Christmas Music

[TOMMYZ]

So what music helps you get in the Christmas mood ? I always get the feeling when I listen to "Charlie Brown Christmas." What does it for you ?

[bowtwi]

Bruce Springsteen's version of Santa Claus is Coming to Town

or any Christmas songs done by Elvis.

And of course, the Chipmunks' Christmas album.

[markomalley]

The famous Hanel Oratorio, The Messiah.

But what tells me it's Christmas is when I hear the following chanted in church at midnight on the 24th:

Octavo Kalendas Januarii

Anno a creatione mundi, quando in principio Deus creavit coelum et terram, quinquies millesimo centesimo nonagesimo nono:

A diluvio vero, anno bis millesimo nongentesimo quinquagesimo septimo:

A nativitate Abrahae, anno bis millesimo quintodecimo:

A Moyse et egressu populi Israel de Aegypto, anno millesimo quingentesimo decimo:

Ab unctione David in regem, anno millesimo trigesimo secundo:

Hebdomoda sexagesima quinta juxta Danielis prophetiam:

Olympiade centesima nongentesima quarta:

Ab urbe Roma condita, anno septingentesimo quinquagesimo secundo:

Anno imperii Octaviani Augusti quadragesimo secundo:

toto urbe in pace composito, sexta mundi aetate, Jesus Christus aeternus Deus, aeternique Patris Filius, mundum volens adventu suo piisimo consecrare, de Spiritu Sancto conceptus, novemque post conceptionem decursus mensibus,

in Bethlehem Judae nascitur ex Maria Virgine factus homo:

NATIVITAS DOMINI NOSTRI JESU CHRISTI SECUNDUM CARNEM!

But that's just me...

[A la prochaine]

Yes.. am a huge fan of Vince Guaraldi's Charlie Brown's Christmas...

but as of late.. I must say

James Taylor's album is superb... above all my expectations!!!

also,

I purchased the Sarah McLaughlin..not that impressed.

[GarthP2000]

MarkO,

And they say that Latin is a dead language.

[Belle]

Too many to mention!

I LOVE The Chipmunks Christmas Album and it's a MUST when we get together with my mother's family. In fact, this year, I'm burning CDs of it for everyone as a gift. We don't do gift exchanges, but I'm the only one in the family left with a turntable and we just can't lose the tradition.

Mama Nina (my grandmother) used to have us kids playing it over and over again when we were growing up. She used us as an excuse to get to hear it. Now that she's not around it's even more important to keep that memory and tradition alive.

I've found this cool site and been downloading extra Chipmunk songs today to add to the CD. I Love Waves.

ALVIN!!!!

[polar bear]

I like that Hose Feliciano one-Police drive a dodge.

[JCHEV]

.....big Alabama fan here... love their 2 Christmas CD's...

[dmiller]

I like that Hose Feliciano one-Police drive a dodge.

Hey Polar Bear -- that's spelled Jose NOT Hose!!

In the immortal words of Doug and Bob (the Mckenzie brothers -- of the Great White North),

"How's it going, eh??? Now -- take off HOSER!!"

Edited December 15, 2006 by dmiller

[batcave]

I love most choir music, having been in choirs in high school and college, but my favorite is the one I did with my family last year. I got my 6 year old nephew reciting his Christmas list during one song, my 13 year old niece playing flute at the beginning of one song, and my parents singing harmony on another.

If I can figure out a way to put it online, I'll let y'all hear.

Bowtwi, did I send you the Christmas CD?

[Oakspear]

Trans Siberian Orchestra and of course Manheim Steamroller with Nebraska boy Chip Davis). Although I haven't listed to the Twisted Sister Xmas CD that a buddy lent me yet

[dmiller]

Every time I hear Simple Gifts, I think of *Christmas* (quote end of quote),

since it epitomizes the *Reason For The Season*, even if I hear it played in July. :)

Simple Gifts:

Simple Gifts was written by Shaker Elder Joseph Brackett, Jr. in 1848. It was first published in The Gift to be Simple: Shaker Rituals and Songs. Simple Gifts was a work song sung by the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing (more commonly called the Shakers, an offshoot of the Quakers).

'Tis the gift to be simple,

'tis the gift to be free,

'tis the gift to come down where you ought to be,

And when we find ourselves in the place just right,

It will be in the valley of love and delight.

Refrain:

When true simplicity is gained,

To bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed.

To turn, turn will be our delight,

'Til by turning, turning we come round right

'Tis the gift to be loved and that love to return,

'Tis the gift to be taught and a richer gift to learn,

And when we expect of others what we try to live each day,

Then we'll all live together and we'll all learn to say,

Refrain:

'Tis the gift to have friends and a true friend to be,

'Tis the gift to think of others not to only think of "me",

And when we hear what others really think and really feel,

Then we'll all live together with a love that is real.

Refrain:

HERE'S THE MELODY],

Edited December 15, 2006 by dmiller

[Ron G.]

I'm partial to "Oh, Come All Ye Faithful".

There are two that aren't necessarily about Christmas, but I always associate them with Christmas...Pachelbels "Canon" and "Pia Jesu" as sung by Charlotte Church.

[Jim]

I LOVE The Chipmunks Christmas Album and it's a MUST when we get together with my mother's family

I can remember my mom buying me the original Chipmunks 45 single. That would have been in 1958 and I would have been 6. Time flys....

[bowtwi]

batcave - yes, I got it last year and love it. I sure do enjoy your singing! Got any more?

[ex10]

Well, I love Amy Grant's "Breath of Heaven," as well as "Hark the Herald."

And Celine Dion's "Ave Maria," is awesome, and Andrea Bocelli's "Panis Angelicus." Shades of Midnight Mass....

My daughter has been playing Kelly Clarkson singing "O Holy Night," which I love as well.

And of course, there is always Judy Garland singing "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," which reminds me of my childhood, along with Nat and Bing.

[pawtucket]

Blackmore's Nights have a great Christmas CD. Blackmore is from Deep Purple heritage and his wife has a powerful voice. If you like Trans Siberian, you will like this CD.

[GrouchoMarxJr]

Maybe this sounds kinda corny...but when I hear Bing Crosby sing White Christmas my mind goes back to when I was a kid with my family at Christmas time...

[coolchef]

i love it all my favorite seculer song is the christmas song,well maybe i'll be home for christmas{i think of my kids}, or maybe berl ives have a holly jolly christmas and the list goes on and on..

my favorite religious would have to be o holy night sung by anyone but to get really inspired it has to be the {and i don't know how to spell it but do know how to sing it!!]the halaloulia chorus fro the messiah merry christmas

[Sudo]

We're doing this down on Nostalgia but for those who don't drop in there...click HERE! It's your favorite sheriff and pharmacist girlfriend.

sudo

[batcave]

Bowtwi,

Nothing new at the moment. I'd love to do some more bluegrass gospel though. We need to organize a Greasespot pickin' and grinnin' sometime.

[polar bear]

Dmiller-That was my liberal translation according to my misusage. Thanks from your fellow joser! LOL.

How about-"I'll Get Stoned for Christmas" and another favourite "Walkin' Round in Women's Underwear."

Now I've ruined these nice songs for all you poor folks.

[waysider]

It's never really Christmas without Clarence Carters' "Backdoor Santa".

WARNING!-----Not intended for "family" listening.

[Sudo]

Sheesh! I thought I would get at least some response to my sheriff and girlfriend song. :(

sudo

[VeganXTC]

Sorry Sudo! I was too busy contacting record companies telling them about the new talent I found to post. You two are awesome!