Today The Yule Log.com Message Board

Susan,

According to the IMDB page for the movie:

<<Vera-Ellen did not actually sing any of the songs for the movie. Trudy Stevens sang all her songs (with the exception of the song "Sisters", on which Rosemary Clooney sang both parts). Vera's own voice is heard singing only in the "arrival in Pine Tree" scene at the railroad station where the quartet reprises the opening lines of "Snow".>>

11/21/2009 19:46:34

Razzleberr

Topic : Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Webcam

For the next week or so, you're just going to see the tree being decorated, until the official lighting on December 2nd. But, this year's page on the WNBC site for the tree has gone live:

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/station/community/Watch-Live-The-Rockefeller-Center-Christmas-Tree-69983477.html

11/21/2009 17:09:48

Razzleberr

Mike,

Marlin Taylor from "Escape" on Sirius/XM has confirmed that we will be getting a nice ramp-up to Christmas once the channel returns after the Hannukah pre-emption:

<<While you should be hearing changes with passing days, and while we still lose the channel for 12 days - from Monday, 12/7 through Saturday 12/19 ... the full Escape traditional Christmas programming will be in place for the week of Christmas.>>

11/21/2009 16:46:46

VariableSt

Re : The Moody Blues' 'December' is a GREAT Album!

Nice, I've definitely got to check this one out! I just saw the Moody Blues live this summer for the first time, they put on an amazing show, but I've not heard any of their relatively recent material.

11/21/2009 12:47:16

VariableSt

Re : A Christmas Carol (Scrooge)

I don't own a Blu-Ray player yet either, but if anything makes me want to get one it's to finally see the Alastair Sim's "Scrooge" in all its restored glory, particularly since I've never actually seen this version. My personal favorite has always been the 1938 version with Reginald Owen as Scrooge (titled the same as the original Dickens tale).

If it includes a DVD as well, I might pick it up anyway. It'll be interesting to see what the deal is.

11/21/2009 12:44:57

Summit Yul

Re : Nat Cole's 'The Christmas Song' album reissued yet again

Thanks Mike for letting me know about the alternate English-only version of "Adeste Fideles (O Come All Ye Faithful)". I checked my CD copy of The Christmas Song, which I had bought a few years ago to replace my older CD copy because it didn't have "Toys For Tots" and "Happy New Year", and both copies had the English followed by foreign verses of "Adeste Fideles (O Come All Ye Faithful)". I had also checked out my CD copy of Cole, Christmas, & Kids and that CD had the English-only version of "Adeste Fideles (O Come All Ye Faithful)". Now at least I know I do not have to waste my money on another CD copy of The Christmas Song.

11/21/2009 11:28:10

Christmas

Frank DeVol's Christmas LP is one of the LPs on my list that I sent to Gordon Anderson for possible consideration for CCM to reissue as an exclusive. Perhaps in the future this is one of the LPs they can land the rights to. It's one of the greats.

11/21/2009 01:28:25

Christmas

Re : Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Hey Joshua,

Glad to hear that 2009 was a progressive year for you.

Thanks for the tip for my members regarding the new Mantovani release. That certainly is a good deal DeepDiscount.com is offering.

Nice to see you back on the board, buddy.

11/21/2009 01:26:21

Christmas

Re : Nat Cole's 'The Christmas Song' album reissued yet again

No Mike, you were fine. It's same-day double posting that I'm referring to.

You can double-post as long as it's the next calendar day, which in this case it was.

Click here to read the policy again.

11/21/2009 01:24:19

Christmas

That's the one thing about this article that I had a problem with: it gives the distinct impression that the film found in the Honeymooners can was the original 1966 footage, which it wasn't.

I had given Leslie Kramer the full history of the Yule Log when I was interviewed for the article, but unfortunately, she only used selective facts in the final draft. And not mentioning the 1970 California re-shoot caused this misimpression.

Ah, the media.

11/21/2009 01:22:12

Hermey_the

Re : Who plays this song?

Thanks for your help, but just found the song last night. It's Earl Grant - from his 1965 Winter Wonderland album. I knew I could find it if I just kept looking for many many many hours.

11/20/2009 21:32:43

richiedoo

Re : March of the Wooden Soldiers

Hey, Rob...I actually listen to Alice's Restaurant on 104.3 myself. They traditionally play it twice. Once at midnite of Thanksgiving and again at noon on Thanksgiving Day. As for "March" we as a family used to always watch it just as we were sitting down to eat the big bird! My father said when he was a kid, Channel 11 used to always show March just as HIS family sat down to eat. Of course with the invention of VCR's and DVD's it makes it easy to follow the same longtime tradition!

Chip: Is Channel 11 in fact showing the original Babes In Toyland with that title card, or will it be just the standard "March" title that we are all so used to?

11/20/2009 19:03:09

richiedoo

Re : Most Memorable Christmas Gifts

Another one of my most memorable presents was the Close N Play record player by Kenner. Only capable of playing 45's and I used to drive my folks crazy playing the same records over and over. Hey, it was my first record player...how else do you show your love for a toy?

11/20/2009 18:49:18

DavesWorld

Re : Most Memorable Christmas Gifts

I guess I'd have to say my most memorable gifts were these because I still remember getting them like it was yesterday:

5 Foot sled for my Brother and I
Ft. Apache
Western Rifle and Six Shooter Box Set
Johnny West & His Horse
Chief Cherokee and His Horse
Kodak X-15 Instamatic Camera
Small Portable Reel To Reel Recorder
Tranistor Radio

After the year I got the Camera and Recorder I got to the age where all I got anymore were clothes. I got some more memorable items after that, but they were all bought for myself with my Allowance and then later my Paper Route money. I think by the time I was 14 I had about 200 matchbox cars that I had bought for myself over a period of 5 or 6 years. I still had about 60 of them that i recently gave to my 2 Grandsons.

