Customer Reviews

Don McLean Christmas

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

 

 

This CD has received a couple of really crabby reviews online -- lighten up! I listen to it every year. The songs are performed with genuine warmth and affection. Yes, "Burgundian Carol" IS a highlight. Yes, the arrangement of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" may be just this side of outrageous, but I think it's joyful and fun. If you're fond of Don McLean, I say this disc is worth it.

In all too many instances I find a preponderance of 5-star reviews for items that, in truly critical analyses, would garner 3 at best. Credibility of Amazon.com reviews becomes even more suspect as the number of readers finding such inflated reviews "helpful" tend to substantially outnumber those who designate more critically accurate reviews as such.

The single-star bestowers on "Don McLean Christmas" are either clueless as to what McLean accomplishes here or have an abiding desire to hear standard carols sung in standard style. And heavenly hosts forbid that McLean close with a simple narration of "'Twas the Night before Christmas" even though other Christmas collections by multiple artists that include McLean invariably feature this selection. Someone has something wrong somewhere, and if it's McLean it's everywhere.

What we have here is a failure to appreciate. Failure to appreciate a genuinely different Christmas collection. Failure to appreciate a truly excellent effort fully deserving of a 5-star review. Excellence deserves 5-stars. Excellence is rare. While Amazon desperately needs fewer 5-star reviews of its items, this item certainly deserves 5-star reviews. Enough already, "Don McLean Christmas" finally has the review it merits.

This is a delightful holiday collection from one of the most underrated vocalists of our time. While the whole album is enjoyable, the highlight without a doubt is "Burgundian Carol", with a marvelous arrangement of a seldom-heard selection. If you like Don McLean, you'll love this. If you've never even heard of Don McLean, you'll like it.

I had high hopes when I first saw this CD; I love Don McLean and Christmas music both. Unfortunately, McLean phoned in this performance. He sounds actually bored reading "'Twas the Night Before Christmas." "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" would almost be funny if weren't so awful. Only "Burgundian Carol" rises to the top; why didn't do the whole album in this style?

wow...i cant believe this is the same person that had all those great songs on American Pie...sounds like he has the Ray Coniff singers backing him... can we say contractual obligation album?