Customer Reviews

The Last Month of the Year

5 star:		(38)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

My parents used to play this album when I was a small child and it has always been a part of Christmas in our family. When I found it on CD, I was ecstatic because the old vinyl that we had was worn out. I still have that old LP for sentimental reasons, but the clarity of this CD is perhaps one of the best I've ever heard. It's not officially Christmas until I've heard this CD. I've ordered copies for some of my co-workers so that it will become a part of their Christmas experience in the future. Everyone who's ever heard it has been blown away. I wish more performers would take a page out of the Kingston Trio's book and record material such as this for the Holiday Season, simplicity and understatement goes much farther than over-orchestrated, over-produced pablum.

I've been listening to this album for as many Christmases as I can remember (this year is my 38th Christmas). I was so psyched when my sister found it on CD at Collector's Choice Music a few years ago, because my parents' LP version was in fair to poor condition after nearly 40 Christmases of playing. This album is my all-time favorite; not even Bing and the Andrews Sisters, or the Modernaires can match the orchestration, instrument-voicing, and harmonies of the Kingston Trio. The acoustic arrangements are unsurpassed by anything I've ever heard (although John Tesh's first Christmas album is a close second with regard to orchestration in my opinion). These three guys demonstrated their raw talent on this album. An extra bonus is the uniqueness of the songs (i.e., not mainstream selections). A small description of each song is included in the reverse side of the liner on my copy (copy of the back side of the original album jacket).
So order a copy today; you definitely won't be disappointed.

If you're tired of the same old carols, or just want something different, this is a great one to have. There are a few familiar tunes, but the Trio definitely found some interesting gems including the rousing "Last Month of the Year". Their harmony is great as always. I grew up with this one and have been looking for and asking about it for years, my cassette (made from my parents old record-scratches and all) is worn out.

This is probably my all-time favorite Christmas Album! The songs are not the usual Carols, but what else would you expect from The Kingston Trio. I've been looking for the CD version of this for years. Thanks for re-releasing it.

Originally recorded in 1960, when the Kingston Trio of Dave Guard, Nick Reynolds, and Bob Shane, was one of the hottest groups in the country, this collection of unusual Christmas songs appeals to every age group. With their sublime three-part vocal harmonies, accompanied by Shane and Reynolds on acoustic guitar and Guard on his spritely banjo, the trio puts energy and spirit into each selection.

All the songs are off-beat in their rhythms and treatments. Two ballads in minor keys--"Bye Bye, Thou Little Tiny Child" and "Follow Now, O Shepherds," with their subdued guitar accompaniments, emphasize gorgeous harmonies and "sing-able" melodies. "Go Where I Send Thee" and "Last Month of the Year," with their upbeat tempos and jazzy Gospel flavor, get the spirit moving and feet tapping.

In the odd "Mary Mild," definitely non-traditional, the local children won't play with Jesus because he is a poor maid's child, born in a stall, so Jesus uses his powers to perform magic, an idea that young children will find amusing. Three rousing songs--"We Wish You a Merry Christmas," "Gloucestershire Wassail" (with a terrific banjo by Guard)," and "Goodnight My Baby," inspire sing-alongs among the listeners.

Of all the Christmas albums in our family, it is this one that especially appeals to three generations. The older folks like the harmonies and unusual song selection, the youngsters enjoy the quick beats and the "sing-able" tunes, and everyone else enjoys the guitars, the banjos, and the high spirits. A delightful CD that is a completely different musical experience from all the other Christmas albums on the market, this one appeals to a wide audience with its beautiful sounds and spirited presentations. n Mary Whipple

This album was a tradition in my family and I played the vinyl until the grooves were gone. I am so excited that it is being re-released. I have 4 copies on order and plan on being a star in my family with this treasured find. Yeah!

Just before Christmas one of the local N.P.R. stations in the Detroit area played the track "Last Month of the Year" and it stopped me dead in my tracks and brought a tear to my eye. Hearing that song sent me on a search for the album/cd and what a relief to find it is available! The album is a gem. Each song takes me back to my childhood- decorating Christmas cookies with my Mom and hanging them on the tree, cutting out green construction paper Christmas trees and bells and hanging them in the windows... This album is a must have for anyone wanting to relive their cherished memories or start new ones.

This is perhaps one of the best sounding CDs I own out of a collection of 200. The harmony of the trio is delivered in reverberation (a rarity anymore). You'll be humming the tunes as you sip your coffee driving to work and catch yourself popping it right back in your CD player when you arrive home in Christmas mode. It's a winner.

After several years of Christmas WITHOUT a (LOST) treasured recording made from a equally treasured worn out LP, (I no longer have a turntable, though I have all of the original K.T. recordings--many autographed) I feel I have Christmas again. It was the ONLY thing on my "want" list this year (I had NO IDEA it was available), and when our son (who purchased a copy for himself as well) sent it and DEMANDED we open it EARLY Christmas Eve, I felt a sense of hope. When I opened it, I felt delight. When I listened to it, I cried: For two and one half play-throughs. It wasn't receiving a gift: It was receiving Christmas.

My kids are now singing the songs and asking for more of this terrific Kingston Trio Christmas CD, "The Last Month of the Year". Like some of the other reviewers , I listened to this album growing up. This wonderfully original and uplifting CD with such beautiful harmonies is like an old friend. I bought at least fifteen copies and have given them to everyone in my family and a few others who needed some extra happiness at Christmas time. It lifts your spirits immediately and I'm betting you will have it on heavy rotation at your home this Christmas and for every Christmas afterwards. Buy it, play it ...and be GLAD that you did!