwyLpyM4Rb5rqWKrVu-dVgS/s320/kevin+meaney.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 218px;" /></a><br />Johnny's final guest of the night was actress Liv Ullman. Appearing on the show to plug her latest film "The Rose Garden", apparently nothing of her time spent on the couch next to Johnny was Christmas related. She was left off the DVD as well.<br /><br />What's left is the worst hacked show on the DVD and a sad way to end the whole thing.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIf8U1uKETc5FvzlH8ddIYS1_PPiU0tQ-izYPXCBn_87uWpXiF2nR1t9ZBscGCBaJkkeM9DD25_v0G4qS2_VqogUegw8t6pbl-7uH7VnXNH9WcSKWRiLNRBftBxyq3tdXPZVufjrjq6zRf/s1600-h/johnny+-+goodbye.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290779135364323170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIf8U1uKETc5FvzlH8ddIYS1_PPiU0tQ-izYPXCBn_87uWpXiF2nR1t9ZBscGCBaJkkeM9DD25_v0G4qS2_VqogUegw8t6pbl-7uH7VnXNH9WcSKWRiLNRBftBxyq3tdXPZVufjrjq6zRf/s320/johnny+-+goodbye.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 219px;" /></a><br /><br />Overall, a major disappointment. I wonder if Johnny would have been happy with this finished product or to even have his name associated with it. Looking at some of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/review/product/B001CO3280/ref=cm_cr_dp_all_helpful?_encoding=UTF8&coliid=&showViewpoints=1&colid=&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending">reviews</a> at Amazon.com, apparently quite a few people agree with me.<br /><br />Granted, on a DVD like this, not every clearance could be gotten. Was Liv Ullman even contacted about this? Figure in licensing the footage itself from Carson, royalties for performers and now writers, music licensing, and production / distribution costs and you can see why the editing fairies did what they did.<br /><br />What makes this worst is the amount of material that should have been included and left out. Thanks to YouTube, we may see some of it (like the aforementioned clip I posted in December). I'm not asking for every monologue joke that contains Christmas, but if there is something related to it (the missing skits I pointed out above), it certainly merits consideration.<br /><br />The end result only hurts us - the people paying money to see it. Do yourself a favor - don't buy this. Don't consider downloading this. Don't rent this from Netflix. Wait until it comes to your local library and check it out for free. If you pay anything more than that, you're going to get ripped off.<br /><br />This was a gift from my son and the major hug we shared after I opened it will be treasured for years to come. The DVD will gather some major dust.<br /><br />Even the allure of seeing Johnny again at Christmas and the comedy contained in this DVD in future years will be tarnished because of the "snow job" (to borrow a phrase from Mr. Hope) they gave us on this digital cookie. Make that cookie crumb.<br /><br /><br />Capt</span></span>

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Celebrates Christmas DVD

This was a Christmas present given to me by my son Alex. In the past, Alex chose several Christmas albums ( Oh Santa (Yep Roc) , Gene Autry...

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The Hollyridge Strings - Christmas Favorites