11/20/2009 17:50:31

Motown Mik

Nope, that album has unfortunately never been issued on CD.

For what it's worth, you can find some of the De Vol/Rainbow Strings tracks on the following various-artists compilations from Sony Music Special Products, if you can find them. (There may be others, these are the ones I know about.)

15 Christmas Classics: Holiday Cheer
Ring Christmas Bells/The First Noel/Jolly Old St. Nicholas

15 Christmas Classics: Holiday Star Time
Joy To The World/Away In A Manger/God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Christmas Treasures
Joy To The World/Away In A Manger/God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Favorite Melodies of Christmas
Joy To The World/Away In A Manger/God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Ring Christmas Bells/The First Noel/Jolly Old St. Nicholas

The Gift of Christmas
We Three Kings/Good King Wenceslas/O Tannenbaum

Yuletide Treasures
We Three Kings/Good King Wenceslas/O Tannenbaum

11/20/2009 16:48:03

RareChrist

Re : Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

HEY THERE "SAINT CHIP" ... I mean "MASTER CHIP" ... you revolutionist you ... !!!
DEEPDISCOUNT.COM HAS IT FOR $8.39 AT LEAST UNTIL THE 29th OF NOVEMBER
-- FREE SHIPPING TOO! (after which the price might go up a little); as they are in the midst of a major sale on all their inventory. Though they have it for a release date of the 12-1, once it's in, it should usually arrive within a week or two for all those who don't mind waiting a little while to get it at this ultra low price. I just ordered mine last night! (Thanks to hearing about it through you and this blog of course!)
Here's the link: MANTOVANI's "CHRISTMAS CAROLS" CD FOR $8.39 - FREE SHIPPING !

Merry Christmas Mister Lawrence,

It's been one long somber, but progressive, year for me, to say the very least!
But I haven't forgotten about you. (I may take a while, but I never forget my friends!)
(Let's just say I've been a little busy due to some recent and unexpected world events!)

Sincerely,

11/20/2009 15:47:45

donherring

Hello Chip,

I have both a Mono and stereo vinyl copy of THe Old Sweet Songs of Christmas by Frank DeVol.

(THe Mono version is actually a not for resale promo copy and a real find, although I prefer the stereo version to listen to).

Never been able to find a CD copy of this. Does is really exist? Anyone have one?

11/20/2009 15:33:58

Motown Mik

I, too, wish they'd include more instrumentals in the Holiday Traditions playlist. Keep in mind, however, that the dedicated beautiful music/easy listening channel, Escape, is likely to be playing a great many of those tracks following its return from a temporary pre-emption (from 12/7 through 12/19) for "Radio Hanukkah".

Like many of the old Bonneville FM stations of which it is a spiritual successor, Escape typically airs a 36-hour "Christmas Festival of Music" marathon on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I guarantee you'll hear plenty of music from Percy Faith, Bert Kaempfert, the Hollyridge Strings, etc. during that time.

11/20/2009 14:22:09

Motown Mik

Re : Nat Cole's 'The Christmas Song' album reissued yet again

(Chip, I've done it again with the double-posting.

Please accept my apologies, and feel free to delete this.)

-Mike

11/20/2009 14:12:27

Rob_in_Ast

Re : March of the Wooden Soldiers

Hello to all, been a fan of this site for a long time now. I finally decided to join up, and this is my first post!

Henry, I am sad to hear this news about the Wooden Soldiers. Although I look forward to seeing it on Christmas Day, one of my longtime traditions has been to watch it on Thanksgiving morning, then switch over to catch the end of the Macy's Parade, and the arrival of Santa Claus. I have enjoyed sharing this part of my tradition with my daughter over the last few years. Then at noon, I would put the radio onto 104.3, and listen to Arlo Guthrie's Alice's Restaurant. I would enjoy all this while the smell of turkey and stuffing began to fill the house!

11/20/2009 13:58:54

xmaslover1

They'd forgot to mention the Retake they'd filmed in the '70's in California because the then-current residents of Gracie Mansion refused the WPIX team access BECAUSE of the Oriental Rug incident..it's not even mentioned in this article!

11/20/2009 13:07:47

log_fan

Re : Ferrante & Teicher: Brazilian Sleigh Bells

My favorite all-time Ferrante & Teicher recording is "Theme from 'The Apartment'", a #1 hit in 1960. They scored again in 1961 with "Theme from 'Exodus'".

Holiday Traditions has played Christmas songs by the dual pianos, the names of which elude me at the moment. It definitely wasn't "Brazilian Sleigh Bells".

11/20/2009 12:05:31

log_fan

Re : Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

The Dec 8th release date is a little disappointing but it'll still be here before Christmas! My order's with Amazon. That's OK! It'll be worth the wait! Last year, I ordered Percy Faith's "Music Of Christmas" in early December from Tower Records online and received it well before Christmas.

11/20/2009 09:35:12

log_fan

What I'm enjoying the most about "Holiday Traditions" is the fact that I'm discovering recordings by artists I'm certainly familiar with that I never knew existed or perhaps haven't heard for decades. Bing Crosby did lots of Christmas music beyond "White Christmas" and I'm getting a chance to hear it. If Guy Lombardo was Mr. New Year's Eve, Bing Crosby was Mr. Christmas. As I've already posted, the Big Bands (Glenn Miller, Les Brown) and the crooners (Sinatra, Dino, Como, Cole) have been well represented.

IMHO, the approach here is to include a reportoire of Traditional Christmas music beyond the just the staples we all know and love. I wasn't expecting a replay of WPAT or Joe McCoy's WCBS-FM. Listeners are getting to chance to not only hear the artists and music they know and love, but also to hear music recorded during the 40s, 50s and 60s they might not be familiar with.

