It's Christmas Time Again

Track Listings
1. Please Come Home for Christmas - Little Johnny Taylor    
2. White Christmas - The Rance Allen Group    
3. Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin' - Sir Mack Rice    
4. I'll Be Your Santa, Baby - Rufus Thomas    
5. Christmas Comes But Once a Year - Albert King    
6. Black Christmas [Vocal Version][#][*] - The Emotions    
7. Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin' - Albert King    
8. Who Took the Merry Out of Christmas? - The Staple Singers    
9. Mistletoe and Me - Isaac Hayes    
10. It's Christmas Time Again (The Christmas Song) - The Temprees    
11. What Do the Lonely Do at Christmas? - The Emotions    
12. Winter Snow [#][*] - Isaac Hayes    

It's Christmas Time Again, Music, Various Artists, 50's, 60's, Black Gospel, Christmas, Christmas / Chanukkah, Christmas Music, Contemporary Gospel, Disco, Funk, Memphis Soul, Modern Electric Blues, Pop, R&B, Soul, Soul-Blues
Broadway: America's Music 1935-2005
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    Broadway: America's Music 1935-2005

    Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
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    5. White Nights

    ASIN: B000B8I93Q
    Release Date: 2005-10-18

    Tracks:

    1. Oh What a Beautiful Mornin'
    2. Summertime
    3. I Could Write a Book
    4. It Never Entered My Mind
    5. I Can Cook Too
    6. Make It Another Old Fashioned, Please
    7. If I Loved You
    8. My Heart Belongs to Daddy
    9. Thou Swell
    10. I Left My Heart at the Stage Door Canteen
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    Tracks:

    1. Shall We Dance
    2. Ohio
    3. Luck Be a Lady
    4. Mack the Knife
    5. There's a Small Hotel
    6. Once in Love with Amy
    7. Yodel Blues
    8. Lazy Afternoon
    9. There Must Be Somethin' Better Than Love
    10. You're Just in Love
    11. Now Is the Time

    Tracks:

    1. Impossible Dream
    2. Love Makes the World Go 'Round
    3. Try to Remember
    4. Put on a Happy Face
    5. I Say Hello
    6. Happiness
    7. She Loves Me
    8. What Kind of Fool Am I?
    9. Shy
    10. Consider Yourself
    11. Poor Little Person

    Tracks:

    1. Magic to Do
    2. They're Playing My Song
    3. I Don't Know How to Love Him
    4. I Won't Send Roses
    5. Good Morning Starshine
    6. Don't Cry for Me, Argentina
    7. Hard Candy Christmas
    8. Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend
    9. Won't You Charleston with Me?
    10. Applause

    Tracks:

    1. Phantom of the Opera
    2. Memory
    3. On My Own
    4. Muddy Water
    5. How Could I Ever Know
    6. American Dream
    7. I Know Him So Well
    8. Dr. Jazz
    9. Me and My Girl
    10. Suddenly Seymour

    Tracks:

    1. Mamma Mia!
    2. Popular
    3. Seasons of Love
    4. Oh, the Thinks You Can Think
    5. Whatever Lola Wants
    6. Crazy
    7. How Deep Is Your Love
    8. Stars
    9. People Like Us
    10. I Go to Rio
    Andrew Lloyd Webber: Now & Forever
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • I waited for this for five years
    • Excellent collection but BIG PUBLISHING MISTAKE!
    • ONE OF LLOYD WEBBER'S BEST COMPILATIONS, DESPITE A FEW FLAWS
    • SUCH MAGICAL MUSIC OF THE NIGHT!
    • A Must Have for Sir Andrew fans
    Andrew Lloyd Webber: Now & Forever
    Various Artists
    Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    ASIN: B00005R5UJ
    Release Date: 2001-11-20

    Tracks:

    1. Jesus Christ Superstar: Overture - Andrew Lloyd Webber
    2. Jesus Christ Superstar: Everything's Alright - Yvonne Elliman/Murray Head/Ian Gilllan
    3. Jesus Christ Superstar: I Don't Know How To Love Him - Yvonne Elliman
    4. Jesus Christ Superstar: Gethsemane (I Only Want To Say) - Steve Balsamo
    5. Jesus Christ Superstar: Superstar - Murray Head
    6. Evita: Oh What A Circus/Sing You Fools - Antonio Banderas
    7. Evita: I'd Be Surprisingly Good For You - Elaine Paige/Joss Ackland
    8. Evita: Another Suitcase In Another Hall - Barbara Dickson
    9. Evita: Don't Cry For Me Argentina - Julie Covington
    10. Evita: High Flying, Adored - Mandy Patinkin/Patti LuPone
    11. Cats: The Jellicle Ball - Andrew Lloyd Weber
    12. Cats: Memory - Elaine Paige
    13. Cats: Gus: The Theatre Cat - Susan Jane Tanner/John Mills
    14. Cats: Mr Mistoffelees - Paul Nicholas
    15. Song And Dance: Take That Look Off Your Face - Marti Webb
    16. Song And Dance: Tell Me On A Sunday - Marti Webb
    17. Song And Dance: Unexpected Song - Sarah Brightman
    18. Song And Dance: Nothing Like You've Ever Known - Sarah Brightman
    19. Song And Dance: Introduction - Andrew Lloyd Webber
    20. Song And Dance: Variations 1 -4 - Andrew Lloyd Webber

