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BEST version of Christmas classics

Mets Guy in Michigan Nov 27 2015 07:41 AM Edited 2 time(s), most recently on Nov 27 2015 08:07 AM

Now that Thanksgiving has passed, we can talk about Christmas music. As stated earlier, I love Christmas music. I threw all my Christmas songs into one iTunes playlist and hit shuffle as we headed out on a five-hour trip to Illinois. Before long, we determined that there are so many great songs. But, there are so many songs that are covered over and over. So after that, I decided to create a playlist of the best version of each Christmas song. Some are well-known versions, some of my favorites are fairly obscure, from albums I picked up long ago and an artist I haven't heard from since. Sometimes the original is best, other times someone covered a classic and made it their own. What are your favorites? Go one song at at time, and tell us why! I'll make this year's holiday travel playlist based on the Pool's selections. I'll start: "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" Fave version: The Pretenders, from "A Very Special Christmas." Everyone has covered this song. It's the third-most recorded Christmas song, according to one listing, and has a pretty interesting history. It's melancholy now, and the original lyrics were downright depressing. It's from "Meet Me in St. Louis" and Judy Garland was bummed the family was moving from Missouri to New York. Imagine. I like the Pretenders' version because it maintains that melancholy feel with a slow, sparse arrangement and Chrissie's soaring vocals. Bonus points if you have the original version of the CD with kids' voices at the start (And the embarrassing version of "Back Door Santa" by Bon Jovi that was replaced on later pressings). [youtube]TWZUFuTtNg8[/youtube] (Help me, Edgy! I can't figure out how you post YouTube videos here! I also love Bebo Norman's version.

Vic Sage Nov 27 2015 07:59 AM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

David Bowie and Bing Crosby's duet on LITTLE DRUMMER BOY Bowie did this back in the 70's on one of Bing's Xmas specials (his last; he died soon after). Bowie sang an original counter-point he wrote, "Peace On Earth", weaving it thru Bing's DRUMMER BOY, and it remains an oddly beautiful slightly surreal Xmas masterpiece.

cooby Nov 27 2015 08:20 AM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

Agreed, that was pretty. Simon and Garfunkel did a beautiful version of "A Star Carol" that my mom used to have on an album. I can't find a clip, just a download.

cooby Nov 27 2015 08:26 AM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

Speaking of Little Drummer Boy, my daughter burned a bunch of Charlie Brown songs for me years ago...on it was a minor key version of Little Drummer Boy ( Vince Guardali, of course, probably called something else) that was so timely for me because I worked at a catalog call center for the holidays and I was just so depressed.

dgwphotography Nov 27 2015 02:11 PM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

O Holy Night with Troy Andrews This was featured on the Christmas episode of Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip, played by Troy Andrews (aka Trombone Shorty) and other New Orleans musicians to benefit New Orleans' Tipitina's Foundation [youtube]_rayDO-gS4Q[/youtube]

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Nov 27 2015 08:53 PM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

I'm sorry, dgw, I'mma let you finish, but Mahalia Jackson had the best O Holy Night of ALL TIME [youtube:1eqog8vf]uKILk4k3xvk[/youtube:1eqog8vf] Also, the best version of the worst song this side of "Wonderful Christmastime?" Right here: [youtube:1eqog8vf]wr2gwjfdZdM[/youtube:1eqog8vf]

MFS62 Nov 27 2015 08:57 PM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

The Andy Williams version of "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year". All others need not apply. The tough battle is "Santa Baby". Is it Eartha Kitt or Madonna? Later

Lefty Specialist Nov 28 2015 06:30 AM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

Omigod, I just hunker down and wait for December 26th. Call me Scrooge if you will, but Christmas music drives me nuts.

d'Kong76 Nov 28 2015 07:06 AM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

I think of Oh Holy Night and I think of Robert Goulet... [youtube]mRTTGVSQ3yA[/youtube]

Frayed Knot Nov 28 2015 07:29 AM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

