Fiendish Thingy
Fiendish Thingy's JournalMy Favorite Christmas Albums:
from my blog at:
https://www.afiendishthingy.com/blog/Entries/2020/12/my-favorite-christmas-albums.html
Below is a list of my favorite Christmas Albums; although there are many excellent various artist compliations out there (especially on the Rhino and Bear Family labels), this list focuses on albums that were conceived as whole entities, hence most are by individual artists.
1. Various Artists, produced by Phil Spector - A Christmas Gift For You (originally released 1963). This album, along with #2 below, has been part of our family’s Christmas eve listening for decades.
2. Vince Guaraldi Trio - A Charlie Brown Christmas (originally released 1965). For anyone, but especially Baby Boomers, this music is essential listening.
3. The Fab Four (Beatles Tribute Band)- A Fab Four Christmas/Have Yourself a FAB-ulous Little Christmas (2002). Covers of Christmas songs, Beatle-Style. Captures the joy and spirit of both Christmas and the Beatles.
4. J.D. McPherson - Socks (2018). If this disc doesn’t have you smiling and bopping around the house, you must be six feet under.
5. Cyndi Lauper - Merry Christmas…Have A Nice Life! (1998). Fun collection,mixing originals with covers. Some bouncy tunes along with some sentimental ones too.
6. Rotary Connection - Peace (1968). This soulful collection Features Minnie Riperton.
7. The Smithereens - Christmas with The Smithereens (2007). Power Pop Christmas Rock!
8. The Grip Weeds - Under The Influence Of Christmas (2011) More Power Pop Christmas Rock!
9. Nat King Cole - The Magic Of Christmas (1960, rereleased as “The Christmas Song”)
10. Emmylou Harris - A Light In The Stable (1992, expanded with new tracks in 2002). If you’re looking for a Roots/Bluegrass Christmas album, this is the one. Guest appearances by Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Neil Young.
What are your favorite Christmas albums?
Humbug Hitmakers: Recording Stars (1950-2000) who never made a Christmas Record
(taken from my blog at: https://www.afiendishthingy.com/blog/Entries/2020/12/hitmaking-humbugs-recording-stars-1950-2000-who-never-made-a-christmas-record.html )
I collect Christmas records. I have in my collection, hundereds of discs, containing Christmas recordings by probably over a thousand artists. In my years of collecting, it struck me that, despite the ubiquity of pop star Christmas recordings, there were a few stars who never succumbed to the commercial pull to put out a holiday song. Below is my list of hitmakers who never released a Christmas/Holiday song.
Criteria for inclusion:
To make this list, an artist/band had to have had multiple Top 20 hits, singles or LP (US pop/C&W/R&B charts) between 1950-2000, and have never issued a Christmas/Holiday record (generic winter-themed songs that have become holiday standards, such as “Winter Wonderland” count). The Christmas recording could be released any year (hence, Dylan is not on this list). I included that criteria because many artists release Christmas recordings in the waning years of their careers. Limited edition/fan club releases OK (hence, the Beatles are not on the list).
The Humbug Hitmakers List:
Patsy Cline- Patsy did do a couple of duets of “Winter Wonderland” and “Let It Snow” for a TV show in 1959-60
Hank Williams- no, the depressing “First Fall of Snow” doesn’t count.
The Dave Clark Five
The Hollies- they did sing “Winter Wonderland” on the Ready Steady Go TV program in 1966
Led Zeppelin
The Yardbirds- although original member Eric Clapton has released a Christmas LP
The GO-GO’s- although Belinda Carlisle did make a Christmas record
Muddy Waters
The Byrds
Buffalo Springfield
Sam & Dave
Carl Perkins
Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young- although Neil Young has guested on some Christmas recordings by friends.
Pink Floyd- they did do an original Christmas song as a one off for a BBC radio show.
Buddy Holly- had his career not been tragically cut short, I’m sure he would have recorded a Christmas song, probably an original composition.
I'm sure I have missed a few Humbugs; feel free to add your own Humbugs below.
