John Denver: Rocky Mountain Christmas (Remastered + Expanded) CD Track Listing

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John Denver Rocky Mountain Christmas (Remastered + Expanded) (1975)
Rocky Mountain Christmas (Remastered + Expanded)\n\nOriginally Released August 1975\nRemastered RCA CD Edition Released August 25, 1998\nRemastered RCA CD Edition Released September 2003\nRemastered RCA/Legacy CD Edition Released August 23, 2005\n\nAMG EXPERT REVIEW: John Denver's music always had a warm, home-spun quality to it, so it isn't surprising that his 1975 holiday effort, Rocky Mountain Christmas, is a wonderfully low-key and friendly Christmas album. Divided between classic carols and new numbers, such as the fine "Aspenglow" and "Christmas for Cowboys," the album is an appealing, pretty record, perfect for late nights by the fireside. The 1998 CD reissue adds five bonus tracks: "Jingle Bells," "White Christmas," "The Music is You," "Perhaps Love," and "Dreamland Express." -- Rodney Batdorf \n\nAmazon.com Editorial Review\nJohn Denver's folk music couldn't hide the fact that he was a deeply spiritual man. The reverence with which he imbues Rocky Mt. Christmas is equally obvious, even when the songs have a more secular theme. The standards like "What Child Is This" and "Silent Night" are moving pieces of inspiration. However, "Please Daddy (Don't Get Drunk This Christmas)" is a painful inclusion, whether it's intended to be autobiographical or not. But hey, holiday memories aren't always happy ones. "Aspenglow" is Denver's tribute to his beloved Colorado, while his decision to throw in "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" seems to have been a perfunctory one. It's forgivable, though, especially after hearing his charm-laden "Christmas Song." --Steve Gdula \n \nHalf.com Album Notes\nThis 1998 reissue contains 5 bonus tracks (including the previously\nunreleased "White Christmas") not included on the original release.\nProducers: Milton Okun, John Denver, Barney Wycoff, Roger Nichols.\n\nIndustry Reviews\n[T]he lightness and purity of his tenor was always part of his charm.\n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nJohn Denver provides an ideal Christmas album for listening to in front of the fire, December 25, 2005\nReviewer: Lawrance M. Bernabo "The Al Gore, David Rice Atchison, Benjamin Harrison and/or Grover Cleveland of Amazon"\n \nThe songs on this album constitute a "Rocky Mountain Christmas" more because John Denver is singing them than because they are about the holidays in the high mountains. Only the opening track, "Aspenglow," would suggest the later, but I know I am not alone in associating Denver's music with that western mountain chain (I always listen to his first greatest hits album why driving through the Rockies). Besides that first track Denver also had a hand in writing "A Baby Just Like You" and the last three bonus tracks on the album, but the chief charm here is hearing songs like "Silver Bells" turned into John Denver songs. \n\n"Rocky Mountain Christmas" is ideal for quiet nights in front of the fire. Most of the songs rely on simple accompaniment by acoustic guitars, although sometimes an entire country band shows up for the likes of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and a harpsichord pops up as well. But clearly the effort here is to keep things simple. There is a nice trio of traditional carols in the middle of the album with "Away in a Manger," "What Child is This?" and "Coventry Carol," which makes up for having "Please Daddy (Don't Get Drunk This Christmas)" intruding in the lineup (for me it stands out like a sore thumb). Fortunately in between the two is Eric Weisberg's "Christmas for Cowboys," which serves as a nice transition. \n\nActually the songs that impressed me the most were the ones where Denver tackles something different, which would be "Coventry Carol" and "O Holy Night." The accompaniments are more formal and so is his singing, but still with his distinctive tenor voice. This is the 1998 reissue of the CD and as such adds five bonus tracks to make it even better: "Jingle Bells," "White Christmas," "The Music is You," "Perhaps Love," and "Dreamland Express." The last three are not exactly Christmas songs and give the end of the album a decidedly different feel, so you may actually just want the CD with 14 tracks and not this one with 17 (I do not believe you can get a CD with just the 12 tracks from the original album). Or else you can just program this one to end the way you want.\n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nJust like the LP, December 18, 2005\nReviewer: Sidney A. Meyer "treighnor" (Florida)\nApparently this album has been released in at least three different formats. One contains two extra tracks and another even more. Perhaps they are a better bargain and you get to hear more John Denver, but this CD remains true to the original album and concept. Somehow having tracks after "A Baby Just Like You" would spoil the album. This is typical Denver, reverent, irreverent, mellow, lively. John was a study in opposites. He blended folk with country and was the first artist to broaden the base of country music listeners. The current popularity of country music has much to owe John Denver. Before him, it had a much narrower following. "Aspenglow" is a lovely tune, one that I like to hear every Christmas, even though it is not traditional. The oddest track is "Please, Daddy, Don't Get Drunk this Christmas." Even more peculiar is the fact that I really like this track. It is certainly memorable, and in its way brings home the fact that not every child has a wonderful Christmas and perhaps we should all do more to make Christmas special for those that are less fortunate. All in all, this is a great album, especially if you love John Denver. It makes the season just a little more poignant.