Good summary ... I always play the Sting album quite a bit in December ... Tull also ... the Kate Rusby Christmas Carol albums are just fabulous and are always handy ... James Taylor at Christmas album is superb ... Diana Krall Christmas Songs is worth a listen .... rock wise there is Chris Squire's Swiss Choir (already mentioned in comments) and Heart with A Loveminger's Christmas ... Enya's And Winter Came is a delight ... also Scala & Kolacny Brothers' December album (do check out an awesome version of Joni Mitchell River on it) ... and, for the acoustic guitarists, have a listen to Gordon Giltrap (A Midnight Clear), Al Petteway (melodic master on the guitar) A Scottish Christmas or A Celtic Christmas, Pete Huttlinger with First Night, Steve Baughman Old World Christmas... and finally, I really do enjoy albums like Carols from Windsor and the like ... Cool video again Barry .... p.s. James Taylor version of River is also very well done .... p.p.s. do give the Kate Rusby albums a go ... such a pure voice .... CMcG, Aberdeen, Scotland
One that I have to say that was (understandably) omitted but has to be my favorite is Dean Martin’s album a Winter Romance. It has a certain charm to it that I believe can’t be found in others. Similar to the Sinatra one from a few years prior I believe those songs lead to a sentimentalism of a bygone era that is only enhanced by deans voice. His version of let it snow is probably the most recognizable at this point but the rest of the album is equally as fantastic. A few highlights for me have to be the titular song A Winter Romace, Let it Snow, and White Christmas.
Great video, Barry! May you and your family enjoy all the joy of the season! For what it's worth, my favourite Christmas albums change from year to year but here are my Top 5 for this festive season: A CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR YOU from Phil Spector ~ real or coerced, joy rings out the speakers in waves QUALITY STREET by Nick Lowe ~ a gentle mix of traditional and original including his classic "Christmas at the Airport" SONGS FOR CHRISTMAS ~Sufjan Stevens ~ Xmas is a complex time of year (love; guilt; exhaustion; isolation; silliness) and Stevens exposes all of these (and more) across a 5-disk box "in stereo hi-fi" BELLS OF DUBLIN by the Chieftans ~ a perennial fave around my place, both for the lovely Celtic renderings as well as the host of guest like Costello, Rickie Lee Jones, Jackson Browne and Marianne Faithfull. Bonus marks for an appearance by Burgess Meredith THE McGARRIGLE CHRISTMAS HOUR by Kate & Anna with friends and family. No fake snow here, just homespun humour, fireside warmth and a generous helping of Jesus and Mary... what it's all about.
Not sure what you mean by 'surprisingly broad' my music collection contains everything from Motorhead to Miles Davis from Judas Priest to Joni Mitchell. Have a great holiday and thank you for your comments.
One childhood favorite of mine is _Merry Snoopy's Christmas_ by the Royal Guardsmen. It's silly, but fun...and even the non-Christmas-themed songs like "I Say Love" and "Airplane Song" have a great '60s pop charm.
I like pretty much everything with Jethro Tull but can understand that some old school fans think the band took wrong directions. The Christmas Album is a bit like a return to form for me. I enjoy it!
I've always loved "A Christmas Song" (especially the 1968 original). I personally think it's one of the best songs Ian ever wrote. "Hey Santa, Pass us that bottle, will ya?"
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. My favorites are: 1. The Phil Spector Christmas Album 2. The Beach Boys Christmas Album 3. A Very Special Christmas (various 80s artists) 4. A Charlie Brown Christmas 5. A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra 6. The Dean Martin Christmas Album 7. Snowfall (Tony Bennett) 8. Elvis Presley Christmas Album 9. Someday at Christmas (Stevie Wonder) 10. When My Heart Finds Christmas (Harry Connick)
Just listening to Jethro Tull in the car. Favourite Christmas / winter album but don’t forget ELP I believe in Father Christmas EP Not an album but worth a listen.
@@classicalbum Have you considered attempting a Scrooge's Xmas Humbug of the worst Christmas songs and the ones we're heartily sick of ? There are plenty to shake your stick at. For instance I could never stand that Pogues Fairytale; and much as I love Slade...
