A Remaster worth listening to

"Christmas Time's A-Coming", in glorious four-part harmony launches this shimmering album, Emmylou's only Christmas release of her career. But what a legacy! With backup vocals thoughout by Linda Ronstadt, Neil Young, Dolly Parton, Vince Gill and others, and featuring the stand-out "Angel Eyes", this remaster - which includes three newly-recorded songs - is a welcome addition to any country-lover's Christmas CD collection.

Born is the King of Israel

This Christmas country classic has been enhanced by the addition of three tracks. Everything Emmylou touches turns to gold. She brings the same elegance and authenticity to Christmas that she always has to the varied genres her career encompassed.



The hopeful and uptempo Christmas Time's A Coming opens the album, the familiar Away In A Manger with its beautiful mandolin is straightforward but touching, whilst Angel Eyes is a sad slow ballad. Her voice really soars on The First Noel, while Little Drummer Boy gets a sensitive, graceful treatment. Perhaps it's childhood nostalgia, but her renditions of The First Noel and Star Of Bethlehem really stirred my soul.



Most of her best work has always been infused with a spiritual quality, and this is perfectly showcased on her deeply moving version of Silent Night. I was tempted to give this album only four stars since the albums Stumble Into Grace, Red Dirt Girl and Wrecking Ball have spoilt me. But I can't!



Light Of The Stable is a brilliant album that perfectly captures the moods of Christmas, with lovely instrumentation and vocals. The best of the new tracks are Cherry Tree Carol and the moving Man Is An Island, composed by the Canadian folk legends Kate and Anna McGarrigle. Once again, Emmylou provides the perfect soundtrack to Christmas. Born is the King of Israel!

Holdiay Classic Gets Even Better

While it is not being promoted as such, this is the 25th anniversary of the first release of this classic holiday album and it marks at least the third time this album has been repackaged, this time with three new recordings: "There's a Light," "Man Is an Island" and the traditional "Cherry Tree Carol."



This album actually has its origins dating back to 1975 when the title track was first recorded and released as a single. It established the blueprint for the remainder of the album: sparse instrumentation is employed throughout (on "Golden Cradle" Harris is backed only by an understated gut string guitar, and "The First Noel" is an a capella number where she is backed by the Whites), all instruments are acoustic, and the emphasis is placed squarely on Harris' angelic voice.



The musicians are from among the best in country music: Ricky Skaggs, Rodney Crowell, Hank DeVito and Emory Gordy Jr. Several tracks also feature autoharpist Brian Bowers to wonderful effect.



LIGHT OF THE STABLE has always been among my favorite Christmas albums, with this new Rhino repackaging it only got better. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED