Yeah, OK, so most Christmas music is reserved for one particular time of the year. But Contemporary Christmas music has a seasonless quality that makes it great in December, and terrific fun in June, too. Even timeless classics get a contemporary, rockin' edge from these groups, and the originals are modern songs that happen to be about that happiest time of the year. If you're a fan of contemporary a cappella, you won't go wrong with the albums we carry here, even if holiday music isn't your thing.
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Carol of the Bells |
NYC-based, 9-member, mixed-voice Accidentals have been personal favorites of ours since their 1995 Harmony Sweepstakes win. The group has gone through five wonderful CDS, numerous awards and some personnel changes since then (their alumni remain a cherished part of their family, and they are joined by Kevin, Todd and Stewart on this recording). The group is not going home for Christmas because New York City is their home, and the CD has a very New York flavor to it. "Winter in Manhattan" is a funny, surprising, hip Christmas song, and standards "Carol of the Bells," "Frosty the Snowman," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "What Child is This," "Three Traditional Carols," "Balulalow," and "Silent Night" are as beautifully and brightly arranged and harmonized as we have ever heard these songs. Several excellent group originals, including the title tune by Bill Mitchell and Jim Vincent, and two winners written by Dennis Deal, the accompanied, funny, brutally honest "The Last 12 Days of the World" and "(I Honestly Hate) This Gift." A pair of lovely classical pieces by Maurice Durufle, "Tota Pulchra" and "Ubi Caritas;" and Francis Poulenc's joyous "Hodie Christmas" are icing on the yummy musical cake that is "I'm not going home for Christmas!"
Listen to Carol Medley in Real Audio.
| 2489 CD $15.95 |
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The Accidentals won the Hramony Sweepstakes in 1995 with their signature tune "You Win." The eight piece group is known for their exemplary musicianship and unexpected arrangements. The twenty songs include the hearty "Wassail Song", a pristine "I Wander As I Wander" and the CARA award-winning "Rudiana", a hilarious tour-de-force that sends up a variety of musical genres from classical to tango! Listen to "Rudiana" in Real Audio.
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The five talented young men of Boston-based Contemporary a cappella group Ball In The House wowed us on the stage of the 1998 Harmony Sweepstakes Finals. Since then they have been delighting audiences with their dynamic live show, which they perform over 250 times a year, and with top-drawer recordings such as "Ball In The House," "Think About It" and "Granite Ave," all popular titles in the PAC catalog. "Believe" is a masterful Christmas album with the magic words below the 12-cut songlist: "All sounds on this album were created by the human voice!" "Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel" (intro) "Angels We Have Heard On High," "Away In A Manger," "Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel Part I" (interlude), "What Child Is This," "Some Children See Him," "Little Drummer Boy," "Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel Part II" (interlude), "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "Mary Did You Know," "Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel Part III" (interlude) and the powerful final cut, "Believe," all feature stellar vocal percussion (including an all-beatbox "Little Drummer Boy"), sweet leads and background vocals, and amazing arrangements. Since we were treated to Ball In The House at the Sweeps Finals, the group has become one of the best Contemporary A Cappella groups performing today, and we loved every cut of "Believe!"
Listen to "Mary Did You Know?" in Real Audio.
| 2521 CD $12.95 |
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Candlesong |
A Christmas winner! This fabulous a cappella pop holiday release has been awarded two CARA awards, for ”Best Holiday Album” and ”Best Holiday Song” and it's easy to see why it has won such acclaim. Once again this talented group presents fascinating arrangements this time of modern Christmas classics such as George Michael's "Last Christmas", Joni Mitchell's "River" and Christina Aguilera's "This Christmas". Production values are always top-notch with the group and this well-produced, sung and arranged album will be a holiday favorite to play season after season. Recommended.
Listen to "Last Christmas" in RealAudio.
| 1221 CD $15.95 |
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IThe Christmas Song Do You Hear What I Hear Little Drummer Boy The First Noel Santa Claus Is Coming To Town Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas Rudoph The Red-Nosed Reindeer Hark the Herald Angels Sing O Little Town of Bethelehem It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year Let It Snow Angels We Have Heard On High It Came Upon The Midnight Clear Tiny Little Christmas Christmas TIme Is Here I'll Be Home For Christmas Silent Night Carol of the Bells 'Twas The Night Before Christmas Walkin' In A Winter Wonderland When It Snows One Small Child - We Three Kings I Wonder As I Wander Go Tell It On The Mountain O Come All Ye Faithful Deck The Halls Santa's Little Helper (Interlude) Frosty The Snowman Away In A Manger I Bought You A Plastic Star Pure Imagination / White Christmas Sleigh Ride Christmas Eve All Wrapped Up |
This two CD set features every Christmas song The Blenders have recorded. It is a compilation of all of the group’s popular holiday CDs including “Nog”, “When it Snows”, “Most wonderful Time”, and the bonus track “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”, from their previous compilation, “Holiday Best.” Now everyone can own ALL of The Blenders’ endearing Christmas songs in this spectacular collection for one special price. Featuring all of the beautiful harmonies and soulful vocals that have made The Blenders one of America’s most-beloved vocal bands!
| 2460 2CDs $24.95 |
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It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year |
In years past, if we were asked for our favorite Christmas CD, "Nog," by the Blenders came right to the tip of our minds. The all male quartet was the definition of smooth-as-silk, break-your-heart harmonies and Omigod arrangements. But today we found "Time" in our pile of review CDs, and we realized that Santa loves Contemporary a cappella. 12 cuts, all crackling like a yule log with spot-on vocal percussion–the title tune, "Go Tell it on the Mountain," "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear," “Frosty the Snowman/Here Comes Santa Claus” medley, "I Wonder As I Wander," a funky "Deck the Halls," a bluenote "O Little Town of Bethlehem," the walking-jazzy "I Bought You a Plastic Star (for Your Aluminum Tree"), "Away In A Manger," and the Firsesign Theater-ish sound-skit "Christmas Eve," which segues into the incongruous, disco band-accompanied "All Wrapped Up." Each of these songs is a gem that needs a few listens to truly appreciate. The Men in Blend have done it again!
