In case you haven't already guessed, this acquisition is none other than "Caroling, Caroling" - the full, two-part version! (By the way, I got it off Amazon, and it looks like there are a couple tapes left.
I was actually going to start this thread a couple weeks ago, when I made this joyous order, but I decided to wait until it arrived. And then, tragedy of tragedies, I realized that I didn't have a cassette player, and, thus, no way to listen to it! That problem was solved today, when a little portable cassette player arrived in the mail from my loving parents.
...and, I suppose I should actually listen to this episode before starting this thread.
*saves text of post in secure location*
And... I've now listened to both versions, and have made detailed comparative notes:
The blue is what is exclusive to this version, the italicized parts are the songs, and the line in the middle is where side one ends.
Eugene's "Seasonal Felicitations" and Whit's solo of "White Christmas" are definitely highlights (Hal Smith has a good singing voice ), and I also liked Bernard and Eugene's interactions (they are at Bernard's house putting up lights, and Eugene is trying to program the lights). In "The Happy Christmas Comes Once More," Bernard actually sings along with the choir a little! Also, the only Barclay who makes an appearance is George. Finally, I think it's very fitting that the last song is "O Come, All Ye Faithful," as that song closed out "Gifts for Madge and Guy" also.
I would put this episode online if I could, but, alas, my cassette-to-CD converter is back in California. Nevertheless, I hope my OCD efforts made someone happy.
Finally, here is what I wrote in my AIO Episode Ratings spreadsheet for this episode (the || is the dividing line between what I wrote last year, and what I wrote just now, after today's listenings):
- A charming little episode, if you know ahead of time that it's basically just the singing of Christmas carols. Very pretty musical arrangements; the girl who sang the solo sounded a lot like the one who played Courtney. || *bumps rating up to 4* Wow, the full-length version is a lot longer - the whole middle part was cut out for album release! I'm so glad I have it! The songs are still beautiful; I don't think I'd ever heard "In a Manger He is Lying" before this episode, but I quite like it. (And that is Sara Buskirk/Courtney Vincent who had the "O Holy Night" solo). Eugene's "Seasonal Felicitations" and Whit's "White Christmas" were awesome additions, and I loved everything Bernard...and Eugene. I also thought it was very fitting to end with "O Come, All Ye Faithful," as that song closed out "Gifts for Madge and Guy" too. Finally, I found it interesting that the voice tracks and sound effects came out of one earphone, while the instrumental accompaniment came out of the other. I guess if I ever want to listen to the songs acappella, I can!
Good night, all!