Music Releases 10-04-24
A Christmas Album was originally released in October 1967. Barbra Streisand recorded four Christmas songs in London on June 25, 1966 while she was in London performing Funny Girl at the Prince of Wales Theatre. According to producer Ettore Stratta, Barbra insisted on different interpretations without traditional arrangements for these songs. Streisand recorded the rest of the album in September 1966 while she was in Hollywood filming the Funny Girl movie. Of the variety of both secular and religious songs included on the album, the standout track is Barbras new adaptation of the classic holiday song Jingle Bells? with the ? added by Barbra! The track captures Barbras freewheeling vocal complete with jazzy dramatics. Upon its original release, the album spent five weeks at #1 on the Billboard Christmas chart and the album has been certified quadruple platinum by the RIAA with sales of more than five million copies in the United States.
Long out of print on vinyl, A Christmas Album vinyl configuration is once again available and includes a bonus track: Gounods Ave Maria (English.) This track was included on a limited-edition holiday Starbucks sampler which is no longer available.
Christmas Memories was originally released on October 30, 2001 but was never available on vinyl. And now the vinyl is finally here!
From the Associated Press review of Christmas Memories:
For those tired of hearing acts reinvent the Christmas wheel with revamped versions of Yuletide favorites, Barbra Streisands Christmas Memories will be a delightful treat. Sometimes it takes a voice with the power and serenity of Streisands to make you appreciate just how special these songs can be, such as the wistful Ill Be Home For Christmas or the longing What Are You Doing New Years Eve? Even though the disc doesnt contain many Christmas standards - much of the material is new - contemporary songs are strong enough that they can stand with such timeless classics as Ave Maria.
Harry Connick Jr.'s holiday album "When My Heart Finds Christmas" is an "I-Connick" representation of the festive season. This album beautifully showcases Connick's unique blend of traditional Christmas carols and original songs, which he personally penned, such as "When My Heart Finds Christmas," "The Blessed Dawn Of Christmas Day," "I Pray On Christmas," and "(It Must've Been Ol') Santa Claus."
Recorded at the renowned Capitol Studios, this album encapsulates the essence of Christmas through Connick's jazz-infused interpretations and the rich accompaniment of a 70-piece orchestra and 42-voice choir. The album, which achieved triple Platinum status in the U.S., is a testament to Connick's iconic musical style and remains a seasonal favorite for its heartfelt warmth and joyous melodies. Now on black vinyl.
Newly re-pressed on vinyl, Wintersong is the sixth studio album and first Christmas album from Sarah McLachlan. This Grammy-nominated release was the best-selling holiday album of 2006 and features holiday classics including Ill Be Home for Christmas, Silent Night, and Wintersong, the titular track written by McLachlan.
The Dave Brubeck Quartets definitive 1959 jazz album Time Out, available on 180g Black Vinyl. Time Out includes distinctive classics such as Take Five, Blue Rondo A La Turk, Strange Meadow Lark, and a must-have in any record collection. The album peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard pop albums chart and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. "Take Five" became a mainstream hit, reaching No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100, and No. 5 on Billboard's Easy Listening survey, the precursor to today's Adult Contemporary charts.
Globally acclaimed, GRAMMY Award-winning superstar Shakira presents her self-titled album now available for the first time ever on eye-catching translucent pink vinyl. Shakira features a list of top collaborators including John Hill, Kid Harpoon, Steve Mac, Mark Bright, and Busbee. Standouts include La La La, Empire, and the album's lead single Can't Remember to Forget You featuring Rihanna.