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Fracktured
12-16-2012, 08:19 PM
It wouldn't feel like Christmas to me without music. I have been playing Bach's Christmas Oratorio every year now for the last 30 years +. It just says Christmas to me. Other's are Vince Guaraldi's Charlie Brown Christmas, Jon Anderson's 3 Ships, Jethro Tull's Christmas Album, (although I have to hear the original Christmas Song that appeared on the Living in the Past album) Steve Lukather's Santa Mental. Greg Lake's song of course.

polmico
12-16-2012, 08:33 PM
Mitch Miller always does it for me. My Dad made a tape years ago from his LP. The tape ran out in the middle of "Silver Bells." He put the tape onto a CD for me complete with the tape running out.

80s were ok
12-16-2012, 08:39 PM
A Trans-siberian Orchestra concert is a tradition for me these days, cheese and all. This year at least they didn't play the first album for the first time since '99.

Progatron
12-16-2012, 08:56 PM
Jethro Tull Christmas Album has been a Christmas morning tradition since it was released. My wife and I listen to it while we open our stockings, drink our Bailey's coffees and she makes eggs benedict (on homemade carrot muffins). Yes, we need a nap at some point in the afternoon. :p

Other favourites include Marillion's beautiful version of "Gabriel's Message", and as of last year and this year, the Neal Morse "Proggy Christmas" albums. Lots of classical music at this time of year too, and the usual carols (I prefer the more somber and serious Christmas carols for some reason - give me "O Holy Night", "What Child Is This" or "The Little Drummer Boy" as opposed to "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree").

As for Trans-Siberian Orchestra, I quite like several of their holiday tunes, including that overplayed "Canon In D" hybrid track.

Scott Bails
12-16-2012, 09:50 PM
I'm a Christmas music freak - I love it.

However, I never play it before Black Friday, and by the time New Year's comes around, I'm sick of it. But for that period, I listen to it constantly.

The last few years I've made "Christmas Mix CDs" as gifts for all of my co-workers and family members, etc. It's a great little gift that's fun to create and also encourages others to listen to music that I like. ;)

UnephenStephen
12-16-2012, 10:13 PM
i have a few albums that i play every year one of which is a Charlie Brown Xmas (which i just discovered 2 yrs ago thx to this forum). others are Herb Alpert, Frank Sinatra, Winter Solstice IV (new age - Windham Hill), Amy Grant.

my favorite rendition of Let it Snow..

http://youtu.be/mHra-PJHcNk

Winter Wonderland..

http://youtu.be/sx09UOnQbBQ

My Favorite Things..

http://youtu.be/NQoZJLy8utw

UnephenStephen
12-16-2012, 10:18 PM
Carol of the Bells..

http://youtu.be/UGIcxOY-wSg

Crystal Palace..

http://youtu.be/PUaOV9bZyDg

one of the more beautiful winter songs i've ever heard..

http://youtu.be/wek8Ed7zs6I

UnephenStephen
12-16-2012, 10:24 PM
Jingle Bells..

http://youtu.be/wjcQ_AuMSvU

another beautiful tune..

http://youtu.be/oecH-V9RkQg

UnephenStephen
12-16-2012, 10:27 PM
I'm a Christmas music freak - I love it.

However, I never play it before Black Friday, and by the time New Year's comes around, I'm sick of it. But for that period, I listen to it constantly.same here except i lose interest immediately after Xmas day.

Scott Bails
12-16-2012, 10:55 PM
That Amy Grant song is one of my all-time faves.

meimjustalawnmower
12-16-2012, 11:11 PM
For many years I made it a point to buy one or two Christmas albums each year. Of course I have all of the standards, but I enjoy searching out the unusual.
My favorites, however, remain unchanged...

The Ventures' Christmas Album
A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Vince Guaraldi - A Charlie Brown Christmas
The Beach Boys Christmas Album
Mahalia Jackson - Silent Night

These are what we play while trimming the tree.

Scott Bails
12-16-2012, 11:14 PM
That Phil Spector record is an absolute classic.

prglvr
12-16-2012, 11:36 PM
George Winston's December album...this gets a LOT of heavy play. My IPod holiday playlist has a lot of old and new songs on it...everything from Arthur Godfrey, Jim Nabors, and Dean Martin to Jethro Tull and Jon Anderson.

Trane
12-17-2012, 05:39 AM
It wouldn't feel like Christmas to me without music. I have been playing Bach's Christmas Oratorio every year now for the last 30 years +. It just says Christmas to me. Other's are Vince Guaraldi's Charlie Brown Christmas, Jon Anderson's 3 Ships, Jethro Tull's Christmas Album, (although I have to hear the original Christmas Song that appeared on the Living in the Past album) Steve Lukather's Santa Mental. Greg Lake's song of course.

As an atheist, I have no problem with X-mas in itself.... though that pagan/commericial feast is way over-rated, I'll more or less oblige for the people around me.... which are rather grateful for me doing so (since they know what I think of it) and are careful not to overdo it...



However, the most annoying side to it is definitely the music and the movies that come with it ...

I find x-mas mùsic even more annoying the country music... though I'll admit that Bach's piece that you mention is indeed nice

PeterG
12-17-2012, 05:59 AM
I hate with a vengeance pop, rock, jazz versions of traditonal christmas carols, psalms and classical pieces.
I have no problem however with original pop/rock xmas tunes.

helicase
12-17-2012, 07:48 AM
One of the most popular christmas songs here in the Netherlands, by a Dutch comedian, is also one of the strangest you're ever likely to hear. It tells about a boy who is looking for his pet rabbit a few days before christmas. He asks his dad where the rabbit is. His dad says he doesn't know, but he mustn't go looking in the shed. Then for dinner on christmas day they're eating... rabbit. The boy's obviously very upset when he realises which rabbit it is. The next day his mum asks the boy where his dad is. He says she mustn't go looking in the shed... :O So much for peace and love at christmas.

Scott Bails
12-17-2012, 08:58 AM
That's.....disturbing.

Nearfest2
12-17-2012, 09:20 AM
I have a mix of about 40 "rock" Christmas songs that I made back in 1999. It's my go-to collection for this time of year. I also like to spin the old Ray Conniff Christmas albums, Sarah McLachlan, CGT, Vince Guaraldi ,and even the Muppets with John Denver. I also just got a new Christmas album my Mindy Smith. Gorgeous voice.

