HEART
"A Lovemongers' Christmas"
Beyond
4/5
David Lee Wilson
Without exception, the most beautiful women's voices in the history of Rock music belong to the Wilson sisters of HEART/THE LOVERMONGERS. Here the pair have gathered ten light and warm Christmas carols from both their own songbook and the seasons standard cannon making what is without reservation the best Christmas music package in many years.
The first pair of songs, "Here is Christmas" and "Balulalow" have a kind of "Renaissance Faire" feel to them with lilting strings and choral voices more appropriate for a chamber music series than the arena stage that these ladies usually work. In a word, they are beautiful and that beyond anything that has worn either the HEART or LOVEMONGERS logo.
"Christmas Waits" time warps back to AM radio light Rock ala Dion Warwick, horns and all, and is Muzak ready as it stands but without the blandness of that outlets usual play list, a guilty pleasure for Hard-Rockers.
"Ave Maria," "The Last Noel" and "Oh Holy Night" are much covered but here they sound nearly original and are twice as convincing as any versions yet recorded.
Forcing myself to pick a tune that stands out is a chore but a slightly more emotive notch above the other nine is "Bring a Torch." This track embodies all the spirit of the season without saying a word and comes in under two minutes. The simple string/flute weave is so warm that with it and a low fire Christmas evening becomes complete.
"A LOVEMONGERS' CHRISTMAS" was slightly late in making it to the desk for a pre-season review but certainly something that will be brought out repeatedly for many holiday seasons to come.
"A Lovemongers' Christmas"
Beyond
4/5
David Lee Wilson
Without exception, the most beautiful women's voices in the history of Rock music belong to the Wilson sisters of HEART/THE LOVERMONGERS. Here the pair have gathered ten light and warm Christmas carols from both their own songbook and the seasons standard cannon making what is without reservation the best Christmas music package in many years.
The first pair of songs, "Here is Christmas" and "Balulalow" have a kind of "Renaissance Faire" feel to them with lilting strings and choral voices more appropriate for a chamber music series than the arena stage that these ladies usually work. In a word, they are beautiful and that beyond anything that has worn either the HEART or LOVEMONGERS logo.
"Christmas Waits" time warps back to AM radio light Rock ala Dion Warwick, horns and all, and is Muzak ready as it stands but without the blandness of that outlets usual play list, a guilty pleasure for Hard-Rockers.
"Ave Maria," "The Last Noel" and "Oh Holy Night" are much covered but here they sound nearly original and are twice as convincing as any versions yet recorded.
Forcing myself to pick a tune that stands out is a chore but a slightly more emotive notch above the other nine is "Bring a Torch." This track embodies all the spirit of the season without saying a word and comes in under two minutes. The simple string/flute weave is so warm that with it and a low fire Christmas evening becomes complete.
"A LOVEMONGERS' CHRISTMAS" was slightly late in making it to the desk for a pre-season review but certainly something that will be brought out repeatedly for many holiday seasons to come.