Listen to "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" in Real Audio
| 2425 CD $14.98 |
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Carol Of The Bells |
The Blenders, one of our favorite groups of all time, and whose Christmas CD on PAC Records, "Nog," has been our best-selling Christmas title, have a new Christmas CD! "Carol of the Bells" segues into a surprising, jazzy, blue-note vocal-percussion "Twas the Night." "Walkin' in a Winter Wonderland" is a funky, bopping rap romp (with some non-vocal percussion). The sweet "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" has the trademark Blenders harmonies. "When It Snows" is a powerful original, "One Small Child/We Three Kings" is dramatically beautiful. The atmospheric original "Pure Imagination" segues into a finger-snapping "White Christmas," a funky "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town," a touching falsetto "O Come All Ye Faithful," "Sleigh Ride" is a parody of the Velvet Underground's "Walk on the Wild Side," and a final sweet, rhythmic original, "Tiny Little Christmas." Some non-vocal percussion and keyboards on some cuts. A striking, innovative Christmas CD by the Blenders!
Listen to "Twas the Night" and "Pure Imagination & White Christmas" in Real Audio.
| 2426 CD $14.98 |
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Hurry, quick! Look at what the Santa's little helpers have been up to this year! It's hard to believe that these four young men from Minnesota have transfused these familiar holiday chestnuts with such inspiration and wonder, but indeed they have. "Let It Snow" takes as it's initial premise a Polynesian tiki lounge rhythm - already different - and then takes the cheery melody headlong into a ninth chord resolution! This CD is trimmed with so many gorgeous decorations that it improves the more one hears it, revealing subtleties that delight upon discovery. The creativity just saturates every song, whether as a distinctive rhythmic variation or unexpected countermelody, but always integrated into the whole (by the way, the group produced and arranged "Nog" themselves). In terms of intonation and blend, the Blenders (coinciding with their choice of name), are the best in the business: listen to "Do You Hear What I Hear" as just one excellent example. It's perfectly calibrated, the senses reveling in the purity of sound. Contemporary a cappella at its best. Listen to "The Christmas Song" in Real Audio.
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Scattered Flurries |
Could this group be the next big thing in contemporary a cappella? Perhaps the biggest buzz in some circles has been for Blue Jupiter who have been compared to Rockapella, M-Pact, and The Blenders - and with very good reason. They are earning a reputation for performing high-energy shows (one of which was at the West Coast Summit) and are focused on becoming a full-time professional group. Opening with the strong original "Scattered Flurries" the group goes on to sing a mix of Christmas standards with a style and sophistication that showcase their solid harmonies, creative arrangements and obvious talent. Well produced and recorded - a holiday treat for all a cappella fans.
Listen to the title track "Scattered Flurries" in Real Audio.
| 7385 CD $14.98 |
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Yuleman vs. the Anti-Claus |
The Bobs have become rather a legend since their formation in 1982. Their self-written original material, which comprises the majority of their repetoire, is caustic, political, and delivers the maximum bang for the buck. "Too Many Santas" is a raccous wail with a funky groove, "Rasta Reindeer" bends Beach Boys harmonies around a lamp post and leaves them there. An "instrumental" version (vocal trumpet) of "Do You Hear What I Hear, Man" is a rum-soaked bop at the corner bar, which the Bobs do come by honestly (Joe "Bob" Finetti is an alum of Phil Mattson's P.M. Singers). "Christmas In L.A." is a modern standard, the grave insincerity of the lyrics offset by the lounge lizard arrangement, though them chords sure are pretty! The four Bobs - Joe, Richard, Matthew and Janie (yes, one gal) - keep it coming, so this is a Christmas get together you'll want to attend!
Listen to Christmas in LA in Real Audio
| 2458 CD $14.98 |
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Joy To The World The First Noel God Rest Ye Merry Gentlmen Sleigh Ride White Christmas Little Drummer Boy Star Of Wonder Bring A Torch Jeanette Isabelle Deck The Halls The Boy Frosty The Snowman Silent Night Carol Aye O Holy Night Angels We Have Heard On High Jingle Bells Good King Wenceslas Hark How The Bells Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer O Come All Ye Faithful Here We Come Caroling It Came Upon The Midnight Clear Do You Hear What I Hear Children, Go Where I Send Thee We Wish You A Merry Christmas |
Originally formed in 1972 this all-female Yuletide ensemble has a great pedigree being comprised of Maggie, Terri & Suzzy of The Roches with longtime session vocalists Margaret Dorn (Harmony Sweeps National Champs The Accidentals), Bonnie Mann and Libby McClaren. For many years they were a New York holiday tradition with annual appearances at Town Hall and The Bottom Line and their traditional free Christmas concert under the Washington Square arch each year which won them the New York Music Award for Best Street Performance. 25 years later the singers got back together to record this all a cappella gem featuring their original arrangements of classic carols and well as three pieces written by the group themselves.
Listen to Bring A Torch Jeanette Isabelle in Real Audio
| 8696 CD $14.95 |
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Jingle Bells Carol O' Bells Little St. Nick We Three Kings Santa Claus Is Coming To Town Gabriel's Message Deck The Halls You're A Mean One Mr Grinch White Christmas Mistletoe and Holly Holly Jolly Christmas Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer Gloria In Excelsis Silent Night Walkin' Around You'rd Better Open Up My Present Feliz Navidad |
CVX has wowed us from more than one Harmony Sweepstakes Finals stage, and this is their raucous, more than slightly irreverent, fun Christmas CD! 14 songs: "Jingle Bells," a jazzy, driving "Carol O' Bells," the Beach Boys' "Little St. Nick," "We Three Kings," "Santa Claus" (who has whether you've been good or bad "on videotape"), a delightfully oily "Mr. Grinch," "Deck The Hall," "Mistletoe and Holly," "Holly Jolly Christmas," the requisite "Rudolph," "Silent Night," the hilarious "Walkin' Round In Women's Underwear" ("Later on, if ya wanna, we can dress like Madonna"),the raunchy, macho "Better Open Up My Present," and finally "Feliz Navidad," which becomes the little-known Jewish carol--"Feliz Hannukah." This is a party Christmas CD--not for everyone, but then it doesn't try to be!
| 6986 CD $14.95 |
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It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas |
These 5 "a cappella chicks with swing and style" from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, who have been entertaining audiences together since 2002, and who were winners of Northern Harmony 2003, bring us their 2nd CD, a Christmas album, after their well-received debut CD, "Chick Us Out!" There are 16 spirited Christmas favorites here, particularly fine are Guylaine's solos on the Czech carol "Rocking" and "What You Gonna Name Him?," Marion's solos on traditional French carol "Entre le boeuf et l'ane gris" and the Austrian traditional carol "He Smiles Within His Cradle," Regina's solos on "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" and "I'll Be Home For Christmas," Rebecca's solo on Kirby Shaw's "Jamaican Noel," the title tune, a German Carol, with English lyrics by Regina, and the Kirby Shaw-arranged "White Christmas." A beautiful Christmas collection from Canada's talented CHICKAdivas.
