Merry Axemas [Import]

Various Artists | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 11, 2000)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Sbme Import
• ASIN: B000007V2W
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,027,292 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

2. The First Nowell

3. Amazing Grace

4. Jingle Bells

5. Silent Night/Holy Night Jam

6. Joy to the World

7. Christmas Time Is Here

8. Blue Christmas

9. The Little Drummer Boy

10. Cantique de Noel (O' Holy Night)

11. Happy Xmas (War Is Over)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars No, Virginia, this isn't Windham Hill!, November 26, 2002

By 

Neal C. Reynolds (Indianapolis, Indiana) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Merry Axemas (Audio CD)

Well, I guess the title and cover art are sufficient warning, but this is a truly wild, over the edge guitar treatment of Christmas music, and I wouldn't bring this CD with you for Christmas dinner with Aunt Minnie or Uncle Joe.

But if you are into this style of guitar, you'll love this. It may well be the one and only Christmas album you have, and the sheer dissonant, loud energy of most of the CD might well upset traditionalists. But this is Christmas as expressed from the perception of the guitarists, and therefore is more than legitimate. Standouts? "Joy To The World" was my personal favorite. Poor Rudolph practically gets slaughtered in the first cut, but I don't say that in a mean spirit. This entire CD is for those who relish the sheer sound, fury, and energy, and yes, the innovation of this style of guitar.

But don't expect Windham Hill. LOL

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rockin' around the Axemas tree, November 6, 2000

By 

Betty J. Sanchez-Mallory (Hanford, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Merry Axemas (Audio CD)

You know how it always seems like they start playing Christmas music WAY too early and by the time Christmas actually gets here you're actually sick of Christmas music? Well, this will be the exception. In my opinion the absolute centerpiece of this CD is Steve Vai's exquisite rendition of "Christmas Time is Here". I just crank it up as loud as I can and close my eyes. Suddenly, I'm ice skating with Snoopy and Woodstock on a frozen pond in the moonlight. Beautiful! This track is so completely gorgeous it sends chills up my spine. Eric Johnson does a wonderful job with "The First Nowell" and I also love Steve Morse's "Joy to the World". I am a big Joe Satriani fan, however, I didn't much care for "Silent Night Holy Night Jam". Sorry, Satch. Although I very much liked Jeff Beck's "Amazing Grace", I thought it a little out of place on a Christmas CD. The Brian Setzer Orchestra & Joe Perry keep you rockin' around your Christmas tree with their rollicking versions of "Jingle Bells" and "Blue Christmas", respectively. A great way to make Christmas last all year long!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Guitar and Christmas CD, November 29, 2001

By 

Strat-o-Beck (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Merry Axemas (Audio CD)

This CD is a great one for chirstmas time. I very much look forward to listening to this every year.

I agree with others that Jeff Beck's "Amazing Grace" is the best tune on the record. It is really worth the five stars alone. No one can compare to the skill and emotion of Jeff Beck.

Steve Morse's "Joy to the World" is also very nice. Eric Johnson's "First Noel" and Shepard's "Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer" are amongst the best on the CD.

Why I give it 4 stars, however, is because a few of the songs are duds. Joe Perry's Blue Christmas is more humourous then it is a pleasure to listen to. Satch starts off with a nice Silent Night, but the 7 minute jam is a little much. Don't get me wrong, it's still a pretty good tune. Hotei's tune may be a Christmas tune but it seems out of place.

However, Jeff Beck, Eric Johnson, and Steve Morse are three really good reasons to buy this.