Holiday Spirits [Enhanced]

Straight No Chaser | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 28, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: Atlantic
• ASIN: B001G0LBXS
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (317 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,633 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #19 in Music > Miscellaneous > Holiday > Opera & Vocal
  • #21 in Music > Miscellaneous > Holiday > General Christmas
  • #23 in Music > Miscellaneous > Holiday > General AAS

Editorial Reviews

Originally formed a dozen years ago while students together at Indiana University, the a cappella group has reassembled and reemerged after their video for 'The 12 Days of Christmas' became a phenomenon with almost 8 million views on YouTube. In an era when so much pop music is the product of digital processing and vocal pro-tooling, Straight No Chaser is the real deal- the captivating sound of ten unadulterated human voices coming together to make extraordinary music that is moving people in a fundamental sense...and with a sense of humor.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

53 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars FANTASTIC Christmas CD!, October 28, 2008

By 

Julie M. Van Winkle (Indianapolis, Indiana USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Holiday Spirits (Audio CD)

This album is a PERFECT addition to your Christmas CD collection! There are classic Christmas songs, NEW Christmas songs, and twists of your favorites. You MUST listen! These guys are fantastic!!

My favorites are (of course) The 12 Days of Christmas (absolutely amazing!!!!), Santa Claus is Coming To Town, Indiana Christmas (original song that is wonderful...especially since I'm from Indiana!), and my favorite of all....Auld Lang Syne. You've never heard Auld Lang Syne arranged like this before!

It's amazing! Buy it today!!!! I'm already in the Christmas spirit and it's not even November yet! :)

35 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Harmonious Christmas, October 29, 2008

By 

Katharyn L. Wheeler "katwheeler77" (Northern Virginia - just outside DC, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Holiday Spirits (Audio CD)

Straight No Chaser's "Holiday Spirits" is a must have addition to your Christmas music collection. While you may have many of these songs already in your collection, Dan Ponce and Walter Chase's arrangements and the tight a cappella harmonies Straight No Chaser fuses together are more than worth adding repeats to your collection. They also include two original songs, "Christmas Wish" and "Indiana Christmas", written by Dan Ponce the founder of the group.

Their humor is never more apparent than in their live version of "The 12 Days of Christmas", the only live song on the album. The song truly encompasses the feeling of watching them on stage, which I have been privileged to do many times throughout the 10 years since they were formed.

Give it a listen, or two, or three, add it as a permanent feature on your iPod, in your CD player, and have a Merry Christmas!

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just keep getting better, December 15, 2008

By 

D. Starcher "jinx" (WV, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Holiday Spirits (Audio CD)

After watching these guys on Youtube for over a year and loving their performances, I bought the cd in hopes they could keep the same beautiful harmonics and they didnt disappoint. AFter listening to the songs, I had to order more to give out as gifts this year. Couldnt think of a better way to spread the holiday cheer and share the passion and joy of the season. These guys have done a phenomenal job and I'm just thrilled they were able to share it with us.

Santa Claus is coming to town was arranged so beautifully, it became an instant favorite.

Jingle Bell Rock was always a favorite, but with their wonderful voices, it makes the instrumental version seem cheesy.

The Christmas song was never one of my personal faves, even with classic performers. But it fits perfectly with a 10 voice group that can show the true definition of how it SHOULD be done.

This Christmas is a fun song that you just cant hold still for. As soon as Jerome starts to sing, you cant help but bounce along.

Christmas Wish is a beautiful song and Dan Ponce did a fantastic job on the lyrics and arrangement.

Hark the Harald Angels Sing/Angels We Have Heard on High is a truly inspirational piece that brings out the feeling of the season. Their arrangement sounds like heaven opened up and allowed us the chance to hear a brief glimpse of perfection.

Little Saint Nick is probably one of my favorites. Like so many of their songs, they blew the original artists out of the water with their rendition!

12 Days of Christmas never gets old. I'm absolutely addicted to it. If I hear another version, I get mad and ask 'Where's Africa?" Now the song seems weak without it!

Indiana Christmas is another triumph by Dan. This song is tied for my all time favories. Though I'm from and live, in another state, this song makes me want to go to Indiana and feel the love and peace that seems to draw these guys to it. Perhaps thats why they're all so blessed. The atmosphere and people bring out the best. :D

Sweet Little Jesus Boy was a song I was unfamiliar with but was an instant hit. Steve does such a wonderful job.... you will cry. The song is so touching and sad, and its performed in such a way that you couldnt ask for a better presentation. Jesus is smiling!

Christmas is such a fun and quick tempo song that you cant help but sing along.

Carol of the Bells was beautiful done on Youtube but they surpassed themselves with the new arrangement. Charlie's deep voice resonates like a real bell and pulls you into the song. Just... wonderful!

Silent Night has a tendancy to get old with some artists but not with these guys. The alteration and mix of their voices add a fresh approach to an all time favorite.

Auld Lang Syne was never one of my favorites. Couldnt stand the song for the longest time. Now, with these fabulous guys in control of the harmony, I can't get enough of it. I find myself humming it all the time and listen to it with the speakers on full!

ALl in all, I would say the guys rank a 100, which no other group could possibly attain. Each of the ten guys gets a perfect 10. They are so talented.

This CD is definately worth every penny! I garantee you won't be disapponited by their performance.