Listen to "Once in Royal David's City" in Real Audio.
| 2488 CD $14.95 |
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Padi Boyd, Lisa Kelleher, Paul Kolb, John Meyer, Deb Nixon, Alan Smale and Karen Smale, the Chromatics, bring us a bright, fresh Christmas CD, featuring standard carols and pop tunes, strikingly arranged. They're all here: "Angels We Have Heard On High," "White Christmas," "Let It Snow, Let It Snow," "Frosty/Santa Medley," 14 classic songs to help fill you with the Christmas spirit!
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The Caroler |
One of the earliest "contemporary" a cappella groups the Coats are still performing and creating top-notch a cappella today as this excellent new holiday release demonstrates in spades. Almost half of the songs are group originals including the delightful title track and the clever arrangements (most by long-time member Jamie Dieveney) of the covers give the recording a decidedly refreshing sound. That sound is really quite diverse from the atmospheric "We Three Kings" to the upbeat dance sound of "Put the Merry in Merry Christmas" to the almost calypso "Joy Medley". An excellent Christmas CD that you will play for many Christmases to come.
Listen to "Let It Snow" in Real Audio
| 1227 CD $14.98 |
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Angels We Have Heard on High |
Those of you familiar with the Coats' pop harmonies (everyone?) will be delighted and impressed with these 12 (a cappella with occasional acoustic percussion) holiday tracks. Evidently, the group approached their new assignment with a desire to incorporate new stylistic elements into their arranging canon, embellishing their warm, compact blend with a library of accents, inflections and countermelodies. "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" is as dynamic and original version as we've ever heard, with a vigorous walking bass underneath jazz phrasing and scat! A stately and resonant "Silent Night" conveys the grandeur of the occasion by the addition of non-diatonic chords to the standard progression. Each of the nine traditional carols and three Coats originals display the same inventive spirit of adventure, though still within the pop mainstream ... just more interesting and better. Applause!
Listen to "Angels We Have Heard on High" in Real Audio.
| 2430 CD $14.98 |
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Klusa Nakts |
Having just listened to the incredible "Turbulence" by Cosmos, the idea of a Christmas album by Cosmos is stunning and a little scary. Christmas music is, almost by definition, elementary, simple, and repetitive. Cosmos is dynamic, stunning, envelope-pushing, crazed a cappella, arranged (by the group) like nothing you have ever heard before. The bold, colorful liner notes, with an accordion foldout lyric book with photos of the six young men hamming it up in formal wear all warn us - this is not your Grandmother's Christmas album. All but one of the cuts has a Latvian title ("Klusa nakts," "Aija, Ancit, aija," "Jus, ticigie, naciet," "Supula dziesma," "Vakars," "Circenisa Ziemassvetki," "Ticu un viss," "Neticu un viss," "Reiz meza dzima eglite" and "Rukisi un Mezavecis;" the Bobby McFerrinesque "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" speaks for itself. But we recognized "Silent Night," "O Come All Ye Faithful," and a very cool, jazzy, almost unrecognizable version of "Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer," as far as we can tell! "Ticu un viss" is bizarre, funny, unbelievable and wonderful, like Christmas music from another planet. It will blow your mind and open it, to the immense creative power of the human voice - and, for that matter, of Christmas!
Listen to "Supula dziesma" in Real Audio.
| 1357 CD $15.95 |
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Let It Snow |
Founded in 1999, this excellent Colorado mixed vocal jazz octet jumps right into a bright, bouncing 3Let It Snow,2 and doesn1t let up until the final note of cut 13, the best 3Little Drummer Boy2 we1ve heard since M-Pact1s on 3Carol Commission.2 A very cool 3Jingle Bells2 cover, a crisp, ringing 3Pat-A-Pan,2 a wonderfully sexy, upbeat 3Baby, It1s Cold Outside,2 some amazingly complex chords on 3I1ll Be Home for Christmas2 and 3Silent Night,2 a brash, scatty 3Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,2 a nice caroler1s medley of 3Deck the Halls/I Saw Three Ships/We Wish You a Merry Christmas/Holly and the Ivy,2 a moving new song, 3Christmas in the Trenches2 and others. 3Please Have Snow2 is one of the best Christmas vocal jazz collections we1ve heard in a long time!
Listen to "Boar's Head Carol" in RealAudio.
| 7432 CD $14.98 |
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Three Kings |
The six young men of Eclipse first met in a singing group at Utah State University. Campus performances of pop covers led to their first album, 2001's "Once." They won the NW Regional Harmony Sweeps and were very impressive at the 2001 Finals. After performing a featured number in the Opening opening of the 2002 Winter Olympics, and releasing their second album, "Think Twice," they won the 2002 Rocky Mountain Sweeps Regional. "Three Kings" is a rich, innovative Christmas CD that features 11 songs that features stunning arrangements, many of them by group member Patrick Rose. There are 3 very nice original tunes, "This Year," "Room in the Inn" and the sweet "Lullaby." Strong vocal percussion on the spirited "Three Kings," "Drummer Boy," and "Go Tell It." Smooth, ringing harmonies on "The First Noel" and "What Child Is This?" A bluesy, jazzy "The Christmas Song" and "Silent Night" are last. One of the best of the year! Highly recommended.
Listen to "Three Kings" and "The First Noel" in Real Audio.
| 7392 CD $14.98 |
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Ascending Star of Bethlem |
The Edlos are first-rate technical singers who amuse themselves and their zealous followers with zany antics and offbeat lyrics. This mix of the high and lowbrow has resulted in an eclectic sound that is umistakeably Edlos. For this special Christmas collection enjoy the Appalachian traditional, "Talkin' About Sufferin' Here Below," a Ukrainian carol, "Carol Of The Bells," "Big Santa (The Visit)," and "Sim Shalom," among others. This male quartet makes everything they do sound easy and casual, but listen intently: the whole is fashioned with the utmost of precision, and scholarship that takes years to acquire.