One criticism: so far there hasn't been enough instrumental Christmas music. I've heard more of Henry Mancini than Percy Faith. The only recording by the Master I've heard so far was "Away In A Manger" from the iconic "Music Of Christmas" album.

Just my personal observation, no controversy intended.

11/20/2009 09:26:24

Christmas

Re : Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

The CCM release date had to be pushed back a week for production reasons.

Considering how late the deal was struck with UMG, the December 1st release date is still pretty impressive.

Please be aware: The December 1st release date is for CCM catalog orders only; for all other retailers it is December 8th.

11/20/2009 02:13:06

Motown Mik

Topic : Nat Cole's 'The Christmas Song' album reissued yet again

Every couple of years, it seems, Capitol/EMI reissues this classic album with a different set of bonus tracks and new cover art...presumably to try and entice (or fool) consumers into repurchasing something they're bound to have in their collection already.

Well, they've done it again:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002L1D17A/ref=dm_sp_alb?ie=UTF8&qid=1258676568&sr=8-3

I believe this is the fourth go-round for this album on CD. None of them have ever used its original title (The Magic of Christmas) or artwork.

EDIT: One other change to the new CD that I hadn't noticed before: they've eliminated "Adeste Fideles" from the original LP lineup and replaced it with the alternate, English-language version of "O Come All Ye Faithful" (which was recorded at the same 1960 session but sat unreleased for years).

Why? Why do they have to do this stuff?

11/19/2009 18:50:14

pdmddirect

Re : Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

This is what I received from CCMUSIC:

We are officially entering the crazy days of the 2009 holiday season and just in time to soundtrack your season we've got brand new Christmas releases on our own Collectors' Choice Music label! Petula Clark's new "This Is Christmas" collection features tracks culled from the '60s, the '70s and the '90s plus four brand new tracks! Our "Christmas With The King Family" CD expands the original 12-track 1977 album with a staggering 15 bonus tracks, and our King Family DVD brings together digitally remastered clips from all of the King Family's '60s and '70s holiday TV specials (plus the 1967 special in it's entirety)! Petula and the King Family titles are in stock now, and on December 1st we're bringing back to print one of the most famous Christmas albums of all time…Mantovani's 1958 holiday classic, "Christmas Carols." Appearing here on CD in stereo for the very first time!

While we've got you in the holiday music mood, why not take a look back at our own label's history of reissuing holiday classics. Don Ho, Dean Martin and the Kingston Trio are just a few of the artists whose Christmas albums we've rescued from the vaults. All of our label's holiday releases are marked down and on sale now!

	Title: This Is Christmas Artist: Petula Clark Was ~~$11.98~~ Now $10.98!

	Title: Christmas With The King Family Artist: The King Family Was ~~$16.98~~ Now $14.98!

	Title: Christmas With The King Family (DVD) Artist: The King Family $14.98

Title: Christmas Carols (Release Date: 12/1)
Artist: Mantovani

11/19/2009 18:47:29

DavesWorld

Re : The King Family's 1965 Christmas LP to be released on CD

I ordered my King Family CD off Amazon on Monday, and it just came today. It sounds great, but I have to say I'm not too crazy about many of the Bonus Tracks.

11/19/2009 18:30:23

DavesWorld

Re : Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

I did just the oposite and switched my order from CCM to Amazon. Mainly beucase of the lower price and free shipping. I can wait a couple weeks extra if it means saving 4 or 5 bucks.

11/19/2009 18:17:57

TommyEverg

Re : Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

I went online to Amazon.com to change the shipping from my office to my house and found out that Amazon has changed its release date to 12/8/09!

I promptly canceled my order with them and ordered from Collector's Choice Music. I told the sales lady about Amazon's date change and asked what date she was showing. She put me on hold then came back and said it was still listed as 11/24/09, not the 12/1 that pdmddirector reported yesterday. I don't know if CCM just needs more time to get the product manufactured since it got a late start in its dealings with Universal Music or if it's a case of wanting a week or two as the exclusive retailer before other outlets can sell it (which seems to have been the case in previous years).

Does anyone out there have a definite answer of what's going on?

TommyEvergreen

11/19/2009 17:48:20

DavesWorld

Re : Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Cool. Thanks. I got that one and the King Family CD ordered. Now I'm saving up for some other CD releases and the King Family DVD.

See if the rest of the music industry would release their old LPs on CD I'd buy them too. It'd save me a heck of a lot of time and money making my own CD copies.

11/19/2009 14:01:44

Christmas

I was going through Music channels on DirecTV last night and noticed that they finally started playing Christmas Music. On channel 801 "Holiday Traditions" (formerly 40's on 4) they were playing Brenda Lee, Roger Williams, Pearl Bailey, Elvis Presley, just to name a few. I went back a couple times and they were still playing a lot of older artist's.

I did notice that a lot of the "CD's" they were playing some of the music from were Compilation and not from one particular artist. Though I can't remember which Roger Williams song they were playing, I did notice that under the information for it, they had listed the CD: just as 45 RPM or something like that. (Sorry folks that my memory isn't that great right now. I'm still under a lot of stress from moving and trying to unpack and put things where they belong and get rid of what we don't need anymore)

On channel 819 "Holly", they were playing Mariah Carey. I didn't notice any other stations playing Christmas Music yet.

I really miss Music Choice "Sounds Of The Seasons"

One of our local area FM Radio Stations is playing Christmas Music 24 hours a day and an online live stream
http://player.streamtheworld.com/_players/entercom/player/?id=WTSS
Right now they are playing "The Little Drummer Boy" by The Harry Simeone Chorale and they also show about an hour's worth of the previous tracks they played.

11/19/2009 08:08:40

Yulelights

Topic : Goodyear Christmas albums website is gone!

