Context: A friend of mine asked me for a challenge: pick out six Christmas songs from my collection, and make a compilation with another six songs chosen by another friend of ours. This was my post to the Facebook note:
Unfortunately, some of my songs have crap videos. But oh well!
See, my taste with Xmas music is tradition and vocals. I really don’t like ” new” Christmas music with a few exceptions (the aforementioned McCartney song, for instance). The best of the best are classic songs, with powerful chord lines…or just plain cool.
It’s ironic because my stuff isn’t fresh – the latest song came out in the 80s. But they are good. Very good.
Here are my six songs out of my collections of crooners and acapella works. Feell the magic!
1. The Christmas Song, by Nat King Cole
This is the only acceptable version of the Christmas song. Seriously. This one is awesome, is heartfelt, and it doesn’t feel like he’s just singing a song to get money – he is the song.
2. Happy Xmas (War is Over) by John & Yoko and the Plastic Ono Band
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRBcwufAuQw
Best Christmas song done by a former Beatle, with the exception of Ringo’s upcoming cover of Lady Gaga’s “Christmas Tree” . My favorite Christmas song that’s relatively ” new” . Why? The children singing over John Lennon’s singing. It’s catchy and powerful.
3. Carol of the Bells by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir
The version of this song is slightly different – it has a Trans-siberian-esque opening. But this is a classic, and the classic Christmas motet. If you’re going to do the song, make it overly badass (like the Trans-siberian version) or make it acapella and just plain sinister and awesome in a way.
4. Grown-Up Christmas List by Amy Grant
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmF2rsDHOZc
Stop laughing at me. It has a good message, especially coming from a singer who was at this point in her career was only sold in Lifeway Christian stores. Sorry of the overly-sentimental music video that features Children.
5.Jingle Bells by Bing Crosby and possibly Frank Sinatra
Unfortunately, the only thing I can find on Youtube is the version with the Andrews Sisters instead of a pre-Rat Pack Sinatra, and I’m not even sure Frank Sinatra is in it. It comes from a CD where they both sing different songs, so it’s possible. My version is better then this version, so hah, Youtube, I best you.
Anyways, it’s a fun, very fun version of Jingle Bells because it sounds like it came out of a New Orleans Jazz Band, especially near the end. I love that trumpet. Best trumpet solo ever in a Christmas song.
6. O Holy Night by Nat King Cole
This is my favorite song, of any song. It gives me goosebumps every time I listen to it, and is one of the best renditions of O Holy Night I have ever heard. Yes, it’s a Christian song, but I don’t care. I love, love, love, love it.
BONUS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3HkUKoGoc4
????