Listen to "All Through The Night" in RealAudio.
| 2474 CD $14.98 |
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1999 5-song EP from Boston contemporary group Five O'Clock Shadow, who have emerged from recent changes in personnel sounding better than ever. The three original compositions are catchy and radio-friendly, and the production features big vocal guitars, drums and bass, in the "vocal band" style. "Santa Says Rock" really does, getting just a bit outside and curling its lip in a sneer. "It's Christmas" has that Euro-pop sound, with a vocal keyboard line that tattoos the brain, and a chunky backbeat. "Silent Night" becomes a midtempo ballad, with a steamy guitar lead. Songlist
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Jingle Bells |
Prolific, talented all-male Minneapolis-based Contemporary quartet Four Shadow brings us their second Christmas CD (their first was the excellent "Flake"). "Joy" begins with powerful vocal percussion on "Jingle Bells," and features strong originals, "All I Want for Christmas Is You" and the lovely "Baby Jesus" by Kevin, who sings lead on both; the touching "A Father's Christmas Wish" by David, who sings lead; and "Close Your Eyes" by Drew, who also sings lead. Very nice covers of "Winter Wonderland," "Silver Bells," great deep bass on "Frosty the Snowman," and upbeat arrangements of "Joy to the World," "O Come, All Ye Faithful" and "Let It Snow." Also included is a hilarious cover of "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer." A beautiful, fun, all-a cappella Christmas CD from Four Shadow!
Listen to Frosty The Snowman in RealAudio.
| 1229 CD $14.95 |
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Having just finished raving about Minneapolis-based Four Shadow's "Live" CD, we were pleased to receive their third recording ("Where Have You Been" was the excellent first), a Christmas CD called simply "Flake." We needed only to listen to"Christmas Soup," which begins innocently as "12 Days of Christmas" and morphs into a surprising musical sampler of a dozen tunes, to know that these 4 young guys have the talent and arrangements to sing with anyone in Contemporary a cappella. 10 songs, from a very funky "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," and a wonderfully slimy "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch," to traditional covers of "O Holy Night," "The Christmas Song," "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" and a fine classical rendition of the sacred song "Ave Maria." Other standouts are a sweet original, "That Time of Year," where you'll swear you're listening to Rockapella, "Blue Christmas," with funny, desperate mumbling by "Elvis," and amazing, driving vocal percussion on "The Little Drummer Boy." The guys toss little treats like unexpected samples and vocal horns into our bulging stockings. "Flake," another impressive effort by Four Shadow, is a Christmas winner! Listen to "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" in Real Audio.
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Secret Santa |
The Groove Barbers, made up of ex-Rockapella members Sean Altman, Charlie Evett, Steve Keyes and renowned vocalist Kevin Weist, have put out the essential Holiday album. 'Glory' features 11 of our favorite Holiday classic tunes and 2 brand-spankin'-new (and soon to be just as classic) Holiday originals by Sean Altman - 'Secret Santa,' and 'You're My Christmas' - both, incidentally, have vocal percussion tracks by Rockapella's Jeff Thacher. With their signature sound, a mix of of jazz, pop and barbershop, the Groove Barbers have been delighting audiences across the country, we are very proud to bring you their first Holiday recording!.
Listen to "Secret Santa" in Real Audio.
| 1213 CD $14.98 |
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Beautifully accompanied with a variety of instruments including recorders and Uilleann pipes, this CD draws from a number of different sources for it's material. "Good Christian Men, Rejoice," is a fourteenth century carol; "I Wonder As I Wander," is an Appalachian traditional with a contemporary vocal treatment, and a spoken introduction about the birth of Jesus (called a "lesson," of which there are six in total). There are also purely instrumental versions of "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," "O Little Town of Bethlehem," "Silent Night" and "We Three Kings." In accordance with the holiness of the season, the arrangements are restrained, the manner reverential. The Haven Quartet reminds us of the purpose and significance of the holiday celebration! Songlist
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Christmas of Love |
It wouldn't really be Christmas without a hilarious Christmas parody CD from Calgary, Canada's favorite male humorous quartet. While "Waiting Under The Mistletoe," "Falalalala," and "Xmas Nuts" are extremely tough acts to follow, "Christmas Crackers" takes rampant silliness to a whole other level! First, let's give some major kudos to group member Jonathan Love—all 13 songs here are "penned and twisted" by Mr. Love. Second, don't be deceived by the song titles. "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," for instance, is about a joyful visit from carolers, "until that last guy slipped;" and "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" morphs into an exploration of the pains and options of Christmas tree shopping, to the tune of "Meet The Flintstones." "I Saw Three Chicks" is a group-accompanied (yes, the Heebees are actually holding instruments on the cover!!!) Irish foot-tapping folk tune about shopper lemmings descending on a mall; and "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" slips into "West Side Story's" "I Feel Pretty" to describe how the opposite is in fact true. And we couldn't even trust the classic "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer," which adds several brilliant new verses that follow Santa's run-in with the local CSI team after Grandma's untimely "sleighing." The poignant, accompanied "It's So Hard to Be An Elf" is a down and dirty blues tune by a disgruntled Elf who'd "rather be a troll," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" becomes a horserace that Rudolph wins "by a nose;" and daddy slips putting the lights "Up On the Housetop." "Six White Boomers" is a rousing, crazed ballad of difficulties that arise on Santa's Australian run, and "You're Mean One, Mr. Grinch (The Green, The Bad & The Ugly)" is a legendary Western confrontation between the classic Dr. Seuss villain and "Sheriff Claus," sampling the theme from "Rawhide," among several others, on the way. Anyway, we may never be able to sing a "straight" carol, or think of Christmas the same way again. "Christmas Crackers" is one of the most creative, and funny, Christmas albums we've heard!
Listen to "Blue Christmas" in Real Audio.
| 2351 CD $14.95 |
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Angels We Have Heard on High |
It would hardly be Christmas without a new holiday release from our favorite Canadian merrymakers and the four lads are up to their usual mischief with this highly enjoyable recording. All is fair game as the group twists the lyrics to some Christmas standards along with a healthy dose of Christmas originals highlighting their songwriting skills. Poor Frosty will never be the same, The Merry Gentlemen seem to of gotten lost and ended up on Gilligan’s Island and it sounds like The Little Drummer Boy may have been drinking. “Cowboy Christmas” tells quite a tale and I think they make it quite clear what they don’t want for Christmas in “Sox & Underwear”. It’s not all silliness as these guys also show their singing chops on “Huron Carol” and the arrangements are fun throughout. A delightful Christmas title.
