Songs for the Christmas Season 30

According to Wikipedia, the Christmas season is described as the period of time that includes Christmas and New Year's and even to the day of Epiphany which is usually on January 6 or 7. So I continue on with more holiday music.

First today we have Etta Jones with "Ring the Bells". A very nice holiday original which I have played annually since first hearing the song back in the 90's.





Next is a great seasonal favorite called "It's a Marshmallow World." This version is from 1964 and it's by Brenda Lee and it's one of my favorite takes. I love the little electronic piano or harpsichord sound in the first part of the song.

Songs for the Christmas Season 22

As we get into the final week before Christmas, I will continue to post some of my all time favorite holiday recordings, sans any type of theme to tie the songs together. First up is one of my all-time favorite versions of "What Child is This" by Vanessa Williams. Such a haunting version with some jazzy guitar.




Next is Perry Como with a unique Christmas tune which may be considered obscure these days. Shame though because the song really embodies the spirit of Christmas from the gentle melody to the children's choir and the European style of the music.

Songs for the Christmas Season 5

Yesterday, I went with mellow. Today I'm going with some uptempo, happy songs. First up is a great song by Detroit Jr. called "Christmas Day." Not only is it a great, driving R&B number but it's also an original holiday tune!





Today's second selection is another driving song, this time Louisiana-style. It's "Louisiana Christmas Day" by Aaron Neville from 1993.

Songs for the Halloween Season 8

How about some more recent tracks? Like from the 90's?  I say 'tracks' because the second selection for today might receive some scoffs if I referred to it as a song. But I am reserving the right to pick tracks which may not fit the traditional definition of what a song is. But no doubt that today's first pick is a real, actual song. Portishead is a band that has many creepy-sounding songs but I think this one is their creepiest. "Half Day Closing" is a song that makes your hairs stand on end. Everything about this song is just not right.






Here's another from the 90's. This is the one that is not exactly musical but it is great for Halloween. Boards of Canada is considered an 'electronica' band and a lot of their music incorporates lo-fi and/or creepy elements. Much of what you hear in "Color of the Fire" is taken from a Sesame Street segment which has been slowed down and modified just enough to freak many people out. In fact, I have even used this song played backwards on a little scary video I made!