\n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nRocky Mountain Christmas, December 14, 2004\nReviewer: M. Jenkins (Houston, TX)\nWhen my parents moved from my childhood home into a new house, my mom stumbled across all of her old 8 tracks. In with it all was John Denver's Rocky Mountain Christmas. Since my mother has a birthday near Christmas, I surprised her with the CD. She was just as tickled pink as she was when she found the old 8 track. It was perfect for a woman who loved John Denver and his music. \n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nSweet Memories, November 22, 2004\nReviewer: Jeffrey Davis (Tallahassee, FL)\nThe music sends me years back to the feeling of Christmas when I was young. My parents had the original 8 track and played this while mom baked Christmas sweets in the kitchen and dad was outside placing lights and decorations on the house. For a CD to transport you back, to pull on some forgotten heartstrings long ago forgotten it must be a great buy. Makes me miss the simplicity of Christmas as a child but I look forward to sharing this music of a great artist for many years to come. \nBTW ....Yes "Please Daddy" is a downer of a song and kind of silly but I think John Denver was poking fun at the country genre that didn't fully accept him and his music at the time.\n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nWhy does his record label hate John Denver?, February 26, 2004\nReviewer: Stephen C. Peifer (Kenya)\nWhy would you put non Christmas songs on a CD? Have you read the liner notes to Spirit or An Evening with John Denver? He was such an important voice in American music, and his record company treats him so poorly. The liner notes are so poor and so dumb that it is hard for me to remember that Denver changed the face of music in his time. I just don't get it. Can someone get it together and treat the poor guy with some respect?\n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nA Masterpiece, December 31, 2003\nReviewer: Jeffrey LaBonte (Boston, MA)\nDespite the criticism from many, "Please Daddy..." is the reason I love this album. I grew up with my parents playing Denver year-round, but I always loved this album and long for that one song. As an adult, it seems "Please Daddy..." is more somber than its melody would imply, but it is still a classic to me. This album is such a far cry from the typical, syrupy vocals that the flavor-of-the-month pop stars put out year after year. This alone make the album a must-have.\n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nJohn Denver's perpetual and beautiful Christmas gift to us, September 6, 2003\nReviewer: Ms. Kathryn Lobert (Arlington, TX USA)\nIf you have ever heard John Denver, you know the clear beauty, joy, and wonder in his voice. Christmas music may be the best vehicle ever to highlight his amazing gift. We have been listening to this CD since it was an LP - and have NEVER tired of it. When the simplicity of the Christmas message is combined with the beauty and simplicity of John Denver's musical interpretation of the Christmas music, the season becomes that much more special.\n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nMakes even "Jingle Bells" an emotional experience., December 16, 2002\nReviewer: Neal Clark Reynolds (E. Taunton, MA United States)\nThis is a definitive Christmas album, all that such an album should be with several familiar favorites and several less heard or new ones.\nJohn Denver bridges the pop-folk-country boundaries and gives us good doses of each.\n\nHe opens with "Aspenglow", as typical Denver as you can get, and goes on with some familiar songs of the season, but also surprises us with new material. "Please Daddy, Don't Get Drunk This Christmas" delivered in a strong country manner certainly isn't something you'll find on your typical Christmas album. The way it's delivered, it sounds almost autobiographical, and it sure is a song to make a person think. \n\nHis original, "A Child Like You", is a real standout. Oh yes, that "Jingle Bells" delivered as an emotional, nostalgic ballad...\n\nTrust me, this is a Christmas CD you should have.\n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nGreat music from a great television special, November 24, 2002\nReviewer: Kent Taylor (Perkins, OK USA)\nI can't add much to the many complimentary reviews of this CD other than to point out that it is only part of the package. The television special, "John Denver's Rocky Mountain Christmas" aired around Christmas time of 1973 (or maybe'74). It featured a transparent dome in a snowy meadow up in the Rockies. Most of the songs were performed there in front of a live audience of friends and relatives. It even featured a few bits from a then quite young Steve Martin. There was lots of fantastic footage of the changing of the seasons in the Rockies and great snow and Christmas scenes throughout. The final section is a Christmas mini concert at night in a snow shower with everyone snug and warm in the dome that is glowing with Christmas lights. Pure magic! It was one of the most down-to-earth, purely honest Christmas specials I have ever seen. I remember it so well because I video taped it on an old (new then) reel to reel video tape recorder. I have since transfered it to VHS and watch it several times each Christmas season. I sure wish it would be re-released on DVD as the CD has been. See it if you can, but definitely buy the CD and hear it this Christmas.