I think of Bob Goulet's Old Fashioned Cajun Christmas [youtube:e06pi4c8]zp6C2kK9pjQ[/youtube:e06pi4c8]

Mets Guy in Michigan Nov 28 2015 08:04 AM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

I'm up again! "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" By Carrie Underwood, from A Very Special Christmas 7. The quality of the Very Special Christmas CDs falls off dramatically after the first three, but this is a favorite from one of the later editions. It's a classic carol, of course, and Underwood has a fairly sparse arrangement led by a piano beautifully staying out front. [url]https://youtu.be/vRwqP540_QY

cooby Nov 28 2015 08:44 AM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

Oh holy night is my favorite. Anyway I think just about any Christmas song Karen carpenter did was outstanding. Also Barbra Streisand's Jingle Bells is a hoot! We have a bagpipe CD that has a really pretty version of I Wonder As I Wander

cooby Nov 28 2015 08:46 AM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

Lefty Specialist wrote: Omigod, I just hunker down and wait for December 26th. Call me Scrooge if you will, but Christmas music drives me nuts. Ha! We used to have a pastor at church that refused to let us sing from the Christmas part of the hymnal until after Christmas. Drove us all nuts

themetfairy Nov 28 2015 10:34 AM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

Frayed Knot wrote: I think of Bob Goulet's Old Fashioned Cajun Christmas [youtube]zp6C2kK9pjQ[/youtube] Followed up by a showing of The Night The Reindeer Died!

Edgy MD Nov 28 2015 02:02 PM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

cooby wrote: Lefty Specialist wrote: Omigod, I just hunker down and wait for December 26th. Call me Scrooge if you will, but Christmas music drives me nuts. Ha! We used to have a pastor at church that refused to let us sing from the Christmas part of the hymnal until after Christmas. Drove us all nuts I'm with pastor. Great Advent music gets kicked to the curb.

batmagadanleadoff Nov 28 2015 03:29 PM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: Also, the best version of the worst song this side of "Wonderful Christmastime?" Right here: [youtube]wr2gwjfdZdM[/youtube] Dissapointing Booker T album. Flat. Kind of soulless, if that's even possible to say about that group. Want me to rec you a XMAS album from that era from an instrumental group? Well I'm glad you asked. Give a listen to The Ventures XMAS album if you get a chance. Simon and Garfunkel did a beautiful version of "A Star Carol" that my mom used to have on an album. I can't find a clip, just a download. And a spooky version of Silent Night. Take a listen, if you dare. [youtube]b1X_a9o4ezw[/youtube] Two more Silent Night faves: this one an under the radar hip version from the Tim Fuller Experience: [youtube]sKKxtY2te4A[/youtube] and this wild psychedelic version from the Rotary Connection on Cadet Concept records, the Chess Records experimental sister label that produced the psychedelic blues classic Electric Mud: [youtube]hxpAlLzZpP0[/youtube]

cooby Nov 28 2015 05:39 PM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

Isn't Booker T a wrestler?

MFS62 Nov 28 2015 06:02 PM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

Lefty Specialist wrote: Call me Scrooge if you will, but Christmas music drives me nuts. Yo! Scrooge! After all this time, you and I know that's not a drive. Its a putt. ;) Later

d'Kong76 Nov 28 2015 07:42 PM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

I think of Silent Night and I think of The Bingster... [youtube]6GUnfLPpjLs[/youtube] I prefer the versions of my youth since I don't really care all that much about today xmas music. Kelly Understocking, Todd Tinselbutt and Melissatoe don't really do it for me.

