Bette Midler - Cool Yule
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Free Music Notes for Cool Yule
Free Music Review: Bette Does it Again!
Hit: 5 Stars
Once again Bette Midler manages to record an album that is fun and merry, which couldn't be better for a Christmas album. It is always nice to hear new Christmas songs: "Merry Christmas", "Cool Yule", "Mele Kalikimaka"; all of which are fantastic in their own right. I especially liked the "Mele Kalikimaka" which has a Hawaiian theme (Bette's place of birth), and "Cool Yule" is simply catchy and upbeat which adds to the seasons cheer.
Of course old standards with Bette's vocals always sound good: "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas", "Winter Wonderland/Let It Snow! Let It Snow! (excellent duet with the incomparable Johnny Mathis), "I'll Be Home For Christmas" (sounds forlorn enough to make you cuddle up by yourself and still feel good about it), "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm" (typical Bette and sung in a style that no one can duplicate), "O Come, O Come Emmanual", "From A Distance" (nice reworking of an old song; sounds new again), "White Christmas" (a nice way to end the album, very touching and Christmas like).
I enjoyed this album immensely and would recommend this to anyone who loves Bette Midler, and for those who are looking to buy new Christmas themed albums.
Free Music Review: A Must-Have Holiday CD!
Hit: 5 Stars
This is one of the best holiday CD's I've ever purchased. I've already given it to all my family and friends as a Christmas gift. Bette captures a timeless feel with each selection. When I listen to this CD I feel as though I'm snowed-in at a ski lodge in front of a fireplace, snow falling outside, sipping something warm, snuggling with someone I love. Nothing trendy on this CD, which I think will make it a classic. The arrangements are stunning and varied: my three favorite songs (coincidentally following the same order on the CD) are "O Come, O Come Emmanuel"- a wonderful multi-faith plea for salvation and peace, delivered by Bette in a pure and unaffected manner; "Mele Kalikimaka" - reminds me of other "vintage Bette" Andrew's Sisters numbers--great fun and imagination behind this rendition! Finally, the new arrangement of Julie Gold's "From A Distance" is breathtakingly beautiful and sung as an earnest prayer for peace on Earth. What I find most impressive about this CD is its thoughtful restraint, quality arrangements and outstanding vocals--no overproduction, no histrionics--just the right treatment for each song. I'm left wanting more...Free Music Review: A Lick on the Peppermint Stick
Hit: 5 Stars
Holy Chutzpah! Bette Midler's "Cool Yule" blows me away! This is a delightful holiday set from one of our great entertainers. Bette's band blows out a swinging arrangement on "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" that was previously recorded by both Rosemary Clooney & Billie Holiday. Bette's spirited vocals invigorate the melody, "Off with my overcoat, off with my gloves, I need no overcoat, I'm burning with love! My heart's on fire, Ooo the flame grows higher; so I will weather the storm." Steve Allen wrote "Cool Yule." The first recorded version I could find of it was a Louis Armstrong take from 1952. Bette rock-swings the track into a holiday confection, "You're gonna flip when old St. Nick takes a lick on the peppermint stick." The opening track "Merry Christmas" that has recorded versions by Judy Garland and Johnny Mathis is also a great delight, "When the church bells ring like the angels sing." All of the tracks on this set are strong including Bette's expressive vocals on "Winter Wonderland," "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" & "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve." This is classic holiday set that will be played for years to come! Bravo!Free Music Review: Bette makes the yuletide gay...and divine
Hit: 5 Stars
Must agree, it's been a while coming, but Bette has finally leant her pure vocal tones to a Christmas collection. One thing she does which few artists except for The Carpenters have done is retain the original intros to some of the classics, like "white christmas" and "i'll be home for christmas". Great to have a a little banter and duet with Johnny Mathis, and I agree with others that the CD could have been longer! What a tease! The disc could have been expanded with some bonus tracks: the inclusion of "Somewhere in My Memory", a great Christmas song from the Home Alone 2 soundtrack (if you haven't heard this Bette gem, pick up the soundtrack), and "Baby It's Cold outside" from the "For the Boys" soundtrack, a duet with James Caan, even if she had re-recorded it as a duet with someone else, perhaps her sometimes musical partner Barry Manilow, who did just about the best version I've ever heard of the song on his christmas album in a duet with KT Oslin. Although, that recording was so playful and genuine that it's best left as is. But I'm sure Bette could have found SOMEONE great to do the recording with... We can only hope for Cool Yule "TOO"!Free Music Review: A fantastic, eclectic Holiday album....
Hit: 5 Stars
I really am enjoying this album. There is a great variety of tunes here, from traditional to contemporary and even some rare gems. My favorite, as with most people, is the holiday version of "From A Distance." It's enchanting. The duet with Johnny Mathis on "Winter Wonderland/Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" is also amazing. In "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" I was originally a bit disappointed when she used the peppier "Hang a shining star upon the highest bow," instead of using the original, sadder, "Until then we'll have to muddle through somehow". However, for the second time around at the end of the song she used the original and darker lyrics. What a way to settle the debate!
A great, great, Holiday album that is highly recommended for listeners of all ages. Enjoy!
The only negative about purchasing from Amazon is that if you buy it from Target, in their stores during the 2006 holiday season, you get a bonus track. It's #8 on that CD and it's "I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day." It's good, but not great, though I do think it's worth going to Target just so you have it.