I tend to go with individual songs more than albums, especially when it comes to Christmas music, but here's a top 5 off the top of my head (in no particular order): A Charlie Brown Christmas - Vince Guaraldi A Christmas Gift For You - Phil Spector The Nutcracker - Tchaikovsky (any comprehensive, well-recorded release) Christmas Favorites - The Vienna Boys Choir Christmas Caravan - Squirrel Nut Zippers
Great list Barry , just love The Beach Boys Christmas Album, comes out every year , stunning harmonies and the Brian Wilson original Merry Christmas Baby is a great listen
Joan Baez's Noel, all songs performed in their original languages, over beautiful Baroque chamber arrangements by P.D.Q. Bach, of all people. Dedicated to the troops then stationed in Vietnam. A brilliant record.
All favorites. And really, the last great Jethro Tull album. As mentioned below, Vince Guaraldi's Charlie Brown Christmas is an incredible audiophile recording. Also, Jon Anderson's Three Ships, The Moody Blues December and when it comes time to chase those lingering guests out of the house, Hybrid Kids Claws carries on where The Resident's Santa Dog left off. Great stuff.
No one mentions Johnny Mathis Merry Christmas. His singing is great, and the arrangements on that album are awesome. I also like Sia-Everyday Is Christmas because it’s original, and she has a kind of childlike feel in this album.
A great list . Here's some that I would add : Nat King Cole : The Christmas Song. ( the title song is my favourite Christmas song , just edging out Jethro Tull's A Christmas Song ) Leon Redbone : Christmas Island Vince Guaraldi Trio : A Charlie Brown Christmas Various Artists : A Very Special Christmas Los Lobos :Llego Navidad Colin James & the Little Big Band Christmas Liona. Boyd : A Guitar for Christmas Los Lonely Boys : Christmas Spirit Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings : It's a Holiday Soul Party The Ventures : Christmas Joy Various Artists : Merry Axemas : A Guitar Christmas And we can't forget the bombastic : Trans Siberian Orchestra : The Lost Christmas Eve Happy Holidays Everyone !!!!!!!
Terrific list. Glad you mentioned "December" -- it's a really lovely album, with Hayward's and Lodge's voices capturing a sadness that endears this album to me. For me, the Sinatra album is THE classic, but I also like what he did for the holiday season when he was at Columbia ("Christmas Songs by Sinatra"), originally from 78s. A more mellifluous, less world-weary Sinatra, to be sure, but a brighter counterpoint to his later (better) work. And I'm sure I'll get hammered for this, but Cliff's Christmas album "Together" has been a part of my holiday listening for three decades now. Yeah, it's got that nineties tech/production, but his singing is what makes it as good as it is. Some other great ones... If you like The Ventures, there's The Vara-Tones' "Have Yourself a 'Vara' Merry Christmas!," The Weavers' "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," and any one of a number of Glen Campbell's Christmas albums. And Nat King Cole's Christmas album, arranged by my friend Ralph Carmichael (composer who scored the Steve McQueen movie THE BLOB), is another classic.
Have to agree with the Jethro Tull album. Superb. I also own A Christmas Gift For You, which has so many classics on. A jazzy turn, but I'd add The Vince Guaraldi Trio's "A Charlie Brown Christmas". Warming, joyous and always gets me in the spirit with a small glass (or 2) of The Glenlivet. Lovely.
Two of my favorites are Harry Belafonte's To Wish You a Merry Christmas and The Chieftains' The Bells of Dublin. Merry Christmas to you and I look forward to more videos in 2023.
It was never Christmas without Stevie Wonder's Someday At Christmas. Yes it's schmaltz but the songs, both traditional and original, are top notch. Plus it's Stevie...
Interesting list and some 'new' ones for me to check out. Some others that I can think of Michael Bublé - Christmas. Mario Lanza - Lanza Sings Christmas Carols and any of Aled Jones' many Christmas albums ☺
I’d highly recommend stax’ soul Christmas, much like Phil spector’s album it’s an ensemble consisting of Otis Redding, Carla Thomas, Booker T and the M.G’s, King Curtis and Clarence Carter. If you like any of that classic Motown style, I’d highly recommend adding it to your list!!
