christmas music

There is a lovely group at Flickr, called my Monday music advice. I try to post to it, but sometimes I forget and miss my Monday post.
I guess when that occurs and I need a subject to write about , it'll be my Wednesday music advice, but I'll post it here.

So lets get down to it.

Christmas music can either numb you, with bland Muzk, where you're not exactly sure, what the song is because it sounds the same,as the one before.
Or it can fill your heart, bringing back good Christmas memories, the same way really food can.
Here are my recommendations for the Christmas season:

1."Christmas around the world" by Putamayo
this collection covers all the bases from"Joyuex Noel", to "White Christmas", to a wonderful Cuban influenced version of "Deck the Halls", and a awesome Cajun version of St. Nicholas. Everyone will like this from your Gram to your gothed out niece. It's just that good. People will be toe tapping and enjoying Christmas time traditionals, and you'll put this CD on the carousel, and play it for hours.Think of it as an international retelling of songs that you already now.We may all celebrate the holidays differently , but there are some things that unify us, and music is definitely one of those things, and this CD presents that beautifully.



2."Jazz to the World"
This jazz collection is great a wonderful glimpse at how well Jazz can enhance old Christmas standards, my favorite is a version of "Baby, it's cold outside" with Dianne Reeves and Lou Rawls, when ever I hear this song, it makes me want to look out the window and see the snow falling fast and heavy, plus it very playful, and flirty. Another favorite would be "Il est Ne, Le Divin Enfant" by Dr. John, this bluesy New Orleans based version is fun, and down and dirty, just like the holidays can be especially if you have that extra glass of pinot noir. I also want to curl up under my Christmas tree and listen to only Diana Krall singing "Have Yourself a Merry little Christmas", her version it's just sublime. Another favorite that'll make you stay there is Michael Franks version of "Let it Snow! Let it Snow!"



3.A Very Special Christmas 3
This is the third in the series of A Very Special Christmas Cd's. I own most of them, but this is one I put on often , In this this Cd, some unexpected artists, like the Smashing Pumpkins, and their song "Christmas Time", is beautiful, and timeless. Also Natalie Merchant singing "Children Go Where I Send Thee", maybe the only reason you need to buy this Cd, it's gorgeous rich and gives me the chills, this woman knows how to arrange a tune.
The other unexpected treasure in this collection is "Santa Baby" led by Rev Run and the Christmas All Stars, that include Mase, Puff Daddy, Snoop Doggy Dogg, Salt and Peppa, Onyx and Keith Murray, before you get all, " those are hip hop stars, I don't do hip hop", you need to just listen , and then I'm thinking you won't make that statement again. It has an infectious beat, and isn't it time to listen to another version of this fun song, that might even be a little naughty.Other highlights are Jonny Lang singing "Santa Claus Is back in Town" this is raucous, and flirty and bluesy, and might make you want to start dancing, or have Mommy doing more than kissing Santa Claus, if you know what I mean. (wink wink, nudge nudge)

All and all I hope this music just makes for a happy, stress free holiday for you and yours.