The website devoted to the Christmas albums from Goodyear Co. has been taken down, the result of Yahoo's decision to pull the plug on GeoCities.
Forum member Davesworld56 found the site in December 2008 and it was a great site for researching these albums. My question for Chip and the members is does anyone have contact information for the person who put up the website ?
I'd like to know if it will be relaunched and if not, I have it archived and could reassemble it to restore the website, possibly on a site that I maintain.

11/19/2009 00:09:40

hollynivy

Re : Who plays this song?

Chip, may I take a try at this one?

Dear Hermey-The-Elf:

I recognized your song immediately because it resides on a CD I purchased last year of Christmas Remixes, which are oh-so-mixed but so much fun to listen to.

Here's what I know of the song, "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm":
It was written in 1937 by Irving Berlin, and first recorded by Billie Holiday. It's been record a few times over the years by artists including Frank Sinatra, & Dean Martin. The version I have is from the 2008 CD Verve Remixed Christmas, Yesking Remix of Billie Holiday's 1937 recording. I just finished listening to it. Yes, I'm that kind of nerd, I have Christmas Music on my i-Tunes all year.

If you are interested in the Verve Christmas Remixed, here is the link.
http://www.vervemusicgroup.com/ververemixed/bio/
Cheers!
HollynIvy

11/18/2009 19:55:34

pdmddirect

Re : Release date set back

Collector's Choice Music has now announced the release date of Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' CD to be released on 12/1.

11/18/2009 19:37:32

Jack_O

Re : Ferrante & Teicher: Brazilian Sleigh Bells

Just found the 10" 'Xmas Hi-Fivories' in a used record shop for $6.99... looks like it's in pretty decent shape.
Haven't been as lucky tracking down a vinyl copy of 'Adventure In Carols'.

11/18/2009 12:39:17

Razzleberr

Re : 3 Living Strings & Living Voices LPs to be released on CD!

I don't know why I dragged my feet for so long, but I ordered 2 copies from Amazon UK this evening. The scheduled ship date is between the 24th and the 30th.

Sometimes, I'm patient. ;-)

11/18/2009 00:18:03

xmaslover1

Re : So,I wanted to see how many Yule log rip-off DVD's there were..

No sweat,Chip..always glad to help! Have a Happy Thankgiving,all of you! May we get That Wishbone this year!Michael Boyce

11/17/2009 16:57:46

pdmddirect

Hopefully Escape XM Channel 28 will play Christmas music as they have in the past.

11/17/2009 15:06:57

Christmas

I gave the Sirius/XM Holly Traditions channel a good listen and I was very disappointed. They are just not playing near enough Christmas music from its golden age.

Everything has a golden age. For movies it was the 1930s and 1940s. For television it was the 1950s and 1960s. And for Christmas music, it was also the 1950s and 1960s.

Holiday Traditions playing Christmas music mostly from the 1940s is comparable to TCM (Turner Classic Movies) showing movies mostly from the 1920s -- which they certainly don't do. The bulk of the movies they show are from the 1930s and 1940s -- as it should be.

Playing some Christmas music from the 1940s is perfectly fine, but for Sirius/XM to claim (at least with a straight face) that this is a Traditional Christmas music channel, then the preponderance of the airplay must be weighted toward Christmas music from the 1950s and 1960s.

It's funny, because my problem with the Sirius/XM Holiday Traditions channel is the exact same problem I have with the adult contemporary radio stations of today -- only the reverse: they play Christmas music mostly from the 1980s and up. It seems the middle -- which is the golden age -- is being squeezed here. Even the Music Choice Traditional Christmas music channel is not the same this year. That only leaves the Internet radio stations on Live365, at least a few of those are still true to Christmas music from its golden age.

11/17/2009 02:50:17

Christmas

Re : The Shop Around the Corner

Aside from my ardent passion for classic Christmas music, I am also an ardent classic movie buff -- and this is one of the all-time greats.

With this movie you can't miss: it was produced and directed the great Ernst Lubitsch (a la "The Lubitsch Touch") and it stars the always wonderful Jimmy Stewart and the equally always wonderful Margaret Sullavan. It also boasts a superb supporting cast that includes Frank Morgan, Joseph Schildkraut and Felix Bressart. For anybody who hasn't seen this classic motion picture, I strongly recommend it.

And yes Mike, it is indeed considered by many to be a holiday movie; in fact, TCM (Turner Classic Movies) usually shows it every Christmas -- including this year (5am EST).

Jimmy Stewart & Margaret Sullavan in The Shop Around The Corner (1940)

11/16/2009 23:44:42

Christmas

Mike,

The Singers Unlimited Christmas LP used to reside in my 3rd Tier, but it was bumped out several years ago by a superior LP.

11/16/2009 23:40:15

Christmas

Re : Vic Damone: Deck The Halls

Frank,

Vic Damone recorded Christmas In San Francisco in 1977; it was released as a single on Rebecca Records.

11/16/2009 23:38:13

Christmas

Re : March of the Wooden Soldiers

Henry,

WPIX will be airing Babes In Toyland (aka March Of The Wooden Soldiers) on Christmas Day at 1pm, following the Yule Log.

11/16/2009 23:36:12

Christmas

Re : So,I wanted to see how many Yule log rip-off DVD's there were..

Thanks, Michael.

11/16/2009 23:34:09

Motown Mik

Topic : The Shop Around the Corner

Anyone else a fan of this one?

I don't know whether or not it counts as a "Christmas movie" in the usual sense of the term, but I don't particularly care. I make a point of watching it every Christmas Eve, in a double feature with that *other* old Jimmy Stewart flick.

11/16/2009 19:43:05

log_fan

I listened to "Holiday Traditions" quite a bit today and I like what I'm hearing! They're coming up with quite a number of Big Band takes on traditional carols, like Glenn Miller's "Yuletide Medley #1 and #2". There was Les Brown doing his take on "The Nutcracker Suite".

