'Tis the Season - Favorite Holiday Recordings?

[geeqner]

I've already been listening to some Christmas music via CD on the home 2-channel system.
(Wife does "Stamping" - making Holiday Cards for a fund-raiser for a dog rescue that we work with.  The music helps to get her "in the mood" and I enjoy most of it too
[Even if this is starting-out a bit early])

THIS YEAR - I'm hearing "new stuff" or stuff being emphasized that I had not noticed before.  Probably due to my relatively new XPA-2 Gen 3 Amp, which I did not have last year.
My ELAC speakers were being driven by a decent but aging NAD Receiver last year.  The new "rig" plays quietly with nearly as much sonic balance as it does when "cranked".

ALL-TIME FAVE: Aaron Neville, "Soulful Christmas" - Really mixes-up the tempos with quiet soulful numbers and upbeat stuff and everything between
I love Mr. Neville's voice.  It's hard to believe that "that voice" emanates from a big, tough-looking fella' like him.  
(Plus we don't get much of the "Bayoo boogie" influence up here in the Frozen Tundra...)

OLD-SCHOOL / SENTIMENTAL MOOD:  Bing Crosby  "White Christmas" (except for the goofy "Rudolph" bit..)

CLASSICAL:  (TIE)
Luciano Pavarotti, "O Holy Night"  (He's singing with the Angels now...)
"A Canadian Brass Christmas"  (As a former French Horn player / drum & bugle corps member - I gotta' get my dose of Brass!)

MODERN SINGERS:
Lauren Daigle "Behold" - If you've never heard her, she's got a Jazzy sort of of a cross between Macy Gray "twang" and Adelle's strength in her voice / I think she's very versatile.

[simpleman68]

I always try to get fresh stuff to go with the classics.

This was just released by a buddy of mine and is incredibly good.

A killer collection of musicians.

Scott

[Loop 7]

For me, it's always Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker (complete ballet music).

My personal gold standard is by Simon Rattle/Berlin Philharmonic. However, Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic recently released their complete recording and it is stunning. It won't topple the EMI/Rattle but it is great.

[gus4emo]

So far just listening to the local Christmas station.....love the memories....

[Deleted]

[teaman]

TSO is easily my favorite Christmas music.

[gus4emo]

Rock around the Christmas tree, Brenda Lee

[gus4emo]

Nov 19, 2018 21:50:51 GMT -5 teaman said:

TSO is easily my favorite Christmas music.

I mentioned my TSO favorite last year, CHRISTMAS NIGHT, play it and turn that baby way up.....

[teaman]

Gary Hoey is another favorite for the season

[Bonzo]

Nov 19, 2018 21:50:51 GMT -5 teaman said:

TSO is easily my favorite Christmas music.

Oh schiit dude, THERE is something we will NEVER agree on. Yikes. I HATE that crap. That and Manheim Steamroller. Worst SCHIIT music on the planet. Please don't take my reply as a personal attack, especially since we seem to be buds here on many things. But wow, I just don't know how anyone can stand it. My wife could vouch for what I'm saying. I literally feel like puking when I hear it. I can't explain how much my body HATES it.

[teaman]

Nov 19, 2018 22:06:54 GMT -5 Bonzo said:

Nov 19, 2018 21:50:51 GMT -5 teaman said:

TSO is easily my favorite Christmas music.

Oh schiit dude, THERE is something we will NEVER agree on. Yikes. I HATE that crap. That and Manheim Steamroller. Worst SCHIIT music on the planet. Please don't take my reply as a personal attack, especially since we seem to be buds here on many things. But wow, I just don't know how anyone can stand it. My wife could vouch for what I'm saying. I literally feel like puking when I hear it. I can't explain how much my body HATES it.

That's okay buddy, it's not for everyone. I used to really like Savatage and the lead singer helped form TSO way back when. They put on an amazing show and they have a ton of talent. There are plenty of Christmas and Holiday classics I like too, I just like most of my listening with an edge.

[Bonzo]

Nov 19, 2018 20:28:50 GMT -5 @warpedmind said:

Unfortunately, I think my distain for Peanuts cartoon ruins me on this one. Not a fan of Charlie Brown. Top 5 worst cartoon series of all time.

But the music, is pretty good actually. I wish I could like it more.

[Bonzo]

Sorry for downing 2 in a row. On my phone right now so hard to post pics or links of what I would post. Will do tomorrow hopefully.

Lots to love here.

[teaman]

Nov 19, 2018 22:14:23 GMT -5 Bonzo said:

Sorry for downing 2 in a row. On my phone right now so hard to post pics or links of what I would post. Will do tomorrow hopefully.

Lots to love here.

Here's one Bonzo will like

[vcautokid]

[mauriceminor]

[405x5]

My wife loves “Dominick The Donkey” whilst baking cookies 🍪.

She has a heart ❤️ of gold, so I just run and hide until the smoke clears. 🎄 Hey after all it’s Christmas.

Bill

[DYohn]

Xmas music in my house means someone is getting shot. Not allowed.

[405x5]

Nov 19, 2018 22:06:54 GMT -5 Bonzo said:

Nov 19, 2018 21:50:51 GMT -5 teaman said:

TSO is easily my favorite Christmas music.

Oh schiit dude, THERE is something we will NEVER agree on. Yikes. I HATE that crap. That and Manheim Steamroller. Worst SCHIIT music on the planet. Please don't take my reply as a personal attack, especially since we seem to be buds here on many things. But wow, I just don't know how anyone can stand it. My wife could vouch for what I'm saying. I literally feel like puking when I hear it. I can't explain how much my body HATES it.

What he said ! TSO is the nightmare before Christmas come true.

Bill

[mshump]

Nov 20, 2018 9:17:49 GMT -5 DYohn said:

Xmas music in my house means someone is getting shot. Not allowed.

Post of the day winner !! LOL




Mark