My kids always used to say they knew Xmas had arrived when the Tull album went on. Another honourable mention should go to Robin Williamson (ISB) with his Winter's Turning record.
Sting at number 8? Really?? The only one I really like from the Phil Spector album is “ It’s A Marshmallow World” by Darlene Love (you know the one from the magic radio ad from some years ago with the two snowmen on it!) Good upload as usual and a merry christmas to you classic rock review!!!!
I'm not a big fan of Christmas music, too many years of hearing the popular ones in shops etc. I've never heard any of the ones you mention. The one Christmas album I listen to is Low's Christmas EP (available on TH-cam), which has covers of 3 classics (Little Drummer Boy, Blue Christmas, Silent Night) plus 5 originals.
Where were the Motown, and Stax/ Volt albums? What about The Vince Gauraldi Trio's Charlie Brown Christmas? And how dare you dismiss the Beatles Christmas Album as bilge. It's tradition in my family to play it every year since I got it in 1970. It's far more entertaining than most of your white bread choices.
@@classicalbum You made a list called the Best Christmas albums, not a list called my favorite Christmas albums. Your failure to include albums by black artists in your lists is troubling. I don't doubt your intelligence, but I do question your taste.
Who’s this Barry fella? He’s very good. Got the voice. Knowledgeable as well. Is he a journo? Author? Presenter? Impressive.
The Nat King Cole Christmas album is my #1. His voice is straight butter.
Good summary ... I always play the Sting album quite a bit in December ... Tull also ... the Kate Rusby Christmas Carol albums are just fabulous and are always handy ... James Taylor at Christmas album is superb ... Diana Krall Christmas Songs is worth a listen .... rock wise there is Chris Squire's Swiss Choir (already mentioned in comments) and Heart with A Loveminger's Christmas ... Enya's And Winter Came is a delight ... also Scala & Kolacny Brothers' December album (do check out an awesome version of Joni Mitchell River on it) ... and, for the acoustic guitarists, have a listen to Gordon Giltrap (A Midnight Clear), Al Petteway (melodic master on the guitar) A Scottish Christmas or A Celtic Christmas, Pete Huttlinger with First Night, Steve Baughman Old World Christmas... and finally, I really do enjoy albums like Carols from Windsor and the like ... Cool video again Barry .... p.s. James Taylor version of River is also very well done .... p.p.s. do give the Kate Rusby albums a go ... such a pure voice .... CMcG, Aberdeen, Scotland
One that I have to say that was (understandably) omitted but has to be my favorite is Dean Martin’s album a Winter Romance. It has a certain charm to it that I believe can’t be found in others. Similar to the Sinatra one from a few years prior I believe those songs lead to a sentimentalism of a bygone era that is only enhanced by deans voice. His version of let it snow is probably the most recognizable at this point but the rest of the album is equally as fantastic. A few highlights for me have to be the titular song A Winter Romace, Let it Snow, and White Christmas.
Great video, Barry! May you and your family enjoy all the joy of the season!
For what it's worth, my favourite Christmas albums change from year to year but here are my Top 5 for this festive season:
A CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR YOU from Phil Spector ~ real or coerced, joy rings out the speakers in waves
QUALITY STREET by Nick Lowe ~ a gentle mix of traditional and original including his classic "Christmas at the Airport"
SONGS FOR CHRISTMAS ~Sufjan Stevens ~ Xmas is a complex time of year (love; guilt; exhaustion; isolation; silliness) and Stevens exposes all of these (and more) across a 5-disk box "in stereo hi-fi"
BELLS OF DUBLIN by the Chieftans ~ a perennial fave around my place, both for the lovely Celtic renderings as well as the host of guest like Costello, Rickie Lee Jones, Jackson Browne and Marianne Faithfull. Bonus marks for an appearance by Burgess Meredith
THE McGARRIGLE CHRISTMAS HOUR by Kate & Anna with friends and family. No fake snow here, just homespun humour, fireside warmth and a generous helping of Jesus and Mary... what it's all about.
A surprisingly broad selection from you. Good to see your horizons expanding.