The crooners Sinatra, Perry Como, Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Mel Torme and others are well represented. There was also Jo Stafford, Doris Day and Ella Fitzgerald. Mostly vocals so far. The only orchestral instrumentals I've heard so far were Henry Mancini and the master, Mr. Percy Faith. It's still early, but I hope we'll hear more of them. Let me not forget, the great pop pianist, Roger Williams.

Also, there was a saxophone version of "The Christmas Song". My first thought was Kenny G. I looked at the dial and it was King Curtis, who played on many R & B hits in the 50s and 60s. King Curtis is certainly more appropriate for this channel than Kenny G! The Beach Boys and The Ronettes from the 60s were also represented, which is OK. Even The Platters from the 50s were played. I never knew they even did Christmas music!

I haven't checked out "Holly" just yet, but I think I'll likely be spending most of the season listening to "Holiday Traditions". I'm likely to discover many holiday chestnuts from the 40s, 50s and 60s I never knew existed! That'll make it a fun listen!

11/16/2009 17:41:55

Motown Mik

Just out of curiosity, Chip: where do you rate the Christmas LP by the Singers Unlimited?

11-16-09 @ 17:33:09 PM
Follow-up to above message:

Incidentally, one thing I feel I must point out about Gleason's Merry Christmas on CD is that the Razor & Tie reissue of the album (with the "wrong" cover) has *much* better sound quality than the original Capitol version.

My advice, if you love this album, is to purchase both CD versions, and put the Razor & Tie disc in the jewel box with the Capitol artwork.

*Message edited by the Yule Log.com Message Board Administrator on 11/16/09 to combine two consecutive reply posts by the same member. Also, double-post was deleted.

**Click here to review my post regarding same-day double-posting.

11/16/2009 16:29:17

Hermey_the

Topic : Who plays this song?

Growing up in the 70's, we would always audio tape Christmas morning. Later on, I remember listening to the songs in the background from those tapes. I remember hearing a rendition of "I've Got My Love to Keep me Warm" that I liked. This version was instrumental, but it was mainly 60's style cocktail jazz organ (no church organ). That is basically all I have - the name of the song and the main instrument. I've looked all over for jazz organ Christmas music, but cannot find one that has this song. I've even checked non-Christmas albums since this is not technically a Christmas song. Any ideas out there?

11/16/2009 15:27:27

log_fan

Re : Vic Damone: Deck The Halls

While we're talking about Vic Damone, is anyone familiar with his song "Christmas in San Francisco"? I heard this song played on Sirius/XM's Holiday Traditions channel. I had never heard it before! I figure it was recorded sometime in the 1960s.

Tony Bennett left his heart in the City by the Bay, but I never knew Vic Damone spent Christmas there!

11/16/2009 12:49:17

Motown Mik

Both "Holly" and "Holiday Traditions" sound very different this year than they have in the past.

The former seems to have shifted to a 100% contemporary pop format, playing nothing older than the '80s. (In past years, they would toss in the occasional chestnut from a Crosby or an Andy Williams, in the manner of a typical FM soft-AC station that goes all-Christmas.)

The latter appears to have expanded its reach to encompass many more 1940s and early-'50s recordings, which makes sense, as it's pre-empting the regular '40s channel on Sirius XM's service.

11/16/2009 12:25:02

Henry_in_N

Topic : March of the Wooden Soldiers

Hey all,

For the 1st time in a very long time, WPIX is not showing March of the Wooden Soldiers on Thanksgiving morning. I can't even imagine why. They are instead showing a film on the NY Giants 1986 season. Very disappointed.

Henry

11/16/2009 10:42:07

xmaslover1

Re : So,I wanted to see how many Yule log rip-off DVD's there were..

The So-Called "Original Log" DVD I'm referring to is made by Uni Disribution,BTW,Chip,if that's any help to you...I'd got the label's info from Best Buy.com. Michael Boyce

11/16/2009 09:44:24

FiremanFra

Great article and a nice nod to you and the website, Chip.

11/15/2009 13:16:54

Christmas

Re : So,I wanted to see how many Yule log rip-off DVD's there were..

Not to mention the Hot D%$# Oldsmobile being froze up again lol

11/15/2009 09:09:12

Christmas

Hi Chip,

It's too bad they didn't use any of our stories of our memories of The WPIX Yule Log and what it means to us today. The article basically tells us what we already knew but I guess that is better than no article at all so those out there who may have not yet hear of The Yule Log could find out more about it and maybe watch it this year for the first time.

11/15/2009 09:06:55

Christmas

Topic : Guideposts Magazine Article on the Yule Log

A Red Hot Christmas Tradition

TV’s Yule Log brings us closer to the light. Click here.

11/15/2009 00:56:23

Christmas

Re : So,I wanted to see how many Yule log rip-off DVD's there were..

Not at all Susan; what you said was correct. I might add that while WPIX/Tribune Broadcasting owns the exclusive rights to the WPIX Yule Log, they don't own rights to the concept of the televised Yule Log; therefore, other companies are free to make their own versions of the program. However, where they get into trouble with me is when they try to claim that their version is the original, which, as we all know, is a bold-faced lie meant to deceive the consumer.

I make it part of my life's mission to go after these companies -- in the same spirit as Darren McGavin fights his furnace in A Christmas Story.

11/15/2009 00:50:47

Charlie_Br

Re : 3 Living Strings & Living Voices LPs to be released on CD!

I was a little slow out of the gate in ordering "The Spirit of Christmas" but it was well worth the wait. I received my copy today. Took less time to cross the "pond" than sending a letter across town. The personal note was a pleasant surprise. Early Christmas greetings to you also Ms. Camby.
Thank you to everyone involved with this reissue. A job well done.

11/14/2009 22:30:00

Christmas

Re : So,I wanted to see how many Yule log rip-off DVD's there were..