    Tracks:

    1. Starlight Express: Starlight Express - El Debarge
    2. Starlight Express: Crazy - Greg Ellis/Reva Rice/Caron Cardelle/Samantha Lane/Voyd
    3. Starlight Express: Next Time You Fall In Love - Reva Rice/Greg Ellis
    4. Starlight Express: I Am The Starlight - Lon Satton/Ray Shell
    5. Starlight Express: Light At The End Of The Tunnel - The Company
    6. Requiem: Hosanna - Placido Domingo
    7. Requiem: Pie jesu - Sarah Brightman/Paul Miles-Kingston
    8. The Phantom Of The Opera: The Phantom Of The Opera - Michael Crawford/Sarah Brightman
    9. The Phantom Of The Opera: The Music Of The Night - Michael Crawford
    10. The Phantom Of The Opera: All I Ask Of You - Sarah Brightman/Steve Barton
    11. The Phantom Of The Opera: Entr'acte - Andrew Lloyd Webber
    12. The Phantom Of The Opera: Masquerade - The Company
    13. The Phantom Of The Opera: Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again - Sarah Brightman
    14. Aspects Of Love: Aspects Of Aspects - Orchester Der Vereinigten Buehnen Wien
    15. Aspects Of Love: Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball
    16. Aspects Of Love: Seeing Is Believing - Michael Ball/Ann Crumb
    17. Aspects Of Love: The First Man You Remember - Kevin Colson/Diana Morrison
    18. Aspects Of Love: Anything But Lonely - Sarah Brightman
    19. Aspects Of Love: Chanson D'Enfance - Sarah Brightman

    Tracks:

    1. Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Any Dream Will Do - Jason Donovan
    2. Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Joseph's Coat - Maria Friedman/Richard Attenborough/Donny Osmond
    3. Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Close Every Door - Donny Osmond
    4. By Jeeves: Travel Hopefully - John Scherer/Martin Jarvis/Don Stephenson
    5. By Jeeves: When Love Arrives - Steven Pacey/Diana Morrison
    6. By Jeeves: Half A Moment - Sarah Brightman
    7. Sunset Boulevard: With One Look - Glenn Close
    8. Sunset Boulevard: New Ways To Dream - Glenn Close/Alan Campbell
    9. Sunset Boulevard: The Perfect Year - Glenn Close/Alan Campbell
    10. Sunset Boulevard: Sunser Boulevard - Alan Campbell
    11. Sunset Boulevard: As If We Never Said Goodbye - Glenn Close
    12. Whistle Down The Wind: Whistle Down The Wind - James Graeme/Lottie Mayor
    13. Whistle Down The Wind: Cold - Everly Brothers
    14. Whistle Down The Wind: No Matter What - Children/Adult Chorus
    15. Whistle Down The Wind: The Nature Of The Beast - Marcus Lovett/Lottie Mayor
    16. The Beautiful Game: Overture - Andrew Lloyd Webber
    17. The Beautiful Game: The Beautiful Game - The Company
    18. The Beautiful Game: Our Kind Of Love - Hannah Waddingham
    19. The Beautiful Game: Dont Like You - Josie Walker/David Shannon
    20. The Beautiful Game: Let Us Love In Peace - Josie Walker/Omagh Youth Community Choir

    Tracks:

    1. Oh What A Circus - David Essex
    2. Memory - Betty Buckley
    3. The Phantom Of The Opera - Sarah Brightman/Steve Harley
    4. All I Ask Of You - Sarah Brightman/Cliff Richard
    5. Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball
    6. Any Dream Will Do - Donny Osmond
    7. Amigos Para Siempre (Friends For Life) - Sarah Brightman/Jose Carreras
    8. As If We Never Said Goodbye - Barbra Streisand
    9. The Perfect Year - Dina Carroll
    10. With One Look - Petula Clark
    11. You Must Love Me - Madonna
    12. The Heart Is Slow To Learn - Kiri Te Kanawa
    13. A Kiss Is A Terrible Thing To Waste - The Metal Philharmonic Orchestra
    14. Whistle Down The Wind - Tina Arena
    15. No Matter What - Boyzone
    16. The Vaults Of Heaven - Tom Jones
    17. Try Not To Be Afraid - Boy George
    18. Pie Jesu - Charlotte Church

