Kurt Russel did two sappy Christmas movies for Netflix.
I think it’s quite obvious why he was cast in the horrible Elvis biopic in the 70’s. He really does a good Elvis:
Steve van Zandt on guitar.
An oldie, but on I pick up every year is Ella’s Swinging Christmas album to blow out all the schmaltz and treacle. A sample:
Check out Christmas FM’s song contest winners, they have a new cover or original song each year. Here’s the one from 2020 (the most recent year listed):
Last year’s winner is on a different page:
Here’s “Gabriel’s Message” from Charlotte Church, which is a very, very old hymn, but you may not have heard it before. Sting released it also, but didn’t do it as well as the Voice of an Angel, in my humble opinion. I sang it as the communion solo during church today.
And if this song, especially in context, doesn’t break your heart, I don’t know what will. “O Come All You Unfaithful”. A very new anthem. The video is filled with people reacting to hearing it for the first time. People whose lives have been very hard. They’ve lost a husband, wife, or child. They’re homeless. They’re young single mothers. They lost their job. There is a place for you with Christ, the song says. Christ is born for you. That’s the power of Jesus. And that’s the Jesus that I follow and profess my faith in.
Old (from 1959!) but possibly new to you – a rather surreal “Frosty the Snowman”:
Some albums on my playlist:
A Broadway musical style album by Idina Menzel.
Best track is “A Hand for Mrs. Claus”.
A Irish folk music style album by the Irish Rovers.
Best track is “Christmas in Killarney”.
Any Christmas album by Pentatonix; they have several.
Best tracks are “Mary, Did You Know?” and “White Winter Hymnal”.
Well I found my new Christmas album for the year, thanks!
Lorenna McKennitt has several CDs of Christmas music, basically traditional; Over the Rhine has several CDs of traditional and new stuff, my favorite song is All I get for Christmas is Blue: and Serena Ryder has one called Christmas Kisses which I like.
Mary’s Boy Child, the Charlotte Church version.
This song seems to get more relevant every year.
I stumbled on this just last night:
While technically not a Christmas tune, my church-music-director/choirmaster wife says this is played throughout the year – not just the Immaculate Conception – even at funerals. Whatever, it’s incredible.
FrostWind has a pretty nice Christmas Album. It’s called Reflective Christmas. Really modern and unique imo
FrostWind has a pretty nice Christmas Album. It’s called Reflective Christmas. Really modern and unique imo
https://open.spotify.com/album/0PCaqhWP1sL7tbsqOVDBiN?si=kxqDeFUMQ5GTPW7kutTh1A
Thanks for the FrostWind recommendation. I especially enjoyed the duet version of Warm In December.
Loving it. Thank you.
Bad Religion put out a Christmas album in 2013 featuring punked up versions of traditional Christmas songs and ending with their song American Jesus, which is not a Christmas song but has a worthwhile message.
My favorite xmas album is Have Yourself a Tractors Christmas.
Sorry - tried to imbed links but got some error message. Easily pop up with a search.
I also enjoy the CD A Cowboy Christmas:
Jeremy Lister has been pumping out some spectacular, jazzy Christmas and holiday music in the last five years or so.
My top favorite is “Wouldn’t Be Christmas Without You”
And also the all-inclusive “Happy Holidays, Everyone”
Others I won’t embed but include “Christmas in Rio,” “Fly Santa Fly,” and “The Best Time of the Year.” He’s got lots more, and almost all originals.
His latest this year is “You Make These Moments Magic” that’s in a Netflix holiday movie.
Silent Night/Away In A Manger Sousa style!!
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“Silent Night” big band brass style.
Not very silent at all with those drums!