Search - Keble College Choir :: Complete New English Hymnal 8

Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven....................

Julian | ThinkingOfthe USA | 08/26/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Okay, if you were schooled in England in the 40's, 50's or 60's (even into the '70's, perhaps) you started each schoolday with a hymn and a prayer........and the hymns were largely from the English Hymnal, which of course you ALSO sang from when you attended your local (Anglican) Church on the Sunday.

SO - if you feel like regaining the uplift you enjoyed from the occasional bout of listening to, or singing along with these religious classics, this is truly a wonderful way to 'scratch that itch' (and don't try to kid yourself you don't feel better for these songs of praise, 'cos you know deep down you do......),- and particularly so since they are available here as mp3 downloads so you can make your own collection of favorites!

Production values across the series are great, and the choirmasters involved are to be applauded for NOT straying from the 'popular' versions or adding embellishments and vocal flourishes. What one hears is what one expects, by and large, with a welling & superbly played church organ as accompaniment. Stirring stuff indeed!

Look - this is like Marmite......either you hanker for it or you don't. Personally - i'm a fan of Marmite AND this fantastic customizable collection of (Church of England) Hymns. ALSO - Afficanados of "british invasion' pop/rock may be tempted to trawl these tunes for insights into the musical inspirations of period English musicians as everyone from Paul McCartney to Johnny 'Rotten' Lydon grew up with these as a once daily dose of ecclesiastical singalong.

Try NOT humming 'He who would valiant be' or 'a mighty fortress is our God' after catching the first few bars..........time to get re-acquainted with your spiritual side.



"