A Very Special Christmas 3
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Free Music Notes for A Very Special Christmas 3
Free Music Review: This is "Christmas music"?
Hit: 1 Stars
I was always a fan of this series even though I wasn't always a fan of some of the artists included in each compilation. But when I heard #3 for the first time I couldn't believe my ears. Is this the best combination of pop and Christmas music they could come up with? I was actually laughing out loud in my car the first time I listened to this disc because it was so horribly wrong. As some other reviews have mentioned, this isn't a very Christmasy-sounding offering, which, in my opinion, is a big mistake for anything offered as a Christmas Album. And the musicianship on this disc is completely laughable. Many of these songs sound as if the "musicians" performing them tried to pick out the tunes and harmonies by ear without ever referring to the readily available printed music. I mean, couldn't they have even taken the time to consult a chord chart before destroying these classic Christmas songs? I'm all for reharmonizing a song to make it fresh, but this is ridiculous.
If you're a fan of the individual artists, this might be a good disc to pick up. But if you're looking for musicto put you in the holiday spirit, stick with something more classic (like "Ella Wishes You A Swinging Christmas") or something by a newer artist that has respect for the traditions of these songs.
Free Music Review: A review from an italian boy
Hit: 3 Stars
I bought this CD last year and I didn't find it so beautiful but there is a song that's INCREDIBLE... this is the Tracy Chapman's "oh holy night"... simply amazing... buy it only for this song... I love itFree Music Review: Many fabulous surprises
Hit: 5 Stars
I was familiar with (and enjoyed) the first release in this series. I hesitated from the 2nd and, initially, the 3rd because the artist groups weren't striking my facuty. But when I learned that track seven involved Popper putting lyrics to the incredibly swift and complex guitar lead of the Phish composition "Divided Sky", I knew it was going to be either the most horrific mistake I'd ever heard or a complete stroke of musical genius. And, oh! What genius it is!And, I found, the rest of the disc was more than up to snuff as well. Contrary to some other reviews here, I found Chris Cornell's "Ave Maria" quite moving and Patti Smith's "We Three Kings" really *real*. Even Sting's opener, while a bit pop-y, is plenty pleasant as well.
All around, this is more than seasonal background music. There are some real gems here to hook your interest. Bravo!!
Free Music Review: Memorable Modern Classics
Hit: 4 Stars
The feel of this third collection of Christmas songs for the "Very Special Christmas" series is a lot less pop, and a bit more alternative. I think this collection is my favorite of the first three. Although I had some strong individual favorites on the first two albums, there were more unique stand-outs on this version.Sting opens the CD with a very traditional version of "I Saw Three Ships", followed by a very off-beat rendering of "Christmas Time" by the Smashing Pumpkins. Natalie Merchant does a fantastic job with the gospel standard, "Children Go Where I Send Thee." Perhaps my favorite song on the album is "Christmas" by Blues Traveller, an original and very honest song of Christmas hopes and cultural differences.
Hootie and the Blowfish bring a modern flair to the traditional "Christmas Song", and I absolutely adore Chris Cornell's earthy version of "Ave Maria." Steve Winwood sounds a bit like Cat Stevens on the beautiful "Christmas Is Now Drawing Near at Hand", and Tracy Chapman's version of "Oh Holy Night" is very simple and less showy than other renditions.
All in all, I find this the best album in the series, as far as being unique and listenable, and with rock singers focusing more on the spirit of the songs, with a few glaring exceptions.
Free Music Review: Mixed Bag
Hit: 2 Stars
This is definitely for a younger crowd. Not your traditional sounding songs. I love to listen to all kinds of Christmas music but I have a hard time listening to this from cover to cover. There are a few songs that are awesome, but I would only suggest you buy this CD if you are an avid Christmas CD collector. 1 & 2 are much better.