Listen to "Let It Snow! (Mistletoe!)" in Real Audio.
| 2486 CD $14.95 |
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Joy to the World |
Fasten your sleighbelts, the Heebie-Jeebies (Canadians Cedric Blary, Chris Herard, Ken Lima-Coelho and Jonathan Love) are coming to town with the most irreverent Christmas CD of all time! Just to give you a taste, the boys sing, to the tune of "Let It Snow:" "When you finally state your vows, you may think that's where lip-locking ends. If there's Mistletoe in your house, you can make out with all of her friends! Mistletoe, mistletoe, mistletoeÓ" "Let's All Make Money at Christmas" features the line, "When folks are consuming, our profits are booming, at Christmas it's time to sell out!" Included are "Joy to the World" (sung relatively straight), "I'm Telling," "Winter Wonderland" , "Shopping Mall Santa Claus," "Mistletoe, Mistletoe, Mistletoe!," "Ebenezer," "Arrest This Bearded Gentleman," "Sox & Underwear," "Let's All Make Money At Christmas" and "Silent Night". Every twisted lyric is included in the festive liner notes. The CD fits nicely in a stocking, with ample room for a lump of coal (not included!).
Listen to "Mistletoe! Mistletoe! Mistletoe!" in Real Audio.
| 2951 CD $14.98 |
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Those wacky chaps from Canada (it must be the air up there) are as irascible and hilarious as ever on this festive recording. "Jingle Bell Rock" features the steady clanging of "bells" and a string bending "guitar" intro. Sliding in and out of notes like tobaggoners on snowpack, the harmonies are confident and the rhythms swing. "Little Saint Nick" is reminiscent of the soaring voices of the Beach Boys, "Do You Hear What I Hear" is a soulful wail, finger-snapping "Little Drummer Boy" a percussive rave. The doo-wop stylings of "Please Santa Be Real" implore with true sweetness-c'mon, Santa! Listen to "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" in Real Audio.
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With very hip and original takes on some of the best loved Christmas carols, and two Inpulse originals, this CD should not be missed. Some favorites include a beautiful contemporary take on "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," the triumphant and soulful "O Holy Night," the impressive vocal percussion and rockin' solo in their original song "Sound of Salvation," and their soothing sound in "White Christmas." Inpulse's rich, soulful sound is sure to warm your heart this holiday season. Listen to "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" in RealAudio.
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Dragapella Chorus God Bless Ye Femmy Lesbians Winnie Looks Radiant I Had a Little Facial The Story of Christmas Crystal Time in the City The Truth About Chanukah Chanukah Medley Jingle Bells, Don't Ask, Don't Tell A Lay in a Manger Oh! Hoey Night Worry Tis the Season to Drink Stoli Let's Let the Carolers Sing! Christmas Medley Soylent Night Macaroona Jenny Craig Feel My Sorrow Papirossen Harried Little Christmas |
The Kinsey Sicks, our favorite Drag Queen Comedy A Cappella quartet since we first saw at the SF Harmony Sweepstakes Regionals, have given us an early holiday gift, their 4th recording, a manic live Christmas CD, which we opened with great anticipation. And, although the humor is as brilliant as we are sure the material in their off-Broadway show was, we have to warn most people right here that there is some pretty rank material, notably "A Lay In A Manger," "O Come, Ye Unfaithful" and "Feliz Navidad Parody," with the Sicks' own caveat "(Trust us, we can't print the name)" that you had better believe. Even the live audience of primarily gay males (judging by audience response to references like local gay hookup mecca Buena Vista Park) seemed taken aback by some of the sex jokes—certainly not for kids or Christian fundamentalists. That being said, it doesn't try to be. Some of the funniest stuff is skits like "The Story of Christmas," where the "girls" tell Trampolina about subletting the manger while Jewish mom Mary is wintering in Florida, who comes back because they "wouldn't let her fly Virgin Airways," and brings her property managers The Three Weismans, and lawyers from the firm of "Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh" who give them "an eviction notice of great joy." They are joined by Mary's relatives "Uncle Christ, Aunty Christ..." who want to order take-out ("Pontius' Palate or Judas's Carry Out?"). 24 songs or spoken bits: "God Bless Ye Femmy Lesbians," "Crystal (Meth) Time In The City," "Jingle Bells, Don't Ask, Don't Tell," "Chanukah Medley" (Jews Better Watch Out), a nice live reprise of their Bobby McFerrin parody, "Worry," "'Tis The Season To Drink Stoli," the spot-on "Vanna White Christmas," and "Soylent Night" (preceded by "Oh, Yes, the Donner Party!") which take us queasily in a cannibalistic direction—I think you get the picture. If you love the Sicks and their edgy- and over-the-edgy humor, "Oy Vey" is your stocking stuffer, if you're new to them or easily offended, You Better Watch Out!
Listen to Dragapella Chorus in Real Audio
| 7464 CD $14.98 |
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Joy To The World |
ManSound, of course, is the dynamic Vocal Jazz all-male sextet from the Ukraine who have been wowing international Jazz Festival crowds, winning awards and earning critical raves from yours truly. That understood, "Joy to the World" is ManSound's Christmas Album, and it's fabulous. Now, right here you could read about our favorites among the 11 songs, like "Joy to the World/We Wish You a Merry Christmas" medley, "Jingle Bells/Let It Snow!" medley, the lovely "Carol of the Bells (in Russian)," "Heaven and Earth" (also in Russian), MS's incredible jazzy, bluesy take on "Amazing Grace," "Walkin' in a Winter Wonderland," etc., or you could just listen to crazed, finger-popping cut #3, "Santa Baby," cute Russian accent, faux cornet solo and all. You'll realize at that point that "Joy to the World" is one of the least boring, most fun Christmas albums you've ever heard, buy it and enjoy the heck out of your holiday season. My work is done here!
Listen to "Heaven and Earth" in Real Audio.
| 2354 CD $15.95 |
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A Christmas / Kwanzaa / Solstice / Chanukah / Ramadan / Boxing Day Song |
Do you ever want to hear those dogs barking “Jingle Bells” again? Neither does Christine Lavin – this “comic observer of human manners” (The New York Times) says she “just couldn’t find a good Christmas/ Kwanzaa/ Solstice /Chanukah /Ramadan/ Boxing Day album, so I had to make one.” So she rounded up seven other vocalists, assembled a sackful of characteristically humorous, offbeat, and occasionally moving seasonal songs, added a couple of original stories, and created this lighthearted a cappella alternative to the usual cloying Christmas-season songbook, a fresh delight for children and adults alike. On The Runaway Christmas Tree, there are tales of Christmas miracles gone wrong (in “Polkadot Pancakes”), what sound like munchkins on helium (“Elves”), and choral complaints and celebrations regarding food (“Scalloped Potatoes” and “Tacobel Canon,” respectively). The title track, with its echoes of Dr. Seuss, is a bedtime story Lavin wrote for her niece to explain why people decorate their Christmas trees (to weigh them down so they can’t escape, of course!). Interspersed with these unorthodox holiday excursions are a handful of somewhat more conventional hymns to the peace and joy the end of the year represents – the lovely “Dona Nobis Pacem,” “A New Year’s Round,” “Lamb and Lion,” “Allelujah/Amen,” “Good Night to You All” and the very slightly twisted “A Christmas/ Kwanzaa/ Solstice/ Chanukah/ Ramadan/ Boxing Day Song” and “The All Purpose Carol” (which ends with a resounding “Oy, mon!”). A truly fun and enjoyable recording.
