The King's Singers: The King's Christmas

Originally made for British television, this half-hour Christmas special with the King's Singers is an enjoyable alternative to the traditional Christmas carol collections. Filmed at the historic 18th-century Harewood House in Yorkshire, the program features ten tunes, in a wide range of styles, including "Jingle Bells," "The Stately Homes of England," "Carol Singers," "The King Singer's Rag," the lovely "Sing O' The Wild Wood," "Short People," and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." Although the tape has a bit of that washed-out shot for TV video look to it, most people (especially died-in-the-wool Anglophiles) won't notice. Recorded in Hi-Fi, the sound is crisp, the settings nice to look at, and the humor of the King's Singers a real joy. Recommended. (Available from most distributors.)