PeterG
12-17-2012, 10:49 AM
One of the most popular christmas songs here in the Netherlands, by a Dutch comedian, is also one of the strangest you're ever likely to hear. It tells about a boy who is looking for his pet rabbit a few days before christmas. He asks his dad where the rabbit is. His dad says he doesn't know, but he mustn't go looking in the shed. Then for dinner on christmas day they're eating... rabbit. The boy's obviously very upset when he realises which rabbit it is. The next day his mum asks the boy where his dad is. He says she mustn't go looking in the shed... :O So much for peace and love at christmas.
You sure that's not a halloween song! :)

ItalProgRules
12-17-2012, 11:08 AM
You mean there's anything other than Vince Guaraldi? ;)

Wisdomview
12-17-2012, 12:15 PM
For many years I made it a point to buy one or two Christmas albums each year. Of course I have all of the standards, but I enjoy searching out the unusual.
My favorites, however, remain unchanged...

The Ventures' Christmas Album
A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Vince Guaraldi - A Charlie Brown Christmas
The Beach Boys Christmas Album


Those are my favorites as well, along with A Rat Pack Christmas comp and an Elvis Christmas comp.

tom unbound
12-17-2012, 07:00 PM
"Santa's In The Slammer"


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcIMiqaMXJg

:rofl Plook all the rest, this is the only one I play these days. :rofl :rofl

Cuz
12-18-2012, 09:17 AM
Love Christmas music. Once the tree goes up, music is played every night during dinner. My absolute favorites:

Phil Spector's Christmas
Elvis
Ray Conniff Singers

Others Christmas music that I like is Perry Como and Frank Sinatra.

markwoll
12-18-2012, 09:48 AM
Back in the 60's my dad bought a Firestone Christmas album every year.
A collection of pop singers/crooners doing the favorites.
Just a fond memory.

One year back in the late 80's/early 90's I took my (soon to be) wife to a Mannheim Steamroller Christmas show.
Wow, what a load of cheese.

Later, in the 90's we saw a Christmas show with John Denver and the NSO at DAR Constitution Hall.
I was ready for cheese, but was pleasantly surprised when it turned out to be a lovely, really nice show.

It's time to break out George Winston's "December" for some background sounds.

mark

Progbear
12-18-2012, 03:35 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eql1FdlWwiY

-------------
MIKE (a.k.a. "Progbear")

"Siento que debemos saber para el sueño de quién brillará esta luz
o consagrar una propia estrella" --Alberto Felici

N.P.:“I Try”-Pancake/No Illusions

Hal...
12-21-2012, 07:52 PM
Sorry I'm a little late to the party...

Count me as one who loves Christmas music, but I've only been enjoying - or revisiting - it for just a few years now. The first reason is that, as PeterG stated, "I hate with a vengeance pop, rock, jazz versions of traditional Christmas carols, psalms and classical pieces," although I've heard a jazz version or two that I kinda liked. I also really dislike modern versions of carols. Too many newer singers (from about 1978 on) have to "make it their own" and they ruin it. :meh

Another reason is because it's only been in the past few years that I could find a single song by a particular artist, either what is or what I consider to be the definitive version (either who recorded it first or the first version I heard as a child). By doing that, I've been able to make a couple of mix CDs of all my favorites. I only lack 4, primarily due to procrastination: Judy Garland's "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas", Vince Guaraldi's "Christmas Time is Here" (vocal version), and versions of "Carol of the Bells" and "Silver Bells" that are better than what I have.

There are 2 anothers I lack, but that's because one is so specific I can't find it: "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" - sung by a men's choir. I heard that version as a kid and it blew me away. The other just doesn't exist: the Boston Pops' version of "Winter Wonderland" with lyrics.

I have, however, discovered some newer versions that are so good I actually included them in my mix:

"O Come, O Come Emmanuel" from Linda Ronstadt's Christmas album. The thing is, it's not Linda solo, she's part of a women's choir and they sing without accompaniment! It's probably the most beautiful version of any carol I've ever heard!
"Snowfall" by Manhattan Transfer. Very peaceful and zen-ish.
"Christmas Time is Here" by Diana Krall. Also, "Christmas Time is Here" sung by Sarah McLachlan and accompanied by Diana Krall. Of the two, I couldn't pick just one because, while I think Diana sings it better, Diana's playing is better in Sarah's version. Go figure. lol
Billy Gilman and Charlotte Church's version of "Sleigh Ride" is almost cheesy, but it has so much energy and joy that I can overlook it.

Some others you may have not heard but should search out:

"Toyland" by Perry Como
"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" by Andy Williams
"Some Children See Him" by Andy Williams
"What Child is This" by John Denver
"Our First Christmas" by Maureen McGovern (pretty jazzy)
"Christmas Is..." by Jack Jones
"We Wish You the Merriest" by Frank Sinatra & Bing Crosby (swingin'!)
And the creme de la creme: "Christmas Is Now Drawing Near At Hand" by Steve Winwood. It's an old, traditional English carol and it sounds like it. I believe Steve accompanies himself on piano, and there's some synth in there, but it's very subtle. The song is absolutely incredible. It, and Linda Ronstadt's "...Emmanuel", are the only carols I've heard that make me wish I wasn't a deist. :lol






http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fsqk9FOBtuo



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNQFr0xffjo Lyrics below:



Christmas is now drawing near at hand
Come serve the Lord and be at His command
And God a portion for you will provide
And give a blessing to your soul besides

Down in the garden where flowers grow in ranks
Down on your bended knees and give the Lord thanks
Down on your knees and pray both night and day
Heave off your sins and live upright I pray

So proud and lofty is some sort of sin
Which many take delight and pleasure in
Whose conversation God doth much dislike
And yet He shakes His sword before He strikes

So proud and lofty do some people go
Dressing themselves like players in the show
They patch and paint and dress with idle stuff
As if God had not made them fine enough

Even little children learn to curse and swear
And can't recite one word of Godly prayer
Oh teach them better, teach them to rely
On Christ, the sinner's friend, who reigns on high

Fracktured
12-22-2012, 06:35 PM
"O Come, O Come Emmanuel" from Linda Ronstadt's Christmas album.

Have you heard Enya'a version of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" It's hauntingly beautiful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPHh3nMMu-I

Homburg
12-23-2012, 11:49 AM
'Father Christmas' by The Kinks is an underrated seasonal classic.

Slade's 'Merry Christmas Everybody' is played as often as any carol in Britain, but it is a great song by a great band. Also from 1973 and still perennially popular here is Wizard's 'I Wish It could Be Christmas Everyday' - a good song by a good band, although I certainly do not share the wish.

'Silent Night' by The Dickies.

I don't like Tull's 'Christmas Song', but I like to play 'Solstice Bells' on 21 Dec.

Homburg
12-23-2012, 11:52 AM
Oh, and this masterpiece album from last year by Emmy the Great and Tim Wheeler:

http://www.thisischristmasalbum.com/

Hal...
12-23-2012, 11:53 AM
Have you heard Enya'a version of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" It's hauntingly beautiful.You're right, it is! Still like Ronstadt's version better, though.

