Sounds of the season

One of my favorite things about the Christmas season is the music. I really love the music -- especially the stuff that's been with me for years. I have tapes of the albums we listened to when I was a kid, and those are the ones that truly put me in the Christmas spirit. They are tradition.  Sleigh Ride only sounds right to me when played by a full orchestra! And when I hear Perry Como, this is the picture I see in my head. A classic!

A couple years ago I was thrilled when I happened upon a James Taylor Christmas CD at a Hallmark store. It was supposedly his first Christmas CD, and it was being carried exclusively by Hallmark. I was thrilled because I have a sister who doesn't have extensive musical interests, but she really likes James Taylor. So I figured I'd hit the jackpot. The Perfect Gift. ...Til she opened it on Christmas day and I found out she'd bought it for herself. Of course she did! What was I thinking? I see that JT has another Christmas CD out now, but I won't be buying it for my sis as she no doubt was at the front of the line the day it was released. Besides, I think the picture's a little creepy -- is it just me or does JT look like he's entered the witness protection program? But I'm sure the music's great.

One of my faves in my high school and college years was this Carpenters album. I just couldn't get enough of it. Frankly, I never get tired of Karen Carpenter's amazing voice, and the arrangements on this album are fantastic -- thanks to Richard. My younger sis and I would put the arm over on the record player, so it would play over and over and over in the college dorm where we lived. And we'd sing every stinking song, ad nauseum. Our roommates put up with a lot of Karen and Richard every year!

I got myself a new Christmas CD this year, and it arrived yesterday. I've only played it once so far, but I feel like I should be shopping or wrapping or baking while it plays. You'll laugh, but I bought a Clay Aiken Christmas album. It's the first anything of his that I've bought. He really does have a great voice and does a really nice job with these tunes.

The most unique Christmas album I've ever owned would have to be Christmas with the Brady Bunch. That was a biggie back in the day...  Marcia and Greg were actually pretty good, and I seem to recall enjoying Jan on The Little Drummer Boy.  And Cindy was all cute and lispy on Frosty the Snowman. I think this one is rotting away in the attic...

How about you? What are your favorites? What album/CD is tradition for you?
 

Comments

[nat]

My tradition is that I purchase one new Christmas cd every year, and I have YET to pick one for this year. (I think it's going to be Sarah McLachlan, though!)

That Carpenters one is excellent, though. Ohh, the memories! And I love The Trans-Siberian Orchestra's The Lost Christmas Ever, with that rockin' "Wizards IN Winter" tune!

[caltechgirl]

My new album this year is Sarah's Wintersong, and it is FABULOUS.

My two favorite Christmas albums are Johnny Mathis (with Percy Faith and his orchestra) "Merry Christmas", and Barenaked Ladies "Barenaked for the Holidays" (how can you not love an album that includes the lost Batman verse of Jingle Bells....)

[Suzanne]

Merry Christmas with Johnny Mathis is my absolute favorite. In fact, I'm listening to it right now!

[Em]

Just got the JT and the Sarah McLaughlin CD's..both are excellent. Some other faves...Transiberian Orchestra, The Roaches, The Chenille Sisters. Odd favorite...Muppets with John Denver.

[Teena]

Hi! I'm here via Blog Fodder!

I don't have a fav album. We have digital cable and they plan non-stop Christmas music during the month of December. It's great!

[Marie]

Oooh! Johnny Mathis. Can't go wrong there! I bet that Sarah CD is great... I love The John Denver/Muppets one too! I have that on tape.

[raehan]

I don't have a fsvorite. I just like the classics sung well.

Btw, I'm going to see JT live in February.

[Marie]

Cool Raehan! I've never seen him in concert (of course my sis has...). I bet it'll be a great show.

[Wisconsin Karen]

Hi Marie! I too have a Christmas-themed post! A Charlie Brown Christmas is my all-time favorite, but I also love The Carpenters. And since I grew up in the 70s, I'm sure I'd love the Brady Bunch. Thanks for the memory blast!

Michele sent me today. Have a great weekend!

[InterstellarLass]

Harry Connick Jr's 'Harry for the Holidays'. That voice. Ahhhh.