Customer Reviews

Light of the Stable

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Emmylou originally recorded this in 1978, when she was at the peak of her popularity. The instrumentation is generally sparse but effective, allowing Emmylou's voice to shine.

The set opens with the bright, upbeat Christmas time's a coming, done bluegrass-style with banjo and mandolin. All the remaining songs are slow to mid-tempo. They include the Rodney Crowell song Angel eyes, the Irish lullaby Golden Cradle and several Christmas standards, most very famous but including Beautiful star of Bethlehem which doesn't get recorded as often as the other carols here.

The album closes with the brilliant Light of the stable, which features Neil Young, Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt on harmony vocals.

Emmylou and her band were in top form when they recorded this album. A couple of extra upbeat songs might have made this album even better, but it's still a great album for those quieter moments around Christmas time.

This re-mastered edition features improved sound quality and three extra tracks, previously unreleased (There's a light, Cherry tree carol, Man is an island) making this even better value than the earlier edition.

While it is not being promoted as such, this is the 25th anniversary of the first release of this classic holiday album and it marks at least the third time this album has been repackaged, this time with three new recordings: "There's a Light," "Man Is an Island" and the traditional "Cherry Tree Carol."

This album actually has its origins dating back to 1975 when the title track was first recorded and released as a single. It established the blueprint for the remainder of the album: sparse instrumentation is employed throughout (on "Golden Cradle" Harris is backed only by an understated gut string guitar, and "The First Noel" is an a capella number where she is backed by the Whites), all instruments are acoustic, and the emphasis is placed squarely on Harris' angelic voice.

The musicians are from among the best in country music: Ricky Skaggs, Rodney Crowell, Hank DeVito and Emory Gordy Jr. Several tracks also feature autoharpist Brian Bowers to wonderful effect.

LIGHT OF THE STABLE has always been among my favorite Christmas albums, with this new Rhino repackaging it only got better. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

This Christmas country classic has been enhanced by the addition of three tracks. Everything Emmylou touches turns to gold. She brings the same elegance and authenticity to Christmas that she always has to the varied genres her career encompassed.

The hopeful and uptempo Christmas Time's A Coming opens the album, the familiar Away In A Manger with its beautiful mandolin is straightforward but touching, whilst Angel Eyes is a sad slow ballad. Her voice really soars on The First Noel, while Little Drummer Boy gets a sensitive, graceful treatment. Perhaps it's childhood nostalgia, but her renditions of The First Noel and Star Of Bethlehem really stirred my soul.

Most of her best work has always been infused with a spiritual quality, and this is perfectly showcased on her deeply moving version of Silent Night. I was tempted to give this album only four stars since the albums Stumble Into Grace, Red Dirt Girl and Wrecking Ball have spoilt me. But I can't!

Light Of The Stable is a brilliant album that perfectly captures the moods of Christmas, with lovely instrumentation and vocals. The best of the new tracks are Cherry Tree Carol and the moving Man Is An Island, composed by the Canadian folk legends Kate and Anna McGarrigle. Once again, Emmylou provides the perfect soundtrack to Christmas. Born is the King of Israel!

"Christmas Time's A-Coming", in glorious four-part harmony launches this shimmering album, Emmylou's only Christmas release of her career. But what a legacy! With backup vocals thoughout by Linda Ronstadt, Neil Young, Dolly Parton, Vince Gill and others, and featuring the stand-out "Angel Eyes", this remaster - which includes three newly-recorded songs - is a welcome addition to any country-lover's Christmas CD collection.

This is a fine album . Every track is worth listening to, and some are truly magical.Ths is a mix of traditional Christmas songs in beautiful arrangements, alongside some less well known but very fine Country Christmas tunes.Christmas alb ums simply dont get any better.

As many other fans of Ms. Harris and Christmas music will attest to, it just wouldn't be Christmas without Emmylou. The sweetest voice this side of heaven, Emmylou Harris' "Light of the Stable" is so personel that it feels as if she's singing just for you. I cannot choose just one favorite amongst these tracks. Each one is an acoustical gem, from the bluegrassy "Christmas Time's A-Comin'" to "Silent Night." I must say, though, that the title track, with the most beautiful 'Hallejula's' I've ever heard, stands out just a bit above the rest.
I have been listening to this album every Christmas since it was first released and never tire of it. And I must say I love the addition and rendition of "Cherry Tree Carol" - a particular favorite of mine for years (although the other two additions are only fair - Warner and Rhino could have done a bit better, I'm sure, than these two numbers).
Buy this, and maybe a Robin Petrie Christmas CD or two (seriously - check her out... - Emmylou's and Robin's cd's sound great together!) and what a fine Christmas Eve you will have!

If you like Emmey Lou Harris, Dolly Parton, Neil Young or Ricky Skaggs this is a must-have holiday music album! Recorded in the 1970's I cannot believe I didn't hear this earlier. The vocals are out of this world! Thanks to Public Radio, this may become my favorite Christmas music.

we already have several of emmylou harris cds and i would rate everyone 5 stars. It is definitely worth it and even though it is a Christmas cd, I love this cd so much I know I will be listening to it all through the year.

i don't purchase many cd's but this year i decided that i wanted to
have several emmy lou harris cd's. since it was close to christmas i
wanted light of the stable and ms harris does not disappoint with many old songs and some i had not heard.she has the best musicians and singers that country music has to offer.ms harris brings her
beautiful country voice to the forefront of music that is sadly lacking in today's market.
i also purchased blue kentucky girl, and all the roadrunning.
blue kentucky girl contains many favorites from over the years.it
gets played every day.

I'm a music nut but I would have to say that to date, post-rock, metal and electronica came before christmas bluegrass country music in my priority list. However, I have to say this is one of the most beautiful and soulful albums I have heard. I bought in a hot August and have have it on the stereo every day. If there is such a thing as a christmas spirit, Emmylou Harris really captured it in this collection of ALL good songs. Interestingly, not every single song is totally christmas driven. In fact, My particular favourite is 'Man Is An Island' - a hauntingly atmospheric song that everyone should check out.