Christmas / Holiday music

This is not an HCV related thread...so forgive me, more of a diversion!

Wondering what your favourite Christmas / holiday albums, CD's are?  I just picked up two new ones this year..

The Jethro Tull Christmas Album and "Trans Siberian Orchestra - Christmas Eve and other stories" - I only heard about the Jethro Tull album this year and had to have it...it's fantastic!!  If you are a Tull fan, it's a must have, IMO.  TSO is a rock orchestra...some nice guitar licks throughout amongst the orchestral arrangements...different, interesting and not your run of the mill Christmas CD.  

A buddy of mine informs me that there is a Lynyrd Skynyrd Christmas CD .. I had no idea.. I'm a big Skynyrd fan and I have to have it.  Others on my list are The Chieftains.

I'm sure there are tons of gems out there ... care to share yours?

[charm27]

Hi Trish! Im an old Jethro Tull fan, had no idea he has a Xmas album. How bizarre is that but then again it  35 years later. Yikes!!

Thanks for sharing.

Charm

[pitter]

How is the Trans Siberian cd?
I heard bits of it ..Is it good? I love th instrumentals...have you heard the Manneheim Steamroller Christmas cd's? They are not new, just awesome.
Pitter

[hairtamer]

Thank you for sharing.  Mark Farner was a guitarist for Grand Funk Railroad, who has one of my all time favorite Christian songs, "Isn't is Amazing".   I was a head banger before my diagnosis in '99.  I'll have to look for those CD's.  
His Blessings to you and yours now and always,
Rose

[Lady Lauri]

Jethro Tull Christmas CD!! This I have to hear!  Jeeezzzz Charm, your right.....35 yrs. later...but did ya' have to say it out loud ! I'm old!

                                                                                      LL

[Trish77]

The Tull Christmas CD isn't old.. it's from 2005.  Recent and damn good.  Hope you find it, it's a gem.

[Trish77]

The Trans Siberian CD is good to ME.  Different and worth having in my collection.  I'd get their second Christmas one if that says anything to you.  The Mannheim Steamroller Christmas CD's are on my target list.  I have some of their tunes on a compilation CD someone made for me and I'd like to get those too.  I have a small collection at the moment.. and aiming to start making it bigger every year....so thought I'd post and see what others recommend also.  Particularly when I heard there was a Skynyrd CD!  lol  :)

[pitter]

What cd is the Mark Farner Christmas song on? I LOVED Grand Funk Railroad!!!
Thanks,Pitter

[hairtamer]

It is not a Christmas cd, it is an old Christian cd the very first one I bought in '99 right after I was diagnosed.  I loved GFR too "I'm your captain".  The cd I bought at a Christian store, because I heard that song on Klove radio.  When I bought it I didn't know he was former GFR.  The cd insert tells a short story of his being Christian.  I just remembered his song when I saw this post.
God Bless,
Rose

[pitter]

I'm your captain, I'm your captain , tho I'm feeling-mighty sick..Iv'e been lost now days uncounted, and it's months since Iv'e seen home, can you hear me -can you hear me ..or am I  all alone.?!
...Loved that song!!!
do you have the name of the cd?
thanks Pit

[hairtamer]

Mark Farner:  "Just another injustice/Some kind of wonderful"  music value pak.  I knew the first time I heard "Isn't it amazing" the voice was unique and sure enough it was the voice of Mark Farner the same as "I'm your captain".  The Lord reaching me through a fellow head banger!
God Bless,
Rose

[Proactive]

I kind of enjoy Celtic music this time of the year (all year actually) Here's a freebe link (I like #31-Alison Brown) http://www.capebretonlive.com/archive.htm

[pitter]

I also love the cetic music too. It is beautiful for sure!
Pitter

[Trish77]

Now you're getting close to my heart.  My dad was born in Cape Breton and my grandparents as well.  I'm a Barra Mac Neil by birth.  I'm hoping to get to Nova Scotia to take in the next Celtic Colours festival... I'll see how that goes.  Thanks for posting that link...I gave it a quick look over and I've bookmarked it, it will give me alot of pleasure to explore that one!!  I love Celtic music of course...it has that ancient pull for me.  Lovely.. thank you.

[goldyn]

Did the Jethro Tull christmas cd have Songs of the wood, I always thought that song had a Christmas feel to it......

[dmhrdh]

I bought the Jethro Tull Christmas CD last year and have it in my car CD player now :-)
I love it!

[Trish77]

Pro, if you like Celtic music, one of the best Christmas albums out there is The Chieftains "The Bells of Dublin".  Highly prized.  Then again.. the Chieftains are kings of Celtic music.

Goldyn...no, that tune isn't on there.  It's purely Christmas tunes with a distinct "Tull" flavour...their own versions of well known tunes such as Greensleeves and some interesting lyrics on other tunes. :)

Dmhrdh...me too!!  (Can you tell? :)

[susan400]

Tee-Hee          Grandma got run over by a reindeer.......        


I saw Mommy kissing Santa Clause underneath the Christmas Tree last night

Susan400

[scratchinghead]

James Brown, "Funky Christmas" album:

http://www.amazon.com/James-Browns-Funky-Christmas-Brown/dp/B000001EFD

[Willy50]

I know it may sound sappy..... but I used to play my kids a Raffi Cristmas album that they loved when I put them down for the night (yes, I liked it too).

I also had recorded a Peter Paul and Mary christmas concert that I really liked too.  I know; neither of these rock but they were sweet and soothing.

Christmas is a time of remembering past years after all.

by the way..... have a peaceful season with your family and friends.  

