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So thrilled to locate this on CD, the tape has been played every holiday season for years. It did not disappoint and I recommend this to anyone that wants to perserve this wonderful collection of holidays songs.
This album brings back so many memories as a child; Christmas for me wouldn't be Christmas without Elvis, it is a must for Christmas and Elvis fans, a very fun and classic Elvis.
The quality of the sound is excellent and I like that they used the cover art from the original record album.There's a nice mixture of modern day songs and traditional holiday music. Of course, Elvis shines on the traditional numbers here, too. Elvis sings his heart out on these songs and ballads; he's in excellent form here and that's superb. Other reviewers note that this is an essential album to own--and they're right. It's wonderful. The melody perfectly complements Elvis' vocals, too. "I'll Be Home for Christmas" is surely a charming number. I really like "Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)." "I'll Be Home for Christmas" is one of very favorite holiday songs; and Elvis handles these lyrics like the pro he was and always will be.
"(There'll Be) Peace in the Valley (For Me)" has a gospel flavor to it that really makes this a standout of the entire album. The backup chorus harmonizes wonderfully--not that Elvis ever needed backup, but they do sound pretty good. Elvis' Christmas Album has been transferred very well onto CD for all of us to enjoy. "O Little Town of Bethlehem" is quite tender and moving; Elvis never lets go of a single superfluous note and that's grand. The first track, "Santa Claus Is Back In Town," has a terrific early rock and roll beat that is gives the song a mellow, relaxed yet joyful mood; and Elvis sings this wonderfully. Elvis' version of "White Christmas" is one of the very best I've ever heard; and "Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)" is joyful, catchy and relentlessly upbeat; Elvis delivers this to perfection--and beyond. Elvis sings "(There'll Be) Peace in the Valley (For Me)" with great sensitivity and just one listen tells you he means it from his heart. "Take My Hand, Precious Lord" shines brighter than silver and gold combined when Elvis performs it; and the album ends with Elvis doing a sublime job on "It Is No Secret (What God Can Do)." How beautiful.Elvis fans should consider this a must-have for their collections (as if they don't already have this one); and this makes an outstanding addition to anyone's holiday music collection.
I'm not saying anything bad about this album in particular - the songs are a solid selection and so forth. However, if you buy the similar "Elvis Christmas" album, you will get every song on this one (except for "Medley") plus about ten more, and at the exact same price. It's just a better value.
The Christmas song, White Christmas, includes studio chatter. There is a bonus on the CD that many have missed and that should be noted.
His voice, the arrangement of the songs, his musical directors, song selections are all outstanding. What can I say that hasn't been said before about The King.
Nice to hear clean recordings and what an easy way to play the recording. Elvis is right up there with Mozart, Bach, and so on.
The CD is the CD issue of Elvis' first LP. The bonus is not available on Elvis' original LP.
The studio chatter White Christmas is available only on this CD.
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