Firth
12-23-2012, 04:36 PM
I'm sure some will think this group is hokey, but the production and vocals are pure Americana beauty
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4iF2hz5e94

Progbear
12-24-2012, 01:42 AM
Also from 1973 and still perennially popular here is Wizard's 'I Wish It could Be Christmas Everyday' - a good song by a good band, although I certainly do not share the wish.

Maybe this song features a sentiment closer to yours:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rd6sOaHX0W8

-------------
MIKE (a.k.a. "Progbear")

‘“What blow, Goblin?” said Corinius.’ --E. R. Eddison

N.P.:“War ein früher Traum”-Electra/Ein Tag wie eine Brücke

Progbear
12-24-2012, 01:51 AM
Une plus belle chanson francophone pour la saison:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybAwYUYkiyg

-------------
MIKE (a.k.a. "Progbear")

‘“What blow, Goblin?” said Corinius.’ --E. R. Eddison

N.P.:“Wettkampf”-Electra/Ein Tag wie eine Brücke

Homburg
12-24-2012, 07:46 AM
Maybe this song features a sentiment closer to yours:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rd6sOaHX0W8

Yes, a good song by one of my favourite bands - interesting to hear this 'live studio' version. Not really appropriate on Dec 25, but can be a consoling throughout the rest of the year!

Oh Christmas is not that bad, but once a year is sufficiently often.

Have fun everybody!

Mr. Grizzly Bear
12-24-2012, 09:05 AM
Vince Guaraldi - Charlie Brown Christmas is a must hear for me!

Guitarplyrjvb
12-24-2012, 01:40 PM
My wife and I decided a couple of years ago to change our annual Christmas card mailing and replace it with an annual Christmas song that we both record in my home studio and send out to our friends. My wife's not really a musician, but she has taken up the flute again after playing 2nd chair in middle school as an effort to "exercise the mind"!

This year we did John Lennon's Happy Christmas. You can downlload it here:

http://soundcloud.com/guitarplyrjvb/happy-christmas

Last year's tune was Emerson Lake and Palmer's "I Believe in Father Christmas". That one can be downloaded here:

http://soundcloud.com/guitarplyrjvb/joe-diane-father-christmas

Next year, I think I'm going to try and work up the "Wha who dor eee".... song from the Grinch!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

No Pride
12-24-2012, 01:52 PM
The handful of Christmas albums I have and enjoy:

Take 6 - He is Christmas
Take 6 - We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Tuck Andress - Hymns, Carols and Songs About Snow
Steve Lukather and Friends - Santamental
Various (Guitar) Artists - Merry Axemas Vol. I and II

Hal...
12-24-2012, 05:07 PM
Various (Guitar) Artists - Merry Axemas Vol. I and II
Oh, Ernie, say it isn't so! ;)

No Pride
12-24-2012, 05:37 PM
Oh, Ernie, say it isn't so! ;)

I don't play all the tracks, Hal. I like about 1/3rd of each of them.

Steve Vai's "Christmas Time is Here" is just rippin'!

Hal...
12-24-2012, 09:26 PM
Steve Vai's "Christmas Time is Here" is just rippin'!
:O




I don't know what to say.




;)

Scott Bails
12-24-2012, 09:52 PM
Tuck Andress - Hymns, Carols and Songs About Snow



Such a fantastic, beautiful album. :up

Jymbot
12-24-2012, 10:43 PM
Two good lps - because they are not mere note-for-note Crimbo tune rehashes - are Emerson's Christmas album and the one by Gordon Giltrap.

walt
12-25-2012, 07:56 AM
John Fahey-The New Possibility-John Fahey's Guitar Soli Christmas Album-I kid you not,this cd has wonderful renditions by Fahey of Christmas tunes, done with brio, panache, and charm.I wish i could find YT clips of tracks from this record.

I'll play this cd today.

No Pride
12-25-2012, 12:33 PM
:O

I don't know what to say.

;)
Don't say anything; just listen:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Km7_QYpSoo

Scott Bails
12-25-2012, 12:43 PM
I think we're due for a new "Merry Axemas" album.

Personally, I'd like to hear Guthrie Govan do a Christmas tune.

gryphs also
12-25-2012, 05:12 PM
As an atheist, traditional X-mas songs bore me. Give me TSO and Bob Rivers and I can survive X-mas.

As a Canadian, I have to include this:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbVCODrdBaE

Hal...
12-27-2012, 09:06 PM
Don't say anything; just listen:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Km7_QYpSoo

I'm afraid, because once I hear it, I can't unhear it!

JKL2000
11-24-2014, 02:01 PM
Deck the halls with my foul leavings
Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la!

Rarebird
11-24-2014, 02:28 PM
I love Christmas-songs. Most Christmas music starts getting played in December, though I make an exeption for Pe Werner - 'Ne prise Zimt, because it is funny and not really traditional Christmas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEIUGAfru-E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5hgiIJI_j8

walt
11-24-2014, 02:48 PM
John Fahey.A wonderful rendition from an equally wonderful cd.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsFKq6SzlTQ

TheH
11-24-2014, 02:53 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2csnVNai-o

nosebone
11-24-2014, 11:43 PM
I get sentimental around Christmas time, so I stick to the late 60s/early 70s platters that dad used to spin in December.

Mitch Miller, Ray Coniff, Mormon Tabernacle Choir and of course Vince Guaraldi.

davis
11-25-2014, 07:30 AM
I like to hear The Waitresses' "Christmas Wrapping" the Kinks' "Father Christmas" and Brenda Less singing "Rockin Around the Christmas Tree" (love that opening guitar lick).

Don Arnold
11-25-2014, 12:23 PM
This version of Mary Did You Know? by Pentatonix may be enough to make even the most staunch haters of the song enjoy it (while not a staunch hater, I've never been a fan of the song):



https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ifCWN5pJGIE

JKL2000
11-25-2014, 03:33 PM
This version of Mary Did You Know? by Pentatonix may be enough to make even the most staunch haters of the song enjoy it (while not a staunch hater, I've never been a fan of the song):



https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ifCWN5pJGIE

No, I'm not pressing play. Never heard of this song anyway.

JKL2000
11-25-2014, 03:34 PM
Deck the halls with my foul leavings
Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la!

Don Arnold
11-25-2014, 04:09 PM
No, I'm not pressing play. Never heard of this song anyway.

Come on...you know you want to...

:)

JKL2000
11-25-2014, 04:52 PM
Come on...you know you want to...

:)

I don't - the picture reminds me of Up With People!

Don Arnold
11-25-2014, 05:03 PM
I don't - the picture reminds me of Up With People!

That made me laugh JKL! I'm not particularly up with Up with People myself!

No Pride
11-25-2014, 05:22 PM
I get sentimental around Christmas time, so I stick to the late 60s/early 70s platters that dad used to spin in December.

Mitch Miller, Ray Coniff, Mormon Tabernacle Choir and of course Vince Guaraldi.

