WINTER CAROLS

Blackmore's Night has struck gold once again with Winter Carols. Candace Night and Ritchie Blackmore and their troupe make beautiful music together. One of their niches is the old-fashioned traditional carols and some of their own nifty originals like "Winter (Basse Dance)" and "Christmas Eve" make this recording a very special holiday treat this year. The renaissance sound is all part of the Blackmore's Rainbow repertoire and Candace Night has the perfect high angelic voice to accompany Blackmore's folk and electric (although seldom) guitar journeys.

I feel in love with the music of Blackmore's Night all the way back to their first album and now this holiday gift just melted my heart and made me feel all warm and spiritual. I know it may sound all squishy and fluffy but it is true. This is one the best Christmas albums I have ever heard and it will remain one of my yearly favorites for years to come.

This particular promo copy gave me offerings of "Christmas Eve" the radio edit version and full version along with the full version of "Wish You Were Here," which is also part of the main album's sequence. I also received a promo copy for the album including four tracks and the video version of "Christmas Eve," which is as enchanting as the song itself.

This one is a real keeper so get it.