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4FhTrPFhvV2p0E1gJi7bwEVD7cDPrXRm_eyFYRzhpubGgn1KWGk6WdJsaGYbHbl5yIiHPaYg6ZtkvJ02IWHvo6YOENxaxb99J8UMAcYHVK_V1a5dE47SMpJBZM6An8ZQUtqZx46wh-tO/s1600-h/hollyridge+strings,+the+-+A.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288760607435921138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4FhTrPFhvV2p0E1gJi7bwEVD7cDPrXRm_eyFYRzhpubGgn1KWGk6WdJsaGYbHbl5yIiHPaYg6ZtkvJ02IWHvo6YOENxaxb99J8UMAcYHVK_V1a5dE47SMpJBZM6An8ZQUtqZx46wh-tO/s320/hollyridge+strings,+the+-+A.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 317px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">This was another Christmas CD that was labelled "To Daddy". This one was chosen by my daughter Maggie whose track record in picking Christmas CDs is pretty impressive. In 2008, she gave me a reissue of <a href="http://christmasyuleblog.blogspot.com/2008/01/lena-horne-merry-with-lena.html">Lena Horne's</a> phenomenal 1966 album that followed her 2007 gift of the most recent Christmas collection of from Miss <a href="http://christmasyuleblog.blogspot.com/2007/01/peggy-lee-christmas-with.html">Peggy Lee</a>.<br /><br />There was a little bit of drama over the decision for this CD - her younger sister Josie had the number one pick of CDs this year and chose the <a href="http://christmasyuleblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/singing-saw-at-christmastime.html">Christmas CD</a> that Maggie had her heart on. Unlike the various professional sports drafts, Maggie couldn't trade up. After some pouting and a mild fit (wonder if that ever happens in sports?), she selected the album you're looking at now.<br /><br />Back in 1990, I was still living in Illinois and desperately trying to find Christmas music for my annual tapes. In years past, I was content with Crosby singing "Do You Hear What I Hear?" but now I was looking for novelty and Christmas tunes with a distinctly different sound.<br /><br />While driving across Chicago to a relatives house that December, I was listening to a local radio station whose DJ was listing off the numerous Christmas events in town backed by a version of "Jingle Bells" that hooked me completely.<br /><br />I stopped at a pay phone (remember those?) and called the station. The DJ on duty said it was a production music bed and there was no artist listed.<br /><br />Flash forward to 1996 - Toledo, Ohio. I had just acquired the first "Christmas Cocktails" CD and was listening to all the loungey Christmas tunes and was stopped cold when the same version of "Jingle Bells" I had heard six years previous came over my boombox. <br /><br />The Hollyridge Strings... wonder if they had an album?<br /><br />Thanks to my access to a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phonolog">PhonoLog</a> at a local music store, I was able to discover that they did indeed have an album. It went onto my search list and this is where the trail goes cold for almost eight years.<br /><br />Five Christmases ago, the King of Jingaling established <a href="http://www.falalalala.com/">FaLaLaLaLa.com</a> where other Christmas music maniacs like myself gathered and shared their knowledge and love of holiday tunes. One of the first albums to achieve a featured status was this very album.<br /><br />To quote the King:<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">This is one of my two very favorite Christmas albums (the other being White Christmas by The Mike Sammes Singers). It's one of the ones that we played at my house when we were growing up and has the strongest sentimental attachments for me. I just ingested the syrupy reverb and drifted off to Christmas dreamland. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">The Hollyridge Strings were the in-house orchestra of Capitol Records. They released a series of records covering songs by popular artists of the sixties including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Simon & Garfunkel, Elvis, etc. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Stu Phillips, who was only one of their conductors, went on to write some famous TV theme songs: The Six Million Dollar Man, Battlestar Galactica and Quincy to name a few.</span><br /><br />This was all new info for me. As I listened to this entire album for the first time, I had to agree with the King - it's Christmas easy listening par excellence.<br /><br />Now we move ahead to September of last year. The King <a href="http://falalalala.com/?p=226">announced</a> at FLLLL that the good folks of <a href="http://www.ccmusic.com">Collectors' Choice Music</a> (who reissued the aforementioned Lena Horne CD) were reissuing the Hollyridge Strings CD. It was a no-brainer - it went to the top of my list where Maggie picked it for me.<br /><br />TRACK REVIEWS:<br /><br />1.) Winter Wonderland<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Great 1960s spy theme beat that accompanies the lush strings and brass. Phillips' arrangement is tops!</span><br /><br />2.) Jingle Bells<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">The track that hooked me way back in 1990 still gets with me that string intro. Add the harpsichord bridge and this ranks as one of the best renditions of this song ever.</span><br /><br />3.) The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You)<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">The bossa nova beat was extremely popular in the 1960s - mixed the right way with Christmas music (a la Phillips) and it's magic.</span><br /><br />4.) Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">This usually bubbly song only sounds subdued at first - the strings and beat explode in well-measured charges and suddenly it's Christmas!</span><br /><br />5.) Santa's Got A Brand New Bag<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Don't look for anything close to James Brown here - this is Stu Phillips at the top of his game. The only original song on the album and for my money, the best track on the album. I would have paid the $13 retail price just for this song - a blend of strings, bounce, and 1960s feel that has more Christmas in it than full albums by others. </span><br /><br />6.) Jingle Bell Rock<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Bold and lush were the only two words I came up with when I first heard this on "Christmas Cocktails". They still apply here.</span><br /><br />7.) Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Another example of Phillips' brilliance - this could have been just another lush arrangement but he made sure the bass and drums were up front, giving this a rock feel that propels everything else.</span><br /><br />8.) White Christmas<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">This song has one of the best intros thanks to Irving Berlin. However, Stu's intro is a mix of soft woodwinds, accented strings, and harpsichord - bloody good! The rest of the song is just as good!</span><br /><br />9.) I'll Be Home For Christmas<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Blame it on the bossa nova again... a perfect mix of song and beat, Christmas and contemporary. Pardon me while I hit the repeat button for another listen.</span><br /><br />10.) Little Saint Nick<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">It's only fair that the house orchestra of Capitol Records covers one of its labelmates. I'm not a fan of The Beach Boys and this song but I really like this version (another astounding Phillips arrangement). Perhaps its because I don't hear Mike Love singing.</span><br /><br />11.) Do You Hear What I Hear?<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Only Stu would have come up with using oboes as a bass line. Add the usual amazing lush strings and accented horns... outstanding!</span><br /><br /><br />Kudos again to Collectors' Choice Music - they did a great job with the audio and keeping the original artwork from the 1965 Capitol album. For some, it's a little too dark but it's what's on the shiny silver CD that counts. This could have stayed locked away in a music vault collecting dust but CCM had thousands of requests for this one and took a gamble. <br /><br />That's why I immediately put this atop my list. We want great Christmas music we grew up with sitting under the Christmas tree. If they give it to us, we need to support them and purchase it via CD or album download. Otherwise, it will remain locked away.<br /><br />If you love Christmas music, then this album will be right up your alley. This is a tour de force; one of the best Christmas albums ever. Go find your copy before it's too late.<br /><br />Late last year, Stu Phillips contacted the King of Jingaling to talk about the album. The King set up a <a href="http://falalalala.com/?p=284">phone interview</a> and made it available for all to hear. It's a great listen full of wonderful remembrances from Stu. I urge you to take a listen and then go find your copy of this album before it's too late.<br /><br />Maggie, you are three for three in Christmas picks. Thanks for a great Christmas present!<br /><br /><br />Capt</span></span>

