Comments on: Coasting to Christmas

By: Larry Jones

Larry Jones — Fri, 16 Dec 2005 01:03:00 +0000

Shephard – I was just being a curmudgeon with the “…ever-younger…” remark. What I meant, and what I should have said, is that each new generation of singers takes off on a song from the point where the previous generation left off, and as a result their performances are spmetimes not informed by the original spirit of the song (as defined by me, of course). Compare Whitney Houston’s wailing, testifying rendition of “The Christmas Song” to the purity and longing of Mel Torme’s original. Does she have any idea what she is singing about?

And I am ashamed to admit that I scorned The Carpenters in their day. I thought they were sappy, plus I had to perform their stupid song at 500 weddings. But, boy-howdy did they do Christmas right! Karen’s voice brings enough beauty and warmth to the songs to melt the heart of any Scrooge, and there is never a false note (not to be confused with “wrong notes,” of which there are also none). And with her sad real-life story hovering in the background, it’s a bittersweet experience to hear her now.

I have checked out your blogs, and I’m looking forward to reading your Christmas music reviews.

By: Shephard

Shephard — Thu, 15 Dec 2005 22:20:00 +0000

Your post is inspiring. Maybe I’ll do one on my fave holiday tunes, with a nod to you (great idea).

I know what you mean about younger and younger… it’s the music trend now; get them recording so early they’ll be heart=throbbing record machines for 50 years. Yuk.

I have to say, for me, my list is going to feature Karen Carpenter. Her voice *is* Christmas to me (that may peg my generation).

By: Dick the Boomer

Dick the Boomer — Fri, 09 Dec 2005 18:02:00 +0000

Your knowledge of music is impressive! I wouldn’t attempt to make a favorites list. Christmas songs from my childhood would probably be among my favorites because of the emotional connection that’s forever burned into my memory.

By: Larry Jones

Larry Jones — Thu, 08 Dec 2005 03:18:00 +0000

Jayne – Carol of the Bells! Now that I know the name, I can call and request it.

kStyle – Andy Williams is Christmas! “From Atlantic to Pacific, gee the traffic is terrific…”

L – I know what you mean. My coworkers and everyone who passes near my office seem to feel the same way.

By: L

Thu, 08 Dec 2005 00:11:00 +0000

I am about ready to slit my wrists after all the Christmas music that’s been playing lately…

By: kStyle

kStyle — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 18:50:00 +0000

I LOVE the Andy Williams Xmas album. Sure, it’s a little heavy on the screeching children in the last few songs, but the rest is classic.

Also love “Santa Baby”.

It also upsets me what Dolly & whats-his-name did to “Baby It’s Cold Outside”.

By: JayneSays

JayneSays — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 16:50:00 +0000

Erin: I think you’re talking about Carol of the Bells (I’m a Christmas song geek, but I only hav 5.9 hours of Xmas music on my iTunes playlist, so it could be worse. . .)

By: Larry Jones

Larry Jones — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 15:40:00 +0000

Erin – Oh yeah, that one! Got it now, and now that you mention it, I don’t think I’ve heard it this year. The CD player in my office stopped working sometime since last winter, and the song doesn’t seem to be on the radio playlist. We’ll have to talk about the song on the drum.

Edge – Yes! Late at night on Christmas Eve, a bittersweet peace descends, and the songs tug that much more insistently on my heart.

By: Edge

Edge — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 11:36:00 +0000

man o man, man…..your faves are my faves…..I think I’ll just loop those til Christmas. You notice the best Christmas songs sound the best at about 11 PM on Christmas Eve?

By: Erin

Erin — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 11:13:00 +0000

No, not that one. The chorus that has a round of “…all seem to say, Christmas is here,” and “MerryMerryMerryMerryMerry Christmas,” and “Ding-dong, Ding-dong.” Someone help me out here.

You can so have a song on a drum! The “parumpa pum pum” factor is a little questionable though. I’ll give you that.