[.ca] Light of the Stable (Expanded)

From Amazon.com:
First released in 1979, Light of the Stable has survived the passage of time and received much acclaim over the years. Updated in 2004 with three new tunes and insightful liner notes, its light now shines even brighter. A host of well-known voices and players join Harris on Christmas songs both familiar and unexpected. Among her guests are Dolly Parton, Rodney Crowell, Neil Young, Ricky Skaggs, James Burton, and Kate and Anna McGarrigle, the latter of whose lovely arrangements of the traditional "Cherry Tree Carol" and their own "Man Is an Island" are two of the bonus tracks. Given its history and craft, Light of the Stable is more than just a seasonal collection. In many ways, it's shaped the sound of country Christmas records for the 25 years since its original release--yet the warm glow of its own artistry has never wavered. Consider it a little masterpiece. --Martin Keller

Exquisite:
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!

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.

• Christmas Time's A Coming
• O Little Town of Bethleham
• Away in A Manger
• Angel Eyes
• The First Noel
• Beautiful Star of Bethleham
• Little Drummer Boy
• Golden Cradle
• Silent Night
• Light of the Stable
• There's a Light
• Cherry Tree Carol
• Man is an Island