Thursday, 17 December 2009
Favourite Christmas Carols & Songs
I simply do not have time to list all my favourite carols and Christmas songs, but I thought it would be nice to share a few with (brief) reasons why I like them so much. Some you'll know, some you might not be all that familiar with. I hope that you'll like them all, too. All song links are to Youtube videos.
Carols
I love everything about this carol, it is quite possibly my absolute favourite. I know that when Jesus was born, it wasn't likely to be snowing in Bethlehem (although it does snow there sometimes!), but the imagery conjured up by Christina Rossetti's words is magical. And the tune itself is beautiful and very apt for this time of year - somewhat solemn yet joyful. And I love the verse about the angels thronging round the baby Jesus as Mary kisses her son. :)
I love the way the chorus starts quiet and gets louder with each line. Also, the final verse is meant to be sung only on Christmas Day. This is just one of those carols that really sums up the spirit of Christmas, I feel.
Angels From The Realms of Glory:
I love the tune of this (and not the other tune it is sung to, of which I was unaware until I looked the carol up on Youtube!). I also love how long some of the words are sung for - it's great fun!
Originally written in German by an Austrian priest called Joseph Mohr, there are some variations in how it has been translated into English. The lyrics in the link mentioned are my favourite. This sounds really lovely in the evening, especially sung by children. Whenever I hear it, I feel that little bit more peaceful.
A more modern carol than the others I've mentioned, but I love the rhythm in this! And the lyrics are actually really great, too!
Songs
This is a firm favourite in my family. The music is brilliant! The words may not be quite you expect from a Christmas song, but they have an important message that is quite poignant. Hearing this always brings a smile to my face...:)
This is a song by Low, and it's on this album of alternative Christmas songs that I love. This is quite possibly my fave. The music just takes me back to being a child waiting for Christmas. I only wish this song were longer!
Everything's Gonna Be Cool This Christmas:
Trust the eels to provide a rocking Christmas song! I love this! It's just so happy and hopeful! Yay! It's off the same album as the song above, if you're interested.
Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy:
The unusual coupling of Bing Crosby and David Bowie on this duet is fantastic. Both use their vocal talents to great effect! It's such a touching rendition that I love to listen to, and has really grown on me in the last decade or so...
It's hardly festive to sing about getting drunk and having an argument with a loved one, and yet Christmas wouldn't be the same without this song. It's caused some controversy in its time (does anyone remember BBC Radio 1 blanking out the insults to "avoid offence" a year or so ago?), but it remains popular with many people, myself included. Perhaps this is because it's a reminder that not everyone is full of peace and joy at this time, or perhaps, more likely, it's simply because it's such a terrific song!
That's enough from me for now. What are your favourite carols and songs for this season?
God bless!
