Search - Al Martino [Capitol] :: Merry Christmas

A MOST MARVELOUS MARTINO

Alan W. Petrucelli | THE ENTERTAINMENT REPORT (ALAN W. PETRUCELLI) | 12/19/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of our favorite underrated vocalists only recorded a handful of albums, all out of print and all highly collectible. This Al Martino marvel was such a hit when released in 1964 that it soared to Billboard's Top 10 chart. One listen and you'll hear why: Italian charm, a caressing voice and phrasing that did --- and still does --- rival Frankie's."

Al's Merry Christmas can Melt a Secularist's Heart

Sponiatowski | Des Plaines, Il | 12/23/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Feeling nostalgic for the Christmas mood of my childhood, I bought up several CD's from the late 50's, 60's and early 70's here on Amazon. I almost passed on "Al Martino's Merry Christmas" because I already had purchased about 15 versions of 9 of the 10 songs listed, but the CD being a rarity (I knew no one else who had it) I added it to my shopping cart sure it would be a superfluous but nice addition to my Christmas Music collection. Boy was I wrong! I believe Al's versions of these Christmas Classics rank amongst the best versions of all time, and each and every one of them found their way right to the top of my favorites! The opening track, "You're All I Want for Christmas", is a song I know I've never heard before yet at the same time FEELS like I've heard it my entire life. A true find for those who want to bring back a Nostalgic Christmas when there WERE still Christmas songs we were hearing for the very first time. Next up are very good versions of "Rudolph" and "White Christmas", which, though very good, are the least memorable songs on this CD. But the four songs that follow are so spectacular in their execution that I found myself literally holding my breath as I listened to them. The Medley of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas/Silver Bells" has to be the DEFINITIVE version of "Silver Bells" ever released. Yup, here on Al Martino's album and not Frank Sinatra's, Bings, or any modern Christmas collection. THIS IS THE ONE THAT COUNTS! No other version will give you quite the same goosebumps or conjure the Christmas/Wintertime images. Then, lightening strikes again, and we're given the definitive version of "I'll be Home for Christmas". All other versions of this song have slipped from memory after one listening of Al's. He has the sort of voice which is both strong and smooth/mellow all at the same time and it has never been more effective than on this old war song about a soldier overseas missing his lover at Christmastime. Pure, unaffected schmaltz, but it's not hokey for a minute, it's all feels very real when Martino performs it. Al's version of "The Little Drummer Boy" is next and is among the finest ever with it's resounding drum and bass line. Only two contenders that come to mind for the top spot of this much loved tune are Anne Murray and Bing Crosby's version. The song next, "What Child is This", is once again, absolutely among the finest ever recorded, only Julie Andrew's is more mesmerizing, but Al's final chorus is actually more unique being both moving yet rousing at the same time, an odd but very brilliant and welcome contrast from the usual religiously sanctified versions. "Silent Night" "Oh Holy Night", and "Come All ye Faithful" close out the CD with seemingly "adequate" arrangements that can't quite live up to the excellence of the previous four songs but, it only seems that way. After comparing Al's versions of these songs to those of his competition: Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, or Mario Lanza, Al Martino does as excellent a job on these songs, his versions holding their own or surpassing Nat King Cole. But nothing can quite live up to those 4 songs, "Silver Bells" through "What Child is This" on any Chirstmas CD that I have. Now for the one sour note, this CD version closes with a rather tinny mix of the aforementioned "Silver Bells" minus "We Wish you a Merry Christmas" which does the song and performer an injustice. The sound quality lacks both depth and resonance. Something is wrong in the mix with the bass, and further releases should fix this version or leave it off the CD entirely. It ruins an otherwise superlative Christmas CD. So there it is, my choice for the best nostalgic Christmas Album of all time. Neither too fast nor too slow, neither too loud or too soft, not too schmaltzy or too indifferent and cold, Al Martino's Merry Christmas comes across as "just right" for that Silent Night in your Holiday Season and will be a welcome addition to any Christmas Music Collection. It'll move you with all the magic and wonder of your childhood, charging your emotions by tinkling the little bells that haven't wrung for you for a long while, bells that I had completely forgotten even existed and had ever rung at all. It was terrific to hear their sounds again! Truly, Al Martino's "Merry Christmas" is THAT MAGICAL and THAT GOOD for bringing back all that Christmas Magic with mile-a-minute memories and cheer. Please take my word for it, this is as essential to your Music Collection as Bing Crosby's White Christmas! May the smile that crosses your face while listening to it last you throughout the entire year."

The real deal!

Music lover | Brewster, NY | 12/19/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Who out there remembers the original, haunting "I'll Be Home For Christmas"? This is it -- the one our mothers' sang as they waited for our dads to return home from WWII. Still timely today. Sung by many others, there is just no equal to Al Martino's version. I searched long and far to find it!"