The Top Ten Christmas Albums of All Time-in my world
Christmas music, because of its evocation of that time in childhood most closely connected with wonder and magic, tends to conjure memories like no other genre. These ten albums represent the greatest Christmas music of all time and encompass collectively the many moods of the season; moods that can range from warm, festive and cheerful to sad, lonesome and reflective.
Merry Christmas by Bing Crosby (1955):This is the definitive Christmas album from the 20th century singer most closely connected with the holiday season, so much so that it is part of America's collective conscience.
A Charlie Brown Christmas by Vince Guaraldi Trio (1965): The non-traditional tracks and cool jazz arrangements make this, for many, a year round favorite. Vince Guaraldi reflects holiday melancholy through the prism of Charlie Brown's search for the true meaning of Christmas in the Peanuts television special still widely watched today.
A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector (1963): The wall of sound gets decked in holly as sleigh bells are added to the wrecking crew's backing of The Crystals, Ronettes, Bob B. Soxx & the Blue Jeans and Darlene Love. This is the most voluptuous Christmas album of all time.
Elvis' Christmas Album (1957): Even the Christmas music curmudgeons seem to be able to tolerate this album. Although it features bubbly versions of "Here Comes Santa Claus" and "Santa Bring My Baby Back to Me", much of the album sets a mood that begs for dark rooms lit only by the embers of a fire.
Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass Christmas Album (1968): This Christmas album, though not as well known as most, features terrific upbeat lounge arrangements of old standards making it ripe for repeated listening.
Season's Greetings by Perry Como (1959): Despite the kitschy arrangements in tracks like "There's No Place like Home for the Holidays", its Como's warm, full voice that commands the relaxed mood of this nostalgic album.
A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra (1957): Gordon Jenkins, the arranger and conductor of this album, gives these renditions of Christmas songs and carols a pleasantly somber tone, providing mood music for holiday introspection. We all need this album to balance out the season's highs.
The Ventures Christmas Album (1965): The Ventures mixed their own hits with traditional Christmas songs to create these candy cane striped tracks that still taste fresh today. Play this album at your next Christmas soiree.
Merry from Lena by Lena Horne (1966): Ms. Horne's powerful and sexy voice brings a sultry mood to the season reminding us that Christmas is for lovers too.
In the Christmas Spirit by Booker T and the MGs (1966): Rich, razor sharp R&B instrumental versions of traditional Christmas standards make this an unexpected classic. Enjoy it while preparing Christmas dinner.
Merry Christmas by Bing Crosby (1955):This is the definitive Christmas album from the 20th century singer most closely connected with the holiday season, so much so that it is part of America's collective conscience.
A Charlie Brown Christmas by Vince Guaraldi Trio (1965): The non-traditional tracks and cool jazz arrangements make this, for many, a year round favorite. Vince Guaraldi reflects holiday melancholy through the prism of Charlie Brown's search for the true meaning of Christmas in the Peanuts television special still widely watched today.
A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector (1963): The wall of sound gets decked in holly as sleigh bells are added to the wrecking crew's backing of The Crystals, Ronettes, Bob B. Soxx & the Blue Jeans and Darlene Love. This is the most voluptuous Christmas album of all time.
Elvis' Christmas Album (1957): Even the Christmas music curmudgeons seem to be able to tolerate this album. Although it features bubbly versions of "Here Comes Santa Claus" and "Santa Bring My Baby Back to Me", much of the album sets a mood that begs for dark rooms lit only by the embers of a fire.
Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass Christmas Album (1968): This Christmas album, though not as well known as most, features terrific upbeat lounge arrangements of old standards making it ripe for repeated listening.
Season's Greetings by Perry Como (1959): Despite the kitschy arrangements in tracks like "There's No Place like Home for the Holidays", its Como's warm, full voice that commands the relaxed mood of this nostalgic album.
A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra (1957): Gordon Jenkins, the arranger and conductor of this album, gives these renditions of Christmas songs and carols a pleasantly somber tone, providing mood music for holiday introspection. We all need this album to balance out the season's highs.
The Ventures Christmas Album (1965): The Ventures mixed their own hits with traditional Christmas songs to create these candy cane striped tracks that still taste fresh today. Play this album at your next Christmas soiree.
Merry from Lena by Lena Horne (1966): Ms. Horne's powerful and sexy voice brings a sultry mood to the season reminding us that Christmas is for lovers too.
In the Christmas Spirit by Booker T and the MGs (1966): Rich, razor sharp R&B instrumental versions of traditional Christmas standards make this an unexpected classic. Enjoy it while preparing Christmas dinner.
Labels: Christmas
2 Comments:
one of the most charming top 10 lists ever compiled.
xo p
Definitely going to look for Christmas Spirit by Booker T and the MGs. Inspiring list :) !
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