SurgRN911's Full Review: Merry Christmas by Andy Williams (Vocals)
I know it is still quite a while before Christmas. I am not a lover of the holidays, I don't like crowds, I hate shopping, and I think the reason for the season has long been forgotten by too many people. I enjoy giving gifts, but not just because it is a special occasion, just because. It's pretty obvious my love for music, hence my early Christmas gift to you all. This album is a favorite of mine, even with the more traditional Christmas Carols. It's the Christmas hymns I mostly enjoy, but this album has a nice blend of both.
1. Sleigh Ride - Written by M. Parish/L. Anderson
This little number opens with bells (surprise)
"Our cheeks are nice and rosy
And comfy cozy are we
We're snuggled up together
Like birds of a feather would be."
Of course their cheeks are rosy, they are outside, riding in a sleigh, on snow. I guess this is romantic for those who like shivering from the inside out. Me I'd much prefer my rosy cheeks came from sitting by a fire, a little wine, a little passion.....now just what did I do with that cord of wood?
2. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Written by H. Martin/ R. Blane
Nice guitar and piano opening. Enter strings and triangle. Nice melody, and with Mr. Williams voice this song is easy on the ears. The lyrics are simple, the message clear, though I can't say it always happens this way. For too many people, troubles are escalated and closer, not miles away. Friends don't gather, and the Yule Tide is anything but gay. I know I sound cynical, I warned you I didn't like the holidays. I see too much pain.
"Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Make the Yule Tide gay
From now on our troubles will be miles away."
3. Winter Wonderland - Written by D. Smith/F. Bernard
"In the meadow we can build a snowman
Then pretend that he is Parson Brown
He'll say are you married
We'll say no man, but you
Can do the job when you're in town."
OK I'll admit that a new fallen snow, as the moon shines down upon it is a beautiful sight, indeed a winter wonderland. Perhaps it arouses silly feelings as in the lines above. A make believe, fantasy song, with a catchy tune if life be that simple.
4. My Favorite Things - Written by O. Hammerstein/R. Rogers
This song is taken from the movie The Sound Of Music, I really am not certain why this is considered a Christmas tune. Sure it mentions warm woolen mittens, sleigh bells, and snowflakes, it's just not a song that comes to mind when I think of Christmas Carols or Hymns.
5. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow - Written by S. Cahn/J. Styne
Beautiful almost magical musical opening. Strings that seem to talk. Now this song has the right idea.....If you don't have to go out and you are nestled by a raging fire with the one you love, then by all means LET IT SNOW.
"Oh the weather outside is frightful
But the fire is so delightful
Since we no place to go
Let is snow Let it snow Let it snow."
6. Christmas Holiday - Arranged by Bob Florence/C. Smith
Cheery quick opening of music and verse. Song of family and friends, gathering for Christmas cheer. A special year for this singer, his gift is a wedding ring for his sweetie. Voice lively and happy, you can hear the excitement in it, as he sings of the joy of the holiday.
7. Some Children See Him - Written by W.Hudson/A. Burt
Soft mellow opening, music easily flows with the lyrics. A message of unity. Regardless of our race, or religious affiliation, though we see through different eyes, we see that Love was born that night. If only, we all could always see things as a child does, pure and innocent, then I dare say we would be in much better shape in this ONE world.
"Some children see Him lily white
The baby Jesus born this night
Some children see Him Lily white
With tresses soft and fair
Some children see Him
Bronzed and brown
The Lord from Heaven
The earth come down."
8. Do You Hear What I Hear? - Written by N. Regney/ G. Shayne
This number has always been a favorite of mine. The music is uplifting and the words powerful. From the wind to the king, a request to pray for peace everywhere. Many times throughout history the need for prayer in times of strife have occurred...this is one of those times, peace so our children and grandchildren can live in a world of safety and love.
"Said the night wind to the little lamb
Do you see what I see
Way up in the sky little lamb
Said the lamb to the shepherd boy
Do you hear what I hear?
Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king
Do you know what I know?"
9. Little Altar Boy - Written by H. Smith
My five ***** star pick for this CD. Though there are many beautiful and message laden songs on this CD this one holds a dear and sentimental memory for me. My brother Gungian was an altar boy, and moved up the ranks in Gung fashion to the Head Bishops Page. As a kid I envied his right to serve God in this manner, while I never could. Of course now girls also can be altar servers, good move. My son too was an altar boy, adding to the deepness I feel for this song. The melody is pure listening pleasure, while the lyrics are simple and dynamic.
"Little altar boy, I wonder if you'll pray for me
Little altar boy, for I have gone astray
What must I do to be holy like you
Little altar boy Oh let me hear you pray
Little altar boy, I wonder if you could ask our Lord
Ask Him altar boy to take my sins away."
Thanks for the memories Gung, I love you!!!!
10. Silver Bells - Written by J. Livingston/ R. Evans
This song is a hard one for me to review. It was my Mom's favorite Christmas tune, and this is our first Christmas without her. Yet, as I listen to the words I am reminded of the smile that would come across her face, and the twinkle in her eye as she sang along with this number. It is a happy tune, and I'm trying. Lord knows I am trying.
"City sidewalks busy sidewalks
Dressed in holiday style
In the air there's a feeling of Christmas
Children laughing people passing
Meeting smile after smile
And on every street corner you'll hear
Silver Bells, Silver Bells.
It's Christmas time in the city."
11. Mary's Little Boy Child - Written by J. Hairston
I love it, I love it, I love it. Exceptional musical arrangement. The almost angelic voice of Mr. Williams. Sung in a reverend, respectful, and loving manner.
"Long time ago in Bethlehem
So the Holy Bible say
Mary's boy child Jesus Christ
Was born on Christmas Day
Hark now hear the angels sing
A new King's born today
And man will live forever more
Because of Christmas Day."
12. The Bells Of St. Mary's - Written by D. Furber/E. Adams
A beautiful classic, that can be heard in the movie from the same name. It is one of those movies I watch every year at the holiday time. If you haven't seen this movie it is one I highly recommend. I just adore the sounds of bells, they have a somber sound, yet they also give me hope. Hope that one day all the bells of the world will be united in one huge GONG. The words do not reflect the thoughts of Christmas, unless of course you've seen the movie (wink)
"The Bells Of Saint Mary's
Ah hear they are calling
The young loves, the true loves
Who come from the sea
And so my beloved,
When red leaves are falling
The love bells shall ring out, ring out
For you and me.
May each and every one of you enjoy a Blessed and Joyous holiday season.
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