Chris, though you and I are often on the same page, we're opposites where this is concerned. I'm a bit of a Scrooge; maybe it has something to do with my Jewish upbringing (though I haven't followed the religion since my bar mitzvah, when I got enough money together to buy my first guitar amp), or the fact that I never had kids, but I can't stand those old chestnuts (roasting on an open fire or not). Knowing that Christmas music is unavoidable this time of year, I prefer to hear those tunes messed with in some kind of way, like hearing Luke and Vai playing "Carol of the Bells" in 5/4, or Take 6 totally reharming "The Little Drummer Boy" (which I'm guessing the vast majority at PE is bound to hate). I am what I am and that's all that I am...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UE6ilLxBsDA


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tObAjmwBcZk

Yaman Aksu
11-25-2014, 06:25 PM
I like many Christmas songs and have more than several CDs. I can list some later ---- for now, Ed Gerhard's CD titled "Christmas" (solo guitar) is one I haven't heard in its entirety but is really good:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MezDICc7iks

Fracktured
11-25-2014, 08:41 PM
Chris, though you and I are often on the same page, we're opposites where this is concerned. I'm a bit of a Scrooge; maybe it has something to do with my Jewish upbringing (though I haven't followed the religion since my bar mitzvah, when I got enough money together to buy my first guitar amp), or the fact that I never had kids, but I can't stand those old chestnuts (roasting on an open fire or not). Knowing that Christmas music is unavoidable this time of year, I prefer to hear those tunes messed with in some kind of way, like hearing Luke and Vai playing "Carol of the Bells" in 5/4

A great disc for sure. I think having kids keeps the spirit in you because you see the magic in their eyes at Christmas. And now I have grand kids and I'm starting to see it all over again. I prefer classical music the most at Christmas I think. Bach's Christmas oratorio gets played about a dozen times. Some of the tracks on merry axe as cd's are also worth it. And Greg Lake's song of course.

nosebone
11-25-2014, 09:18 PM
John Fahey.A wonderful rendition from an equally wonderful cd.


Nice Walt! I'll listen to John Fahey play anything

Ten Thumbs
11-25-2014, 10:54 PM
They're still packed away, so I don't have the titles handy, but regulars for me every year are by Bruce Cockburn, Leon Redbone, Ringo Starr, Brian Setzer, Don Ross, Dwight Yoakum, Jethro Tull.

tom unbound
11-27-2014, 03:12 AM
"SANTA'S IN THE SLAMMER"


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcIMiqaMXJg

A Christmas tradition 'round these parts....:rofl

Fracktured
11-27-2014, 05:34 AM
Never heard the santas in the slammer song before. That's hilarious.

Jubal
11-27-2014, 05:48 AM
I usually make a 2 hour playlist every year. I mostly like the more serious pieces, but there are times when I really like to enjoy the cheese.
My favorite Christmas album is Michael W. Smith's "Christmas". He has done several other Christmas albums, but none have compared to this one:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2358ESsREU&list=PLLxIDZeef9NcC1bGNdJ6mk7yJLMfLdA8c

happytheman
11-27-2014, 06:27 AM
And then there's always the ever popular "Twisted Christmas" ..

UnephenStephen
11-27-2014, 09:36 AM
a somewhat proggy Amy Grant..


http://youtu.be/v881GMFjgyA

beano
11-27-2014, 09:49 AM
Love all the above mentioned..also love listening to really bizarre ones too like these:

http://youtu.be/OhWFYQzpijQ

http://youtu.be/EFUgRRYmLvk

http://youtu.be/srHM2sIll68

markwoll
11-27-2014, 11:34 AM
Last night we saw the Brian Setzer Orchestra Christmas extravaganza at the Strathmore. A really enjoyable show. Some rockabilly tinged holiday classics, Stray Cats, Danny Gatton, and for an encore a 10 minute version of The Nutcracker Suite.
It may just end up being a yearly thing.

Don Arnold
11-29-2014, 11:34 PM
A nod and a wink to some 1981 Canadiana. Hope you all enjoy it, eh?



http://youtu.be/c3aCw-RurOk

BravadoNJ
11-30-2014, 10:22 AM
December People is a great connection between the holiday season and prog.

also the late Dan Fogelberg's holiday cd 'The First Christmas Morning' is always on heavy rotation this time of year.

Mikhael
12-03-2014, 01:03 PM
Wendy & Lisa "At the Closing of the Year", from the movie "Toys". Just nailed me when I heard it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9geCS0v7w8
There is a prog slant to this, in that music production on the movie was handled by Trevor Horn...

JJ88
12-03-2014, 01:40 PM
Hmm...what do I play. Generic hit compilations with Slade, Wizzard, John Lennon etc., the Phil Spector Christmas Album and 'Elvis' Christmas Album'. Some of the 50s crooners maybe- Nat 'King' Cole, Johnny Mathis, Sinatra etc...That's about it- I have to really like the melodies and arrangements. There are Christmas hits I find unlistenable.

There's also the Carpenters' 'Christmas Portrait'.....I'd rather Richard and Karen had done all the vocals themselves on the whole album.

UnephenStephen
12-04-2014, 05:41 AM
Wendy & Lisa "At the Closing of the Year", from the movie "Toys". Just nailed me when I heard it.
same here.. heard for the first time while watching the movie and it just moved me. don't remember the Seal part though.

cavgator
12-04-2014, 08:32 PM
I prefer my Chrismas music solemn and largely instrumental, heavy on the classically-based hymns, Windham Hill and Enya's liquid pieces. I cannot tolerate Mannheim "ELP does Christmas" Steamroller, however...

TheLoony
12-05-2014, 06:37 AM
If I have to, I'll do Gary Hoey, Bob Rivers, TSO and the Merry Axemas albums. That's all I'll do voluntary. Oh, one more, Blue Christmas(IIRC) by Porky Pig.

Since I'll hear every version of every Christmas tune ever done in every store, place I go or television commercial I see no reason to listen to any of it. Heck, I've been hearing Christmas tunes all year long as the idiot ice cream trucks around here play Christmas tunes in their vehicles. June or December makes no difference to them.

I just don't really care about any of the holidays. They mean little to me and the music that goes with them means little also. But I'd rather have a little humor or some killer guitars doing it if I have to listen to it.

JKL2000
12-05-2014, 08:57 AM
Rotting Christ - Non Serviam (with a big mug of cocoa)

miamiscot
12-05-2014, 02:42 PM
The Waitresses
XTC
Greg Lake
Paul McCartney

and of course this:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-_xrLqEaek&list=PL4935117B117C66C6

Fracktured
12-05-2014, 02:46 PM
Put on a Christmas disc of rock music the other day and turned it off after a few tracks. Think I'm getting tired of the music I have. Played the first disc of Bach's Christmas Oratorio and that hit the spot.

