Gagliarda - Mannheim Steamroller, Schein, Johann Herm
My Little Christmas Tree
We Three Kings
Joseph Dear Oh Joseph Mine
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear - Mannheim Steamroller, Willis, Richard Sto
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Mannheim Steamroller, Blane, Ralph
Joy To the World
The First Noel
Pat a Pan
Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow - Mannheim Steamroller, Cahn, Sammy
Cantique De Noel (O Holy Night) - Mannheim Steamroller, Adam, Adolphe
Track Listings (13) - Disc #2
Traditions of Christmas (Music Box)
Messengers of Christmas
Lo How a Rose E'er Blooming
Winter Wonderland - Mannheim Steamroller, Bernard, Felix
The Christmas Song
Hark! the Herald Trumpets Sing
Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
Above the Northern Lights - Mannheim Steamroller, Wilson, Ed
Jingle Bells
The Holly and the Ivy
Little Drummer Boy
Still, Still, Still
O' Little Town of Bethlehem - Mannheim Steamroller, Redner, Lewis Henry
2009 two CD holiday collection celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the very first Mannheim Steamroller Christmas album: the one that started the phenomenon! This double CD set features 25 tracks hand-picked by Chip Davis f... more »rom the previous Christmas albums: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas (1984), A Fresh Aire Christmas (1988), Christmas In The Aire (1995), Christmas Extraordinaire (2001), Christmas Song (2007) and Christmasville (2008).« less
2009 two CD holiday collection celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the very first Mannheim Steamroller Christmas album: the one that started the phenomenon! This double CD set features 25 tracks hand-picked by Chip Davis from the previous Christmas albums: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas (1984), A Fresh Aire Christmas (1988), Christmas In The Aire (1995), Christmas Extraordinaire (2001), Christmas Song (2007) and Christmasville (2008).
"If you're new to Mannheim Steamroller, or just a casual fan who doesn't already own all of their CDs, this is a good "greatest hits" collection to get you up to speed. This two disc set offers a solid sampling of previously released material. It omits some essentials, such as "Deck The Halls" and "Silent Night," but those were already included on their previous Christmas compilation disc, so that's actually a good thing.
Steamroller's sound, for those five people out there who still haven't heard of them, runs the gamut from traditional acoustic to highly synthetic. Personally, I think they're at their best when they stick to the acoustic style. Their classic takes on songs like "We Three Kings," "Still Still Still", "O Holy Night" and "Little Town Of Bethlehem" are absolutely beautiful, perfectly capturing the quieter, poignant side of Christmas. But what Mannheim is probably most famous for are their up-tempo synth-pop versions of Christmas songs. Frankly, I find these tend to be a bit more "hit or miss", and definitely more of an acquired taste (I enjoy most of them, but I know plenty of people who get turned off by the highly synthetic, and admittedly cheesy/outdated, sound.) The good news is, this 2 disc collection shows off all of Mannheim's styles, so while you may not like some tracks, you'll certainly find at least a good number of them that you do like.
My only real complaint with this collection is that it offers absolutely nothing new to entice long-time fans, and ultimately comes off as little more than an easy way for the Steamroller to pad its wallet. I understand that this is meant to be a retrospective, but I had hoped for at least a FEW new tracks. As it is, there's simply no reason to buy this if you already own their older albums. The only track that long-time fans might not already have is "My Little Christmas Tree." This was previously only available with a pop-up book that Chip created back in the late 90s. It's a weak track, though, and sounds like it was thrown together one afternoon, so that's not much incentive to shell out money on this set.
Here's hoping Chip returns soon with an all NEW Christmas album (and hey, Chip, go back and listen to your first two Christmas albums if you need some inspiration-- those remain your best efforts to date.)"
No Stille Nacht?
MM | USA | 10/24/2009
(3 out of 5 stars)
"How can they release an anniversary Mannheim Christmas CD and not have the single greatest and most popular Christmas song Mannheim has ever recorded, Stille Nacht (Silent Night)? Don't get me wrong, the compilation is amazing, but without that song, this edition just falls short. Sad day."
Good but not Great
Terry G. Beasley | Mount Airy, NC | 11/23/2009
(3 out of 5 stars)
"If you are looking for their upbeat Christmas songs there are not that many but it still is a good CD for Christmas."
Music
Thomas N. Pair | Moody, AL | 11/21/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I think that it is great! I love all of Mannheim Steamroller Christmas CD's. I really appreciate the old standard carols but i like to change up with his take on these carols. I would recommend it to anyone that likes something different of an old version.