All the Angels Sing

I really thought I had written a post about Christmas music each of the last few years. Turns out [according to my archives] I did not write one last year. It was two years ago when I wrote this one with a fairly good list of what I was listening to and what I recommend. I wouldn’t change any part of that list.

The most notable of my recent Christmas music acquisitions are Jingle All the Way by Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, This Christmas by Aretha Franklin, and Come Darkness Come Light: Twelve Songs of Christmas by Mary Chapin Carpenter. Each of these artists has a pretty distinctive style and if you like their other work you’re pretty sure to like these too.

My favorite in this group is Mary Chapin Carpenter. She has such a warm, soulful voice and it shines perfectly in this collection of new songs with a few traditional ones. The Longest Night of the Year, Christmas Time in the City, and Still, Still, Still are all good songs. My most favorite though is Hot Buttered Rum [I might even have to try the drink...]. I can listen to this whole album over and over.

I have to say though that I get a chuckle from the last track on Aretha’s new effort. It’s a variation on ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. Give a listen:

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Happy Christmas to all [plus whatever other holidays you choose to celebrate, of course] and to all a good night!