TheLoony
12-06-2014, 05:22 AM
Other favourites include Marillion's beautiful version of "Gabriel's Message", and as of last year and this year, the Neal Morse "Proggy Christmas" albums. Lots of classical music at this time of year too, and the usual carols (I prefer the more somber and serious Christmas carols for some reason - give me "O Holy Night", "What Child Is This" or "The Little Drummer Boy" as opposed to "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree").

As for Trans-Siberian Orchestra, I quite like several of their holiday tunes, including that overplayed "Canon In D" hybrid track.

Thanks for the tip on that Proggy Christmas. Since I'm not in the IC didn't know about any of that.

Digital_Man
12-06-2014, 12:24 PM
My tradition should be to put ear plugs in when I go shopping around this time of year.:p I get so sick of the traditional X-mas music that is played year in year out. Oh well at least it's only one time a year.

Dan Roth
12-06-2014, 12:52 PM
I try and find something new each year. I posted a separate thread on these guys, but really want to vouch for the Wizards of Winter CD - great new Christmas rock CD released this year - a mix of prog and TSO-ish music - heavy on ELP-ish keys as well. Some instrumental, some vocal.

Samples are on their website: http://thewizardsofwinter.com/

These are two songs from the album:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pHO2Kq8ErQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krBewQRb4yU

JKL2000
12-06-2014, 11:29 PM
My tradition should be to put ear plugs in when I go shopping around this time of year.:p I get so sick of the traditional X-mas music that is played year in year out. Oh well at least it's only one time a year.

You should play the Little Drummer Boy game, where you try to avoid hearing ANY of that song up through Christmas. If you hear ANY of it, you're out. Probably too late already this year, eh?

Oreb
12-06-2014, 11:33 PM
Hugh Jackman had no right to tell outsiders about the secret way we celebrate Christmas here.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gvr0YNJwE0c

Fracktured
12-07-2014, 08:09 AM
You should play the Little Drummer Boy game, where you try to avoid hearing ANY of that song up through Christmas. If you hear ANY of it, you're out. Probably too late already this year, eh?

I think "Little Drummer Boy" and "The 12 Days of Christmas" are the 2 Christmas songs that I wish I'd never hear again, ever, by anyone!

Jubal
12-07-2014, 09:05 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpakEfw81ms

Scott Bails
12-07-2014, 01:33 PM
I think "Little Drummer Boy" and "The 12 Days of Christmas" are the 2 Christmas songs that I wish I'd never hear again, ever, by anyone!

"12 Days," in general, is awful, but there are some versions that are rather creative and work for me:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDBMzGq1vhs


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Fe11OlMiz8

Fracktured
12-07-2014, 03:44 PM
The Straight No Chaser one is creative, I'll give them that.

Guitarplyrjvb
12-15-2014, 01:30 PM
As the OP said, I love Bach's Christmas Oratorio! We actually went to a performance of it last weekend! I didn't look at the program beforehand and was totally surprised. They did a great job!

Our Christmas music tradition is a little unique. Each year, my wife and I record a Christmas tune and send it to all of our friends. She told me years ago that she played the flute, so I thought rather than sending around a boring traditional Christmas card with our names signed at the end, I'd send a song with both of us performing, her on flute and me on everything else. I score out a simple part for her to play each year and she practices pretty hard for a couple of months. Then we record. The outtakes are pretty funny, but the finished product comes out pretty nice. We've done ELP's Father Christmas, Lennon's Happy Christmas, Silent Night, and this year's selection Welcome Christmas from the Grinch Who Stole Christmas. Here's a link to the tunes in case anyone's interested! Download's are enabled, so feel free!

https://soundcloud.com/guitarplyrjvb/sets/christmas-tunes

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone!

Don Arnold
12-15-2014, 01:49 PM
....We've done ELP's Father Christmas, Lennon's Happy Christmas, Silent Night, and this year's selection Welcome Christmas from the Grinch Who Stole Christmas. Here's a link to the tunes in case anyone's interested! Download's are enabled, so feel free!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone!

Thanks for posting Joe! I enjoyed the listen while working away at home just now. I'd say your tastefully done xmas tunes are better than 3/4 of the seasonal fare offered up this time of year!

Merry Christmas to you and yours (nice picture of you and your wife btw)

Spiral
12-15-2014, 01:59 PM
My tradition should be to put ear plugs in when I go shopping around this time of year.
I say earbuds are the way to go--the kind where the tips fill up my ear and sort of act as plugs. Even then it takes something loud and/or heavy to properly overpower the outside noise (which of course is a great antidote to the schmaltz anyway).


You should play the Little Drummer Boy game, where you try to avoid hearing ANY of that song up through Christmas.
I do that with a handful of tunes, but actually that's not one of them. "The Xmas Song" (y'know, the one with the chestnuts) is the main one I really can't stand. Also any holiday tune by an ex-Beatle. I've walked out of rooms more than once to avoid those.

Spiral
12-15-2014, 02:04 PM
Speaking of things loud and heavy, this thread could do with a mention of Sir Christopher Lee. He's had a tradition of releasing a metal Xmas song every year for a little while now.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=-TnFIDKyX50

Not bad for a guy who's gotta be pushing 90 by now.

Guitarplyrjvb
12-15-2014, 02:14 PM
Thanks for posting Joe! I enjoyed the listen while working away at home just now. I'd say your tastefully done xmas tunes are better than 3/4 of the seasonal fare offered up this time of year!

Merry Christmas to you and yours (nice picture of you and your wife btw)

Thanks, Don! Merry Christmas to you and yours!

JKL2000
12-15-2014, 10:08 PM
Speaking of things loud and heavy, this thread could do with a mention of Sir Christopher Lee. He's had a tradition of releasing a metal Xmas song every year for a little while now.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=-TnFIDKyX50

Not bad for a guy who's gotta be pushing 90 by now.

That's awesome! Is that Rhapsody's doing ?

LighthouseKeeper
12-16-2014, 01:16 AM
Not bad for a guy who's gotta be pushing 90 by now.

He's 92 and this is his 3rd year releasing heavy Metal Christmas Carols.

soundsweird
12-16-2014, 02:26 AM
Manzanera & Mackay's "Christmas / The Players"; it's an instrumental, all-acoustic, old-timey sort of album, totally cheese-less. Also have a pair of Maddy Prior & the Carnival Band's Christmas albums, which have a Baroque/Renaissance feel to them. Haven't heard the live one yet, I'm sure it's good, too.

Scott Bails
12-16-2014, 09:24 AM
Manzanera & Mackay's "Christmas / The Players"; it's an instrumental, all-acoustic, old-timey sort of album, totally cheese-less. Also have a pair of Maddy Prior & the Carnival Band's Christmas albums, which have a Baroque/Renaissance feel to them. Haven't heard the live one yet, I'm sure it's good, too.

