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James Taylor at Christmas

Childrens Toy Shop > > Christmas music
by: James Taylor

October 29, 2007
I am biased of course because I love James Taylor's voice...! but this is sublime for a christmas feel anytime of the year...even if,like me, you are not vaguely religious, all the songs just feel 'right'!

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Noel

Childrens Toy Shop > > Christmas music
by: Josh Groban

December 03, 2007
This album is absolutely stunning and has already been said is the only Christmas album you will ever need. It goes without saying that Josh's voice is wonderful and is so perfect for these songs but the arrangements are absolutely superb. The tracks have been put down with such love and emotion and it really shows. I also love the duets because Josh is such a generous performer and brings the best out of everyone.

I feel sad for all the people who will never hear this album, and also for the fact that any one track should have been the Christmas Number one and not the x factor mediocrity we are subjected to every year.

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Andrea Bocelli - Sacred Arias

Childrens Toy Shop > > Christmas music
from: Philips

May 13, 2002
A CD that has so much beauty it moves you from beginning to end. His voice portrays so much emotion that you don't just appreciate the sound, you feel every note that he sings.

There are some CDs that are simply labelled "mood music", and this for me is one that I file under such a category. Every time I listen it lifts me and transports me to places only I can go to. Somewhere that escapes the modern world.

The choice of arias is perfect. Many of which I was unfamiliar with. However, I have since introduced this CD to a number of people, many who listen to an entirely different genre of music; nearly all have been captivated by it.

All I can say is buy it and soak up the rich fare on offer.

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The John Rutter Collection

Childrens Toy Shop > > Christmas music
from: Universal Classics

October 21, 2002
Ths album is pure joy and tranquility. Anyone who has ever been lucky enough to be part of a choir singing Rutter might immediately remember why you enjoyed it so much. (15 years ago last time I was in a choir singing - "For the beauty of the earth").

Even if you don't like choral music normally - this is light, accessible and rejuvinating. Wonderful after a bad day or to kick off a good one.

In short, not too bad.

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Handel: Messiah

Childrens Toy Shop > > Christmas music
from: Duo

May 10, 1993
In the same way that Naxos' New College Oxford recording of "Messiah" is an example of the English Cathedral tradition, this recording is a great sample of the choral society tradition. Although the recording includes some huge names from the world of classical music, I was not over-enthralled by the recording as a whole. The age of the recording (1966) is made obvious in the quality of sound, and the entire ensemble is too big to hear the words properly, and of course this is reflected in the acoustic. The presentation is acceptable, but there are few programme notes and no copy of the text. However, what this recording does have is drama and vigour in abundance.

Both the choir and orchestra sing well and accurately enough, and the ... Read More:

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Greatest Hits: Chapter 1

Childrens Toy Shop > > Christmas music
by: Backstreet Boys

October 29, 2001
some great songs like I'll Never Break Your Heart, All I Have To Give and As Long As You Love Me, but this band is average compare to "michael learns to rock"

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Various: Russell Walton - Reprise

Childrens Toy Shop > > Christmas music
from: Universal Classics

November 18, 2002
I have already reviewed REPRISE but I just had to make comment on the new U.S. version. It is WONDERFUL . RUSSELL has co-wrote 4 NEW songs. They are IMMENSO SOGNO,TUTTO SEI PER ME, ALL OR NOTHING and DID YOU EVER. The "VOICE" is sensuous and intimate and every time I hear these songs I am in absolute BLISS. If it was on sale in the U.K. it would be flying off the shelves. If you get the chance buy it ,you will not regret it. The 4 new songs are worth the price of the CD. alone. THIS is RUSSELL at his very best..... Sandy.

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Celtic Woman - A New Journey [2002]

Childrens Toy Shop > > Christmas music
by: Celtic Woman

June 04, 2007
This is a beautiful concert with the lit castle as the background. There is the addition of Hayley Westenra - a Kiwi who sings the best version of "Are you going to Scarborough Fair" that I have ever heard. The other singers also sing beautifully (Lisa Kelly is my favourite). Again, their version of Enya's "Orinocco Flow" is better than what Enya can producxe because it is played with real instruments and a beautiful backing choir.
Like their first DVD, it is great and I hope that they will make many more because I will buy them all.

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Vaughan Williams: Fantasia On Christmas Carols, Hodie

Childrens Toy Shop > > Christmas music
from: British Composers

October 02, 2000
I bought this a couple of years ago and return to it regularly - a sure sign of a good recording. I like the music of Vaughan Williams and this is a good example of his music. The Fantasia was a big surprise - its a lovely setting of some well known carols. John Barrow has a superb baritone voice. The Hodie takes a little more getting into but it is worth the effort. Both choirs and orchestra have good sounds. At this price you can't go wrong!

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Pavarotti - The Ultimate Collection

Childrens Toy Shop > > Christmas music
from: Decca

October 13, 1997
What a let down! I bought this for Nessum Dorma and found that the cupboard of his repertoire is actually pretty bare. Other than "Just one Cornetto" there aren't any big hits on this album. Surely they could have included the 1975 classic "everyone's a fruit and nut case"? More importantly, none of it is in english so i've no idea what he's on about.

That said, this guy can sing, proving, like Michelle McManus before him that being obese is no barrier if you have a decent voice. With the right material this guy could have a big career ahead of him. Maybe he should enter X-Factor, Simon Cowell could make him a big star.