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.
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.
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
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Originally Posted by Hal...
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