 "a delightful novelty but not a necessity" | 2009-06-02 |
| - Reviewed By sametro |
This CD will not be likely enjoyed by the casual Christmas music enthusiast or the casual Beach Boys fan. It is primarily for die-hard Beach Boys fans or die-hard Christmas music fans.
But it's still a pretty good collection. Few people in oldies or pop music could harmonize better than the Beach Boys. To hear them apply their talents to Christmas music is something of a delightful novelty. It abounds with traditional, familiar classics as well as some uniquely blended Beach Boys tunes mixed with Christmas themes ("Melekalikimaka" -- try spelling that one without looking! -- and, of course, three variations of their immortal classic "Little Saint Nick"). As an added bonus there are several outtakes and other dialogue recordings. (I love when they do that stuff.)
My main problem with this CD is that it wasn't necessary. As great as the Beach Boys were and as wonderful as Christmas music is, the two need not necessarily go together. Not everyone has to do (or should do) a Christmas album. It's not for everyone. |
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 "Beach Boys fans will love this!!" | 2007-12-08 |
| - Reviewed By chadoberholtzer |
I admit it. I love the Beach Boys. And I love Christmas music. So I love this album. But my wife, who is not a fan of the Beach Boys but who does like Christmas music, adhors this album. My point is simply that unlike other artists on many Christmas albums, the Beach Boys have not lost their sound and style. This is truly a Beach Boys album, but they just happen to be playing and singing Christmas tunes.
Apparently, this album combines their original Christmas album from the 60's with a previously unreleased Christmas album from the 70's. I appreciate the fact that this disc is relatively long, with a lot of music, in contrast to so many 8 or 10 track albums. There is lots of good stuff here.
My primary complaint is that the interviews and radio promos are strange, especially as an end to the album. But this remains one of my favorite Christmas albums, even if I only listen to it when my wife isn't around. The Beach Boys were a fantastic band with amazing vocal talents, and I'm glad that they decided to do some Christmas stuff for us to enjoy!! |
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| "If you hap-happen to be reading this review right now..." | 2004-12-05 |
| - Reviewed By clayface9 |
| This is indeed the "Ultimate" Beach Boys Christmas CD. The first 12 tracks are the entire original Beach Boys Christmas Album. I'm sure most of you are already familiar with this classic album, so I don't need to discuss it in detail. Next we have the awesome single version of "Little Saint Nick". Then there is an alternate mix of "Auld Lang Syne" without Denny's voiceover, which really shows off the boys beautiful a capella singing. Then there's the oddball version of "Little Saint Nick" sung to the backing track of "Drive-In". Next we get the great but rare 1974 single "Child of Winter". In 1977, the Beach Boys recorded a second Christmas album, intending it to be their last album for Warner/Reprise. But Warner rejected the album, and it was never released. Seven of the songs from that album appear here for the first time. They are actually pretty good, for the most part. Interestingly, most of the songs are rewritten versions of songs that they had already started working on, with lyrics rewritten to be about Christmas. The CD closes with two Toys For Tots public service announcements, and a promotional interview that Brian did for the original Christmas album. This is the only Beach Boys Christmas CD you'll ever need. |
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 "Just a great album Christmas album, period." | 2004-11-29 |
| - Reviewed By jediknight602 |
| The Beach Boys are one of the all time greats in American rock music. Not only could they jam, but they could sing! In this album, you get a taste of their awesome vocals. These guys could harmonize for a rock band. Check out track #12 and #14, which are a capella, to confirm what I have written. Even people who are not fans of the Beach Boys can enjoy this sweet album with all its catchy Christmas tunes. Happy Holiday's!! |
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| "song jamca and my 409" | 2004-01-01 |
| - Reviewed By User: A1VNVD4FQL2G8V |
| they are very good i hope they6 can came to fl this year i like the bach boys they are a very good songers ok thanks bye. |
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| "com"YULE"ation Cleric : "TAG" Tinsel" | 2001-04-02 |
| - Reviewed By maduda |
| Why Ulitmate today? First,this record compiles releases starting with the hot rod sled single of 63'thru 98's debut remixes of misplaced tracks laid in 77.You get the entire twelve track sixties christmas album with five originals ,that many would tag The Greatest, and fourteen others created to either reinforce that belief or belie the public 'TAG' artists receive with worldwide fame. Why Ulitmate today? Original tracks 5,15,16 ,that radio has yet to kill ,and 19,21,22,23 with which I gained more insight of this joyous union of talent and craftmenship.Post Script: Why four stars? Honestly there is a little overproduction on some tracks , with the two versions of "Auld Lang Syne" proclaiming an example. ***buyit*saveit*shareit*giveit*donateit*** |
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