When he was growing up, Andrea Bocelli recalls finding inspiration in a favourite recording of sacred music performed by tenor legend Franco Corelli. Bocelli--who in the meantime has come to inspire millions of fiercely loyal fans himself--returns to the genre as the guiding theme of Sacred Arias, the release of which coincides with the first major English-language biography of the singer. ...
Pop music wise, Christmas is traditionally soundtracked by that "blimmin' Slade tune" and a host of even more irksome ditties. So, thank the Lord for Berry Gordy and his Hitsville roster, whose A Christmas Present From Motown Volume 1 features 18 soulful seasonal songs. Selections include traditional carols, Christmas evergreens and a smattering of specially written festive numbers, mostly ...