Great variety and lotsa of surprises
Mike in Reno | Nevada | 12/12/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The CD "Hope for the Holidays: Rockin' Christmas for a Cure" is a sonic stocking stuffed with surprises. Music sets the mood for the holiday season, and if your background tuneage has grown tiresome, slap this disk on the stereo.
You'll enjoy rockers (Weezer's "O Come All Ye Faithful," Creedence Clearwater Revisited's "Run Rudolph Run" and Axton's "Joy to the World"), tender standards (Jon Anderson's "O Holy Night," emerging artist Eric Andersen and world-class keyboardist Kostia's "First Noel," and Shanti Shanti's medley "Wassailing Rose"), and contemporary takes on classics (Smooth Choppy's hip-hoppy "Let It Snow" and Collective Soul's modern rockish "Blue Christmas"). David Coverdale (ex-White Snake vocalist) reads 'Twas the Night Before Christmas" in his north of England brogue. The Beach Boys ("Santa's Goin' to Kokomo") and the Cowsills ("Christmastime") add retro star power.
The whole thing kicks off with a rousing epic original, "Closing of the Year," complete with orchestra, choir and drum line, and ends with Kostia's stirring piano instrumental "Carol of the Bells." There are 22 song tracks in all, plus a few announcement plugs for the beneficiary of this charity recording, the Junior Diabetes Research Foundation. "Hope for the Holidays" is a fresh, eclectic Christmas disk that won't stale like a fruitcake this year or next.
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Great disc, great cause
Kirk Rader | Reno, NV USA | 12/12/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Original and previously unreleased Christmas tunes spanning a variety of styles and tastes, and JDRF benefits from every sale. What's not to love?"
Great holiday album for a great cause, Creedence Clearwater
M. adair | 12/11/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love Christmas music of all kind and love hearing fresh takes on classic songs. This album has so many amazing artists covering some of my favorites. Creedence Clearwater Revisited's cover of Chuck Berry's classic 'Run Rudolph Run' is my favorite track here. This album also benefits an amazing cause Juvenile Diabetes Research. Also, very cool Weezer, Collective Soul songs. The whole album is great. Thanks for putting it together!! I definitely recommend it for this year and many more."