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The English Hymn 4 - All Things Bright and Beautiful

Childrens Toy Shop > > Christmas music
from: Hyperion

May 05, 2003
Despite receiving strange looks from my husband, I played the above at full volume to get the benefit of the beautiful orchestration and vocals.

I wouldn't have put myself down as a huge fan of choral works, so it's either a sign of getting old or just that I have such fond memories of singing hymns at school [which, incidentally, I probably thought I hated at the time]; but I felt the hairs rise on the back of my neck as I listened to songs I haven't heard for 30 years, such as He Who Would Valiant Be and When a Knight Won His Spurs.

I felt quite sad listening to this CD and realising that due to current education policy, my own children will never become familiar with hymns like these, which are often poetic and moving ... Read More:

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Someday At Christmas

Childrens Toy Shop > > Christmas music
by: Stevie Wonder

October 26, 2001
This is by far the best Christman album I've ever heard! It was recorded in 1967 when he was only 17 years old. He really creates a lovely atmosphere with this album, and all songs are wonderfully done (especially "Ave Maria" and "The Christmas Song"). There is a reason why this album has survived four decades...If you've got lots of Christmas music at home but you haven't got this one, then you've still got nothing! Get it NOW before Christmas arrives!!

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Cliff at Christmas

Childrens Toy Shop > > Christmas music
by: Cliff Richard

November 17, 2003
My Mum introduced me to Cliff whilst I was still in the womb and since then I have grown up with wonderful memories of Christmas and Wimbledon. This collection is probably the pinnacle of his career, expounding on his singing talents and soul abilities.

Despite being in a wheelchair you can really dance to this one.

Ian

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Karaoke Carols!

Childrens Toy Shop > > Christmas music
by: Karaoke

October 13, 2003
My Mum introduced me to Cliff whilst I was still in the womb and since then I have grown up with wonderful memories of Christmas and Wimbledon. This collection is probably the pinnacle of his career, expounding on his singing talents and soul abilities.

Despite being in a wheelchair you can really dance to this one.

Ian

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The Greatest Gift: a Wonderful Album of Christmas Songs

Childrens Toy Shop > > Christmas music
by: Charlie Landsborough

November 01, 2004
Excellent CD Charlie is on top form as usual

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Christmas

Childrens Toy Shop > > Christmas music
by: Low

November 29, 1999
Christmas again - what better time to review Low's superb festive album which portrays a more common Christmas experience for many than the forced jollity of your Slade or Wizzard mega-hit.

This eight-track CD is a beauty. Four original Low songs show great variety - from the pure pop of `Just Like Christmas' with its sleigh bells ringing to the hauntingly spiritual telling of the Nativity in `Long Way Around the Sea'.

The cover versions of old (roast) chestnuts are simply inspired. `Silent Night' has wonderfully simple acoustic arrangement whilst `Little Drummer Boy' has never sounded like this before. It is drenched in guitar reverb and feedback a la My Bloody Valentine but is incredibly moving.

`Christmas' ... Read More:

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Ally McBeal : A Very Ally Christmas

Childrens Toy Shop > > Christmas music
by: Ally McBeal, Vonda Shepard

November 20, 2000
I love Christmas music, from Home Alone to The Snowman and this CD with songs from and inspired by Ally McBeal's Christmas episodes is definitely a favourite! It contains brilliant vocals from all performers (from Ally to Larry to guests such as Macy Gray) and has some gorgeous arrangements. Whenever 'Run, Run, Rudolph' starts up I have to jump up and dance! It's addictive. I love Jane Krakowski's voice and she shines on her tracks. There's a good mixture of fast and slow, and can create a good atmosphere either for a cosy Christmas night or a lively party.
The stand-out track for me though is Robert Downey Jr's version of Joni Mitchell's 'River'. It's just perfect. Robert's gruff vocals make it so moving and soulful.....I have a hard time getting it ... Read More:

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A John Waters Christmas

Childrens Toy Shop > > Christmas music
by: Various Artists

October 10, 2005
As befits anything given the nod of approval by legendary Pope of Trash John Waters, and as anyone who owns some of his movie soundtracks will expect, this collection is suitably bizarre, bewildering and at times outrageous - and therefore the perfect antidote to traditional Xmas collections (begone, Slade and Wizzard!)
All the tracks have a certain mad charm, from inspired covers of classics such as Tiny Tim's Antony-and-the-Johnsons-esque Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Alvin and the Chipmunks' annoying Sleigh Ride, to bizarre original ditties such as the Santa-abusing Xmas-hating Here Comes Fatty Claus and the funky I Wish You a Merry Christmas (from the original artist behind the Locomotion, no less!). Two favourites stood out for me ... Read More:

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An Albion Christmas

Childrens Toy Shop > > Christmas music
by: Albion Band

November 03, 2008
Some of the best concerts I've ever been to were the Albion Band Christmas shows in the 1980s, with Kathy LeSurf, Phil Beer, Doug Morter and Ashley. They had it all - Mummers' play, "Old Sam" recitation, jokes, dancing and great songs. This CD is a reflection of the band's current Christmas show and it's just not in the same league. Too much Christianity to start with (and I know that sounds daft at Christmas, but it just isn't as much fun). Ashley, you need to go back to the live and lively shows you did in the eighties, record one of them live and stick it out on CD for next Christmas.

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The Family Holiday [2007] (REGION 1) (NTSC)

Childrens Toy Shop > > Christmas music
starring: Dave Coulier, Christina Pickles, Alexa Fischer, Abigail Schornick, William Schultz
directed by: Craig Clyde

November 06, 2007
Some of the best concerts I've ever been to were the Albion Band Christmas shows in the 1980s, with Kathy LeSurf, Phil Beer, Doug Morter and Ashley. They had it all - Mummers' play, "Old Sam" recitation, jokes, dancing and great songs. This CD is a reflection of the band's current Christmas show and it's just not in the same league. Too much Christianity to start with (and I know that sounds daft at Christmas, but it just isn't as much fun). Ashley, you need to go back to the live and lively shows you did in the eighties, record one of them live and stick it out on CD for next Christmas.