The Hollyridge Strings - Christmas Favorites

This was another Christmas CD that was labelled "To Daddy". This one was chosen by my daughter Maggie whose track record in picki...

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Amy Grant - The Christmas Collection

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyrGo7oEZ1TnfAcrtyxkAnU0eK7dmakgvskZuxHdVJ2AXnWBxxbfON5tbHYNpE0LrOQdBKyJMhL1KaOKeqMvHfLK5CNT92ObwJFZFTWI-tCnBM7ZStqCmoCFPIPQL_dIDlMcfB5IKLNIM/s1600-h/grant,+amy+-+xmas+collection+-+A.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279742003406169698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyrGo7oEZ1TnfAcrtyxkAnU0eK7dmakgvskZuxHdVJ2AXnWBxxbfON5tbHYNpE0LrOQdBKyJMhL1KaOKeqMvHfLK5CNT92ObwJFZFTWI-tCnBM7ZStqCmoCFPIPQL_dIDlMcfB5IKLNIM/s320/grant,+amy+-+xmas+collection+-+A.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 318px;" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />With eight days left before Christmas, I wanted to spend today looking at several new Christmas albums on the shelves this season - perhaps a last minute gift guide for those who love Christmas music.<br /><br />This is review number seven today and the third that arrived at my <a href="http://christmasyuleblog.blogspot.com/2006/10/po-box-13207-fort-wayne-in-46867-3207.html">P.O. Box</a>. A big thank you to Glenn Holmes from <a href="http://otmg.net/">On Target Media</a> for sending us this.<br /><br />My wife has been watching me come home as of late with packages from <a href="http://christmasyuleblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/kasio-kristmas.html">Kasio Kristmas</a> and <a href="http://christmasyuleblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/verve-remixed-christmas.html">Verve Remixed</a> and dozens of homemade Christmas comps from friends and others alike. Her quote was "When do you get the GOOD Christmas music?"<br /><br />The look on her face when I opened this package and this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Collection-Amy-Grant/dp/B001EC6JPI">brand new Christmas CD</a> fell out was one of total astonishment, joy, and excitement. She's a HUGE Amy Grant fan and I knew this was going to get played early and often on the CD boombox at my house.<br /><br />Amy Grant released her first Christmas album when she was the Queen of Christian radio back in 1983 with "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Album-Amy-Grant/dp/B000002WOJ">A Christmas Album</a>". Several years later when she went mainstream, she released "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Home-Christmas-Amy-Grant/dp/B000002G0K">Home For Christmas</a>" in 1992. Then in 1998, we were treated with "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Remember-Amy-Grant/dp/B000V7HFLY">A Christmas To Remember</a>".<br /><br />Now a fourth Christmas collection?<br /><br />To quote Amy in her liner notes: <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">"In The Christmas Collection, I've chosen my favorite songs from my earlier projects and added four new recordings."</span> Aha! Those four new songs are:<br /><br />TRACK REVIEWS:<br /><br />1.) Jingle Bells (Track 1)<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">A remake of Barbra Streisand's classic arrangement right down to Bab's vocal inflections. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery never sounded so good.</span><br /><br />2.) I Need A Silent Night (Track 3)<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">A great Christmas song that asks pertinent questions about the lost message of Christmas (fast forward to 0:35):</span><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DPeDg86lct4&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DPeDg86lct4&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />3.) Baby It's Christmas (Track 5)<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Written with husband Vince Gill (who plays guitar = bonus), this is a perfect "end of a Christmas day" song, full of the exhaustion and wonderment only these weeks before Christmas can bring.</span><br /><br />4.) Count Your Blessings (Track 7)<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">With the London Session Orchestra behind her, Amy sings Bing's song from the 1954 Irving Berlin movie "White Christmas". Lush and majestic.</span><br /><br /><br />If you don't own anything Christmas related by Amy Grant, this CD is a great collection for your archives. The four new Christmas songs are definite highlights - especially "I Need A Silent Night".<br /><br />This one got my wife's endorsement - what more do you need?<br /><br /><br />Capt</span></span>

