The fast approaching festive season has prompted me to initiate a list.This list includes twelve of what I consider to be the best Christmas music, reproduced, created or improvised.
I have limited myself to twelve, but only for the sake of brevity. The actual playlist ”Christmas-ish” contains a lot more.
Not just being a student of theology and popular culture, but a consumer also. I present to you my 2013 Advent/festive guide to Christmas Musica:
1. Casting Crowns: I heard the bells on Christmas Day – (Peace on Earth, 2008)
2. MercyMe: God rest ye merry gentlemen – (The Christmas Sessions, 2005)
3. Kenny Rogers & Wynonna Judd: Mary Did You Know? – (The Gift, 1996)
4. Sting: Soul Cake – (If on a winter’s Night, 2009)
5. David Crowder*Band: Angels we have heard on high – (Oh for Joy, 2011)
6. Johnny Cash: Joy to the World/Away in a Manger – (Classic Christmas, 1980)
7. Kari Jobe: O Holy Night – (Where I Find You: Christmas Edition, 2012; in my opinion this one stands alongside Bing Crosby’s version – Yeah, I think it’s that good.)
8. Celtic Woman: Carol of the Bells – (Silent Night, 2012)
9. Bill Miller: The First Noel – (Sacred Gift, 2005)
10. Sara Groves featuring Toby Groves: Its True – (O Holy Night, 2008 – ‘Toy Packaging’ tied with this one)
11. Jars of Clay: Gabriel’s Message – Christmas Songs, 2007 (Bonus Track Version)
12. Bobby Helms: Jingle Bell Rock (1957 version)
In addition, what is probably the best ROCK version of Carol of the Bells in the history of eclectic guitars (see what I did there? eclectic instead of electric… DC*B: )
The Celtic Women are great. Your blog caught my eye bc I studied Latin as a Classics minor in college. =)
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Thank you for your comment. I agree. Celtic Woman have a unique niche and they do it well. Peace be with you.
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Thanks for the follow, Rod. You don’t have to go to the trouble of responding, but I thought this might speak to you. Given your interest in art:
http://aholisticjourney.wordpress.com/2013/09/02/the-process-ii-finale-calling-all-artists-thinkers-writers/
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