RealityChuck Nov 28 2015 07:53 PM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

MFS62 wrote: The tough battle is "Santa Baby". Is it Eartha Kitt or Madonna? Kitt. The difference is the difference between being sexy and being infantile. This viciously parodies Madonna's mindset: [youtube]BpCc_86yf6s[/youtube]

John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 29 2015 07:18 AM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

[youtube:1dtmwfm3]CRHgImjXkeA[/youtube:1dtmwfm3]

d'Kong76 Nov 29 2015 09:57 AM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

That's some xmas gold right there!

d'Kong76 Nov 29 2015 04:00 PM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

When think Holly Jolly Christmas I think Burl Ives [youtube]nVMCUtsmWmQ[/youtube]

Mets Guy in Michigan Nov 29 2015 07:26 PM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

My turn again: "The First Noel" by David Crowder*Band on the CD Oh For Joy Crowder is a quirky guy and his Christmas CD is a glorious and versatile affair, traditional carols as everything including -- and not limited to -- live sing-a-longs, electronica, bluegrass. Nothing is what you expect and where you start might not be where you end, with extra lyrics. It's a brilliant disc, and I highly recommend. [url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYGq-5DbCfk

Edgy MD Nov 29 2015 08:34 PM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

You should end your post by naming the next classick somebody is expected to come in on.

Mets – Willets Point Nov 29 2015 09:02 PM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

These may not be the best versions of Christmas classics, but last year I put together a list of Modern Christmas Songs where I tried to find the earliest recording of Christmas and winter-themed songs starting from roughly the 1930s to the present. The complete list is here. There's also an Rdio playlist that you could listen to for the next week or so or until whenever Rdio goes kablooey.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 29 2015 09:06 PM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

I'm beside myself with grief over that, btw. I mean, I didn't even get any work done the day the news hit and that's with regular-assed Rdio already being a huge productivity drain. Never really understood why everyone didn;t sign up, and also how Rdio could make such a great product then fail to make it succeed. I am at Deezer by the way, also trying Google Music and Spotify but will dump those 2 in a few weeks. Deezer isn't remotely as good as Rdio and at the same time is the second bast.

Mets Guy in Michigan Nov 29 2015 09:16 PM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

OK, per Edgy's suggestion: "Sleigh Ride!" Lots of good versions out there. What is your favorite!

Mets Guy in Michigan Nov 29 2015 09:17 PM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

Mets – Willets Point wrote: These may not be the best versions of Christmas classics, but last year I put together a list of Modern Christmas Songs where I tried to find the earliest recording of Christmas and winter-themed songs starting from roughly the 1930s to the present. The complete list is here. There's also an Rdio playlist that you could listen to for the next week or so or until whenever Rdio goes kablooey. That's an awesome playlist!

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Nov 29 2015 10:36 PM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

"Sleigh Ride?" Easy. [youtube:2393l0ag]YgJtnEEJf8I[/youtube:2393l0ag] Wall of Noise, joyful voices. What else do you want? Gimme some "We Three Kings."

MFS62 Nov 30 2015 08:31 AM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

In the early 1950s, there was a TV show called Rheingold Theater. One episode was a story about the origins of the song Silent Night. I found a brief IMdb mention, but could not find a link to the show itself. But I watched it every year it was re-run. Later

Edgy MD Nov 30 2015 08:54 AM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

I can't think of a whole lot of "We Three Kings" that stand out from the pack, but this one sticks in my memory. [youtube:2u46dmpv]Gwb0VJ9FqAw[/youtube:2u46dmpv] Looks like Bruce Johnston is playing the part of Brian Wilson, so I guess that's either Carl's voice on top there or Brian is on the cut but not appearing in the TV special. As you can see from the intro, this song lent the program a bit of solemn poignancy in the midst of R&B jumpiness. What's your "Silver Bells"?

metsmarathon Nov 30 2015 11:51 AM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: I'm sorry, dgw, I'mma let you finish, but Mahalia Jackson had the best O Holy Night of ALL TIME how on earth is this possibly better than the celine dion dance-pop-y version that's currently littering my sirius/xm holly station? it's like you don't even have ears, man!

d'Kong76 Nov 30 2015 12:06 PM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Nov 30 2015 02:28 PM

MFS62 wrote: In the early 1950s, there was a TV show called Rheingold Theater. One episode was a story about the origins of the song Silent Night. I found a brief IMdb mention, but could not find a link to the show itself. Is this it? [youtube]g9N4lTJb6gU[/youtube]

d'Kong76 Nov 30 2015 12:09 PM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

[youtube:ce90u1dj]qfFoS8vsL0w[/youtube:ce90u1dj]

John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 30 2015 12:27 PM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

Edgy MD wrote: I What's your "Silver Bells"? I don;t really have a favorite of this one but here's John Denver to get us back on track. [youtube]C8MKqbzjB1g[/youtube] Someone get me a killer rendition of "Little Drummer Boy"

Vic Sage Nov 30 2015 01:50 PM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

you mean, besides the Crosby/Bowie version i already mentioned?

