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Saturday, December 10, 2011

3 New Favorite Advent/Christmas Albums

My daughter recently unearthed our bin of Christmas music, which means we've been listening to a lot of Louis Armstrong, Elvis Presley, Vince Guaraldi, and Frank Sinatra.

In addition to those beloved albums, though, we've some new favorites. I thought I'd share some of them with you. And maybe you can share a bit of your faves in the combox, too. (Note: If Grooveshark is acting up, just click on the song title, and you can listen to the song for free there.)

Songs of Joy & Peace
One of my favorite albums came out recently (read: 2008). Yo-Yo Ma's sparkling gem of an album is called: "Songs of Joy & Peace." Everything about is so pretty and sweet. Plus, the diversity of music styles make it FUN.


Some pieces give me the happiest goosebumps, too, such as the gorgeous "Dona Nobis Pacem":
Dona Nobis Pacem (Give Us Peace) [with counterpoint] by Yo-Yo Ma on Grooveshark

You can listen to the whole album for free on Grooveshark. (Buying it would also be lovely.)

Christmas Songs
Another favorite is the Jars of Clay "Christmas Songs" album. The rendition of the sweet "Drummer Boy" is one of our family's favorites. And when they sing "Christmas Time is Here" and ... Yes, the whole album rocks.

Here's "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" for your listening pleasure:
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day by Jars of Clay on Grooveshark


Navidad
For a dash of Latin-flavored Christmas music, check out Lara & Reyes. They are a jazz-influenced Latin-guitar instrumental duo. This album has the usual Christmas songs, but played with a definitely unique sound.

Here's a glimpse of their Latino Christmas-ness in "What Child Is This?"
What Child Is This? by Lara & Reyes on Grooveshark

So, what are you folks listening to? Any recommendations? What's your favorite song?

Peace and blessings,
Vee

1 comment:

  1. I like Sting's version of "I Saw Three Ships" (the "Live From Durham Cathedral" one), the Mediaeval Baebes' version of "The Holly and the Ivy," and Alison Moyet's "Coventry Carol."

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