This album means Christmas.
I remember playing the LP version of these 1940's selections every year. From the beautiful opening rendition of "T'was..." to the rousing closer, this is a collection to remember.
Much has been made of the quality of Como's voice. He was never better than in these sessions. But what truly separates this from all other Christmas albums are the arrangements. From the soft chorals of "Silent Night" to the inspired counterpoint of "The 12 Day...," the musicians blend with Como's warmth and create a texture rare in pop.
As an added bonus, even the 'original' tunes are inspired. "That Christmas Feeling" is certainly not out of place among the more traditional favorites.
As noted, two of the original sides aren't here--but a quick search of itunes can get you those, too, for $1.98.
All of this adds to up delightful holiday listening year after year.
November 23, 2005 |  | Perry doing what he does best |  |
Perry truly recorded some of the greatest Christmas music of all time, this album, while not his best Christmas offering, is still better than most. As for the missing songs, I think some may be mistaking this album with A Perry Como Christmas, his best Christmas offering, in my humble opinion, which contains the "haircut" version of Santa Claus is Coming to Town and a medley that includes O Little Town of Bethlehem. That said, if you are looking to buy one and only one of Perry's Christmas collections I would go with The Greatest Christmas Songs, a great compilation of his many Christmas albums, although be forewarned - the version of Santa Claus is Coming to Town on Greatest Christmas Songs is not the "haircut" version.
Merry Christmas
October 7, 2005 | | One of the Greatest Christmas Records Ever | |
My parents had the box set of '45s, which may have been the original release in the 1940s, and these were my favorite Christmas recordings to listen to while I was growing up. Our set is missing a few of the '45s, but it does include my all-time favorite "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town," which was missing from the later LP release, and now missing on this CD release. It's a swinging arrangement, with Perry doing a voice over - as the Christmas preparations get a bit too hectic, Perry proclaims "I'm going out to get a few haircuts, you cats go ahead and sing, I'll be right back!"
December 20, 2004| | | It is one of (if not THE) best Christmas albums EVER! | |
I remember listening to this album when I was a child. I have always loved it!! I found a copy of the album, and I went to listen to it in December, and it was warped. I am buying the CD so I will have it for this Christmas!! And to the music lover in Canada: I have a 1961 copy of this album, and Santa Clause Is Coming To Town and O Little Town of Bethlehem aren't on it.
January 24, 1999| | | The Greatest Christmas Album Ever! | |
The greatest Christmas Album by anybody ever. Really. My grandmother used to play the original LP version of this album every Christmas. Every time I hear it I think of a warm fire, turkey, ham, dressing and pies stacked to the ceiling, and the thrill of a child to see the presents under the tree. Nostalgia aside, keep your Bing Crosby's, Perry Como has to be the best master of the Christmas Carol in the English language.
November 27, 1998More reviews at Amazon.com ...
(6 reviews)