Never heard of this one. I'll have to download it from Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Players/dp/B001I51UUK) tonight.

Yves
12-16-2014, 09:30 AM
I did not read through this entire thread but I would love a recommendation for instrumental roots Christmas music... I don't do Christmas outside of the 24th at night, so I listen to maybe 4 hrs of Christmas tunes per year. I have A Charlie Brown Christmas, a nice acoustic guitar instrumental record, and then just a song here or there. I'd really like traditional celtic music, all instrumental...

Guitarplyrjvb
12-16-2014, 10:23 AM
Loreena McKennitt's "To Drive the Cold Winter Away" is beautiful. There's vocals, though!

bob_32_116
12-16-2014, 10:32 AM
The only Christmas song you need...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fh79619xxk8

Listen to the lyrics, they capture perfectly what Christmas can be like in the middle of an Australian summer.

Yves
12-16-2014, 10:56 AM
Loreena McKennitt's "To Drive the Cold Winter Away" is beautiful. There's vocals, though!

I'll check into it. I think my girlfriend likes her style...

Guitarplyrjvb
12-16-2014, 11:19 AM
Here's the full album:


http://youtu.be/-m684tte3Mk

The original poster's Bach Christmas Oratorio is beautiful, too!

Spiral
12-16-2014, 11:51 AM
That's awesome! Is that Rhapsody's doing ?
Don't know; there doesn't seem to be much info at his own site or anywhere else I've seen. But I definitely agree.


He's 92 and this is his 3rd year releasing heavy Metal Christmas Carols.
My mistake. I should have said he's.... pulling 90 instead. Still, we should all be lucky enough to be doing what we want anywhere near his age.


I did not read through this entire thread but I would love a recommendation for instrumental roots Christmas music...
Well, this one's mostly not Celtic, but still acoustic, rootsy, instrumental and on sale for $10 at the moment.

http://www.cgtrio.com/shop#!/~/product/category=545430&id=1970059

Yves
12-16-2014, 12:23 PM
CGT Christmas album.. That sounds like something I would enjoy.. Thanks!

Spiral
12-17-2014, 10:13 AM
CGT Christmas album.. That sounds like something I would enjoy.. Thanks!
You're very welcome. I find it sort of like Guaraldi, faithful to the sound of the season but with an original slant and zero schmaltz. I can't believe I didn't think of mentioning that one in this thread before.

I suppose it's probably because it's so easy to get distracted by other things.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=pqKb1OGpDjo

Gruno
12-17-2014, 11:08 AM
"I've Got Some Presents For Santa" Sarah Taylor & Billy Mumy (yes, THAT Billy Mumy)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o9TaldKpE0

I've got some presents for Santa
And he's got a big one for me
Outside, it snows
I take off all my clothes
And wait for Santa underneath my tree

He squeezes into my hot chimney
Where it's oh so warm and tight
On the roof, I hear his reindeer
I'm so very glad he came here
It's only once a year but, what a night!

Santa Claus takes a pause from his long night of delivering
His big "North Pole" can sure get cold, his jolly butt's all shivering

I offer Santa my...cookies
He loves to put them into his mouth
His long beard tickles
He gives me the giggles
He finishes his snack and then flies south

Santa Claus takes a pause from his long night of delivering
His big "North Pole" can sure get cold, his jolly butt's all shivering
(Ooo...Santa...I love my present...what else is in that big bag of yours?)

Santa and I share a "ciggie"
Then I help him back into his red suit
I know he has to go
He just says, "Ho ho ho"
I can't help it; he's so cute

Santa Claus takes a pause from his long night of delivering
His big "North Pole" can sure get cold, his jolly butt's all shivering

I've got some presents for Santa
And he's got a big one for me
Outside, it snows
I take off all my clothes
And wait for Santa...I take off all my clothes
I'm waiting for Santa underneath my tree
(Merry Christmas)

JKL2000
12-17-2014, 12:34 PM
You're very welcome. I find it sort of like Guaraldi, faithful to the sound of the season but with an original slant and zero schmaltz. I can't believe I didn't think of mentioning that one in this thread before.

I suppose it's probably because it's so easy to get distracted by other things.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=pqKb1OGpDjo

Cue George Takei voice: "Oh my! Tit for tat indeed!"

arj
12-18-2014, 02:04 PM
My proggy favourites include Do you hear what I hear by Tom Brislin. The beauty of this one was that he did it a la The Who's Baba O Riley. Very clever. And I agree with The Wendy and Lisa track from Toys. Very moving. I actually bought the soundtrack and edited the 2 versions of it together ie the version from the start of the movie and the version over the credits (with Seal) to make a longer track. I really love O come Emmanuel by Jonatha Brooke. I think Kevin Gilbert has an influence on this - the pick of the songs I have mentioned here. Then there is Run with the fox which is classic Yes. Merry Christmas from an Aussie in Saudi! The Paul Kelly song is cool. ;)

Oreb
12-18-2014, 04:23 PM
The only Christmas song you need...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fh79619xxk8

Listen to the lyrics, they capture perfectly what Christmas can be like in the middle of an Australian summer. I'm not much of a Kelly fan, but this is a great song. James Reyne did a brilliant version of it.

UnephenStephen
12-19-2014, 06:44 AM
a bit of a background story with this one. when we were kids, there was a local department store called Grants. as a store they released 8 volumes of Xmas music on 8-track (maybe LP too). we got the eighth and final vol. always liked it as a compilation but thought it was gone forever after it got lost with us growing up, moving out, etc. in Oct i got curious and Googled 'Grants Christmas music' (or something like that) and much to my surprise i actually found all 8 volumes available at a place called www.christmaslpsoncd.com . i immediately ordered #8 and i'm glad i did because i was able to rediscover this beautiful song from Roger Wagner Chorale..


http://youtu.be/hU2rhIylJqI

Guitarplyrjvb
12-19-2014, 09:56 AM
^^ Beautiful!

UnephenStephen
12-19-2014, 04:03 PM
You're very welcome. I find it sort of like Guaraldi, faithful to the sound of the season but with an original slant and zero schmaltz. I can't believe I didn't think of mentioning that one in this thread before.

I suppose it's probably because it's so easy to get distracted by other things.

talented girl..

JKL2000
11-01-2022, 11:01 AM
It’s the day after Halloween. Now cranking The Little Drummer Boy! Bring it on!!!

Rarebird
11-01-2022, 11:11 AM
To warm for Christmas music. It often feels almost like summer.

Scott Bails
11-01-2022, 11:14 AM
No Christmas music here before Black Friday.

JKL2000
11-01-2022, 01:02 PM
No Christmas music here before Black Friday.

Yesterday as i was buying Halloween candy in the afternoon, the store was putting out stuff for Christmas. But I follow your rule too. Any earlier is too soon to start with the hours-long, droning chants to Krampus.

