Merry Christmas Everyone

The Monkees sing a lovely rendition of Riu Chiu.

Merry Christmas to you.  Have a festive holiday and much peace and love.

A Spanish Carol (1550s)

The English Translation

Riu, riu, chiu... La guarda ribera Dios guarde el lobo De nuestra cordera. Refrain: Riu, riu, chiu... El lobo rabioso la quiso morder, Mas Dios poderoso la supo defender; Quisole hazer que no pudiesse pecar, Ni aun original esta Virgen no tuviera. Refrain: Riu, riu, chiu... Este qu'es nascido es el gran monarca, Cristo patriarca de carne vestido; Hanos redimido con se hazer chiquito, Aunqu'era infinito, finito se hizera. Refrain: Riu, riu, chiu... Muchas profecias lo han profetizado, Y aun en nuestros dias lo hemos alcancado. A Dios humanado vemos en el suelo Y al hombre nel cielo porqu'er le quisiera. Refrain: Riu, riu, chiu...

Refrain: Riu, riu, chiu (nightingale's sounds) The river bank protects it, As God kept the wolf from our lamb. Refrain: Riu, riu, chiu... The rabid wolf tried to bite her, But God Almighty knew how to defend her, He wished to create her impervious to sin, Nor was this maid to embody original sin. Refrain: Riu, riu, chiu... The newborn child is the mightiest monarch, Christ patriarchal invested with flesh. He made himself small and so redeemed us: He who was infinite became finite. Refrain: Riu, riu, chiu... Many prophecies told of his coming, And now in our days have we seen them fulfilled. God became man, on earth we behold him, And see man in heaven because he so willed. Refrain: Riu, riu, chiu...

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"There'll Always Be A Christmas," An Album Review

A classic Christmas album has been remastered and released as a CD.  It features The Ames Brothers, a popular 1950s quartet, singing in perfect harmony.  There are 12 songs and one bonus track.  And whether singing in close four part harmony, or taking solo turns, there is never a false note or arrangement.

The album is an enjoyable blend of religious and secular Christmas music. Listeners may not know all the songs, as some are not as familiar as, say, “Silent Night.”

Every track is fantastic. My favorites have changed over time. When I was a child, I loved “Silver Bells,” “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” and “C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S.” Now I'm partial to “O Holy Night,” “Good King Wenceslas” and “Go Tell It On The Mountain.” To be honest, it's hard deciding. There's not one mediocre song to skip over.

The backing orchestra, conducted by Sid Ramin, hits the right notes too. Lush strings and a festive brass section, in spots, adds to a majestic mood. But it's the gorgeous voices, which make this a standout Christmas album. If you hear the CD, chances are it will become a family favorite.

Joe (bass), Gene (2nd tenor), Vic (1st tenor) and Ed (lead)

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