    Tracks:

    1. Make Believe Love - Wes Sands
    2. Down Thru' Summer - Ross Hannaman
    3. I'll Give All My Love To Southend - Ross Hannaman
    4. Believe Me I Will - Sacha Distel
    5. Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1969 Radio Luxembourg Commercial) - Joseph Consortium/Pete Murray
    6. Try It And See - Rita Pavone
    7. Come Back Richard Your Country Needs You - Time Rice And The Webber Group
    8. Goodbye Seattle - Paul Raven
    9. John 19:41 - The Andrew Lloyd Webber Orchestra
    10. What A Line To Go Out On - Yvonne Elliman
    11. Disillusion Me - Gary Band
    12. The Ballad Of Robert And Peter - Tim Rice
    13. Christmas Dream - Maynard Williams
    14. It's Only Your Lover Returning/All Through My Crazy And Wild Days/Don't Cry For Me Argentina - Julie Covington
    15. It's Easy For You (1977 Jungle Room Session Version) - Elvis Presley
    16. Magdalena - Tony Christie
    17. Buenos Aires - The Roja Rockers
    18. Pollicle Dogs And Jellicle Cats - Andrew Lloyd Webber
    19. Mungojerrie And Rumpleteazer (Live At The Sydmonton Festival 1980) - Gemma Craven
    20. I Could Have Given You More - Petula Clark
    21. I've Been In Love Too Long - Marti Webb
    22. Benedicite - The Stephen Hill Singers

    Album Description

    Disc 1: Selections from Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Cats, and Song and Dance

    Disc 2: Selections from Starlight Express, Requiem, Phantom of the Opera, and Aspects of Love

    Disc 3: Selections from Joseph nad the Amaziong Technicolor Dreamcoat, By Jeeves, Sunset Boulevard, Whistle Down the Wind, and The Beautiful Game

    CD 4: 1. "Oh What a Circus" --David Essex 2. "Memory" - Betty Buckleey 3. "The Phantom of the Opera" -Sarah Brightman, Steve Harley 4. "All I Ask of You" --Sarah Brightman, Cliff Richard 5. "Love Changes Everything"--Michael Ball 6. "Any Dream Will Do"--Donny Osmond 7. "Amigos Para Siempre (Friends for Life)"--Sarah Brightman, Jose Caerras 8. "As if We Never Said Goodbye"--Barbra Streisand 9. "The Perfect Year"--Dina Carroll 10. "With One Look" --Petula Clark 11. "You Must Love Me" 12. "The Heart Is Slow To Learn" --Kiri Te Kanawa 13. "Whistle Down the Wind"--Tina Arena 14. "A Kiss Is a Terrible Thing To Waste"--The Metal Philharmonic 15. "No Matter What"--Boyzone 16. "The Vaults of Heaven"--Tom Jones and Sounds of Blackness 17. "Try Not To Be Afraid"--Boy George 18. "Pie Jesu"--Charlotte Church

    Disc 5: (All tracks available for the first time) 1. "Make Believe Love"--Wes Sands 2. "Down Thru' Summer"--Ross Hannaman 3. "I'll Give All My Love to Southend"--Ross Hannaman 4. "Believe Me I Will"--Sacha Distel 5. "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: 1969 Luxembourg Radio Commercial--The Jospeh Consortium, Pete Murray 6. "Try It and See"--Rita Pavone 7. "Come Back Richard Your Country Needs You"--Tim Rice and the Webber Group 8. "Goodbye Seattle"-- Paul Raven 9. "John 19:41"--The Andrew Lloyd Webber Orchestra 10. "What a Line To Go Out On"--Yvonne Elliman 11. "Disillusion Me" --Gary Bond 12. "The Ballad of Robert and Peter"--Tim Rice 13. "Christmas Dream" --Maynard Williams 14. "It's Only Your Lover Returning/All through My Wild and Crazy Days/Don't Cry for Me Argentina--Julie Covington 15. "It's Easy for You" (1977 Jungle Room Session version)--Elvis Presley 16. "Magdalena"--Tony Christie 17. "Buenos Aires"--The Rioja Rockers 18. "Pollicle Dogs and Jellicle Cats"--Andrew Lloyd Webber original demo 19. "Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer" (Live at Sydmonton Festival 1980)-Gemma Craven 20. "I Could Have Given You More"--Petula Clark 21. "I've Been in Love Too Long"--Marti Webb 22. "Benedicte"-- Stephen Hill Singers

    Customer Reviews:

    3 out of 5 stars I waited for this for five years.......2006-06-30

    Between Amazone, Ebay and Napster, I don't usually buy CDs anymore, and I usually wait till I can buy them cheaper "new and used". When this set came out, I was excited, mainly by Disc 5, but wasn't going to spend $70 on it. I waited till it was cheap enough, and got it for Father's day this year.
    It was worth the wait.

    The concept is great. The packaging is great. The recording is great. Disc five is really cool for an ALW aficionado. There are a few real gems on it; my favorites are Petula Clark's "I Could Have Given You More" and "Benedicite."
    I've always thought "Gus the Theatre Cat" made a great medley on the piano with "Unexpected Song" and "I DOn't Know How to Love Him," but wished there was an alternate lyric to match the other two songs. Now that I know there *is*, and it's a good lyric, it's a dream come true.
    The melody of "Benedicite" is one of my favorites from _Sunset_ (the book mis-identifies it as "SUrrender"; it's actually "The Lady's Paying" and "Eternal Youth is Worth a Little Suffering"). The lyrics are the canticle from Daniel 3, which comes up every odd Sunday in the Divine Office, so it's nice to have cool music to sing it with.

    I haven't bought _By Jeeves_ or _THe Beautiful Game_ yet, to it was great to sample them.

    There are other parts of the CD taht aren't found in my collection. I like CD 4 "The Hits."

    But the selections on CDs 1-3 don't make sense.

    First, any self-respecting ALW fan has the Original London Cast of _Phantom_, so six tracks are totally useless. Why not draw from the Canadian cast with Colm Wilkinson? Or pull out some obscure recordings never published.

    Why two different tracks with Michael Ball singing "Love Changes Everything", yet they're hardly any different?

    On Disc 5 is "It's Only Your Lover Returning," sung by Julie Covington. It's an early draft of the song (Lloyd Webber and Rice went through several suggested titles) and quite nice. The very thing one expects on a Boxed Set.
    So why have the Julie Covington "Don't Cry for Me" on disc 1?? The only difference is a few words, but it's otherwise identical. Why not Elaine Paige or Patti Lupone or Madonna?

    The _Evita_ section is otherwise the best, choosing a sample from each major recording, though I'd have chosen slightly differently (as above).

    There is a great selection of "Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer" from the Sydmonton festival, using the original music that was changed when _Cats_ went to Broadway_. It would have been nice if they'd included more recordings from Sydmonton, like the original lyric of "All I Ask of You" shown on the second DVD to the _Phantom_ movie.

    With so many great actress-singers who've played Norma Desmond, why does the collection beat us over the head with Glenn Close?

    Paul Miles Kingston must be set for life in royalties, for the number of albums the original recording of "Pie Jesu" has appeared on. "Amigos Para Siempre" is nice, but it reminds me of Shari Lewis's "The Song that Doesn't End," especially when it's been used on so many compilations.

    In short, this is a great collection for the obscure material, if you can get it cheap. But for a boxed set, it's a poor sampling, drawn mostly from the most familiar recordings.

    5 out of 5 stars Excellent collection but BIG PUBLISHING MISTAKE! .......2006-01-10

    Please beware they made a mistake on this. It's actually the shortened Ray Shell version of STARLIGHT EXPRESS from the original 1984 London cast - NOT the El Debarge single from 1987 like it says on the box. I don't know how they let that goof pass. Sorry to Ray Shell. Having said that, this is an outstanding compilation of Lloyd Webber's greatest hits.

    4 out of 5 stars ONE OF LLOYD WEBBER'S BEST COMPILATIONS, DESPITE A FEW FLAWS.......2005-03-21

    Regardless of the fact that some of his latest efforts (most notably, The Woman in White) are disappointing, there can be little doubt that Andrew Lloyd Webber is one of the greatest composers ever to work in the musical theatre. Ever since his "Jesus Christ Superstar" hit the stage in the early 70-is, it was clear that the conception and perception of musicals are never going to be the same again. Many of his songs became standards not only in the theatre history, but also as tops on the charts. Even though he's British, his influence on the shape of the modern musical theatre expanded over the West End boundaries long ago and has thus made an enormous impact on Broadway. Two of his shows ("Cats" and "The phantom of the opera") hold the record as two the longest running shows in the history of Broadway. He has also been the only composer to have three of his shows running at Broadway concurrently. Some of his awards include three Grammies, a Golden Globe, an Oscar and a bunch of Tony awards. But perhaps most of all, Lloyd Webber is responsible for bringing the musicals and the theatre appealing to the wide audiences, who in different circumstances would not consider seeing a musical. The secret of his success is probably the mixture of beautiful and catchy melodies, interesting subject matter (though some, like Starlight Express, are too thin) and grandiose staging.