Amy Grant - The Christmas Collection

With eight days left before Christmas, I wanted to spend today looking at several new Christmas albums on the shelves this season - perhaps ...

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Seasonal Favorites V2 (Double Crown Records)

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMNi44Z7t_4DR85SW6eeXlkiDtjsJX15YpRU59WYNx3g0CNconvlh6k42gBTad3_4x1JNNwWfygPd-TLTAaPA0hfb-nU1EmMKTxlgFLLAdT8r4JH3t-4OvLDR37WVKaYDa8WmZr4Avh2z/s1600-h/seasonal+favorites+V2+%28double+crown%29+-+A.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267417131213396434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNMNi44Z7t_4DR85SW6eeXlkiDtjsJX15YpRU59WYNx3g0CNconvlh6k42gBTad3_4x1JNNwWfygPd-TLTAaPA0hfb-nU1EmMKTxlgFLLAdT8r4JH3t-4OvLDR37WVKaYDa8WmZr4Avh2z/s320/seasonal+favorites+V2+%28double+crown%29+-+A.JPG" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 313px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">All this week, I've been writing reviews for CDs that were sent to me at the P.O. Box. This one was sent last Christmas and I'm just finding time to write it up now.<br /><br />This is a crime because the good folks at <a href="http://www.dblcrown.com/">Double Crown Records</a> were kind enough to send me a copy of "<a href="http://www.dblcrown.com/dccd10.html">Seasonal Favorites V1</a>" which I <a href="http://christmasyuleblog.blogspot.com/2007/01/seasonal-favorites-v1-double-crown.html">reviewed</a> in January, 2007.<br /><br />What hurts even more is that both volumes are of choice (and I mean CHOICE) surf and garage Christmas tunes. I'm a sucker for surf guitar. Add Christmas and I could spontaneously combust.<br /><br />I have no explanation other than a brain tumor that made me pass on this CD for review. Time to make amends.<br /><br />TRACK REVIEWS:<br /><br />1.) <a href="http://www.pollodelmar.com/">Pollo Del Mar</a> - Carol Of The Bells<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">The first half of this song is light rock then finishes fast with surf guitar... smooth intro into the CD.</span><br /><br />2.) The Pete Curry Orchestra - Drums For Christmas<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Curry is the bassist for </span><a href="http://www.straitjackets.com/" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Los Straitjackets</a><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> and his orchestra is just him playing all the instruments - virtuoso stuff!</span><br /><br />3.) <a href="http://www.myspace.com/surfneptune">The Neptunes</a> - Sleigh Ride In Fresno<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Think "Sleigh Ride" done by The Ventures and Dick Dale combined. It'll sound like this phenomenal track.</span><br /><br />4.) <a href="http://www.myspace.com/theicicles">The Icicles</a> - Snowman<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">This group from Grand Rapids, MI should know something about snow (can you say "lake effect?"). Surprisingly good power pop original! Hear this one at their MySpace page...</span><br /><br />5.) <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=101603450">The Incredible Mr. Smith</a> - Leise Rieselt Der Schnee<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Using a German christmas carol allows this group for lots of great improvisation on the guitars... Ja!</span><br /><br />6.) <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=47080790">Surfin' Santa w Meshugga Beach Party</a> - Jingle Bell Rock<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Straightforward instrumental cover from "The World's Premiere Jewish Surf Band!" (their own billing!). </span><br /><br />7.) <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=91834787">The Dusty Watson Complex</a> - Little Drummer Boy<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">WOW! Set at surf speed, this rendition will blow you away with its excellent guitar and drum work!</span><br /><br />8.) <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=33182213">The Barbary Coasters</a> - I Want A Monkey For Christmas<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Gayla Peevey wanted a hippopotamus... these guys re-work "Roll Over Beethoven" to ask Santa for a monkey. Roll over Chuck Berry!</span><br /><br />9.) <a href="http://www.thesurfites.com/">The Surfites</a> - Saint Nick's AA Fueler<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Santa intros this song, and we're off on a screamin' cruise down the main drag. Add sleigh bells, and it's just Christmas-ey enough.