tanderson40 | Piney Flats, Tennessee United States | 10/21/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"A very enjoyable album that transmits good, old-fashioned Christmas warmth and cheer, this is the only Bing Crosby album in stereo and good quality sound. If you already own the somewhat-shortened version (minus the last two songs) of this album, you owe it to yourself to buy this expanded, restored version. This CD has been 24-bit digitally remastered with much superior sound that the former version, which had a fair amount of distortion and lack of presence. The only drawbacks are "The Littlest Angel," which is a fairly sappy, quasi-relgious song, and Bing's indifferent performance of "O Holy Night." Bing always projected warmth in his singing (listen to the wonderfully nostalgic "Christmas Dinner Country Style"), but he seldom, if ever, got into the true emotion of a song and tried to project its meaning. This is no tragedy on lighter fare, but in songs with spiritual significance Bing's lack of empathy is very evident and limits the songs' impact. Nevertheless, I highly recommend this album for its warm, nostalgic atmosphere and quality sound."
This is truly Bing's Best of Holiday Music
Johnny Heering | 12/31/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This high quality CD is a 'must have' for Holiday Music lovers. Bing's recording of "The Littlest Angel" will about make you cry it is so sweet. Bing's last TV Christmas Special in 1977 featured a duet with David Bowie, and that song from the TV soundtrack is presented here for the first time since its release on a 45RPM back in 1982, and it is wonderful, as it includes the dialogue in addition to the song. The rest of the remastered songs are quite good too, give or take a song or two. Overall though, a solid five stars from Mr. Voice of Christmas."
I think it's marvelous. Some of it really fine.
Johnny Heering | Bethel, CT United States | 11/28/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD features Christmas music Bing Crosby recorded after his "glory years" with Decca Records. The bulk of the CD is taken from Bing's 1962 album I Wish You a Merry Christmas. It also features his 1963 single "Do You Hear What I Hear?" and it's b-side "Christmas Dinner Country Style". And also his duet with David Bowie of "Peace on Earth/The Little Drummer Boy", which was recorded for Bing's last television special, a few months before he died. On the I Wish You a Merry Christmas album, Bing tackled some Christmas standards he hadn't previously recorded, along with a few newer songs. He handled it with his usual aplomb; this guy practically invented Christmas music, and he knew exactly how to sell this type of song. "O Holy Night" is particularly good; quite moving, actually. Of course, the highlight of the CD is Bing's classic hit "Do You Hear What I Hear?", which has gone on to become a standard. Bing was the first to record the song, and his version is still the definitive version. And, of course, the Bowie duet is another great one that just becomes more popular every year. At 74 years old, Bing Crosby was still "The Voice of Christmas"!"
Amazing!
Ciela2898@yahoo.com | Portand, Oregon USA | 07/27/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For someone to bash this album because it does not include White Christmas is crazy. White Christmas can be found on many albums and this includes some of the more obscure Christmas recordings you can only find on this album. "The Littlest Angel" can not be found on any other album. We are lucky to have such a heart-warming recording done by one of America's finest vocalists."