    Over the years many compilations of his work have emerged. In the late 80-is and early 90-is it was the "Encore" series and lately the one-disc collection called "Gold". The one in question here can be considered one of the best currently on the market. First, it includes a 3-disc selections from all of his shows, minus the latest one, i.e., "The Woman in White", which, considering the triviality of the score, is no great lost. The fourth disc covers some of his most known songs sung by the famous artists. Then, there is the fifth disc with previously unreleased material, most of which are the songs ALW wrote with Tim Rice for various artists during the 70-is. The disks are all neatly packed in a hardcover book that features 67 pages of pictures and text with information about each of ALW's shows. One of the other assets here is the perfect sound quality, since all of the tracks have been digitally remastered.

    Here are my basic impressions and comments regarding the material on the discs:

    * Disc #1 has the selections from "Jesus Christ Superstar", "Evita", "Cats" and "Song & Dance". The Superstar material mostly comes from the Concept Recording. Although the songs sound beautiful as always, their orchestration is a bit dated now. Only Steve Balsamo's "Gethsemane" from the 1996 revival cast has a modern rock sound. "Evita" comes with the material from all of the major recordings: London, Broadway and the movie productions, as well as the Concept album. No objections here; since this is one of ALW's most satisfying works, every song is just perfect, although Patti LuPone, the Broadway and overall the best Evita, is left with only a couple of lines. With the selections from "Cats", however, I have some doubts. A plus to the choice of the "Jellicle ball" impressive orchestral sequence from the 1998 movie version and "Mister Mistoffelees" from the 1981 London cast. One of the best known ALW's songs, "Memory", also comes from that album. It's a pretty version and Elaine Paige's rendition cannot be matched, but why include this when the definite version, featuring an 80-piece orchestra and Elaine Paige with much better interpretation, can be found in the same movie version. Thusly, one has to buy Elaine Paige's latest 2-disc compilation "Centre Stage: The very best of Elaine Paige" to get that one. And "Gus the theatre cat" is more a recital than a song, so there was not much point in including that. Marti Webb brings her vocal charm to the "Song & Dance" sequence, Sarah Brightman sings "Unexpected song" with her famous soprano, but as much as I like her version, Bernadette Peters, who was in this show on Broadway is strangely left out here.

    * Disc # 2 starts with "Starlight Express". This was never one of my favorite ALW's shows; the plot is even lighter than in "Cats" and the 1984 original cast recording is terribly dated. Yet, here we have one terrific duet, "I am starlight" from the original together with three songs from the later revivals and it seems that fresh orchestrations were just the thing Starlight needed. My favorite remains a touchy ballad, "Next time you fall in love". "Requiem" is the most solemn of all ALW's compositions, written in 1985 to commemorate the death of his father. Placido Domingo's tenor rides together with the chorus all the way through the strong "Hosanna", only to be joined by Sarah Brightman in the final moments of this song. She then gives an echoing deliverance of "Pie Jesu". What can be said of ALW's next show, "The Phantom of the Opera"? A phenomenon in its own right, it's easy to see from the six numbers included here why this is one of the best and most beloved musicals of all time. The cast, the music, the story - everything is perfect. Although "Aspects of love" was never a popular hit, it does have some of the most beautiful love melodies ALW has ever written. "Love changes everything" sung by Michael Ball is probably one of the best tunes ever about love. The rest of the selected material here has a dreamy love flavor and the melodies find their way into your brain in the best Lloyd Webber way.

