Getting in the Mood: Best Christmas Albums (vol. 9)

 

We're back with volume 9 of the best Christmas albums and we're going with an album full of oldies and goodies! 

A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector : Various Artists 

Since this song has been on most of my lists, we'll do it again. Darlene Love's take on "White Christmas."

When you think Phil Spector you think the Ronettes and then you think "Sleigh Ride."

And you gotta love The Crystals version of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer!"

We can't forget Bob B. Soxx & The Blue Jeans with "The Bells of St. Mary."

This is just great old school Christmas tunes that you kids out there need to get hip to.

Enjoy

Track List:

1.White Christmas (Darlene Love)

2. Frosty the Snowman (The Ronettes)

3. The Bells of St. Mary (Bob B. Soxx & The Blue Jeans

4. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town (The Crystals)

5. Sleigh Ride (The Ronettes)

6. A Marshmallow World (Darlene Love)

7. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus (The Ronettes)

8. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (The Crystals)

9. Winter Wonderland (Darlene Love)

10. Parade of The Wooden Soldiers (The Crystals)

11. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)  [Darlene Love]

12. Here Comes Santa Claus (Bob B. Soxx & The Blue Jeans)

13. Silent Night

Getting In the Mood: Best Christmas Albums (vol. 6)

 

We're onto volume six and if you're a Jazz fan like me, and enjoy that big band style, you'll enjoy this.

The Count Basie Orchestra: A Very Swingin' Christmas!

We'll start off with "Good Swing Wenceslas."

From there we'll move onto "Let It Snow" because you gotta have snow for Christmas.

Now we'll slow it down with one of my favorite versions of the classic, "Silent Night."

Let's swing out of here with their version of "Sleigh Ride."

Keep getting in the mood. I'll be back tomorrow with another round.

Track List:

1. Jingle Bells

2. Let It Snow

3. It's the Holiday Season

4. Silent Night

5. Good "Swing" Wenceslas

6. The Christmas Song

7. The Little Drummer Boy

8. Sleigh Ride

9. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

10. Winter Wonderland

11. I'll Be Home for Christmas

Getting In the Mood: Best Christmas Albums (vol. 3)

 

Here we are again, getting in the mood. Be sure to check the previous two posts, as well as the Getting in the Mood posts from 2020. Today we are on number three of my picks of the best Christmas Albums. If you didn't get the hint from number two, I'm a big guitar guy and I love Surf guitar and Surf Rock. So today I give you...

The Ventures:  "Christmas Joy"

Let's start with their take on "Winter Wonderland"...What a groove.

Next up, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen." Not how you typically would expect to here this one, which is why I like it. A totally different feel and vibe to it.

Now lets get to that oldy but goody, "Sleigh Ride." If you're talking about Surf Rock and Christmas, this is exactly what you want to hear. Straight rocking, big drums, plucky groove and all.

How about one more for good measure. "Jingle Bells" opening up the album with a strong bass line, bring in the drums, organ and guitars boys...

That's some quality Christmas grooving.

Track List:

1. Jingle Bells

2. We Wish You a Merry Xmas

3. Winter Wonderland

4. Joy to the World

5. O Christmas Tree

6. Silent Night

7. Jark! The Herald Angels Sing

8. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

9. O Holy Night

10. The Christmas Song

11. Sleigh Ride

12. We Three Kings

13. What Child is This

14. O Come All Ye Faithful

15. Deck the Halls

16. Feliz Navidad

17. Christmas Joy

Enjoy!

Getting In the Mood (vol. 3)

 

Here we are, day three of this ten day build up to Christmas, with some of my favorite Christmas songs. Our first two days we went non-traditional, but after getting some snow last night, I'm feeling traditional. Oddly, Erie, PA seemed to get the least amount of snow in the state.

So today I'm giving you an old standard but I'm going to post a few versions of it. Why? Because it's one of those classics that has been done different ways and in different styles and they're all good.

 The song, "Sleigh Ride."

How can you not love the Ronettes?

Next we're going back to my old home town which is often knocked and so few people know about the wealth of culture and talent there. The Cleveland Orchestra was always amazing.

Next, since I love Jazz, The Count Basie Orchestra takes their turn.

Next, a genre I feel is unappreciated. Here's The Ventures version.

And of course there is the old faithful, Johnny Mathis.

To be honest, my favorite version is done by Cleveland's own, The Singing Angels. I couldn't find a video version with good audio. You can find it on their album "We Wish You the Merriest" and on streaming services. It takes me right back to decorating the tree with my mom as a kid and we played the album every Christmas morning while we opened presents. I probably listen to their version the least, but those memories make it my favorite.

Enjoy some Christmas music, play in the snow, hug the ones you love. See you tomorrow.