Listen to "Tacobel Cannon" in Real Audio.
| 2455 CD $14.95 |
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Merry Christmas Baby |
Tidings is yet another great achievement on the part of those four talented singers from North Dakota. This CD comes complete with new arrangements, all written by one of the four members, of 10 of our favorite Christmas carols. Most memorable are "Winter Wonderland," "White Christmas," "I'll Be Home For Christmas," and "Silent Night."
Listen to "I'll Be Home For Christmas" in RealAudio.
| 7434 CD $14.98 |
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Caroling, Caroling |
The Seattle quintet m-pact is just one of the best - and hippest - contemporary groups on the scene today. With unerring musical discernment, they drafted some of the most savvy arrangers to collaborate with them on "A Carol Commission": Randy Crenshaw, Michelle Weir, Yumiko Matsuoka-Young, Morgan Ames, Cedric Dent (of Take 6) et cetera. This marriage of technique and talent has propagated a fusion sound: the harmonic nucleus of jazz, but with so much more. Standouts are the "Little Drummer Boy," arranged by m-pact's own Matthew Selby; marked with vocal percussion, it has a retro seventies funk feel, a feel associated with the seventh and major/minor third of the blues pentatonic scale, which can be readily heard in the Motown-influenced bass line. "Caroling, Caroling," arranged by Randy Crenshaw, toys with meter amongst the parts, moving in and out of straight time and varying the rhythmic accents in unexpected places, like the handclap on the four, not the one of the beat. "Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy" is incredible: a hip-hop jazz interpretation of this classical standard. "A Carol Commission" is an audacious project of most challenging musical caliber!
Listen to "Away In A Manger" in RealAudio.
| 2186 CD $14.98 |
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Carol of the Bells O Holy Night Silent Night The Christmas Song The Little Drummer Boy Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas What Child is This The First Noel What Does Christmas Mean to Me The Secret of Christmas I'll Be Home for Christmas |
The Nylons are one of the original contemporary a cappella groups. Their many years of experience have produced a vast playbook of stylistic variations, along with consistently excellent musicianship. This subtly-accompanied 1994 release reflects this abundance. The arrangements are generally simple, and the songlist contains the Christmas standards - "Silent Night," "The Christmas Song," "I'll Be Home For Christmas" etc. - plus a Nylons original, "What Does Christmas Mean To Me." The emphasis is on the quality of the voices, as the group members are gifted singers individually as well as collectively, and are able to convey the sentiment of this special time of year with heartfelt feeling. Founding members Arnold Robinson and Claude Morrison are joined by Gavin Hope and Garth Mosbaugh.
| 2410 CD $14.95 |
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Mary's Little Boy Child |
The fourth excellent CD by Utah-based, all male Contemporary octet Octappella, who apply their trademark intricate, tight harmonies, cutting-edge arrangements and bright, solid vocal percussion to 13 Christmas favorites. Jester Hairston's "Mary's Little Boy Child," the wonderful original "Come and See" by group member Matt Cropper (who also does a lot of Octappella's arrangements), a marvelous arrangement of "O Come All Ye Faithful," a sizzling, jazzy rendition of Sammy Cahn's "Let It Snow," Jay Althouse's spirited foot-tapper "Whisper! Whisper!," a pair of innovative Deke Sharon arrangements, "O Come O Come Emanuel" and "Sleigh Ride," "O Holy Night," another nice original, "Christmas Time," by group member Wes Brewer; and the spirited "Child of God" by Emily Crocker are immediate favorites. But "Stars Were Gleaming," "Once in Royal David's City" and "Joy to the World" are also incredible, as if we are hearing these standards for the first time. A brilliant, fun, seemingly effortless, envelope-pushing collection—one of the best we've heard this year!
Listen to "Whisper, Whisper" in Real Audio.
| 2447 CD $14.95 |
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Little Mary Snowflake |
From the first notes of "Little Mary Snowflake," as the Rockapella sound washes over our eager ears, we notice a subtle change that becomes much more obvious in the next cut, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." There's a new member of the group, George Baldi (replacing Barry Carl) who sings a growly-mean deep bass on a tight scat-percussion solo. Next comes a couple of new songs, the sweet, romantic "Merry Christmas Darling" and "Love and the Lights." George sings a delicious Crosby-esque lead on the classic "I'll Be Home For Christmas." Then another fresh new Christmas song with some soaring Rockapella blends, "This Christmas Day." One of our favorites, "There's No Place Like Home For the Holidays," is sung as a jazzy, doo-woppy thing with a vocal Salvation Army band solo. "Please Come Home For Christmas," a soulful bluesy lament, features George's hilarious Elvis "romantic mumbling" parody. An upbeat, moving "Rock Around The Christmas Tree" has some surprising harmonic whistling. A driving "Snow Star," another sweet new song, "Peace on Earth," and finally "It's A Small World" is Rockapellized, with sampling, vocal percussion and that sublime, soaring trademark harmony. We loved Rockapella's first Christmas CD, and we love "Comfort!"
Listen to "It's A Small World" in Real Audio.
| 6980 CD $15.98 |
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One of our most favorite groups (who don't need any introduction, we're sure) graces this holiday season with a dozen songs which cover the entire spectrum of aural moods from past to present. Opening with a sweetly lilting "I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day" which captures the traditional spirit with only a touch of Rockapellan embellishment we proceed to a Thatcherized (clever light vocal percussion), upbeat, Scott Leonard song which has one wondering just which year it became a big hit. It did, didn't it? It must have, it just sounds so familiar. We immediately are segued into an almost vaudevillian "Glow Worm/It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" medley. Through beautiful tradition and several of Scott Leonard's original compositions our heart strings are plucked to a fare-the-well. At the end of this grand recording we have Scott's "Hold Out for Christmas" which has only been released prior to this CD on one of the Rockapella Japanese imports. Then are sent off with our harmony hats in hand by Barry Carl's unbelievable bass and Jeff Thatchers pyrotechnics on "You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch." This seasonal recording will add a sparkle of joy to your holiday. Listen to "Winter Wonderland" in Real Audio.
