Actually Mike, I inserted a picture of the artwork myself for folks who were not familiar with the original 1964 LP.

However, I have never seen a case yet where Collector's Choice did not include the original album artwork with one of their exclusive reissue CDs. I think they make it a prerequisite in their contract negotiations with the record companies.

Since the 12 tracks of the original 1964 LP are the first 12 tracks on this new CD -- and in the same original order, coupled with the fact that Collector's Choice Music has always used the original album artwork for their exclusive CD reissues (including the upcoming Hollyridge Strings CD), it seemed a given to me that they would use the original album artwork for this Doris Day CD as well.

However, because Gordon Anderson implied but never really specifically said they would be using the original artwork, I thought I'd ask him about it to eliminate any uncertainty -- and I have to say that I was surprised at the answer, and quite frankly, not very happy about it.

It's basically a proverbial case of good news and bad news:

The good news is that yes, they will be using the original album artwork. But hold on, the bad news is that it will be included on the inside of the CD! -- I mean, you've really got to be kidding.

Here's the bottom line: if indeed the final CD that's issued is as described on the promo that Gordon Anderson sent me (which has the 12 tracks of the original '64 LP as the first 12 tracks on the CD), then there is no two ways about it, this CD is a reissue of "The Doris Day Christmas Album" with bonus tracks; therefore, it should have had the original artwork on the outside -- not inside. Conversely, if the songs were randomly scattered throughout the CD, then it would be fair to describe the CD as a compilation and a change of the title and artwork would be justified.

Here's the problem, and it's the same problem that Stu Phillips himself alluded to when I asked him about why Collector's Choice feels there is a need to remix his Hollyridge Strings album, but it also applies to why they feel they need to update the cover artwork for the Doris Day CD. Here's what he said:

"It seems that all the record companies think that they have to better what was done before."

For me, and other collectors and connoisseurs of Christmas music on this board who are sticklers for the original, this attitude really sticks in our craw.

Oy vey...

No, you did not understand...

I was not taking issue with your opinion of the new picture, but rather when you said this:

"Maybe they can offer both covers, or give people who order from them the option of having the original one. Some DVDs have done this."

Since you implied by your comments about the music that you had this CD it didn't make any sense, as the original artwork is included on the inside.

I noticed that Amazon has a listing for what looks like a reissue of the Doris Day Complete Christmas Collection CD that Collectors' Choice originally released in 2008.  The new CD is from Real Gone Music and has a release date of October 30, 2012.  Amazon shows the same track list as the 2008 release, but who knows if that is accurate.  Has anyone heard anything about it?