Sturgeon's Lawyer
11-01-2022, 05:45 PM
Too soon to reopen this thread, lads.

16421

Firth
11-01-2022, 06:01 PM
https://youtu.be/KSTxdmaH2Q4

Digital_Man
11-01-2022, 07:32 PM
I heard Christmas music (and not just one song but a bunch in a row) today at Barnes & Noble. They could wait until Halloween was done but not Thanksgiving apparently. :roll

Digital_Man
11-01-2022, 07:34 PM
It’s the day after Halloween. Now cranking The Little Drummer Boy! Bring it on!!!

:lol

Well, everyone else seems to so why not? :p

D.Eric
11-01-2022, 07:43 PM
It’s the day after Halloween. Now cranking The Little Drummer Boy! Bring it on!!!



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chQjWwOx9Ao

happytheman
11-03-2022, 05:23 AM
Yesterday as i was buying Halloween candy in the afternoon, the store was putting out stuff for Christmas. But I follow your rule too. Any earlier is too soon to start with the hours-long, droning chants to Krampus.

Our local Lowes had Christmas stuff out in late Sept. I kid you not..
16425

Sturgeon's Lawyer
11-03-2022, 05:19 PM
Well, I guess I'll bow to the inevitable with these two, which, inexplicably, have not been posted yet. The first actually captures a great deal of how I feel about the holidays:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTx-sdR6Yzk

and the second is just a stone classic:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtZR3lJobjw

JKL2000
11-03-2022, 05:39 PM
I heard Christmas music (and not just one song but a bunch in a row) today at Barnes & Noble. They could wait until Halloween was done but not Thanksgiving apparently. :roll

I heard about a group of friends once who played a game. Every year they would all try to avoid hearing a single note of The Little Drummer Boy through Christmas Eve (or maybe Christmas day), and whoever was the last to hear it was the winner. They operated on the honor system. I'm not sure when they started each year. It was apparently murder going into stores, or walking around places like Times Square. I can imagine that it was quite the tensest.

Mythos
11-06-2022, 01:15 AM
Spiced rum while spinning the 10" Christmas at the Patti records...

ho-ho-ho...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_at_the_Patti

Brad 2 the Bone
11-15-2022, 02:36 PM
I own 7 Christmas albums, but 5 of them are Albert Ayler Christmas albums.

JKL2000
11-15-2022, 03:24 PM
Spiced rum while spinning the 10" Christmas at the Patti records...

ho-ho-ho...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_at_the_Patti

Strange that this album isn't listed in Progarchives... Sounds like a nice tradition though!

Halmyre
11-16-2022, 10:00 AM
I heard about a group of friends once who played a game. Every year they would all try to avoid hearing a single note of The Little Drummer Boy through Christmas Eve (or maybe Christmas day), and whoever was the last to hear it was the winner. They operated on the honor system. I'm not sure when they started each year. It was apparently murder going into stores, or walking around places like Times Square. I can imagine that it was quite the tensest.

In the UK it's Wham's 'Last Christmas'.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whamageddon

Sturgeon's Lawyer
11-16-2022, 11:55 AM
I heard about a group of friends once who played a game. Every year they would all try to avoid hearing a single note of The Little Drummer Boy through Christmas Eve (or maybe Christmas day), and whoever was the last to hear it was the winner. They operated on the honor system. I'm not sure when they started each year. It was apparently murder going into stores, or walking around places like Times Square. I can imagine that it was quite the tensest.

That is the one traditional Christmas song I absolutely detest. In grade school choir I was an alto (which, in grade school, is the low part), and our part in that song was simply "Rummm, rummm, rummm," while the first and second sopranos got the lyrics. I know, I should have gotten over it after all these year, but I didn't like the song that much to begin with :)

Sturgeon's Lawyer
11-16-2022, 12:02 PM
While we're at it, how about Hanukkah songs?

"Hanukkah, o Hannukah," "In the Window" (or whatever that one is called), "Rock of Ages."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTAOLmEba4I

Oops, sorry, wrong one...

For the kids, we had "Spin, Sevion" and "I Have a Little Dreidel."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGdD4eKmFZY


And one can't forget Adam Sandler's contribution:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQY9z4Ko3FE

Progatron
11-16-2022, 12:21 PM
Tarja delivers a haunting version of this one...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoXjdIO760s

Firth
11-21-2022, 07:30 AM
This talk about “Little Drummer Boy” reminds me of the scene in the new “Elvis” movie when the man goes live on a Christmas special after some long hairs tell him to get back to his roots, after not being out there for awhile. Elvis rocks it, and freaks Col Tom Parker (who wanted Elvis to perform Little Drummer Boy) out, and then goes gospel…….

Firth
11-21-2022, 07:42 AM
https://youtu.be/X4Vttu01H10

Enidi
11-21-2022, 08:23 AM
Always enjoy Jethro Tull's 1976 Christmas EP. Ring Out Solstice Bells, March The Mad Scientist, Christmas Song, Pan Dance.

davis
11-21-2022, 03:04 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dXixPIbZZA

Hour Candle
11-21-2022, 07:04 PM
I use to play those Marillion Christmas albums and some of the stuff on these brings a huge smile on my face :lol

Progbear
11-21-2022, 07:46 PM
I heard Christmas music (and not just one song but a bunch in a row) today at Barnes & Noble. They could wait until Halloween was done but not Thanksgiving apparently. :roll


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_gGkBg7FcA

Garyhead
11-26-2022, 01:46 PM
Ok all you with "Big Ears." Listening to Herb Alpert's Christmas Album Track....Let It Snow. It's the same guy(s) that hummed along in the Movie The Good, The Bad & The Ugly! Especially the Prison Beating Song. Certainly recorded about the same time.:rofl

Guitarplyrjvb
11-29-2022, 03:32 PM
Every year, my wife and I record a Christmas song for all of our family and friends. This year's tune is a 16th century hymn recorded by Dan Fogelberg on his Christmas album released shortly before his death. All the stuff on this site is free to download. There's an entire Christmas album of our previous years' songs, too! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, everyone!https://soundcloud.com/guitarplyrjvb/this-endris-night?si=bb95f0cb221a402c8e4eafc26a46d189&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Scott Bails
11-30-2022, 10:32 AM
Every year, my wife and I record a Christmas song for all of our family and friends. This year's tune is a 16th century hymn recorded by Dan Fogelberg on his Christmas album released shortly before his death. All the stuff on this site is free to download. There's an entire Christmas album of our previous years' songs, too! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, everyone!https://soundcloud.com/guitarplyrjvb/this-endris-night?si=bb95f0cb221a402c8e4eafc26a46d189&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

This is fantastic!! Love it

Guitarplyrjvb
11-30-2022, 06:24 PM
Thanks, Scott! Watch out, or you'll be added to our Christmas list and get these every year!