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The Roches are three sisters who have a folk-contemporary sound. Many of the twenty four carols on this festive and cheerful recording are accompanied by guitar and/or keyboards and percussion, though some are practically a cappella, such as "Sleigh Ride." The sisters evoke the spirit of a family holiday, gathered around the piano, the fire crackling nearby: favorite songs, simple harmonies and the spirit of togetherness (though sung with better intonation than most family gatherings we've attended!) This has been a consistently popular recording and is a nice alternative to the traditional choral or jazz arrangements one typically hears at Christmas time.
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Snowfall Medley |
Return To Zero's new Christmas CD is an upgrade to "Our First Christmas." They have added 2 new songs, "Snowfall," the title track, and "When the meadow was Bloomin'," an amazing 8 part arrangement by Marshall Webb. Returning are "Humbug," "We Three Kings," "Carol Of The Bells" (for which Doug Tell won a CASA for best arrangement in 1996), "Here Comes Santa Claus," "Away In A Manger," "Our First Christmas," "What Child Is This?," "God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen," "Unto Us" and "We Wish You A Merry Christmas." The elaborate chord structures and unique arranging skills of these guys will put a twist on some of your favorite Christmas songs and will put you right in the Christmas spirit!
Listen to "Merry Christmas To You" in Real Audio.
| 2944 CD $14.98 |
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A Canadian four-piece who mix humor with doo wop and barbershop-as refreshing as a snowball fight, hey? We didn't know that "O Come All Ye Faithful" was a doo wop tune, but we stand corrected! "O Little Pile" is reverently sung to "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem" but is actually about laundry. "No Christmas Tree" is a melancholy dirge about the shortcomings of neoprene, and "Rudolph's Lesson" is a morality play about the most famous reindeer and his attitude problem. Also included are "Silent Night", "White Christmas" and "Jingle Bells." The arrangements are irrepressibly catchy, and you'll be singing along, thinking, "this is the most wonderful time of the year" before you know it!
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Let Ring Out The Bells |
We have been wowed by these five brothers from Idaho, twice when they nearly won the Harmony Sweeps, by their first 3 CDs, and now, even more so, by "A Night," their Christmas CD. We join the guys singing "Let Ring Out the Bells" on the street on a snowy evening, where they see a homeless man and a boy, Julian. They sing a wonderfully Doo-Woppy "Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and the Beach Boys' "Little Saint Nick" for them, then they take Julian on a walking odyssey to find the true meaning of Christmas. On the way they harmonize on "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy," "White Christmas," "Carol of the Bells," "God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen," "O Holy Night," "Silent Night" and the piano-accompanied "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" as beautifully as we have ever heard these songs. The interactions with Julian and the guys are touching and profound, but if you'd just like to hear the tunes, a second CD with just the songs is included. A truly magical "Night!"
Listen to our favorite: "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" in Real Audio.
| 1226 2CDs $14.98 |
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The Christmas Can-Can |
Since their posting of a 10-year-old video in 2007 of a live cut of their version of the "12 Days of Christmas" on YouTube garnered over 10 million hits, these 10 male alums of Indiana University have gotten back together, recorded the best-selling "Holiday Spirit," and have been on one long reunion tour! "Christmas Cheers" is Christmas collection #2, and we have to say that the guys have not been sitting under the mistletoe, munching fruitcake. The arrangements on these 15 songs are sharp, innovative and funny, the leads and background harmonies recall groups like Rockapella, the Blenders and The House Jacks. Listen to the hilarious "Christmas Can-Can," the hot arrangement of "We Three Kings," the brilliant parody "Donde Esta Santa Claus," a wonderfully raucous Rockabilly "Hey, Santa," one of the sleaziest "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" we've ever heard, a priceless overweight Elvis lead on "Santa Claus is Back in Town," a crazed "Jingle Bells," a drunken "Who Spiked the Eggnog" and finally hear the guys absolutely nail the song that caused all the gefuffle, "The 12 Days of Christmas." None of these songs is left alone, every one has unexpected surprises, samples, segueways, asides, faux horns and kazoos, you name it. It just goes to show--creativity, humor and great a cappella are stone winners now, and will be winners 10 years from now. "Cheers" to one of the best Christmas albums of the year!
Listen to "Hey Santa!" in Real Audio.
| 2365 CD $16.95 |
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Santa Claus is Coming to Town |
In December of 2007 SNC, one of our favorite male Collegiate a cappella groups, posted several videos of past performances, including a 10 year old video of a live cut of their version of the "12 Days of Christmas" on YouTube. To say it caused a sensation would be putting it mildly—6 million people saw it during December, with an additional 2 million seeing it since then. Combined, Straight No Chaser has received over 10 million views of their videos on YouTube. Formed a dozen years ago while students at Indiana University, this phenomenon has caused the group to reassemble and re-emerge, a process covered on a series of webisodes, covering their rehearsing together for the first time in 10 years, doing their photoshoot, and then recording this album, "Holiday Spirits." Even the New York Times told the story of SNC in their Arts & Leisure section in September of 2008. All that excitement aside, the album is great! 14 songs, all group-arranged, especially by group member Dan Ponce, who also wrote the lovely "Christmas Wish" and "Indiana Christmas." "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," "Jingle Bell Rock," "The Christmas Song," "This Christmas," "Hark the Herald Angels Sing/Angels We Have Heard on High" and Brian Wilson's classic "Little Saint Nick" show off the smooth harmonies, brilliant leads and killer arrangements that made SNC one of the best Collegiate groups. Then "The 12 Days of Christmas" shows us what the fuss is all about. It contains samples of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," and suddenly the song has morphed into Toto's "Africa." It's funny, surprising, perfectly realized and all done with the human voice, all of which was not lost on the delighted live audience. The album finishes with "Sweet Little Jesus Boy," the Phil Spector "Wall of Sound" carol "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)," "Carol of the Bells," and sublime covers of "Silent Night" and "Auld Lang Syne." We couldn't be happier for the success of talented SNC, who haven't lost a half-note since their college days, and can enthusiastically recommend "Holiday Spirits," one of the most enjoyable Christmas recordings we have heard!
