I’m not sure why, but most priests I know are really unsympathetic about pets. Maybe it’s because many of them come from other countries where things like healthcare and food are at premiums, and therefore a dead rabbit sounds more like supper to them than something to mourn about…
Anyway, apparently I’m getting a reputation as a Scrooge, which is not the case — I quite enjoy Christmas; I just don’t like celebrating it in mid-August. So with that in mind I thought I’d actually be helpful for once and offer up, IMHO, the best Christmas music around. The fact that the brick wall in my backyard is literally covered in snow up to about a foot from the top (OK, it’s drifted, but that’s still a lot of the white stuff) has me in a Christmasy mood, I guess.
So, the best of Christmas music…
Best traditional album: I’m a huge fan of Josh Groban, which is bizarre if you know my stance on opera, which is that it’s headache inducing caterwauling that takes a lot of talent. Josh Groban’s Noel offers what is without the best of Christmas music in a classical sense. If you want something calming and holiday-esque to throw on the stereo while you lounge by the fire, Noel is perfect.
Best classic album: You can extol Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole all you like, but for me the best Christmas music was always Boney M. It’s upbeat enough for any occasion, and the best part is that you’ll have a hard time finding someone who can’t get into the campy but somehow traditional magic of a Boney M Christmas. If you want to mess with them, throw the Rasputin song in there somewhere about halfway through.
Best eclectic album: Jewel: A Holiday Collection. I was never a massive Jewel fan and we haven’t heard much from her since she tried to go all Brittany Spears, so it might seem strange to include her in a list of the best Christmas music. But this album contains something for everyone, from the operatic Ave Maria to the hardcore gospel rendition of Go Tell It On The Mountain to the jazzy acapella Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Not many people will like every song on the album but you’ll be hard pressed not to like some.
Best nontraditional album: If you want a slightly less traditional Christmas album with the same holiday spirit as the classics, you’ll love Jars of Clay’s Christmas Songs. With the exceptions of The Little Drummer Boy and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, both of which they do with a rocky pop edge, this album consists of either original material or lesser known Christmas songs like Gabriel’s Message. And as always, Jars of Clay are fantastic musicians.
Best overall: Want the best Christmas music period? Check out Third Day’s Christmas Offerings. This album offers a great mix of traditional carols interpreted in new ways, not to mention some great originals (one of the best being Born in Bethlehem, which alternates between a simple, almost childish melody and a strong rock rhythm in the chorus). This is a great album, somehow mellow, introspective, upbeat, and fun all at once.
There you have it — Scrooge no longer, I have chosen the best Christmas music ever! :p
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