Sturgeon's Lawyer
12-05-2022, 09:16 AM
It's December.

Now we're talkin' Christmas (and other Winter holiday) music!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3MMMozDxYk

Firth
12-05-2022, 06:05 PM
Excuse if already posted. David Longdon RIP.
https://youtu.be/DINVlwX9aZM

Firth
12-11-2022, 07:20 PM
Certainly a “Prog” music Christmas tradition. This video has Mr Fripp describing the writing of the song.
https://youtu.be/U3XlRsr5CKQ

Sturgeon's Lawyer
12-12-2022, 04:37 PM
I have long loved her studio version of this song. This live(ish) performance is even better.

JKL2000
12-13-2022, 09:20 AM
Here's another very nice cover of "I Believe in Father Christmas":


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0ykWtDnz3I

rcarlberg
12-13-2022, 09:32 PM
This is my new favorite (original!) Christmas song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnjYHFG4vCM&list=PL_-YkHMlMW8mKwxbXPq-g0bQpF_GsSJD4

Scott Bails
12-14-2022, 02:32 PM
This is my new favorite (original!) Christmas song.


Love that!

Gravedigger
12-14-2022, 04:42 PM
I liked the song a lot, then I saw the video and liked it even more:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gset79KMmt0

Rarebird
12-17-2022, 05:32 AM
Yesterday I saw this on German television.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYYrdkeTpR0

Piskie
12-19-2022, 07:09 AM
I've dug a few Xmas albums out..16518

Piskie
12-19-2022, 08:19 AM
Need some classic Xmas vinyl too of course 16519

JKL2000
12-19-2022, 08:33 AM
Yesterday I saw this on German television.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYYrdkeTpR0

I don't know who Die Prinzen is, but I like the frog! (Except maybe the antlers!) I like the wing sticking out of his mouth.

Rarebird
12-19-2022, 08:54 AM
I don't know who Die Prinzen is, but I like the frog! (Except maybe the antlers!) I like the wing sticking out of his mouth.

Die Prinzen started as an a-capella group. The members were former members of some famous choirs, like the Thomaner Choir.

The frog with a crown is their symbol, so for Chrismas, the crown is replaced by antlers.

JKL2000
12-19-2022, 08:57 AM
Die Prinzen started as an a-capella group. The members were former members of some famous choirs, like the Thomaner Choir.

The frog with a crown is their symbol, so for Chrismas, the crown is replaced by antlers.

Thanks. I just thought the combination of amphibian and mammal was strange, but I was overthinking it! :)

Garyhead
12-24-2022, 10:24 AM
Old iPods to the rescue! Damned iPhone...... wont let me play 1,000's of songs loaded into my playlists! States "not available in your region". The Damned CD's are a few feet away on my shelves! Thank goodness I still have iPods.....no problem as Apple doesn't mess with them anymore. They play Anything I load into them. I have a Wonderful 108 song Holiday playlist that is on right now as I wrap neighbor Christmas presents.

Progbear
12-24-2022, 09:06 PM
Another one I recently added to my Christmas playlist: "Silent Eve" by Midori Karashima. I know Japan is not the first country to come to mind when you think Christmas, but I think the lady acquits herself well. Better this than "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer" for the trillionth time!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Edv3pdlO5wg

Fracktured
12-25-2022, 08:26 PM
A few years ago I found the carpenters Christmas album on cd at a thrift store and my wife always liked the carpenters so I picked it up for her and was surprised at how good the album is. Karen Carpenter of course had a lovely voice and the whole production was done very well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Digital_Man
12-25-2022, 08:35 PM
I always try to at least play Frankincense by the Prog World Orchestra if not the whole album. That song has to be heard to be believed. ;)

Tangram
12-26-2022, 01:49 PM
Christmas doesn't start without Snoopy's Christmas, just like when I was a kid. Also have to play Bing and Bowie's Peace on Earth / Little Drummer Boy. The last few years we open gifts with music from Pentatonix. After that I put the music on random. There is all sorts of genres in there.

Progbear
12-26-2022, 02:35 PM
A few years ago I found the carpenters Christmas album on cd at a thrift store and my wife always liked the carpenters so I picked it up for her and was surprised at how good the album is. Karen Carpenter of course had a lovely voice and the whole production was done very well

Is that the original version, or the later expanded version from the 80s where Richard added a whole ton of instrumental interludes?

The latter version is controversial, but I have at least one friend who loves it, describing it as a "music experience" on a par with Pink Floyd.

Fracktured
12-28-2022, 09:04 AM
Is that the original version, or the later expanded version from the 80s where Richard added a whole ton of instrumental interludes?

The latter version is controversial, but I have at least one friend who loves it, describing it as a "music experience" on a par with Pink Floyd.

It’s the later version with the extras. I enjoy all of the instrumental parts. I guess it would be controversial to some people but since I’ve never heard the original I have no problem with it.


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Garyhead
12-21-2023, 11:42 AM
My surprise find of this years Christmas recordings was Lorena McKennitt’s “Under A Winter’s Moon” double CD recorded in 2021. This is a live concert of sacred & secular music interspersed with narration. The gem is “A Child’s Christmas In Wales” by Dylan Thomas. Funny childhood recollections some of which I relate to from my childhood. There is an earlier treatment of this from Cerys Matthew’s from 2014 “Dylan Thomas A Child’s Christmas, Poems And Tiger Eggs.

I seem to gravitate to Live performances of holiday music. I prefer the “live” version of the Jethro Tull Christmas Album released a few years after the studio version. It is a church service to raise funds for the poor. Maddy Prior and The Carnival Band have a couple live Christmas albums and a DVD too.
I put them on as I busy myself decorating the tree, writing Christmas cards & just hanging out at the fireplace. Some of my most cherished Christmas memories as a child were Midnight church services. No sermon or creed reciting….just an hour of singing songs as a congregation. My most memorable event as an adult was Christmas Eve 1982 at Christ Church in Philadelphia. Girlfriend & I received a couple bottles of cordials as gifts….downed a few glasses then toddered off for Midnight service. No electric lighting then….all candle chandeliers. Some of her classmates were in a Brass Quintet and provided the accompanying music to the congregational singing. With the buzz worn off, we walked back through Center City in the snow at 1AM. Magic.

Sorry I’m posting this so close to Christmas. The mcKennitt CD was easy to find… the Matthew’s CD was a little harder to get…smaller distributor….but you folks who are down load-savy May find them in time for Christmas. Anyway…..get ‘em and be ready for next year.

Anyone else have recommendations for Live Christmas music?

Fracktured
12-24-2023, 10:01 AM
Brian Setzer big band extravaganza Christmas is pretty good. I enjoy the big band sound on home stereo speakers.


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