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Product Description
Review
Portland’s eclectic 12-piece ‘little orchestra’ have always teetered between sincere affection for the diverse range of music they mine, and an undeniable penchant for retro kitsch. So it’s no surprise that their fifth release turns out to be a full-blown Christmas album. Or, as the press release puts it, a "non-denominational and inclusive holiday album", consisting of (mostly) well-known Christmas and other festive songs from around the world. Since they have famously multi-lingual singer China Forbes, there’s no real need for guests, though that doesn’t stop them roping in quite a few. The concept seems tailor-made for this group, and indeed fits them pretty much like a glove.
They like White Christmas so much they do it twice, first with Forbes giving her best Julie London impression over Dan Faehnle’s jazzy guitar sketches. Then there’s a surprising lovely version in Japanese by Saori Yuki ("the Barbara Streisand of Japan") backed by the crooning of The Pacific Youth Choir, who also appear on the suitably frosty-sounding Shchedryk (Ukrainian Bell Carol).
The hilarious Santa Baby has been done by everyone from Madonna to Taylor Swift, though none has ever matched the late, great Eartha Kitt’s camp proto-bling version, and Pink Martini wisely don’t stray far from it. However, Auld Lang Syne gets a lively samba overhaul, with verses in English, French and Arabic, while We Three Kings has an understated Afrobeat flavour, and both work surprisingly well.
It’s unlikely the world needs any more covers of Little Drummer Boy, and the reverent Hebrew prayer Elohai, N’tzor and the Chinese language Congratulations – A Happy New Year Song sit a little awkwardly with some of the more comic moments. The only original composition is A Snowglobe Christmas – co-written by Forbes and Pink Martini founder Thomas M. Lauderdale – and it slips seamlessly into the flow.
Of course, the arrangements and winter wonderland production aesthetics are immaculate throughout, with Lauderdale’s versatile piano skills especially noteworthy. It’s hard to decide how much of it is tongue-in-cheek, and the feeling that Pink Martini are ever so gently pulling your leg is never far away. But that shouldn’t spoil the (sleigh) ride.
--Jon Lusk
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CD Description
According to the band, Joy to the World is a "non denominational and inclusive holiday album featuring festive seasonal music from around the world". The album features fourteen songs, including "White Christmas" in Japanese, "Carol of the Bells" in the original Ukranian and a Fela-inspired version of "We Three Kings", as well as the single "Snowglobe".
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
21 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
In true traditional Pink Martini style, they have produced this wonderful Christmas album which transports me back to a different era. The album features festive songs from around the world, singing them not only in English, but different languages.
I also love the 3D album artwork which is of a city at Christmas-time, with snowflakes in the background. Would make a lovely Christmas pressie for someone!
I will definitely be playing this non-stop in the run up to Christmas. It really gets you into the Christmas spirit and warms the cockles of your heart!
I also love the 3D album artwork which is of a city at Christmas-time, with snowflakes in the background. Would make a lovely Christmas pressie for someone!
I will definitely be playing this non-stop in the run up to Christmas. It really gets you into the Christmas spirit and warms the cockles of your heart!
10 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Because I'm a real Pink Martini fan, I was looking forward to this album for months. I ordered two copies, one for my mum as a christmas gift and one for myself because you just can't go wrong with a Pink Martini album! The album is great to give away, because of the beautiful artwork and of course the fantastic songs.
The album has some christmas songs you probably already know, but with the undeniable Pink Martini twist, which just makes you wanna dance to them.
As always they also have some surprising songs in other languages, of which no. 5: Elohai, N'tzor is a true gem.
So, if you buy only one Christmas album this year, let it be this one, you will listen to it over and over again!
The album has some christmas songs you probably already know, but with the undeniable Pink Martini twist, which just makes you wanna dance to them.
As always they also have some surprising songs in other languages, of which no. 5: Elohai, N'tzor is a true gem.
So, if you buy only one Christmas album this year, let it be this one, you will listen to it over and over again!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Although it's obvious when you see the track listing, I didn't realise this was a christmas album and thought it was just the latest studio album. From that perspective it's a bit cheesy as anything for christmas by definition has to be. So if you're a Pink Martini fan and you want their own original material this may not be what you want.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
SIPPED THE MARTINI
WHAT A FANTASTIC ENSEMBLE OF MUSICIANS. COUPLED WITH THE PUPPINI SISTERS CHRISTMAS CD I AM SURE THAT THESE WILL BE PLAYED UNTIL THEY ARE WORN OUT!!! Read more
Published 6 months ago by Mr. Christopher Morton
joy to the world get's you in to the season spirit with a smile
I'm a fan of Pink Martini, the combination of different songs
in different languages funny or sad, they always seem to fit together.
I like this CD too. Read more
in different languages funny or sad, they always seem to fit together.
I like this CD too. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Gwen42
Fabulous, festive and fun!
I have only recently discovered this band so, as it was approaching Christmas, I decided to start with this cd. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Vie
Joy to the World - Pink Martini
Enjoyable album from Pink Martini with seasonal theme. High standard of musicianship and China's beautiful voice make this well worth the purchase. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Steve
Great cd, shame about the delivery
Great CD.
Ordered in plenty of time for a Christmas present, but Amazon did not deliver until after Christmas. Will have to think long and hard before using Amazon again !
Ordered in plenty of time for a Christmas present, but Amazon did not deliver until after Christmas. Will have to think long and hard before using Amazon again !
Published 16 months ago by Disappointed
The best Christmas album ever?
Absolutely gorgeous. As you would expect, an intriguing mixture of new arrangements of the familiar and new discoveries. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Nick Looker
Chill-out Xmas!
If you're familiar with previous Pink Martini albums, you'll already be aware of their penchant for singing in multiple languages and adopting different musical styles, and will... Read more
Published 17 months ago by RSM
Christmas wonderland
This album certainly brings joy to the world with the crystal clear singing voice of China Forbes.An album to be treasured and played for many Christmas to come. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Pinkmartinifan
Superb Album
An other brilliant album from Pink Martini. Goes well with Xmas song collection!!! Lovely CD Packaging like a small cut-out town.
Published 17 months ago by SprKKK
joy to the world by pink martini
excellent as usual however, a couple of pieces seemed a bit out of tune in terms of harmonies. not sure if it's meant to sound like that or not.
Published 17 months ago by suzi lyse
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