\n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nChristmas songs of the past, September 23, 2001\nReviewer: historyone "historyone" (Republic of Texas, USA)\nThis is an excellent CD and one of the best Christmas recordings made in the last 30 or so years. I remember watching John Denver's Christmas specials when I was a kid and I really enjoyed the Christmas Carols he sang on them. I was looking for a long time for his Christmas CD but wasn't able to find it. What a nice suprise it was when I was able to find it on here and I received it during the Christmas season. It really made the season more enjoyable and I was able to remember back to my Christmas's of youth. \nMy favorite song on the CD is "Coventry Carol" it is an old English Carol and has that feeling of being in London during the 18th or 19th century. Another favorite is "Oh Holy Night", and Denver sings it oustandingly. But every songs on this CD from "Aspenglow" to "Dreamland Express" are wonderful to listen to over and over again during the Christmas season.\n\nI highly recommend this CD to all who love good Christmas Carols and those who enjoy the singing voice of the late John Denver.\n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nThe Spirit of Christmas, December 1, 2000\nReviewer: A music fan\nAll I have to do is hear the first few notes of "Aspenglow" and I can see, smell, and feel every Christmas from my childhood. My parents played this album so often that it soon became mostly pops and scratches, but that didn't matter. Hearing John Denver's soft, warm voice wrap around these songs instantly reminded me of the peace and joy that Christmastime is really about. Give this album a listen, and get in touch with the spirit of Christmas.\n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nA Wonderful Christmas ALbum From John Denver!, August 21, 2000\nReviewer: Barron Laycock "Labradorman" (Temple, New Hampshire United States)\nThis wonderful album by John Denver is one of my favorite Christmas albums, and for good reason. The inimitable Mr Denver is in top form here, and his selection of songs and arrangements is perfect. Many of these songs are timeless, and a few like "Aspenglow" and "A Baby Just Like You" are very special songs written by John himself. Johns voice is in perfect pitch as he soars through "Silver Bells", "Away In A Manger", "Silent Night", and a breath-taking "Oh, Holy Night". He seems so very much at peace and happy as he sings all the songs on this album, and it is a comfort to those of us who considered him a special person and entertainer to still have him around with wonderful seasonal albums like this as well as all the more popular albums he left behind as his personal legacy to a grateful world. He has been gone for a few years now, but with albums like this to share with millions of kindred souls, John Denver will never be forgotten. Peace\n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nMy favorite Christmas Album..., December 23, 1999\nReviewer: A music fan\nThis album will always be my #1 Christmas album. I am not much of a country music fan, but this album is the one that I love with all my heart. It is different from any other Christmas album I have ever listened to over the years, and I crave it at this time of year like no other. There is something in his voice that inspires and moves me. Do yourself a favor and add this one to your playlist at Christmas. :)\n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nA Heart Warming CD, December 5, 1999\nReviewer: Susan K. Maloney "suemalo@aol.com" (Monmouth Junction, NJ United States)\nMy brother first introduced me to this album in 1978 and since then, listening to it has become a mainstay in our family at christmastime. My favorite track is Aspenglow, but all of the tracks are wonderful. I highly recommend this CD to anyone who appreciates fine holiday music. If you are a fan of John Denver, you will really love it!\n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nA great Christmas CD, October 13, 1999\nReviewer: A music fan\nI can only echo the opinions of the previous reviewers. This is a great Holiday album. I still have the LP, purchased back in the 70s. The best track in my opinion is "Christmas for Cowboys". The whole arrangement of the song seems to capture and convey the essence and loneliness of the cowboy life--driving the cattle on a cold Christmas Eve, the campfire, the stars overhead as christmas tree lights. A truly great song and arrangement. "Christmas for Cowboys" is one of my favorite Christmas songs. I highly recommend the entire album!\n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nSweet and moody, this is one of my favorite Christmas albums, September 22, 1998\nReviewer: A music fan\nI've always counted this as the cream of the crop of Denver albums. On the traditional songs, he gives each melody new life. I especially like his quiet "Silver Bells", punctuated by his understated guitar and distant jingle bells. Still, it's the original songs that stand out. My favorite is "Aspenglow," which interweaves guitars and homesick portraits of the good life in the mountains. John sings a lovely Christmas lullaby to his adopted son (just an infant at the time) in another song. "Please Daddy don't get drunk this Christmas" is included, and its sadness is diminished by the next song, a hopping version of "Rudolph the red nosed reindeer." This album has a lot of things to celebrate. 5 stars!
This blues cd contains 17 tracks and runs 42min 25sec.
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