Christopher K. Nagel | Michigan City, Indiana | 09/29/2004
(1 out of 5 stars)
"Why did Capitol Records decide to release a new volume of Christmas Cocktails with the other two previous volumes as a box set?
I'm sure this new collection, for the most part, will only appeal to the collectors of the other 26 volumes in this series, who already have Part 1 and 2.
Why should I have to buy Part 1 and 2 again so I can get Part 3? Damnit!
And I also notice the new volume only has 15 tracks, a lot less than the previous volumes.
With marketing decisions like this, it's no wonder the record companies are in a slump. Shame on you, Capitol, for this blunder!!!"
A perfect blend for your Holiday dinner party...
Alan Taylor | Chicago, IL United States | 10/17/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Though I do agree with one of the other reviewers that it is unfortunate the record company decided to make the third disc in this series only available in a set that is packaged with the first two discs, I must say this is a superb 3CD set, particularly if you haven't yet purchased the first two volumes. This is a great set for those of us that enjoy the holiday season but like our xmas songs on the lighter (read: less religious) side. This is a great, hip, swinging set of holiday music perfect for your holiday dinner party, I highly recommend this expertly selected group of songs. These holiday classics are presented with a flavors of jazz, swing, big-band, and rat pack era vocal stylings. Ultra-lounge indeed. It is truly one of the best light-hearted and hip xmas compilations ever. No embarassing tracks to skip here. Just pop the discs in and hit play. You won't be disappointed."
Shame On You Capitol!
The Delite Rancher | Phoenix, Arizona | 12/12/2004
(1 out of 5 stars)
"I share the sentiments of many other reviewers. I have parts one and two and they are perhaps my two favorite Holiday discs. I was ecstatic when I found out about a part three but floored when I found out that you had to buy all three discs together to get the last one. Shame on you Capitol! My hope is that somebody out there will buy this box set to sell CD-R copies of the third disc on e-bay. Not only would that be stickin' it to the man, it would be a Capitol Offense!
UPDATE: It seems that Capital finally released disc three by itself. Granted, the die-hards have already purchased the box set but Capital has been reluctantly redeemed. From the reviews, it seems to be the weakest of the trilogy, but let's applaud the company for listening and responding to what the people want. While I can't change my rating, I have updated the content of this review to encourage everybody to purchase this most wonderful collection of Holiday music in good conscience."
Capitol Offense/Great Holiday Music
Joel D. Arndt | University Heights, OH USA | 12/12/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Yes, I agree with the other reviewers wholeheartedly that this is a major marketing blunder by Capitol Records, so a big "bah humbug" to the Scrooges at Capitol who decided to release Volume Three as part of this set only.
With that having been said, we're really reviewing the music and artists represented here and they're all great. These are fun and festive recordings with a bit of swing and swagger that will enliven your holiday cocktail parties, dinners, whatever. Whenever we play them one of our guests inevitably asks what we are playing. Cuts by June Christy, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, Peggy Lee, Lena Horne, Les Brown, Nancy Wilson, Billy May, Julie London and many more are included here and all are performing at the peak of their talent.
If you're a fan of great music and some of the best artists of the '50's and '60's or of all time you will love this collection. I highly recommend it. When will Capitol get around to releasing June Christy's This Time of Year on CD? A second cut from this album is included on Volume Three."