Christmas Tunes - 2008

I did a Christmas songs post in 2006. I got some good response. I even wound up making CDs for some people. I am happy to do that, by the way.

I realize this is coming to you a week before Christmas. But, hey...I've been busy.
These are some of my favorite Christmas tunes, in no order.

Once again, the Lifetime Achievement Award in this category goes to the Vince Guaraldi Trio's "A Charlie Brown Christmas". The entire album is a holiday masterpiece. It IS the sound of Christmas.

If you are looking for other albums, you could start with the Motown Christmas album. The traditional holiday classics are given a really soulful workout by Motown's roster of stars from the late 60's and early 70's. Phil Spector's, "A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector" is an album that's perfect in the background of any holiday party or get-together. "The Sinatra Christmas Album" is perfect for that nostalgic "feel" in any home at Christmas.

There are others, of course. But, these are my favorites. I added some new ones, over the last two years.

So, here goes:

Stevie Wonder - That's What Christmas Means to Me
Donny Hathaway - This Christmas
Band Aid - Do They Know It's Christmas
U2 - Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)
U2 - I Believe In Father Christmas
Ray Conniff & The Singers - Ring Christmas Bells
Elton John - Step Into Christmas
The Pogues featuring Kirsty MacColl - Fairytale of New York
Marvin Gaye - Purple Snowflakes
Aimee Mann - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
The Pretenders - 2000 Miles
Andy Williams - The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
The Carpenters - Merry Christmas, Darling
Ella Fitzgerald - Sleigh Ride
John Mayer - St. Patrick's Day
Ron Sexsmith - Maybe This Christmas
Joni Mitchell - River
NRBQ - Christmas Wish
The Beach Boys - Little St. Nick
The Kinks - Father Christmas
Diana Ross and the Supremes - My Favorite Things
Nat King Cole - The Christmas Song
The Beach Boys - Little Saint Nick
Billy Squier - Christmas is the Time to Say, "I Love You"
Bob Dylan - Winterlude
Ray Charles - That Spirit of Christmas
Tony Bennett - Winter Wonderland
Rufus Wainwright - Spotlight on Christmas
Sting - Gabriel's Message
Pearl Jam - Let Me Sleep
Dave Matthews - A Christmas Song
The O'Jays - Christmas Ain't Christmas, New Year's Ain't New Year's Without the One You Love
Andy Williams - It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year (A Shrift Remix)

Did I miss your favorite?
If so, let me know.

If not, burn yourself a few CDs and enjoy.