Various Artists - Holidays, Vonda Shepard - Ally McBeal: A Very Ally Christmas
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Free Music Notes for Ally McBeal: A Very Ally Christmas
Free Music Review: Excellent compilation
Hit: 5 Stars
I'm a big fan of Vonda Shepard, dating back to when I first heard her singing the Ally McBeal title theme. After just a bit of searching to find other music that she had done, I bought up virtually the entire library of Vonda Shepard releases (at the time that was "The Radical Light," my personal favorite: "It's Good Eve" and the self-titled "Vonda Shepard").Thankfully, once Ally McBeal got very popular, a 'soundtrack' from the show was released, which offered up the music that Vonda Shepard and the cast of Ally McBeal (including the also very talented Jane Krakowski and Lisa Nicole Carson) had been singing. Successful sales of that original soundtrack led to several other soundtrack and compilation CDs from the show, including this great CD.
Well, this particular soundtrack is a compilation of Christmas and holiday music from the Ally McBeal show, including several pieces that came late in the shows life (two songs with Robert Downey, Jr. providing vocals).
Vonda Shepards work on this CD has her at the top of her game. Her version of "The Man with the Bag" is just such a happy and jolly holiday tune, you can't help yourself from perking up just listening to it.
Jane Krakowski's version of "I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus" brings out that hint of naughtiness that was ever present in her portrayal of Ally's man hungry secretary on the show.
Macy Gray's "Winter Wonderland," and Lisa Nicole Carson's "Santa Claus got stuck in my chimney" are both soulful and perfectly bluesy.
The surprise of the CD is Robert Downey, Jr.'s well done "River", which alone is worth the price of the CD.
Over all a CD that will take you through the range of Holiday feelings: joyful and perky happiness, bluesy and reflective thoughts, and playful naughtiness. A great holiday CD -- not just for fans of the Ally McBeal show.
Free Music Review: One of the best pop-music Xmas CDs yet
Hit: 5 Stars
Up to now, I have generally steered clear of the Ally McBeal soundtrack albums. While I do like the renditions of the songs featured on the show, I've never been sure that I'd be able to sit through an entire album of Vonda Shepard's voice, which I occasionally find to be a bit strident.Fortunately, I was happily surprised by A Very Ally Christmas, which is now up near the top of my favorite Christmas albums (the others being Alexander O'Neal's "My Gift To You" and Barry Manilow's "Because It's Christmas"). The arrangements are kind of jazzy, which suits Ms. Shepard's voice quite well, and other members of the cast get their turns as well.
The big surprise is, of course, is the revelation that Robert Downey Jr. has actually got a good voice, as demonstrated by his emotional reading of "River". It almost goes without saying that his recent well-publicized troubles (including those that parallel those of his character on the show) contribute to the poignancy of his performance. Also, his voice blends so well with Vonda Shepard's on "White Christmas" that I sometimes have difficulty discerning where he begins and she ends (and vice versa).
For the die-hard fans, Jane Krakowski's version of "I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus" is here (her rendition of "Run Rudolph run" is a little too Broadway, but that's nit-picking), and Calista Flockhart's version of "Santa baby" is a refreshing change from Madonna's over-the-top kewpie doll reading a few years back.
The only real complaint I have about this album is that it's too short. Still, it shines far brighter than the rest of pop music's seasonal offerings this year.
Free Music Review: Make It A Family Christmas Album
Hit: 5 Stars
David E. Kelley's hit show on Fox, Ally Mcbeal, beat to the sounds of music. With Vonda Shepard, a talented pianist and singer, as the show's star soprano, it is no wonder that eventually the would release a compilation of Christmas songs. This cd is a treat. It not only captures the nostalgic, romantic, warm magic of the show, but the spirit of Christmas. It makes for a great Christmas album to share with family and friends, to play during Christmas office parties or at home. Whenever Christmas rolled along in the show (five times to be exact), the gang of lawyers would celebrate at the festive lounge beneath the offices of Cage and Fish, dancing and listening to Vonda Shepard (and on ocassion celebrities like Barry Manilowe and Barry White) sing holiday classics. Elaine, the secretary and office gossip of course, would always sing to show off her seductive, flirtatious persona and as always, wanted to be the center of attention. On this cd, Vond Shepard showcases her singing voice in "The Man With The Bag" "What are you doing New Years Eve ?", and a blues style dominates "Please Come Home For Christmas". Macy Gray sings "White Christams" with her usual aplomb, Jane Krakowsky (who plays Elaine, sings "Run, Run Rudolph" exactly as she would in the show with flirtatious and vibrant zeal, Lisa Nicole Carson (who plays Ally's roomate Renee) sings an exuberant rendition of "Santa Claus Got Stuck In My Chimney", Calista Flockheart, Ally Mcbeal herself sings a sexy and subtle "Santa Baby" and Robert Downey Jr. sings a touching "River."
Free Music Review: U won't be alone on Christmas
Hit: 5 Stars
The third cd in the Ally series of music, it brings me a lot of joy to hear about this latest release. It's a great cd. The voices of Flockheart, Downey and Lisa Nicole Carson together with Macy Gray and Vonda Shepard unite for a holiday cd that is a must have for all fans of the show and of the holidays. I especially loved the episode feauturing the suprising vocal abilities of Robert Downey Jr. David E Kelley has done a marvelous job with the show and the cd producers are great at this compilations. I hope a 4th cd comes out soon and i hope they get other songs that are essential to the show for instance Barry White's hit "My First, my Last My Everything " with Barry's voice and Al Green's "Let's Get Together " and finally O'Sullivan's "Alone Again Naturally " Enjoy the cdFree Music Review: That Cast Can Sing
Hit: 5 Stars
I am an old fan of Ally McBeal and haven't watched the show since Robert Downey Jr. joined but I want to start watching now just to her Robert sing more. I never knew he could sing and, wow, what a voice! When he sings 'Rivers', my heart melts. And then Robert teams up with Vonda to sing White Christmas and once again I loved it. Their voices compliment each other beautifully. I also enjoyed Mommy Kissing Santa Claus sung by Jane Krakowski, she seems to have so much fun singing the song and I couldn't help but smile. This CD has become one my all time favorite holiday choices. I originally bought it as a gift and had to get another one for myself.