Any record collector or Chrismtas music nut knows of the Firestone Christmas record series from back in the 60's. This volume, volume 7, was the last record in that series. Some records are better than others. The selections are also a little hit and miss in my opinion. Some stand out and have something new to offer, while others are rather standard and interchangeable. A lot of the choir stuff just sounds like every other choir, but that may be my bias speaking. I'm not a big choir fan for Christmas music in general and don't pick up on all the subtle differences. Give me a choir for the Messiah and that is about where I end with choirs.
Anyways, as far as the hit and miss ratio goes, this record hits quite a few times. John Gary's version of "Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow" is really quite good. "Good Christian Men, Rejoice" by Nicolai Gedda is pretty good as well. Vikki Carr turns in a couple good performances on her tracks. I like both "I Still Believe In Christmas" and the medley she sings In fact the medley is definitely one of the standouts on the record for sure.
Before listening, I apologize that the rips aren't as clean and I would have hoped. I've looked around for better rips of these records and I've yet to find any really good ones. So even though these could be better, I still think this is better than some of the other stuff I've come across. Some day I'll find good copies of these records. It is just hard to do since most of the time these records have been beaten on and played to death and then have sat in a garage or thrift store bin for years being unloved. That of course is a shame. If anyone has or comes across cleaner rips of this record or any of the previous 6 volumes, I'd love to hear them.
Enjoy!
Firestone Presents Your Christmas Favorites Volume 7.zip
01 Medley - Joy To The World, The First Noel, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.m4a
02 Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow.m4a
03 O Holy Night.m4a
04 Good Christian Men, Rejoice.m4a
05 While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks.m4a
06 I Still Believe In Christmas.m4a
07 Medley - Jingle Bells, Ding Dong! Merrily On High, The Bells Of Christmas.m4a
08 Ave Maria.m4a
09 He Shall Feed His Flock.m4a
10 It Came Upon A Midnight Clear.m4a
11 Medley - Jolly Old St. Nicholas, Up On The Housetop.m4a
12 Silent Night.m4a
No comments:
Post a Comment