Songs of Xmas [Import]

SONGS OF CHRISTMAS contains a wonderful mixture of songs--old ones, new ones, traditional Christmas songs, ones with an Irish twist--and of course, "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer," sung wonderfully by John Reynolds. "Bells Over Belfast," written and sung by George Millar, is a lovely song of hope, in the spirit of the season, for lasting peace in Northern Ireland. George also sings the brisk-paced "The Christmas Traveller" (if you don't sing along on the chorus, you're probably in a coma) and the tender lullaby, "All Through the Night." Would swooning over "Silent Night" be improper? Regardless, it's a good bet Joe Millar's fans will set their CD players to continuously repeat that and his other solo, "Away In a Manger." Wallace Hood sings the serious religious song, "What Child Is This?" and later puts the right tone of craziness into "Miss Fogarty's Christmas Cake"--a tale about the problems suffered by those invited to eat it. "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" finishes the CD. It's sung with appropriate gusto by the entire group, with each of the singers taking turns on the verses, and the excellent arrangement includes a well-fitting Irish tune at the beginning and end. As a nice bonus, the insert includes lyrics, invaluable if you like to sing along but don't yet know all the words. If you're reading this at a time when you think it's too early to be thinking of Christmas, this CD could change your mind. After a listen, you may be seized by the urge to run out and buy a Christmas tree, even if it's the middle of June.

I am a long-time fan of the Irish Rovers and like most anything they do, but this is an exceptionally good Christmas collection of traditional and new songs. "Bells Over Belfast" is a beautiful and timely song of hope, the old favorites are given a straightforward rendition that suits them and several new ones are lively and fun in the Rovers tradition--"Christmas Caroling", "The Christmas Traveller", "Miss Fogarty's Christmas Cake", etc. Altogether a terrific Christmas CD that will lift your spirits and make you smile.

This quintet started out in the late 1950s---and by the mid 1960s a popular folk ensemble on two continents...lacking the traditional sound, with relatively little scholarship...this fine group of artists with their exuberance, boisterous energy plus hardwork have a core of devoted fans.

Universal/Hip-O presents this album with fourteen festive and joyous songs to celebrate Holiday Season---some stand outs are "BELLS OVER BELFAST"..."CHRISTMAS CAROLING"..."MISS FOGARTY'S CHRISTMAS CAKE", wonderful arrangements and the spirit of traditional themes---my highlight pick is "THE CHRISTMAS TRAVELLER", recently composed with a high spirited telling of the "Birth of Jesus", spiritual lyrics with folk-style passages telling of a newborn child and a Holy Light...lively, unforgettable, lingering within your heart.

Hip-O and The Irish Rovers have captured the season with this album..."Songs Of Christmas", recommend you pick this one up, feel the flow and the real meaning of Christmas!

Total Time: 44:57 on 14 Tracks ~ Universal/Hip-O Records 012-159-773-2 ~ (2000)