Customer Reviews

Christmas the Cowboy Way

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

These guys are enormously talented musicians. Even so, I figured their Christmas album would probably be a little cheesy, if only because Christmas itself has become a little cheesy these days. However this album is anything but cheesy--on the contrary, the songs have clearly been chosen with extreme care and fine taste. There are hymns, old cowboy songs, folk songs, each precisely arranged and performed by the exceedingly capable Riders. This album is sure to delight.

As a 10 year collector of "non-standard" non-traditional Christmas hymns, I look every year for albums which have songs with a different approach/arrangement to the holiday season. This album has four of these songs - "Corn Water & Wood"(also on Michael Martin Murphey's CD), "The Friendly Beasts", "Virgen Maria" and "Just Put A Ribbon In Your Hair". These (except for Friendly Beasts) songs indicate more than a little effort to find holiday music which is not right in front of everyone's nose and for which any listener may obtain with a trip to the music store. This means the Riders (and their staff)put some extra effort into finding and arranging songs to expand the listener's music variety. Many artists make no effort at all to record anything but the most traditional (Same song - different voice).

There are some songs with appeal to children, consistent with the Rider's history. Others are traditional with a Western flair. The addition of an accordion to the combo takes a little getting used to (polka & cowboy music is a different mix) but does provide some variety.

Overall, from my holiday music perspective, when I can find 4 appealing songs of 11, 12 or 13 which are non-traditional and more obscure, I consider the product to be a success and one which warrants a purchase recommendation.

Loved their first Christmas album so much we've worn the tape out! So this was a no-brainer buy - LOVED it. Not the same old boring holiday fare, a great mix of fun and feeling.

You'll get a real feeling of being out on the prairie or at least knowing what it might be like on Christmas Eve miles away from any town, surrounded by your fellow cowboys and several thousand head of cattle. Some traditional, some more modern, and a few originals are included on this CD. Good for throwing into the holiday music mix.

This is a very different type of album from the cowboy Christmas album by Michael Martin Murphey. Although both have an upbeat feel, this one is much more relaxing. The other thing to note is that while this album is rooted in western music, it is just as likely to appeal to fans of traditional country. The group like to yodel, so if you don't like that, give this a miss. Another feature of this album is the inclusion of an accordion - an instrument more commonly associated with cajun music than with western or country music.

Many standards are included in The last Christmas medley you'll ever need to hear, though I'll be home for Christmas is sung in full. Twelve days of cowboy Christmas is an adaptation of Twelve days of Christmas. The album closes with a fine rendition of O come O come Emmanuel.

The remaining songs are not famous. Several of them are original, while others are covers of obscure Christmas songs. Michael Martin Murphey included Corn water and wood on his Christmas album. My favorite track is the very romantic Just put a ribbon in your hair. Prairie dog Christmas ball and An old-fashioned Christmas polka are other highlights.

This is a well-crafted album that will not appeal to everybody, but if you are looking for something a little different, this might be what you are looking for.

As a recent transplant to Texas, this seemed like a natural new Christmas CD choice and it didn't disappoint. It includes traditional songs as well as cowboy songs I didn't know but do enjoy.

I remember sitting around in the car after dark and listening to the Raider in the Sky on the radio. They have always been fun to listen to. Christmas time is often so stressful that we need some light hearted music to create a cheerful atmostphere. We at [...] took alot of our cues from these guys when we put together our last Christmas recording. The old western sceen that Raiders in the Sky is known for, played a big part in our creative thinking. It's great to see you guys out there. Here's to you sucess in the Christmas years to come! Steve Scott.

If you're a Riders fan you'll like their Christmas CD. It has a familiar song or two, some new ones, and a dose of their trademark humor. If you are just looking for more versions of the same old Christmas songs this is not for you. But, if you like something different, with great harmonies and a sound that's more western than country, then give this a try. I was very happy with it.

I just received this CD and love it! Entertaining - great quality and brings back lots of memories of those old westerns.

This is the best Christmas album ever made, period. From the unheralded classic "Corn, Water and Wood" to the normally unbearable "12 Days of Christmas," this album is timeless. Don't be surprised if you find yourself listening to it in July!