    * ALW's first musical, "Joseph and the amazing Technicolor dreamcoat" was more successful in its revival form than the original from the 70-is. The three songs included here are sung by the show stars, Jason Donovan and Donny Osmond. Maria Friedman was not a lucky choice to play the narrator, as the track from the 1998 movie version shows. "By Jeeves" was ALW's only big flop when it came to the stage in the 70-is. The 1995 revival sounds much better though, full of funny numbers in the best manner of the musical comedy. "Travel hopefully" remains one of the show's highlights on this compilation. "Sunset Boulevard" comes next. "Sunset" remains for me one of Webber's best scores; lush and beautiful. I listen to the original cast recording with Patti LuPone all the time. However, here most of the songs are performed by Glenn Close. A big mistake. If you've ever listened the American premiere recording with her, you'll know what I am talking about. She may have a strong stage presence, but her vocal abilities are too limited, and her aggressive approach to the role lacks any subtlety. Therefore, the two big numbers from this show, "With one look" and "As if we never said goodbye" are ruined by the fact she can't sing. The same goes for the American Joe Gillis, who was played by Alan Campbell. Luckily, Patti LuPone and Kevin Anderson, the original Norma and Joe from the London production, make their brief entrance here with the "Perfect year"; enough to show how better they are. The funny thing is, on the jacket and inside of it, Glenn Close and Alan Campbell are credited as performers in this song as well. If this was a mistake on ALW's part, it was a good one. The next ALW's show, "Whistle down the wind" was never a critic's dear and yet the audiences rushed in to see it in London. The score brings back ALW to his rock and roll roots of the seventies and the story is quite interesting. But the selections here are not the happiest, since the cast recording boasts with much better songs. And finally, "The Beautiful Game". Again, we have one of those ALW's shows that is worth in its individual parts rather than as a whole. "Our kind of love" and "Let us love in peace" are two catchy ballads. The latter is a nice amalgam version not available elsewhere. The two other tracks here I could live without.

    * Disc # 4 has the songs from all the above shows performed by different artists. The assembled tracks have their pros and cons. For example, we have some previously unreleased stuff, like Dame Kiri Te Kanawa's operettic rendition of "The heart is slow to learn", or a stunning and epic "A kiss is a terrible thing to waste" from "Whistle down the wind", performed by The Metal Philharmonic Orchestra. Then again, what was the point in including almost identical tracks as the ones on the previous disks? So we have Michael Ball again singing "Love changes everything" with only a bit different orchestration; Sarah Brightman comes out again with the same Phantom duets, but only with the different male singers. It would be much more appropriate to include tracks from the Toronto Cast of the Phantom, with Colm Wilkinson. Other pop deliverances (Tina Arena's "Whistle down the wind", Barbra Streisand's "As if we never said goodbye", Boyzone's "No matter what" and many more) were wisely chosen. Patti LuPone is again nowhere to be found and Petula Clark's "With one look" sounds too worn-out.

    * The last disc is probably the one that will be of most interest to Lloyd Webber aficionados. It consists of entirely previously unreleased material ALW for the most part wrote for various artists during his early years, with Tim Rice. Some of these tunes, not successful as a singles, were later used in his shows. Thus "Down thru' summer" became "Buenos Aires"in Evita, "Try it and see", an unsuccessful attempt for the Eurovision was used for "King Herod's song" in "Superstar" and so on. Some of these songs are nicely made pop songs: "Make believe love", ALW's first recorded composition, for which he provided the lyrics; "Goodbye Seattle", sung by Paul Raven, who later became Gary Glitter; "Come back Richard, your country needs you", from a never made musical, sung here by Tim Rice, or Latin flavored "Magdalena", with Tony Christie singing. My all time favorite here is a song called "It's easy for you", sung by none other than Elvis Presley himself. Lloyd Webber and Rice sent him a demo recording that he accepted and recorded this live version a couple of weeks before he died. It's amazing to hear how his voice remained in the perfect shape. Also, there is a track of Andrew Lloyd Webber singing "Policle dogs and Jellicle cats" while plying the piano. His voice doesn't sound bad at all.


    Taken as a whole, this compilation makes a perfect birthday or Christmas present to any fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber shows, or just anybody interested in some of the best tunes from the modern era of the musical theatre; despite the flaws I mentioned above. To the former, it may just be the final addition for the Andrew Lloyd Webber collection.

    5 out of 5 stars SUCH MAGICAL MUSIC OF THE NIGHT!.......2003-01-19

    "Evita." "Sunset Blvd." "Starlight Express." "Jesus Christ Superstar." "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." "Requiem." "Aspects of Love." The man who is the most recognized composer in the history of the musical theatre, the man who has won more Tonys than any other composer, the man who boasts the best-selling show of all time ("The Phantom of the
    Opera") and the longest-running show of all time ("Cats"), the man whose homes are filled with three Grammys, five Oliviers, a Golden Globe, and Oscar and too many other honors and hosannas to mention, the man knighted in 1992 certainly doesn't need an introduction. Now Decca Broadway pays tribute to Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber with "Now and Forever," a spectacular 5-CD set compiled and produced by Sir Andy himself. It's cheaper than a
    ticket to "The Producers" ... and more much exciting. This treasure trove contains highlights from all of Webber's shows, and a bonus disc of tunes sung by Betty Buckley, Barbara
    Streisand, Jose Carreras, Boy George, Charlotte Church, Madonna, Tom Jones, Petula Clark, even Elvis! A must for lovers of theatre---and good music.