Willy

[Lady Lauri]

Trish, knew the Tull Christmas cd is new, I meant 35 years later the group I used to...let's say 'veg out' to, rock n roll, party guys are now doing Christmas cd's....... am I'm getting old! Wonder if Mick Jagger will follow :} ??
  Pro, Trish.....Love Celtic music also...instant stress killer! Will check out the link and the Bells of Dublin. (is it the one they've had on TV a lot lately? Don't know if up there in Canada, tho.)

Willy...... how sweet.  Your a softie :}  What a good dad.
P.S. The 18 yr. old will be back :} My 22 year old has moved out 3 times, lol. All good.....'out there' isn't always what it's cracked up to be once they get 'out there'!
The other 2 moved out but still come 'home' to eat, do laundry, watch football on the big TV. I think they only go home to shower and change and be 'independent'!
                                                            
                                                                                                      LL

                                                                                  

[Lady Lauri]

  
  "Grandma got run over by a reindeer'.......  

   Your southern 'roots' are showing :}  

                                                                             LL

[Lady Lauri]

   Okay....doing the math....more like 30 years ago ! Whew..... I'm not as old as I thought :}

                                                                              LL

[scratchinghead]

Baby Beluga. Raffi rocks! Not Xmas music, but what the heck.

[gauf]

I am a huge TSO fan! Got tickets for Dec. 30th and cannot wait. Also have always love TULL; saw them in 79 at oakland colliseum and still in my top 5 greatest shows. My recommendation for a rockin Christmas cd is "Merry Axemas" second edition. Just incredible (all the greatest guitar players contributed) . Merry Christmas!

[Willy50]

Gauf; If you are into Christmas and axes try this; Roy Buchanan "The Messiah will Come again".  This isn't the best version I have seen but...... maybe the better one will some day return.  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=On5372UztI0

Scratchingheadl  Absolutemente!!!  I'm also partial to many others like "Everything Grows"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ealSuPJnlEw&feature=related  (this is B. Beluga)
If you are a lover of Raffi check out his X-mas album.  There are some nice songs on it.

Lauri;  My 18 year old is out for a spell but today the 23 year old mentioned moving back in to save on rent so he can buy a car.  : O  I may have to leave town.  The 3 kids all live in town and at this exact moment not in this house (first time I'm flying solo since the early 80's)  All will be here for Christmas.  That reminds me...time to start preparations.

Merry Christmas, all
Willy

[gauf]

OMG!! I know it! I love that tune but completely forgot about it!!  Thanks for bringing it back up to the front.

[Willy50]

Glad you liked it and I only wish that you could have heard the other version which was even better, IMHO.  The song is also even sadder knowing that he died a early and tragic death.

Willy

[gauf]

Merry Christmas from TSO.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szLmAPW39uE

[Forseegood]

there are really good compilations...there is one called Christmas No. 1s...with Dolly Parton, Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, Burl Ives, Gene Autry...etc....

Then there is another Jazz Chrismas compilation album that is really great...

Trish: I used to be kind of a Tull fan, at least some of their songs...but years ago I lived in this ratty old apt in Hollywood, and there are so many musicians, etc..around here...the guy who lived below me was in the Jethro Tull Cover band, and all he did was play Tull, Tull, Tull, 24/7, I thought I was going to go MAD!!!! It would be 3am and all of a sudden, I'd hear LOUD....SITTING ON A PARK BENCH!!! it would make me sit bolt upright in my bed, leading me to pound on my floor with a broom...being the witch I can sometimes be....after that, sadly, no more Tull for me, lol.....

[mikesimon]

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like eski - not Larry, Curly but  - Moes
Everybody knows
A turkey and some mistle - thistle, this little piggy went to market - toe.......etc

[Myown]

Whitney Houston Preachers wife.

Nice album.

[nygirl7]

CHIPMUNKS!  Alvin and the Chipmunks and I still have it!  ;)

[gauf]

Cheech and Chong!  (not technically a song, I know)  .....he had some magic dust....

[Willy50]

Another favorite.  I saw these guys this summer.  Still look and sound great.
The Roches Hallelujah Chorus 1982

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEtSkJDA61g

[charm27]

I cant belive you said the Chipmunks!! When I was a little kid they were my favorite! ahahaha
You still have it? Lucky! What a trip! Im serious.
Love em!!

[sfbaygirl]

I love the Chipmunks!!!!!  So happy to see you again and I will send you a message soon.  Thanks for being on my friends list.  Makes me feel really good. You are so  beautiful!!!!  I figured all these year that you were, but never say your photo!

Hugs!
Linda

[scratchinghead]

Chipmunks Christmas album! Yes!!!! Rock on!!! The world is so small.

[dancegirl54]

Daughter introduced me to Sufjan Stephens, he has a nice Christmas compilation - and I get to feel modern!  Also have a Lorena McKinnitt CD with only 5 songs on it that is nice

[gauf]

Lorena McKinnitt ! Love that Celtic groove in the mummers dance.

[desrt]

Two more nice TSO youtubes. Variations on Pachelbel's canon in D major.

Go to youtube.com/ and search:

Christmas Canon (TransSiberian Orchestra)
&
Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Christmas Canon Rock

[desrt]

Also check out DVD
Jethro Tull Nothing Is Easy: Live at the Isle of Wight 1970

Anderson at his maniacal best.

[scratchinghead]

Aaaaaalviiiiiiiiin!!

[pigeonca]

Eartha Kitt singing "Santa Baby"

[pigeonca]

In fact, if you want to see something awesome, check out youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzd6oCP3FKk

It's a video of Eartha Kitt at age 79 singing "Santa Baby" for an enormous audience including an embarased-looking George and Laura Bush.  Eartha is just too sexy for the Prez, and furthermore, she's as gorgeous as she ever was.  I think this rendition is better than the 1953 original, which is also on youtube.

[Forseegood]

wow, that video was great, thanks for letting us know about it...that look on G. Bush's face was priceless...!