Lefty Specialist Nov 30 2015 02:26 PM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

MFS62 wrote: Lefty Specialist wrote: Call me Scrooge if you will, but Christmas music drives me nuts. Yo! Scrooge! After all this time, you and I know that's not a drive. Its a putt. ;) Later Well, it's a putt that gets a lot shorter this time of year. Humbug, I say.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 30 2015 02:34 PM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

Vic Sage wrote: you mean, besides the Crosby/Bowie version i already mentioned? Yes.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Nov 30 2015 03:56 PM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: you mean, besides the Crosby/Bowie version i already mentioned? Yes. Not a bad contender for runner-up from formerly Fugee Lauryn Hill: [youtube]-nWqBy3PoAQ[/youtube] Gimme some "Hark," y'all.

Mets Guy in Michigan Nov 30 2015 04:03 PM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Nov 30 2015 06:47 PM

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Vic Sage wrote: you mean, besides the Crosby/Bowie version i already mentioned? Yes. I've always loved Johnny Cash's version, which has minimal instrumentation -- relying heavily on a drum beat and an occasional soft guitar chord. Johnny avoids the rum-pa-rum-pums, leaving that to background singers. My parents had this one one of those Time LIFE Christmas albums and I loved it as a kid. Took me years to finally track down a version. [youtube]BDcGeDB0F0E[/youtube] How about "Christmas (Please Come Home)?" Lots of great versions out there! What's your favorite?

Edgy MD Nov 30 2015 04:05 PM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

Too late. Hark on the floor.

Mets Guy in Michigan Nov 30 2015 04:13 PM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Nov 30 2015 06:43 PM

Actually, we harked earlier! From the first page: "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" By Carrie Underwood, from A Very Special Christmas 7. The quality of the Very Special Christmas CDs falls off dramatically after the first three, but this is a favorite from one of the later editions. It's a classic carol, of course, and Underwood has a fairly sparse arrangement led by a piano beautifully staying out front. [youtube]vRwqP540_QY&feature=youtu.be[/youtube] So, how about "Christmas (Please Come Home)?" Lots of great versions out there! What's your favorite?

d'Kong76 Nov 30 2015 05:45 PM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

Regarding youtube embedding, there is a code in the url of every video following the = sign. If you click on the YOUTUBE button up top and paste that code between the [YooToob][/YooToob] kablam, you're good to go.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Nov 30 2015 05:52 PM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

With all due respect, MGiM, you're off. There is one rendition of "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)," and then there are a bunch of pale imitations. [youtube:bbnvbvg0]VpimLgh3pJU[/youtube:bbnvbvg0] "Adeste Fideles" me, if y'please.

Mets Guy in Michigan Nov 30 2015 06:38 PM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics Edited 3 time(s), most recently on Nov 30 2015 06:44 PM

That Darlene Love version is certainly a classic. Love it. I like U2's version, too. "Adestes Fideles," better known as "O Come All Ye Faithful" The definitive version is the one by Long Island's own Twisted Sister. Hear me out. The boys took the lyrics and note that they fit wonderfully with "We're Not Gonna Take It" and let the Christmas Spirit take over. This is a rocking Christmas song. And Dee isn't shying away from the religious lyrics, either. I was in a Best Buy once and this roared over the store's PA. I looked around and could see lots of people bobbing heads, rocking along. Religious Christmas songs can rock hard! [youtube]vmEfFlbqbbY[/youtube] Now, give us some "White Christmas!"