    4 out of 5 stars A Must Have for Sir Andrew fans.......2002-05-21

    This five-CD collection of Andrew Lloyd Webber's career is fantastic. It leaves virtually no stone unturned. I have no doubt that diehard Webber fans will love this, especially for the 5th disc entitled "From the Vaults." This disc alone is worth the price as it contains tunes never before heard by the typical fan. Who knew Elvis did a Lloyd Webber tune?!? I didn't! Also the tune "Benedictine" which the composer wrote for his most recent marriage is not only pretty, but it has the same medley as "The Lady's Paying" from "Sunset Blvd." which I found highly enjoyable. Another great track is the composer himself singing a cut song from "Cats" entitled "Pollicle Dogs and Jellicle Cats" which has the same tune as "Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats," but to hear Sir Andrew sing is a blast...he sounds a lot like Al "Year of the Cat" Stewart.
    The cuts from the musicals are great but are likely owned by ALW fans as they are on the original cast albums. And I'm glad that there were tunes included from the composers most recent efforts which have yet to make it beyond London (Whistle Down the Wind, Beautiful Game).
    My only complaint is the inclusion of way too many tracks by Sarah Brightman. She must've received a great divorce settlement that included having tunes on any ALW collection until the end of time!! Her interpretations of some of the tunes were limp and uninspired. I would've much rather heard casts from around the world rather than yet another song by this disdainful soprano! How about Colm Wilkinson's version of "Music of the Night" from the original Canadian cast of "Phantom"? Or Michael Crawford's version of "Unexpected Song"? What? No Betty Buckley from "Sunset Blvd."? And of course there are songs you KNOW are going to be on the collection before you even listen to it as they have been on EVERY ALW collection for the past decade or so.
    A great collection but too much Sarah Brightman!
    It's Christmas Time Again
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      It's Christmas Time Again
      Various Artists
      Manufacturer: Stax
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

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      4. Rhythm and Blues Christmas
      5. Hipsters' Holiday: Vocal Jazz & R&B Classics

      ASIN: B000000ZIH
      Release Date: 1992-09-24

      Tracks:

      1. Please Come Home For Christmas - Little Johnny Taylor
      2. White Christmas - Rance Allen Group
      3. Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin' - Mack Rice
      4. I'll Be Your Santa, Baby - Rufus Thomas
      5. Christmas Comes But Once A Year - Albert King
      6. Additional Track: Black Christmas - The Emotions
      7. Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin' - Albert King
      8. Who Took The Merry Out Of Christmas - Staple Singers
      9. The Mistletoe And Me - Isaac Hayes
      10. It's Christmas Time Again (The Christmas Song) - The Temprees
      11. What Do The Lonely Do At Christmas? - The Emotions
      12. Additional Track: Winter Snow - Isaac Hayes
      It's Christmas Time Again
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        It's Christmas Time Again

        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
        Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
        ASIN: B00007GX40
        Release Date: 2007-01-16
        It's Christmas Time Again
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          It's Christmas Time Again
          Hollywind N' Wood
          Manufacturer: Resort Productions
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
          General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
          Pop Instrumental & Easy ListeningPop Instrumental & Easy Listening | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
          General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
          Pop Instrumental & Easy ListeningPop Instrumental & Easy Listening | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
          ASIN: B000002RAS
          Release Date: 1997-12-01

          Tracks:

          1. Carol of the Bells
          2. I Saw Three Ships
          3. It's Christmas Time Again
          4. Pat a Pan
          5. The Christmas Song
          6. The Holly and the Ivy
          7. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
          8. I'll Be Home for Christmas
          9. Away in a Manger
          10. Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas
          11. We Three Kings of Orient Are
          12. It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
          13. O Come, O Come Immanuel
          14. Bring Your Torch, Jeannette, Isabella
          15. It's Christmas Time Again (Instrumental version)

          Album Description

          Resort Music is a small family-owned label located in the Los Angeles, California area.
          Christmas Time
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            Christmas Time
            Jerry Pia with the AFKIDS CHOIRS
            Manufacturer: Play It Again Entertainment
            ProductGroup: Music
            Binding: Audio CD
            ASIN: B000JZ216W
            It's Christmas Time Again
            Average customer rating: Not rated
              It's Christmas Time Again
              Voices of Memphis
              Manufacturer: Soh Records
              ProductGroup: Music
              Binding: Audio CD