Hi Michael,

I know of one knock-off Yule Log that is available on Amazon.com that claims to be "The Original" Chip has posted a comment on Amazon.com stating that it definitely is not the original as a few people commented about remembering seeing this when they were a child.

I am probably not the person to be responding to this as I am not a expert, (Chip, I hope I'm not stepping on anyone's toes) but I don't believe that there is any way for the Thrower Family to get any sort of royalties as for one thing, these DVD's are not the "Original WPIX Yule Log" and though I have never seen the Amazon one, or any others for that matter, I don't think it even has any of the same music. (I did catch a glimpse of one our local TV Station did last year but just in changing channels to see what was on TV on Christmas Eve and Day).

Also being that there are copyright holders for the music from the "Original WPIX Yule Log" (The reason WPIX can't/hasn't released it on DVD Chip has also commented several times here on the message board about this)

If you remember watching "A Log's Life" there was a comment about other TV stations doing their own version of a Yule Log. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Nothing could ever come close to the "Original WPIX Yule Log"

Hope this is helpful, and again Chip, I apologize if I'm stepping on anyone's toes.

11/14/2009 18:31:58

xmaslover1

Topic : So,I wanted to see how many Yule log rip-off DVD's there were..

I first went to Wal-Mart.com where I got the "Virtual Fireplace" Capitol DVD..I found 14 DVD'S! Then,I went to Best Buy's website..ANOTHER 14 DVD'S! One of them said "Original Yule Log"..it wasn't our beloved Yule log at all..it was totally different! Is there SOME WAY for the Thower Family to collect some of this money? I think they should get a bulk sum for these black eyes these people are making,do'nt you,Chip? I do! Peace,Michael Boyce

11/14/2009 15:03:42

pdmddirect

Re : Searching for this song

Could it be from the group, "Three suns"? they used accordian in their music? Just a thought.

Jim

11-14-09 @ 14:58:55 PM
Follow-up to above message:

Sorry for the second reply, I have a CD titled, "24 Christmas Favorites with the living strings and voices" there is a group listed as the "Living Trio" that has an accordian in the music. This might be the Three suns in disguise(?) The songs that the Living Trio perform are:

It came upon a midnight clear
Angels We have heard on high
Jolly Old St. Nicholas
O come all ye faithful

Hope this helps!!!

Jim

*Message edited by the Yule Log.com Message Board Administrator on 11/14/09 to combine two consecutive reply posts by the same member. Also, double-post was deleted.

**Click here to review my post regarding same-day double-posting.

11/14/2009 13:53:26

Mister Gri

Re : Searching for this song

There are some sound samples here:

http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Greetings-Alps-Austrian-German/dp/B000001VDA

hope this helps!

11/14/2009 13:22:36

Christmas

Re : Searching for this song

Welcome to the message board, Chris!

As far as the song you were inquiring about, nothing comes to mind; but if it does, I'll certainly let you know.

11/13/2009 22:10:15

chrisstott

Topic : Searching for this song

Brand new to this board, but I bring a lot of Christmas music experience. I do need some help, though. For years (literaly), I have been trying to identify a Christmas selection that used to play on (now defunct) WJOI in the Detroit area. The selection is in waltz time (3/4), and has what I can identify as an accordian as the main instrument, backed up by what I remember as violins. There were no vocals to this piece. For what it is worth, I seem to remember that there was an Austrian connection to it, but I could be wrong. Also, the song has stuck in my head so strongly that I could provide a measure or two if necessary. If anyone out there can provide some help, I'll do whatever i can to reciprocate. Thanks in advance.....

11/13/2009 20:53:02

Christmas

Re : A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector - Remastered new CD

Ben,

Here's the scoop: Sony did not remaster or remix the recording in any way. What they did do, however, is instead of using the 1989 Phil Spector/Larry Levine remastered version for their release, they elected instead to use the 2006 U.K. remastered version that was done by Bob Ludwig for the second disc of a box set of Phil Spector's music that was released by the British label U.M.T.V. Records called The Phil Spector Definitive Collection.

Supposedly, the U.K. remaster has slightly smoother bass and is a little louder. However, I must say that personally, I have more faith in the Phil Spector remaster. Since he was the original creative genius behind this classic 1963 LP, no one would know better how this album should sound than he.

It reminds me of something that Stu Phillips (conductor of the Hollyridge Strings) said to me when I asked him why Collector's Choice Music felt there was a need to remix his Hollyridge Strings Christmas album when they reissued it last year. Here's what he said:

"It seems that all the record companies think that they have to better what was done before."

For me, and other collectors and connoisseurs of Christmas music on this board who are sticklers for the original, that attitude really sticks in our craw. It seems to me there are just too many hands in the pot and I really don't think these record companies really know when to leave well enough alone.

11/13/2009 18:56:59

bgart

Re : A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector - Remastered new CD

Chip,

That's not what I've been reading in the reviews of the cd. Sounds like it was remastered compared to what Spector did before. But, it is the cd that was released a year or two ago that was in a Spector set. Or something like that.

Ben

11/13/2009 13:42:20

Christmas

Re : A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector - Remastered new CD

The 2009 Sony Music CD release of A Christmas Gift For You is the exact same CD that was remastered by Phil Spector and Larry Levine in 1989 and distributed by Abkco Records.

The only thing Sony has done is taken over distribution rights for the CD. Sony did not remaster or remix the recording in any way whatsoever; so for all of you out there who have the earlier released CD in your collection already, you will be completely wasting your money if you buy this newly released Sony CD.

11/12/2009 22:00:47

bgart

Topic : A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector - Remastered new CD

While poking around this evening online, I found that one of my top-five all-time fave Christmas albums has been remastered and released this week on CD from Sony Legacy. I don't think there are any new tracks or anything, but I'm just hoping this CD will be more reliable than my old one (which just appears to have been cheaply made). My lp is sorta frazzled too...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002N1AEV4/ref=s9_simz_gw_s0_p15_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=046SR788RB9YFZMDG5SA&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

Ben

11/12/2009 20:48:30

Christmas

Re : Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Michael,

All of the 14 Mantovani tracks on the Ultimate Relaxation Christmas Albums I & II are from the original 1958 and 1963 LPs.

