This is my list of favorite "traditional" Christmas records. By "traditional" I mean that nobody asks me to shut the thing off after the first thirty seconds.
These are the ones I pull out every year as the family gathers to do things like: decorate the tree, bitch about not having our Christmas cards made out, eat dinner, open presents, daydream about possible re-gifting strategies, etc.
Along with shows like "How The Grinch Stole Christmas", "Rudolph" and "A Christmas Story", this particular TV show is required viewing. This music feels like it's now a part of me. Vince Guaraldi was the man.
December - George Winston
Call it 'new age' if you wish, but Winston does a lot of pretty things with the piano. "Carol of the Bells" shines every year.
Hymns, Carols and Songs About Snow - Tuck Andress
While Tuck & Patti might not be everybody's cup 'o tea, there's no denying that Tuck Andress knows his way around the fretboard. He puts some interesting spins on some traditional material here. Check out his "Ave Maria"...just beautiful.
Vol. 1 - Christmas Guitar - John Fahey
And speaking of fretboard knowledge, John Fahey knew no peer. Christmas music arranged for solo acoustic guitar...impossible solo acoustic guitar.
A Winter Garden (Five Songs for the Season) EP - Loreena McKennitt
Mmmmm, that voice. I never get tired of it. A little bit traditional, more than a little bit Celtic. This one is short (they don't call it an EP for nothin') but full of seasonal spice.
And there you have it. Next up: My Favorite "non-traditional" Christmas records.
(First posted on Mark Is Cranky)
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