Listen to "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" in Real Audio.
| 2519 CD $13.95 |
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Happy Holiday |
Probably the most rocking and swinging holiday release of the 2007 season this is one fun a cappella Christmas recording. Along with a number of traditional holiday classics the group has written some great original tunes including the infectious “King of Glory”, “On This Christmas Night” and the delightful “Come To Save The World”. Always known for their high-energy concerts and dynamic stage presence this recording also demonstrates their considerable arranging skills as well. “Happy Holiday”, the another Irving Berlin classic, gets a wonderful treatment as does the upbeat “Ay Ay Ay It’s Christmas”. “Rockin’ on Top of the World” will have you dancing around the Christmas tree and the recording closes with a sweet live version of “Baby King”.
Listen to "Ay Ay Ay It's Christmas" in RealAudio.
| 2446 CD $14.95 |
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The hard working Contemporary male quartet Tonic Sol Fa brings us an envelope-pushing Christmas CD, "Sugarue." They took eight traditional carols, "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," "Joy to the World," "Joseph's Song," "I Saw Three Ships," "O Come All Ye Faithful," "The First Noel," "Silent Night," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "The Little Drummer Boy," and added strong vocal percussion, jazzy arrangements and their own blend of butter-smooth harmonies. To this they added a pair of original Christmas songs, "Joseph's Song" and "Sno" written by group member Shaun Johnson. The result is as fresh as a new-fallen snow-but let there be no mistake, the feeling and love that is at the heart of all these carols is still abundantly there. Sugarue is a treat, and it has our early vote for best Christmas CD of the year! Listen to "God Rest You Merry Gentlemen" in RealAudio.
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When we first saw the cover of "E' Natale," with a 30's Coca-Cola Santa stepping from his desert-crashed sleigh to wave at a bored camel while above the "Christmas Comet" roars across the sky, we knew this was not your average holiday CD! Vocalica is an Italian dectet (7 men and 3 women) with strong vocal percussion and a sassy, jazzy style that will have you seeing old chestnuts like "White Christmas" and "Jingle Bells" (catch the hot vocal trumpet solo) in a whole new way. Tracks include, "Ea Supernova," "Tu Scendi Del Jazz," "Il Quarto Mago," "Jerusalem," the title track, and the two carols previously mentioned. Vocalica is like Italian gelato ice cream, sweet, smooth, delicious and more than a tad naughty. Beautiful harmonies and a fresh, spirited style!
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Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow |
Utah-based six-man Voice Male has released seven CDs to date, including the self-produced "Jingles", which won the 1999 CARA for Best Holiday Album. Luckily, this encouraged the guys to do a sequel! Much of the arranging on these 15 songs is by group member Mike Beardon, who has a mischievious streak and a refreshing irreverence - cue the Doo-Woppy “White Christmas,” sassy, silly “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” a live (with Mike’s daughter Casie) “Rudolph,” a very strange “Tractin’ in a Winter Wonderland,” and “The Chipmunk Song.” They can play it straight too–note the faux trumpets on “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” the King’s Singers’ arrangement of “Jingle Bells,” sweet “Away in a Manger” and more. Will CARAs fit in 6 stockings?
Listen to Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow in Real Audio.
| 3038 CD $14.98 |
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A sextet from Utah, Voice Male performs all of the Christmas standards with aplomb, and as well as several idiosyncratic tracks that reveal a mischievious side to their natures. Two poems, one of which, "The Christmas Tree Was Green And Bright," mentions the Swedish bikini team (?) and dismisses any notion of predicatability coming from this group, gives way to a stellar "Angels We Have Heard On High"; "Homeless" comforts us with the true meaning of Christmas. The unexpected countermelodies of "O Holy Night" and "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" are just two examples of the creative flourishes that ornament these familiar carols, elevating them from the ordinary to the distinctive. Listen to Jamaican Noel in Real Audio.
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Imagine champagne, festive decorations and your finest party threads...it's the sparkle of the most wonderful time of the year, and Vox Bop are providing the musical accompaniment! This jazzy mixed four piece is inventive, daring, madcap! The swooping, audacious melody lines and shifts in meter, executed on a dime, are impressive indeed, while the arrangements are festooned with unexpected chords that glitter and shine. Don't miss the satire of "The Twelve Days of Starbucks Christmas," which begins with Vox Bop's version of "Java Jive," and detours into "Shake, Rattle, and Roll," before veering into "God Save the King" (?) Somehow, it all comes together in an exhilarating finish!
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Aj, Lucka Lucka, Siroka |
This is officially, a 14-tune, "Best of the Whiffenpoofs Christmas Songs" CD. The song selection ranges from the 1963 'Poofs' harmonic rendition of "Coventry Carol" and the 1964 group's melodic "Le Sommeil de L'enfant Jesus" to 1992's "Jingle Bell Rock," and 1994's "Up on the Housetop." Then we have the 1998 group's "Christmas Song," 2001's rendition of James Taylor's "New Hymn," and the group's trademark "The Whiffenpoof Song." These various versions of the oldest collegiate a cappella group in the US treat us to a range of emotions about Christmas, lonely (2004's poignant "Lonely Christmas Eve") hungry (the 1990 group's "Home Cookin'") to traditional and sacred (1998's "Christmas Song," 2003's "Ave Maria" and "O Holy Night" and 2003's "Ave Maria"). Admittedly, though, a few have no obvious connection to Christmas whatsoever, like 2000's "Walking in the Air," 2001's "Time After Time," and 2004's Bohemian Marching Song "Aj Lucka Lucka, Siroka". But we won't split hairs—the 'Poofs are known for their sense of humor, and the singing is beautiful!
Listen to The Christmas Song in Real Audio.
| 1758 CD $14.98 |
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Our own compilation, featuring a diverse line-up of artists. It's an original gift idea, particularly for those ears not yet familiar with a cappella. The track list includes the most popular, such as the contemporary Christian group Glad ("O Come All Ye Faithful"), the legendary doo-wop group the Persuasions ("Christmas Means Love") and The Swingle Singers ("Carol Medley"), whose vocal jazz technique is flawless. Several of the new and exciting vocal groups, such as Naturally Seven, m-pact, Go Fish and the Edlos are represented. All a cappella fans will appreciate Acoustix' "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch" (from their new "Cool Yule" CD), Just For Kick's "A Child is Born" and ReGeneration "Do You Hear What I Hear?". The Blenders "Christmas Song," from Nog (one of the greatest holiday CD's ever), Chanticleer's "In Dulci Jubilo," (Chanticleer's holiday concerts are a highlight of every season) and the Accidentals' signature "Rudiana" are also included. 17 tracks in all.
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