</span><br /><br />10.) <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=110933011">Glasgow Tiki Shakers</a> - Deck The Halls<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Well done version of the Christmas classic - loved the bridge in a minor key and all that fab reverb!</span><br /><br />11.) <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=70422878">Big Boy Pete</a> - Silent Night<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">If Johnny Cash did this song in up-tempo rockabilly, it might have sounded close to this... amazing!</span><br /><br />12.) <a href="http://www.speedballjr.com/">Speedball Jr.</a> - Rudolph's Secret<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">You're gonna have to listen to this one yourself to find out the answer to the secret. Interesting.</span><br /><br />13.) <a href="http://www.thepyronauts.com/">The Pyronauts</a> - O Come All Ye Faithful<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Pulsating rendition of this one - the surf guitars just bring it to life in a way no other instrument can.</span><br /><br />14.) <a href="http://www.comfortstand.com/artists/fullloadofking.html">Full Load Of King</a> - It's Christmas In The Islands<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Lush exotica? Oooooooo... Martin Denny and Les Baxter, eat your heart out!</span><br /><br />15.) <a href="http://www.myspace.com/frankieandthepoolboys">Frankie & The Poolboys</a> - Happy X-Mas (War Is Over)<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">The standout track of the album. This one starts slow, nice mix of guitars (acoustic & surf), add some soulful organ where Yoko and the kids sing, and continue to add on the layers a la Phil Spector (minus the guns). Great cover from start to finish.</span><br /><br />16.) <a href="http://www.urbansurfkings.com/">Urban Surf Kings</a> - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Very good rendition - no frills, no fuss, all surf guitar and they play it good here.</span><br /><br />17.) <a href="https://www.isound.com/joes_ocean">Joe's Ocean</a> - Deck The Halls<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">You're gonna feel like you've been on the ocean with this one - Joe switches styles between orchestral and soulful rock here... then there... then here... reminiscent of Substance W in many ways.</span><br /><br />18.) <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=47080790">Surfin' Santa With Meshugga Beach Party</a> - Sleigh Ride<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">A good cover of The Ventures' great Christmas instrumental. Check their MySpace page to hear some surf music with a Jewish flavor!</span><br /><br />19.) The Daytonas - Christmas Time For Fun<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Wonderful original surf/garage track... I couldn't find anything about these lads... Can anyone give me a clue?</span><br /><br />20.) <a href="http://www.myspace.com/frankieandthepoolboys">Frankie & The Poolboys</a> - Auld Lang Syne<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">A slow start can mean only one thing - a fast finish. Which we get to the delight of the audience on the track that ends this with a countdown! Perfect way to end the CD.</span><br /><br /><br />According to the Double Crown website where you can <a href="http://www.dblcrown.com/dccd28.html">order</a> this CD for yourself, they have about 100 copies left on their shelves for the 2008 Christmas season. You'd be foolish if you were to pass this up like I did. It's a rock solid Christmas CD suitable for playing any time of the year.<br /><br />Double Crown doesn't have a "Seasonal Favorites V3" for this Christmas (think 2009). However, a band on their label named King of Hawaii released a <a href="http://www.dblcrown.com/dccd34.html">Christmas EP</a> just in time for 2008. At $6, this might be the bargain of the season.<br /><br />Thanks for mailing this to me last year Sean... I'm sorry it took a year. My $6 is on its way to you for the EP.<br /><br /><br />Capt</span></span>

Seasonal Favorites V2 (Double Crown Records)

All this week, I've been writing reviews for CDs that were sent to me at the P.O. Box. This one was sent last Christmas and I'm jus...

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