Not sure what you mean by 'surprisingly broad' my music collection contains everything from Motorhead to Miles Davis from Judas Priest to Joni Mitchell. Have a great holiday and thank you for your comments.
One childhood favorite of mine is _Merry Snoopy's Christmas_ by the Royal Guardsmen. It's silly, but fun...and even the non-Christmas-themed songs like "I Say Love" and "Airplane Song" have a great '60s pop charm.
The Jethro Tull one is beyond fantastic, festive without being too much so, just enough rock added to keep it fresh and lively
It is good
I like pretty much everything with Jethro Tull but can understand that some old school fans think the band took wrong directions. The Christmas Album is a bit like a return to form for me. I enjoy it!
I've always loved "A Christmas Song" (especially the 1968 original). I personally think it's one of the best songs Ian ever wrote. "Hey Santa, Pass us that bottle, will ya?"
@@davidtoups4684 One of my favourites too. Off the wonderful Living in the Past compilation with all that early magic.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. My favorites are:
1. The Phil Spector Christmas Album
2. The Beach Boys Christmas Album
3. A Very Special Christmas (various 80s artists)
4. A Charlie Brown Christmas
5. A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra
6. The Dean Martin Christmas Album
7. Snowfall (Tony Bennett)
8. Elvis Presley Christmas Album
9. Someday at Christmas (Stevie Wonder)
10. When My Heart Finds Christmas (Harry Connick)
The Jethro Tull album is indeed wonderful.
Maybe honourable mentions for Chris Squire’s Swiss Choir & Winter Carols by Blackmore’s Night?
Just listening to Jethro Tull in the car.
Favourite Christmas / winter album but don’t forget ELP I believe in Father Christmas EP
Not an album but worth a listen.
Thanks for a wonderful year of quality content Barry.
Very welcome. Thank you for your support
Amen to that.
@@classicalbum Have you considered attempting a Scrooge's Xmas Humbug of the worst Christmas songs and the ones we're heartily sick of ? There are plenty to shake your stick at. For instance I could never stand that Pogues Fairytale; and much as I love Slade...
@@PhilBaird1 McCartney's Wonderful Christmas Time and Stevie Nicks gargling through Silent Night would make that list for me.
In the late 1950's, early 60's, I grew up listening to the Johnny Mathis xmas album. Still a favorite after all these years.
Phil Spector is my favorite Christmas album too. Merry Christmas
Andy Williams Christmas album is good through and through.
I tend to go with individual songs more than albums, especially when it comes to Christmas music, but here's a top 5 off the top of my head (in no particular order):
A Charlie Brown Christmas - Vince Guaraldi
A Christmas Gift For You - Phil Spector
The Nutcracker - Tchaikovsky (any comprehensive, well-recorded release)
Christmas Favorites - The Vienna Boys Choir
Christmas Caravan - Squirrel Nut Zippers
Superb Video Barry. I own the top 2 on CD. Definitely the Record company's loss when they rejected the Beach Boy's second Christmas Album in 1977.
Great list Barry , just love The Beach Boys Christmas Album, comes out every year , stunning harmonies and the Brian Wilson original Merry Christmas Baby is a great listen
Joan Baez's Noel, all songs performed in their original languages, over beautiful Baroque chamber arrangements by P.D.Q. Bach, of all people. Dedicated to the troops then stationed in Vietnam. A brilliant record.
Most excellent, Merry Christmas, Barry
Thank you ,i have my christmas playlist sorted now .
All favorites. And really, the last great Jethro Tull album. As mentioned below, Vince Guaraldi's Charlie Brown Christmas is an incredible audiophile recording. Also, Jon Anderson's Three Ships, The Moody Blues December and when it comes time to chase those lingering guests out of the house, Hybrid Kids Claws carries on where The Resident's Santa Dog left off. Great stuff.
Wned classical did the whole thing on air. Yeah, a keeper.
No one mentions Johnny Mathis Merry Christmas. His singing is great, and the arrangements on that album are awesome. I also like Sia-Everyday Is Christmas because it’s original, and she has a kind of childlike feel in this album.
If you are referring to his 1958 album, you're right.
@@richardhamilton9936 yep that one. Classic.
@@lordtrimly Highly agree!