              GeneralGeneral | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
              GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
              General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
              General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
              ASIN: B000001JZM
              Release Date: 1996-11-26
              It's Christmas Time Again
              Average customer rating: Not rated
                It's Christmas Time Again
                Del Way
                Manufacturer: Gospel Choice
                ProductGroup: Music
                Binding: Audio CD

                GeneralGeneral | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
                GospelGospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
                Pop VocalPop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
                Pop VocalPop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
                ASIN: B000005DV1
                Release Date: 1996-10-01

                Tracks:

                1. It's Christmas Time Again
                2. O' Come All Ye Faithful
                3. Christmas Love
                4. O' Little Town Of Bethlehem
                5. Joy To The World
                6. First Christmas Day
                7. Away In A Manger
                8. Shining In My Heart
                9. Silent Night
                10. Sleep Little Baby
                Once Again It's Christmas Time!
                Average customer rating: Not rated
                  Once Again It's Christmas Time!
                  Karen B. Larsen , and Marvin Goldstein
                  Manufacturer: Karen B. Larsen Recordings
                  ProductGroup: Music
                  Binding: Audio CD
                  ASIN: B000QCOC38

                  Product Description

                  14 Christmas Tracks
                  It's Christmas Time Again!
                  Average customer rating: Not rated
                    It's Christmas Time Again!

                    ProductGroup: Music
                    Binding: Audio CD

                    General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
                    Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
                    General ChristmasGeneral Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
                    4-for-3 All Music4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
                    4-for-3 Miscellaneous4-for-3 Miscellaneous | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
                    ASIN: B0000TAPEW
                    Release Date: 2003-10-21

                    Tracks:

                    1. What Would Santa Claus Say
                    2. Swingin Them Jingle Bells
                    3. I Want You For Christmas
                    4. Jingle Bells
                    5. Santa Claus Came In The Spring
                    6. Meet Me Under The Mistltoe
                    7. Winter Weather
                    8. Let It Snow Let It Snow
                    9. I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm
                    10. Brazilian Sleigh Bells
                    11. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
                    12. Jingle Bells
                    13. Happy New Year Baby
                    14. Santa Claus Got Stuck In My Chimney
                    15. Boogie Woogie Santa Claus
                    16. Merry Christmas Baby
                    17. Cool Yule
                    18. Zat You Santa Claus
                    19. Let It Snow Let It Snow
                    20. Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer Mambo
                    21. Ring Those Christmas Bells
                    22. White Christmas
                    23. Have Yourself A Merry Christmas
                    24. Jingle Bells
                    25. Twelve Days Of Christmas
                    26. Silent Night
                    27. The Christmas Song
                    28. Santa Claus Got Stuck In My Chimney
                    29. Winter Wonderland
                    30. The Lords Prayer
                    31. You Dont Have To Be A Santa Claus
                    32. I'll Be Home For Christmas
                    33. Silver Bells
                    34. Christmas Dreaming
                    35. Santa Baby Let It Snow Let It Snow
                    36. December
                    37. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
                    38. The Man With The Bag
                    39. We Wish You A Merry Christmas
                    40. Hello Mr Kringle
                    41. Rudolph The Red-nosed Reindeer
                    42. Silver Bells
                    43. Winter Weather
                    44. The Christmas Song
                    45. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
                    46. The Christmas Spell
                    47. Winter Wonderland
                    48. Frosty The Snowman
                    49. Mrs Santa Claus
                    50. Sleigh Ride
                    51. White Christmas
                    52. Suzy Snowflake
                    53. Have Yourself A Merry Christmas
                    54. Christmas In New Orleans
                    55. It's Christmas Time Again
                    56. A House With Love At Christmas
                    57. Jingle Bells
                    58. Winter Wonderland
                    59. What Are You Doing New Years Eve
                    60. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear Christmas Night In Harlem
                    61. Peace On Earth/ Silent Night

                    Album Description

                    3 CD set features Swingin' Christmas with 20 tracks, Christmas Stars with 20 tracks, & Merry Christmas with 23 tracks. Artists included are Louis Prima, Fats Waller, Peggy Lee, Gene Autry, Rosemary Clooney, Frank Sinatra, Glenn Miller, Louis Armstrong, Doris Day, Ella Fitzgerald, & many more. Music for the whole family! Three standard jewel cases housed in a slipcase. TIM. 2002.

                    Music Review:

                    1. It's Just Like Heaven
                    2. Jill Parr
                    3. Let's Stay Together
                    4. Lift up the Lord
                    5. Lifting the Spirit
                    6. Live to Die
                    7. Living with a God Complex
                    8. Meditations from Solitude
                    9. Mighty Warrior
                    10. Miracles

                    Music Review

                    Music Review