Greatest Christmas Songs

by

Julie Andrews

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This is the album that Julie recorded in 1966 with Andre Previn as conductor and arranger, formerly entitled "A Christmas Treasure." It was first released as a $1.00 Christmas premium at Firestone tire stores in 1966, then released in record stores the following year on RCA. Julie was at the height of her popularity, and I heard the album played at every function and party in our small community that Christmas in 1966. The original LP and CD releases were both compressed and horribly distorted. This new version, however, is beautifully restored: crisp, spacious distortion-free sound. There's even a short instrumental interlude added back to "The Bells of Christmas" that has never been present on previous versions. The only negative thing that could be said about the album is the self-consciously artsy arrangements that keep the album from being as warm and Christmasy as it should have. However if you're a fan of Julie Andrews you MUST have this album--just avoid buying a copy of the older recording that is still available in some stores.

Back in the early 1960s when I was a kid, this was one of about 3 albums my parents owned. Back then, the album cover was pink with a red bow on it; I understand it could be purchased for $1 with a fill up at Firestone (so that's why we had it...). For many years, the sound of Christmas was the sound of Julie Andrews singing these carols. I was delighted to find it again. The sound quality of the CD is excellent and the songs bring back the memories. Anyone looking for a classy Christmas album with a nice assortment of more and less familiar carols will likely enjoy this classic Andrews collection.