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The full range of holiday emotions

01/19/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For people who grew up with the Walter Brennan Christmas album, it's indispensable. For years after my family's LP cracked from the edge to the center hole, we'd line up the break every Christmas and ignore the pops and skips. In spots, this can be a heart-wrenching listen. The poor guy tears up when he realizes none of his children are coming home to be with him and Ma. On another cut he chokes up alone because now Ma is gone, too. Later, he recalls how his father once pretended to kill the pet turkey before finishing with a happy ending. He tells inspiring stories of humble celebrations, full of thanks and recognition of the meaning of the season. If you're lucky you'll end up regarding these songs the way Brennan's story-teller regards the old-time Christmas stories he lives for during the holidays: "I love 'em. Every one". Old Rivers features similar music - at times you might think you're hearing the same tunes with different lyrics. That's okay. The stories are fun and Brennan's voice is irresistable."

OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS/DOWN HOME MUSIC

11/13/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"BACK IN THE EARLY 1960'S MY FAMILY HAD THE ORIGINAL WALTER BRENNAN CHRISTMAS ALBUM, SO I GREW UP LISTENING TO THAT ALBUM DURING THE HOLIDAYS. FOR SOME TIME, THIS ALBUM HAS BEEN OUT OF PRINT. I HAVE RECORDED THE ALBUM ON TO A CASSETTE, BUT AM DELIGHTED TO HAVE THIS ON CD. AFTER LOSING LOVED ONES DURING THE PAST YEARS, THIS CHRISTMAS CD BRINGS BACK A LOT OF WONDERFUL, HAPPY MEMORIES FOR ME AS MY FAMILY WOULD LOOK FORWARD TO GETTING "GRANDPA MCCOY'S" ALBUM OUT AND PLAYING IT YEAR AFTER YEAR. THE OLD RIVERS PORTION OF THE CD IS ALSO VERY GOOD. THIS IS A WONDERFUL, UNIQUE CD. SONE OF THE SONGS TELL STORIES FROM LONG AGO, AND HAVE SOME VERY HUMBLING MESSAGES. SOME OF THE SONGS HAVE "CATCHY" TUNES. THIS IS DEFINITELY A "5" STAR CD WHICH YOU WILL WANT TO PLAY YEAR AFTER YEAR."

Actually 10++ stars!

Movie and Music lover! | HOLLYWOOD, California | 12/10/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I can't imagine in our mtv, fast-paced world that Walter Brennan would get a record contract nowadays. That is a shame too, because his recordings are so timeless! I grew up listening to Walter Brennan, and hearing this cd puts a lump in my throat and brings tears to my eyes. I cannot even begin to list which tracks are my favorites because I love them all.



I wish Walter were still alive today. He sure would show some of the no-talent people out there (Britney) how to really entertain!



Thanks for the walk down memory lane Walter, and God Bless you."