These compilation CDs are on the Decca Record label, which is a subsidiary of UMG (Universal Music Group) and the owner of the masters of all of Monty's original London Records recordings.

Besides the appearance of the song Christmas Bells, the other way to tell whether a CD contains genuine Mantovani material is by the issuing record label.

11/12/2009 19:59:06

Hermey_the

I agree. The artwork for the original release is much better than the mug of Gleason with the pink(ish) color around him that I see on Amazon. I tell ya, these re-released albums or fake albums out there have some crummy art work on the covers - one way to help differentiate them from those originals I am learning.

11/12/2009 17:36:22

Hermey_the

Re : Mantovani's 1958 'Christmas Carols' LP to be released on CD!

Well sadly, I was one of the naive purchasers of the Mantovani Orchestra Christmas Albums. It was the double-album that came out in the early 90's - and I purchased it then too. One CD had their Christmas Magic, and the other had songs from the Christmas Carols LP - or so I thought. With me already owning that Mantovani Christmas Carols classic on LP, I thought I'd get a better version of it on CD. Boy, was I disappointed. I could clearly tell that it wasn't the same conductor or sound. With me being very familiar with that album on vinyl, I could pick out parts of each songs that were done a different way - and not as well done.

With the Christmas Magic part of the album, I thought at least the CD quality would be an improvement over the cassette I purchased in the 80's (I know - whoops again). Again, wrong. If that album was recorded in 1980 (I think that's what was said), they sure didn't know what the heck they were doing. Although I think the arrangements are done well (for Mantovani Orchestra standards), the album sounds like it was recorded in a closet. I've been waiting for over 15 years for this original copy to be released on CD. Thanks for pushing for this.

Another thing I've noticed is that on iTunes there are a couple of "Ultimate Relaxation Christmas" albums out there. One has the Christmas Bells song on it, plus a bunch of titles which occur on the "Christmas Greetings" 2nd album. Does that in any way make the Christmas Bells entry (or any of the others) an original Mantovani recording? I thought you said that the imitation albums out there never included that song because Mantovani composed that song himself (maybe because of copyrights?). I just want to be clear on this because I want the original recordings of his second album, but don't want to be duped like I have in the past. I would love to just have his second album on CD without paying through the nose for it as an import.

Maybe next year, Chip?

11/12/2009 17:29:43

Christmas

Re : A Music Box Christmas

No Michael, I have never been to the Rita Ford store before.

11/12/2009 17:10:13

Christmas

Michael,

I strongly recommend Goodyear Volume #7. It is in my opinion the best Goodyear Christmas album that was ever produced, not only because of the 2 great exclusive Harry Simeone songs, but other great songs that were recorded exclusively for this album by Tony Bennett, Barbra Streisand, Steve Lawrence, Jerry Vale and Sally Ann Howes (Bennett and Streisand later released their songs on their own Christmas albums). The LP also has great songs by The New Christy Minstrels, The Cleveland Orchestra and The Brothers Four, among others. Copies are currently available from private vendors on Amazon, click here.

With regard to Jackie Gleason; no, I do not recommend the Snowfall CD, as it is only a compilation album of just 10 songs (9 from his first Christmas album and only 1 from his second).

You are much better off purchasing the CDs of the complete original albums. Unfortunately, however, they are both out of print; but don't despair, as copies of both CDs are readily available on Amazon: click here for the Merry Christmas CD, and click here for the 'Tis The Season CD.

By the way, in 1990 when Capitol Records first released the Merry Christmas LP on CD, they did so with the original 1956 artwork (as shown below). If you want the Merry Christmas CD with the original artwork, copies can be found on eBay from time to time.

11/12/2009 17:08:05

Hermey_the

Re : A Music Box Christmas

I've been to that site before, but looks like they have made some updates to it. I see also that the store has been moved from its original location of 60 years. I had always wanted to go to that store in New York. Chip, have you ever been there? If so, what is it like?

I will try to see if I can find the other Rita Ford albums online. Thanks for your help.

11/12/2009 12:36:39

Hermey_the

Darn, I only have Volumes 2, 3 and 6 of The Great Songs of Christmas. I really enjoyed listening to those as a kid. Mainly for the variety. It was where I was first introduced to Percy Faith I might add. I've been thinking of collecting the others. There's some great artwork on some of these. In fact, there's a lot of fantastic artwork from the 50's and 60's Christmas albums. One of the reasons I find some of them so appealing.

Jackie Gleason's "Snowfall" album has a bunch of remastered songs on it. Am I better off just buying his two original albums on CD, or are these remastered versions something I should look into?

11/12/2009 12:26:49

Christmas

Thanks, but I probably won't bother being I do have a good watchable version. I just don't want the hassle of sending it back and waiting for a replacement. Especially with still settling in to a new apartment.

EDITED: 11/21/09

I watched the 2nd disc last night and it too had audio sync problems.

Also, I learned something new about Vera-Ellen. There was an interview with Rosemary Clooney and she was talking about how she herself wasn't a very good dancer and how Vera was patient with her and stuff, but then she mentioned that Vera wasn't a good singer and they dubbed her singing. I don't know if they meant that she sang her parts in a recording studio instead of while the film was being made, or they used another artist for her songs.

Does anyone here know?

11/12/2009 07:55:38

Christmas

Re : A Music Box Christmas

Michael,

The album you are probably thinking of is Music Box Wonderland, which was originally released by Epic Records in 1962.