Merry Christmas to you CAR, Looking forward to further videos inn2023.
Leon Redbone....Christmas Island.......
....Played on repeat every year. Impossible to tire of this brilliant album
Thanks Barry, makes me want to investigate those which are unfamiliar - which is most of them!
My favourite Christmas song to sing along with is Bing Crosby Twelve Days Of Christmas
I have the Jethro Tull album and it is fabulous.
A great list .
Here's some that I would add :
Nat King Cole : The Christmas Song. ( the title song is my favourite Christmas song , just edging out Jethro Tull's A Christmas Song )
Leon Redbone : Christmas Island
Vince Guaraldi Trio : A Charlie Brown Christmas
Various Artists : A Very Special Christmas
Los Lobos :Llego Navidad
Colin James & the Little Big Band Christmas
Liona. Boyd : A Guitar for Christmas
Los Lonely Boys : Christmas Spirit
Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings : It's a Holiday Soul Party
The Ventures : Christmas Joy
Various Artists : Merry Axemas : A Guitar Christmas
And we can't forget the bombastic :
Trans Siberian Orchestra : The Lost Christmas Eve
Happy Holidays Everyone !!!!!!!
Terrific list. Glad you mentioned "December" -- it's a really lovely album, with Hayward's and Lodge's voices capturing a sadness that endears this album to me. For me, the Sinatra album is THE classic, but I also like what he did for the holiday season when he was at Columbia ("Christmas Songs by Sinatra"), originally from 78s. A more mellifluous, less world-weary Sinatra, to be sure, but a brighter counterpoint to his later (better) work.
And I'm sure I'll get hammered for this, but Cliff's Christmas album "Together" has been a part of my holiday listening for three decades now. Yeah, it's got that nineties tech/production, but his singing is what makes it as good as it is.
Some other great ones... If you like The Ventures, there's The Vara-Tones' "Have Yourself a 'Vara' Merry Christmas!," The Weavers' "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," and any one of a number of Glen Campbell's Christmas albums. And Nat King Cole's Christmas album, arranged by my friend Ralph Carmichael (composer who scored the Steve McQueen movie THE BLOB), is another classic.
Hi Barry. Forgiving my sarky comment from earlier I found this a joy to listen to with some timeless albums and memories. All the best. Dave✅✅
Have to agree with the Jethro Tull album. Superb. I also own A Christmas Gift For You, which has so many classics on. A jazzy turn, but I'd add The Vince Guaraldi Trio's "A Charlie Brown Christmas". Warming, joyous and always gets me in the spirit with a small glass (or 2) of The Glenlivet. Lovely.
Cheers, merry gentle scruffs. Christmas tunes definitely have some bittetsweet allure for certain. Thanks! Sound ideas are appreciated.☮️
Two of my favorites are Harry Belafonte's To Wish You a Merry Christmas and The Chieftains' The Bells of Dublin. Merry Christmas to you and I look forward to more videos in 2023.
Check out Blackmore’s Night, surf rockers Los Straitjackets and Nick Lowe.
On the women’s side Aimee Mann, Annie Lennox, Carol King and The Roches
Nice job, Barry! I love Tull and the Christmas Album is indeed a gem!!! 🎅🏻
It was never Christmas without Stevie Wonder's Someday At Christmas. Yes it's schmaltz but the songs, both traditional and original, are top notch. Plus it's Stevie...
I will be giving the Jethro Tull album a listen this season.
Good choices Barry, try Chris Squire's Swiss Choir it's excellent.
Great list (again)!
Good list. I have a soft spot for The Andy Williams Christmas Album.
I would recommend the jazz guitarist Kenny Burrell's Have yourself a soulful little Christmas.The little drummer boy is simply sublime.
You have missed A Charlie Brown Christmas from 1965 - A jazz classic.
You know it! Listen to that gem year-round.
Interesting list and some 'new' ones for me to check out. Some others that I can think of Michael Bublé - Christmas. Mario Lanza - Lanza Sings Christmas Carols and any of Aled Jones' many Christmas albums ☺
Moya Brennan - 'An Irish Christmas' is beautiful and haunting. Worth checking out.
