Customer Reviews

Christmas for Kids: From One to Ninety Two

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I absolutely love this cd!!. Evoking cherished memories of holiday seasons gone by - the brightness of a sun drenched field blanketed in snow, the warmth of a blazing fire in the hearth, the laughter and good wishes, the sparkling, wonder-filled eyes of children awaiting Santa- Nat King Cole's renditions of the many classics on this album thoroughly embody the spirit of Christmas. In addition, the fact that a portion of the proceeds benefits the Children's Defense Fund, a wonderful non-profit organization dedicated to advocating the rights of children across the country, makes it even better. An instant classic!

Yep, the title is "Christmas For Kids", but if you listen to some of these songs, you'll know they aren't all for kids.

This definitely stands above most currently available Christmas CDs. Since the most recent track was recorded in 1960, there sure isn't anything new, but there are several that aren't familiar.

Nat "King" Cole is one of the great "smooth" singers, and if you don't appreciate smooth singers, this isn't for you. But if you have respect for the days and the output of such as Crosby, Como, and others, you'll want him in your Christmas collection.

The set starts with a lively rendition of the traditional "I Saw Three Ships", followed by the soft and mellow "A Cradle In Bethlehem." Then comes the recording which, for me, is second only to Bing's "White Christmas" as the all-time great of the "popular" Christmas songs. I refer, of course, to King Cole's recording of "The Christmas Song".

None of these songs should be slighted, but I especially want to call attention to:

"Take Me Back To Toyland", definitely a song with meaning, the longing of an adult for a simpler and happier time.

"Frosty, The Snowman", one of the happiest child centered Christmas songs, given great treatment here.

"The Little Boy That Santa Claus Forgot", a sentimental song done by earlier singers given a very tender and meaningful treatment here. This is a situation that of course is just as true and common a one as it was when it was first composed. Compassion and realization along with the will to eliminate such unhappiness many children experience is called for here.

"All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth" became a great novelty hit by Spike Jones and the City Slickers, but was recorded by many others. Nat King Cole's is one of the best of the straighter versions of the song.

"Silent Night". I have never attempted to formulate a list of the ten greatest recordings of this song. I do make it clear elsewhere which singer I believe presents the most beautiful and the most fully spiritual version of this song, but my own top ten list would almost certainly include Bing's, Pavarotti's, Anne Murray's, and King Cole's recordings, not necessarily in that order, in the 2nd-10th spots.

"Brahms' Lullaby" isn't a Christmas song, but it sure appears on a number of Christmas CDs. Although a melody composed by one of the greatest of the classical composers, it lends itself well to the smooth treatment given it here.

Yes, this CD has songs that kids like, but is also one of the best ever Christmas CDs for us grown-ups too.

Mr. Cole's music is profound, especially during the holiday season. While growing up, we listened to a Christmas album that was very similar to this new release-- and the music warmed our hearts, having the same affect on us as viewing the glowing Christmas tree through the frosted, glass window of our home or smelling Grandma's cinnamon apple pies bake in the oven. When listening to his holiday music, the sights and smells of my childhood Christmas rush back to me with great joy. You will admire and love the music of this classic collection. The sounds will never go out of style!

Getting this CD was a treat for me, because as long as I had been a Nat King Cole fan, I had never heard the original version of "The Christmas Song", the song that really made people take notice of one of the greatest voices that God ever blessed the world with. Well, it's right here on this CD, back when Nat was simply the leader of his jazz combo, the King Cole Trio. I was pleased to hear the subtle differences between this version and the one that you hear on the radio every year during the holidays. This CD is really more geared to the younger set, but adults will enjoy it, too. I especially liked "The Little Boy That Santa Claus Forgot", which is touching enough to cause a tear to fall, and "All I Want For Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth)". Also included are the tracks "There's A Train Out For Dreamland" and "Brahms' Lullaby", which were both originally on the KING COLE FOR KIDS album released in 1948.

In the booklet that comes with the CD is a cute Christmas story written by Nat's oldest daughter, Carole, about "a gentle man" (hmmm, wonder who that could be) and his faithful dog. Even though it's not Christmas yet, I read the story to my five year old daughter and she loved it, and can't wait for me to read it to her again! This is a fun CD that everyone in the family will enjoy. I'll take this lump of "Cole" in my stocking any day!

This cd is a true classic-whether Nat is singing the beautiful "The Christmas Song" (my all-time favorite) or Frosty The Snowman you'll feel merry all over! Treat yourself to this one and enjoy!

Anyone who owns Nat's Christmas Album will definitely want to add this to their collection. Don't be put off by the title, thinking that these pieces are JUST for kiddies. My favorites are the tear-jerker "Little Boy That Santa Claus Forgot," and "Take Me Back to Toyland." All of the songs on this CD are beautiful. If you think Nat is synonymous with Christmas, this CD is a must have!

My parents had this albulm on a record when I was a little girl. It however, was broken a long time ago I have been serching to hear Nat King Cole's beautiful voice once again. Highly recomended. A family tradition. You will love it guaranteed

This review concerns 'Cole, Christmas & Kids' (not the other CD reveiewed here as well: Christmas for Kids: From One to Ninety Two). I just want to let those die hard NKC completists know that this is the only CD which contains the 1953 version of "The Christmas Song'(with Nelson Riddle) which uses less strings than the 1961 version (with Ralph Carmichael)which replaced this version as the standard for airplay and his CD 'The Christmas Song'. There were 4 versions recorded not including duets:

1946-no strings
1946-with some strings
1953-Nelson Riddle- some strings. This was THE version until 1961
1961-Ralph Carmichael- more strings. This version replaced the 1953 version as THE version even though many preferred the former.

There can no longer be any Christmas in my home without Nat King Cole! Although I did not hear this music when I was young this music has a perennial quality that appeals to many generations. This morning my 6 year old daughter sang along to "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth" and since she just lost her front teeth it's all the more adoring ;-)

Every song is great!

While growing up my folks had this album on vinyl and it has since been lost. I have been looking for a copy of it for over 20 years. Once it becomes available I recommend it to everyone.