Chip Davis's Mannheim Steamroller hasn't lost any ground in the six years since their last Yuletide offering. Christmas Extraordinare is another innovative and heartfelt collection of seasonal treasures played on a combination of 18th-century instruments and modern-day synthesizers, drums, and electric guitars. While not the first to marry different ages of musical instruments, Davis and his cohorts use them with imagination and an intensity that gives new life and drama to this rather inert genre. For material, Mannheim Steamroller asked their fans to choose their favorite holiday selections and vote on their Web site. The results of the poll are a fine mix of old and new--with slightly more emphasis on the modern--ranging from the bracing "Fum, Fum, Fum," a traditional Catalan carol, to Tchaikovsky's "Faeries" from The Nutcracker. Mannheim Steamroller imbues this beloved song with an almost militaristic edge, grounding it with an ominous tuba that gives the usually fey "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies" an edgy tension. "Winter Wonderland" is a spectacular work, bordering on prog rock, as if Emerson, Lake & Palmer had re-formed to whip up a winter blizzard gone amok. While most of the Mannheim Steamroller's Christmas albums are largely instrumental, Davis has employed the considerable talents of University of Michigan's Glee Club to sing on "O Tannenbaum," respectfully fading their elegant, full vocals around the pristine voice of Johnny Mathis, elevating this German carol to a cinematic peak. Don't miss out on the clever liner notes, which give the reader a whimsical, anecdotal history of the 12 songs. --Jaan Uhelszki

Customer Rating:
Summary: "Christmas Extraordinaire"
Comment: I was given this CD as a Xmas gift about seven years ago and absolutely love it. It is a favorite of mine next to the Amy Grant A Christmas Album. Those you who think it is boring don't know what you are missing. Awesome CD; puts you in the Christmas spirit.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Christmas Extraordinair
Comment: I bought this for my daughter for Christmas since I already had one. It is a great CD for Christmas.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: not your tradtiional Christmas music!
Comment: CD was in perfect condition!
music is great! Added a different touch to my Christmas collection.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: "Christmas Extraordinaire"
Comment: I purchased this CD for "Faeries" which I had heard on the radio...However, I find the whole CD has become one of my favorite Christmas albums. The Mannheim Steamroller's CD is truly 'extraordinaire'.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Mediocre
Comment: Excellent start with Hallelujah chorus and then fizzled after that with a few intermittent high points. I just did not like this particular package of songs. Too much new age sound toward the end. Wish I would have read the other reviews before purchase.

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