Thea Gilmore's Strange Communion has been my fave Christmas album since it came out. Never fail to play it each December.
I am really liking the albums that are more about winter these days. Kate Bush 50 Words For Snow
I saw Jethro Tull in February 2004 & they did loads of tunes off of that Christmas album. In February. 🤷♀️🤦♀️😊
The Temptations has two Christmas albums I haven't heard but are interested in! Does anyone recommend them?
Yes.
I’d highly recommend stax’ soul Christmas, much like Phil spector’s album it’s an ensemble consisting of Otis Redding, Carla Thomas, Booker T and the M.G’s, King Curtis and Clarence Carter. If you like any of that classic Motown style, I’d highly recommend adding it to your list!!
The Spector Christmas album actually was released on 11-22-63. The day JFK was assassinated.
So was "With the Beatles'...
@@howardscott7521 😳😳😳😳😳
My kids always used to say they knew Xmas had arrived when the Tull album went on. Another honourable mention should go to Robin Williamson (ISB) with his Winter's Turning record.
Bert Kaempfert Christmas Wonderland 🎄
Tales From A Dark Christmas from IQ is my number 1.
Mahalia Jackson’s Christmas album too.
Run with the Fox! Merry merry Christmas
Keith Emerson's xmas album !
Another great Christmas album you’ve possibly never heard of: This Is Christmas by Emmy The Great and Tim Wheeler.
Do top 10 Christmas songs! Would love to see I believe in father Christmas by ELP on there
I'm kinda surprised you didn't mention any of the soul Christmas albums by Motown, or Stax/Volt ( Atlantic) artists .
The Last Month of the Year is my very favourite Christmas LP of all time although Spector's Gift is a very close second. Merry Christmas!
And to you and yours
How about Thea Gilmore’s Strange Communion? Wonderful cd which is part of the annual festive playlist for me ❤️
Good one
Jethro Tull and Phil Spectors album are classics
Ray Charles' is my favorite. Hon. mention is Pretty Paper album by Willie Nelson
Check out the Staple Singers' The 25th Day of December.
Two that never get a mention are Tom Chaplin and the McGarrigles Christmas Hour, total quality both of them.
A couple of my favorites that did not make your list: Jon Anderson (Three Ships) and Michael Martin Murphey (Cowboy Christmas).
The Phil Spector Christmas album 'A Christmas Gift for You from Philles Records' actually came out in 1963, not in 1965.
A bit early to be watching this video.
@@classicalbum: I didn't realize there was a strict time constraint. LOL!
Samara Joy: A Joyful Holiday.
I love the first two Trans Siberiann Orchestra christmas albums.
An Iron Maiden Xmas Album.......If only!
Sting at number 8? Really?? The only one I really like from the Phil Spector album is “ It’s A Marshmallow World” by Darlene Love (you know the one from the magic radio ad from some years ago with the two snowmen on it!) Good upload as usual and a merry christmas to you classic rock review!!!!
I like Sarah McLachlan’s album Wintersong.
You may laugh but the Kelly Clarkson Christmas album is shockingly good.
I'm not a big fan of Christmas music, too many years of hearing the popular ones in shops etc. I've never heard any of the ones you mention. The one Christmas album I listen to is Low's Christmas EP (available on TH-cam), which has covers of 3 classics (Little Drummer Boy, Blue Christmas, Silent Night) plus 5 originals.
No love for Twisted Sister's cheesy A Twisted Christmas album?
Merry Christmas from Brenda Lee is the only one you missed.
I agree, but in a list of ten there a quite a few that are missed
What no Peanuts?
Allergic
Elvis anagram is Evils. For what it’s worth haha
Another is LIVES.
Where were the Motown, and Stax/ Volt albums? What about The Vince Gauraldi Trio's Charlie Brown Christmas? And how dare you dismiss the Beatles Christmas Album as bilge. It's tradition in my family to play it every year since I got it in 1970. It's far more entertaining than most of your white bread choices.
These are my own choices. Make your own list and be happy
@@classicalbum You made a list called the Best Christmas albums, not a list called my favorite Christmas albums. Your failure to include albums by black artists in your lists is troubling. I don't doubt your intelligence, but I do question your taste.