Monday, June 17, 2013

Christmas Songs

In 'Mame' there's a now standard song, 'We Need a Little Christmas'. It's in regard to the Great Depression. It's not the Depression, but December's half a year away, so now's the perfect time to do a collection of favorite Christmas songs. As you'll see, I clearly want to celebrate my Christmases in Victorian England, based on the choices below.

Come O Come Emmanuel


This first, since it is actually an Advent song.

We Wish You a Merry Christmas


John Denver and the Muppets forever.

Silent Night


The original German version. I like both.

Past Three O’clock


As I said, Victorian England...

Here We Come A-Wassailing


An instrumental break from the choirs and choruses. The second half has vocals, but ain't great.

The Holly and the Ivy


A nice arrangement.

Good King Wenceslaus


Who doesn't like this song?

I Saw Three Sailing Ships


What is this song about?
Noel Nouvelete

If you only listen to one song, make it this. (Couldn't embed for some reason.)

O Tannenbaum


Christmas Trees are nice.

The Angel Gabriel


An English version of a Basque song.

In the Bleak Midwinter


Yes, the bleak, cold, snowiness of Bethlehem (December temperatures avg. 57)

Oh Little Town of Bethlehem



Nat King Cole fo'evah.

O Come All Ye Faithful


SF Grace Cathedral, the choir I once was a part of.

Ding Dong Merrily On High


And the SF Girls Chorus, my sister's childhood performing group.

Carol of the Bells


The best version by far.

Do You Hear What I Hear


A modern carol. It's not Christmas without Bing Crosby.

The First Noel


More Mormons!

What Child Is This?


Great instrumental.

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen


And to close out the theme, and go to bed.

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Childhood in 100 Books

These are the classics that I was raised on, and that I hope to raise my kids on. They aren't ranked, because it makes little sense to compare Pat the Bunny to Ferdinand to The Stinky Cheese Man. Instead, they are vaguely alphabetical. Some are harder to find, but they're all worthwhile, and range from the turn of the century to last year. Hopefully inspirational for your own collection, or at least a trip back to your childhood.