During our recent family Thanksgiving gathering, my son John asked everyone to name their favorite Christmas album. When it came my turn I didn't have to think about it at all. I immediately popped out with "The Carpenter's Christmas album", meaning of course, their first one, Christmas Portrait. Interestingly enough, it was also the favorite of both my sons. It's one of those albums that became a tradition in our home when our children were young. Back then it was a cassette tape copy. I finally bought a cd copy last year and opted for the double album that also includes their second Christmas album, An Old Fashioned Christmas. The latter was first released a year after Karen's death. The reason these albums are important is Karen's magnificent vocals. I've heard it said that she is the best female pop vocalist of all time. Pretty heavy duty claim, but one I agree with! The flaw in both albums is there is too much superfluous stuff. That's a minor flaw in the first one, and a major flaw in the second where Karen doesn't come in until the 5th track! All is forgiven however when Karen soars on songs both old and new. Their well known Merry Christmas Darling needs no introduction. Other favorites include Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, The Christmas Waltz, Sleigh Ride, The Christmas Song, Christ Is Born and from the 2nd album Santa Claus Is Coming to Town and Little Altar Boy, which although not really a Christmas song, carries a similar spirit to Ave Maria which closes the first album.
Other family favorites Bing Crosby's White Christmas album, Harry Connick Jr.'s When My Heart Finds Christmas and various and sundry compilation albums that feature such people as Perry Como, Dean Martin, Doris Day and Johnny Mathis. One of my favorite tracks from a compilation we often play is Roger Whittacker's take on Ding Dong Merrily On High.
Some of my personal favorite Christmas albums are: Messiah with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, A Christmas Celebration by Celtic Woman, Good News and Joy For Christmas Day both by Kathy Mattea, December in Vermont by Diane Zeigler, Greatest Christmas Songs by Julie Andrews and last but not least, Nancy Hanson's All Wrapped Up. Based on a recent Facebook post, you might just be able to get a swingin' deal on Nancy's album. Contact info available at:
http://www.nancyhanson.com/
Christmas albums are a mixed bag, so I'm pretty careful about the ones I pick up. My personal collection is pretty small. I guess I'd rather spend my money on music I can listen to all year long, but this gives an idea of what I like. My brother and sister will probably take issue with my not including The Beach Boy's Christmas Album, but that became my parent's family favorite long after I'd left home, so it just never took with me. That being said, who can fault Little Saint Nick?