Rita Ford had a total of 3 Christmas albums:

A Music Box Christmas (Columbia Records ~ 1961)
Music Box Wonderland (Epic Records ~ 1962)
A Christmas Tree (Columbia Records ~ 1985)

Also, in case you are interested, click here for the Rita Ford Music Box website.

11/12/2009 01:10:33

Christmas

Welcome to the message board, Michael!

Harry Simeone had a total of 5 Christmas albums, and all of them reside in my 2nd Tier (albums 126-250 in my Top Play). The greatest of these 5 albums by far was his Omnisound Records LP entitled It's Christmas Once Again, which he recorded in London in 1968. It is the least known about and most rare of all of his Christmas albums -- and ironically, it is his best. The second greatest album was his Mercury Records LP entitled Wonderful Songs Of Christmas, which was recorded and released in 1963. This album is relatively easier to find.

However, the absolute best Christmas music that Mr. Simeone ever recorded was during his short contract with Columbia Records in 1967 -- which, parenthetically, was a label he never released an album for -- only a couple of singles. The Christmas music I'm alluding to were 2 songs that he recorded exclusively for Goodyear's The Great Songs Of Christmas - Vol. 7. These 2 songs were Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer and Christmas Is. The style and sound he achieved with this particular group he had that year in 1967 was stunning, absolutely phenomenal -- on the level of Ray Conniff, but it had its own unique sound. It is an utter shame that he never recorded an entire Christmas album for Columbia as it would have been a solid 10 and easily have made the 1st Tier of my Top Play.

As for Jackie Gleason, he released 2 Christmas LPs during his career: Merry Christmas (Capitol Records - 1956) and 'Tis The Season (Capitol Records -1967).

The 2-record set you alluded to, All I Want For Christmas (Capitol Records - 1969) is a compilation of both the original LPs: it contains 10 of the 14 songs from Jackie's first Christmas LP Merry Christmas, and 10 of the 11 songs from his second Christmas LP 'Tis The Season.

It is such a shame that most people today only know Jackie Gleason for the great comedian and actor he was on both TV and in the movies and are completely unaware of the brilliant musical career he had and all the great albums he released in the 1950s and '60s -- many of them huge chart successes. His two Christmas albums are bona fide treasures of his musical legacy.

11/12/2009 01:05:21

Hermey_the

Topic : A Music Box Christmas

One of my favorite Christmas albums growing up was a Rita Ford "A Music Box Christmas." My mom bought the album while we were in a Christmas gift shop in the late 70's. The cover is red and has a few 19th Century music boxes displayed. The gift shop does not exist anymore, but I thought I remembered telling my mom that I wanted the second album because I thought I had seen it displayed in the store as well. This one had a cover that was "yellow" or "gold" or so I thought. Does anyone have an idea what I am talking about or could my youth been playing tricks on me? I see the red album all the time on the internet, but cannot find any "gold" album. Here is the red cover.

file:///Users/michaelyoungberg/Desktop/51e0vTQYw1L._SL500_AA240_.jpg

11/11/2009 22:29:36

Hermey_the

First post here at The Yule Log.com. Great site! I have many of the Top 50 albums you mention as your favorites. I never knew there were others that had the same respect and adoration for the great Percy Faith. From when I was 8 years old, he was an artist that stood out to me at Christmas time, and I didn't even know who he was until my teens. I am one of the few that owns his "Music of Christmas Vol 2" CD that I bought in 1997.

Chip, I was wondering where (if at all) you would rank The Harry Simeone Chorale's "Sing We Now of Christmas/The Little Drummer Boy" album? It definitely would be in my top 10. Also Jackie Gleason's "All I Want For Christmas" is another favorite of mine.

11/11/2009 22:11:46

bgart

I'd advise you to contact Amazon and return it for an exchange -- on the off-chance it is defective.

Good luck!

11/11/2009 20:15:07

pdmddirect

Topic : two more Percy Faith Christmas songs

If you are looking for more Percy Faith Christmas music, you can find, "My Favorite Things" on the "south pacific/The sound of music" CD issued by Taragon Records. If you want the instrumental version of Christmas Is, you can find that on the Percy Faith CD "More themes for young lovers/Latin themes For young lovers" "Christmas Is" song is also "Judy" This was issued by oldies.com.

I'm not sure if they are still in print.

11/11/2009 19:00:14

Christmas

I had pre-ordered my copy from Amazon.com and it arrived the other day. I watched it last night and though the color and contrast was much better, it almost looked like the lens on the camera was dirty and the audio was slightly out of sync.

I haven't looked at the bonus disc yet, but will end up keeping my earlier DVD release as the audio isn't out of sync on that one.

I don't have a Hi-Def TV or Blu-Ray but even on a Standard Definition TV, the previous DVD release the picture looked better other than the color and contrast. I may even still have a BETA copy lying around somewhere.

Does anyone else notice the problems I mentioned?

I know that Commercially made DVD's and CD's like Vinyl Record are Stamped/Pressed and after so many copies are made the have to use another, for lack of a better word, "reverse image/stencil", and there could be a few DVD's that slip through quality control inspection.

I know I'm getting off topic here and I apologize, but I've also noticed that since the "Digital Transition for Television Broadcasting" that the audio is out of sync on a lot of stations on DirecTV and even using an Over The Air Antenna with the Digital to Analog Converter Boxes so we can watch our local channels when the weather is bad and we lose satellite signal the audio is out of sync up to a few of seconds. (Reminds me of the Godzilla Movies lol)

I've called DirecTV and our local TV stations and they tell me to reset the boxes but it doesn't do anything.

When something works and has been working for over 50 years, why change it. Look at WCBS-FM they changed format to JACK-FM and then went back to oldies, but it isn't the same anymore. Why can't we leave well enough alone? To quote Pete Seeger from Where Have All The Flowers Gone? "When Will We Ever Learn?"

11/11/2009 07:50:27

Jack_O