Another random trip through my Christmas music library....
Something Festive (1970)
Terrific compilation from A & M Records back in 1970.
Merry Christmas New York from the Radio City Music Hall (1972)
This one has special sentimental value to me since it’s from about the time my parents began bringing us to the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City (actually we would hit the Music Hall a few other times each year as well but Christmas was always that much more special since it was usually accompanied by a tour of Christmas window displays and light installations around the city… NYC may have been falling apart but it was pure magic for a kid like me.)
Loretta Lynn - White Christmas Blue (2016)
Released fifty years after her first Christmas album White Christmas Blue is trad country done right with Miss Loretta doing a fine job even after all the years that have passed..
Noel McLoughlin - Christmas and Winter Songs From Ireland (2010)
Perfectly nice set of tunes. I don't hit it up that often, but I don't mind when it comes around on shuffle.
Weeping Willows - Christmas Time Has Come (2014)
A nice collection of tunes from the Swedish Americana band. I revisit it each year, though it’s in fairly light rotation.
Have Faith with Kate Nash This Christmas (2013)
Huge Kate Nash fan here. Let’s see what she gave us for Christmas...
The rather explicit, but undeniably catchy punky power-pop I Hate You This Christmas is followed directly by an ambient tinged Silent Night, the indie-pop Christmas is in the Air, an Auld Lange Syne that’s pretty much the Silent Night redux, and finally the indie-folk Faith. Honestly only I Hate You is worth multiple listens and that only with mature ears.
Classical Corner
I’m a sucker for choral works year round but especially at Christmas...
The Choir of King’s College, Cambridge - Favourite Carols From King’s (2014)
Exceptional release from King’s, as always.
The St. Olaf Choral Ensemble - Ris’n With Healing in His Wings (2002)
The annual St. Olaf College Christmas Festival 2002 edition. Quite nice, as one would expect.
The Cambridge Singers / John Rutter : Candlelight (2011)
Another fantastic chorale collection.
Harmoniia Sacra - In Dulci Jubilo (2019)