Mets Guy in Michigan Nov 30 2015 06:40 PM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

d'Kong76 wrote: Regarding youtube embedding, there is a code in the url of every video following the = sign. If you click on the YOUTUBE button up top and paste that code between the [YooToob][/YooToob] kablam, you're good to go. Thank you, dKong!

MFS62 Nov 30 2015 09:09 PM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

d'Kong76 wrote: In the early 1950s, there was a TV show called Rheingold Theater. One episode was a story about the origins of the song Silent Night. I found a brief IMdb mention, but could not find a link to the show itself. Is this it? [youtube]g9N4lTJb6gU[/youtube] Good find, Kase, but that wasn't it. The show I remember was a drama, with actors and costumes, probably based on the story you found. The 1/2 hour TV show I remember came out in 1954, the year later than the story you found. This is all I could find: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1067610/ful ... t_ov_st_sm Thanks, anyhow. Later

RealityChuck Dec 01 2015 12:02 PM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

All I Want for Christmas is You [youtube]_ghkHlthIqM[/youtube] And, yes, that's her real voice.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Dec 01 2015 12:40 PM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

We weren't a Bing household, so I'm not childhood-memory-influenced re: his charms... and I can't NOT think about the Daddy Dearest business when he's doing his thing onscreen, so... with the easy shuffle and Bingworthy vocal honey, I'm Drifting to this one, instead. [youtube:28zp5ql7]GfZPtkqXQIA[/youtube:28zp5ql7] "Silver Bells," anyone?

John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 01 2015 02:07 PM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

[youtube:3jap97fm]nME-gI6GU-s[/youtube:3jap97fm] I somehow got this one twice. Marie -- she's [crossout:3jap97fm]hot[/crossout:3jap97fm] fourteen! Give me an O Holy Night if you will.

d'Kong76 Dec 02 2015 07:40 AM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

Dreamy, I had to look up her birth year to verify the 14... yikes. [youtube:2xbr92if]R9jKyI6N9rg[/youtube:2xbr92if]

Mets – Willets Point Dec 04 2015 11:41 AM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

A VERY opinionated list of Christmas classics.

MFS62 Dec 06 2015 07:52 AM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

Actually, I like the one I wrote (and sang for Steve Sommers) a few years ago. He didn't like my voice, and who can blame him? He said something about phlegm and mushroom barley soup. The song needs a little updating, but ... Enjoy _______________________________________________________________________________ Sandy Baby Sandy Baby, slip a lefty under the tree, For me. been an awful good fan, Sandy baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight. Sandy baby, a reliable clutch hitter too, in Mets blue. I'll wait up for you dear, Sandy baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight. Think of all the fun we've missed, Think of all the years that we’ve felt pi**ed, Next year I could be just as good, So just check things off my wishing list, Sandy baby, I wanna pitching stud, And not one just good, Been an angel all year, Sandy baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight. Sandy baby, forgot to mention one little thing, Some bling. You know I’m talkin’ some World Series rings. Sandy baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight, Hurry down the chimney tonight, Hurry, tonight. _________________________________________________________________________ Get well soon, Sandy

d'Kong76 Dec 09 2015 02:54 PM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

Back when saying happy holidays wasn't a thing other than saying happy holidays... [youtube:25afybyx]H2pQbphEipc[/youtube:25afybyx]

RealityChuck Dec 11 2015 07:23 PM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

"The Twelve Days of Christmas" performed by Straight No Chaser. Stick with it. [youtube:jq7fqq9q]2Fe11OlMiz8[/youtube:jq7fqq9q]

Edgy MD Dec 11 2015 08:10 PM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

Here's a de-Bing'd Drummer Boy for you suckers. [youtube]RDqOe6REmAf8g[/youtube]

dgwphotography Dec 25 2015 11:32 AM Re: BEST version of Christmas classics

There's something about Karen Carpenter's voice that brings tears to my eyes... [youtube:36sz9ni7]lV5ENWOQ6d8[/youtube:36sz9ni7]