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Christmas Extraordinaire

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Chip Davis's Mannheim Steamroller hasn't lost any ground in the six years since their last Yuletide offering. Christmas Extraordinare is another innovative and heartfelt collection of seasonal treasures played on a combination of 18th-century instruments and modern-day synthesizers, drums, and electric guitars. While not the first to marry different ages of musical instruments, Davis and his cohorts use them with imagination and an intensity that gives new life and drama to this rather inert genre. For material, Mannheim Steamroller asked their fans to choose their favorite holiday selections and vote on their Web site. The results of the poll are a fine mix of old and new--with slightly more emphasis on the modern--ranging from the bracing "Fum, Fum, Fum," a traditional Catalan carol, to Tchaikovsky's "Faeries" from The Nutcracker. Mannheim Steamroller imbues this beloved song with an almost militaristic edge, grounding it with an ominous tuba that gives the usually fey "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies" an edgy tension. "Winter Wonderland" is a spectacular work, bordering on prog rock, as if Emerson, Lake & Palmer had re-formed to whip up a winter blizzard gone amok. While most of the Mannheim Steamroller's Christmas albums are largely instrumental, Davis has employed the considerable talents of University of Michigan's Glee Club to sing on "O Tannenbaum," respectfully fading their elegant, full vocals around the pristine voice of Johnny Mathis, elevating this German carol to a cinematic peak. Don't miss out on the clever liner notes, which give the reader a whimsical, anecdotal history of the 12 songs. --Jaan Uhelszki

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More Video Reviews

93 Reviews

Love it (59%)  |  Hate it (29%)  |  On the Fence (12%)  |  Didn't Rate it (0%)
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From: Amazon Posted: Jan 20, 2008 Type: User Review Christmas Extraordinair

I bought this for my daughter for Christmas since I already had one. It is a great CD for Christmas.
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5.00 Star Rating
5.00/5
From: Amazon Posted: Jan 12, 2008 Type: User Review not your tradtiional Christmas music!

CD was in perfect condition!
music is great! Added a different touch to my Christmas collection.
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3.00 Star Rating
3.00/5
From: Amazon Posted: Jan 08, 2008 Type: User Review "Christmas Extraordinaire"

I purchased this CD for "Faeries" which I had heard on the radio...However, I find the whole CD has become one of my favorite Christmas albums. The Mannheim Steamroller's CD is truly 'extraordinaire'.
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5.00 Star Rating
5.00/5
From: Amazon Posted: Dec 19, 2007 Type: User Review Mediocre

Excellent start with Hallelujah chorus and then fizzled after that with a few intermittent high points. I just did not like this particular package of songs. Too much new age sound toward the end. Wish I would have read the other reviews before...
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3.00 Star Rating
3.00/5
From: Amazon Posted: Dec 04, 2007 Type: User Review Surprisingly boring

I like Mannheim Steamroller's other Christmas albums. So, I kind of got carried away and bought this one without listening to it ahead of time. That was a mistake. I should have paid more attention to the negative reviews, as it's remarkably...
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2.00 Star Rating
2.00/5
From: Amazon Posted: Sep 18, 2007 Type: User Review The best Christmas music you will ever hear

Manneheim Steamroller may sound like a strange name for a band until you hear their music.... then you will be FLATTENED by the awesome arrangement and absolutely gorgeous renditions - especially the cut "Greensleeves" on one of their Christmas...
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5.00 Star Rating
5.00/5
From: Amazon Posted: Aug 04, 2007 Type: User Review How do I chose?

I have this CD along with most of the other Christmas Cd's by Manheim. It is hard to pick, but I do believe this one is my very favorite!, especially after seeing them in concert last Christmas (2006). If you ever get the chance to see them, it...
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5.00 Star Rating
5.00/5
From: Amazon Posted: Jan 10, 2007 Type: User Review Mannheim Steamroller

I own quite a few of Mannheim Steamroller cd's and love them all.
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5.00 Star Rating
5.00/5
From: Amazon Posted: Dec 18, 2006 Type: User Review I like it

Although, anyone should definately buy their first two albums from the 80s first, this is much calmer and more sophisticated. The first two albums are much more upbeat and inticing. This is still some beautiful Christmas music though. It's...
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4.00 Star Rating
4.00/5
From: Amazon Posted: Dec 06, 2006 Type: User Review Wonderful Christmas tunes from Mannheim Steamroller

This was a pleasure to listen to again!It makes nice background yule-tyde music for the winter solitice holiday celebration.The birth of Jesus also represents the growing length of sunlight and rebirth of life.Also smartly included are Johnny...
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4.00 Star Rating
4.00/5
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