AGBF, the music is playing!

[HollyS]

Deb

I've already started my "Advent" music listening. I'm always looking for more eclectic stuff than I have. What are your thoughts and suggestions? I need to find some Loreena McKennitt (spelling?). She would be perfect. What are some traditional or classic pieces that spring to your mind?

And for some reason, it just wouldn't be Thanksgiving without George Winston.



(If I haven't apologized for election hijinks and hissy fits, I do now; please forgive me? )

 

[AGBF]

Deb

I've already started my "Advent" music listening. I'm always looking for more eclectic stuff than I have. What are your thoughts and suggestions? I need to find some Loreena McKennitt (spelling?). She would be perfect. What are some traditional or classic pieces that spring to your mind?

And for some reason, it just wouldn't be Thanksgiving without George Winston.



(If I haven't apologized for election hijinks and hissy fits, I do now; please forgive me? )

Hi, Holly! I knew you'd get over being mad in an instant. No worries there. You'll always be my gal pal and we'll always have our music in common.

This song is probably my modern (non-classic) favorite and I know it is one of Diamondseeker's favorites, too. I have been posting it every year, but what the heck? To me it is a classic, like "Silent Night". I just listened to it (and watched the video that went with this edition of it) now. As always, I got chills. I think that the person who did the editing of the song and and video did a really brilliant job.

The song is, "Here With Us" by Joy Williams.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=om5-95_Byjo

Deb/AGBF

 

[aviastar]

Loreena Mckennit has several holiday albums, they are my favorite Christmas music!

A Midwinter Night's Dream
To Drive the Cold Winter Away
A Winter Garden

Last year I also discovered some beautiful music by the Von Trapp children:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1fWh3dmx2E: Mary, Did You Know?

Sarah Brightman has a lovely version of Ava Maria:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_6oND8zL_0

I think I mentioned these guys in last year's music thread, too, but Shawn Lee's Ping Pong Orchestra is just as eclectic and wonderful as it gets. There is a whole Christmas album that's not really on YouTube, but it's fantastic:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGJQVOKSSeE

I love Christmas music!

 

[HollyS]

Loreena Mckennit has several holiday albums, they are my favorite Christmas music!

A Midwinter Night's Dream
To Drive the Cold Winter Away
A Winter Garden

Last year I also discovered some beautiful music by the Von Trapp children:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1fWh3dmx2E: Mary, Did You Know?

Sarah Brightman has a lovely version of Ava Maria:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_6oND8zL_0

I think I mentioned these guys in last year's music thread, too, but Shawn Lee's Ping Pong Orchestra is just as eclectic and wonderful as it gets. There is a whole Christmas album that's not really on YouTube, but it's fantastic:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGJQVOKSSeE

I love Christmas music!

I found Loreena McKennit through Pandora online. She definitely struck a chord. (yup, I punned)

 

[AGBF]

This is a live video of "Barenaked Ladies" performing their medley of "God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen" and "We, Three Kings". I love the song even without the visuals, but think that the visuals add a lot! It is very Christmas-y to me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTbuyiuCFVc&feature=related

Deb

 

[mrs taylor]

This is a live video of "Barenaked Ladies" performing their medley of "God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen" and "We, Three Kings". I love the song even without the visuals, but think that the visuals add a lot! It is very Christmas-y to me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTbuyiuCFVc&feature=related

Deb

This is my favorite time of year music wise and I loved the thread we had last year. The above song is one of my very favorites and about the only thing I had to contribute. lol. It's just wonderful and I wait all year to hear it. Thanks for linking it! This will be my first time this year!

 

[AGBF]

Does everyone remember this classic? I absolutely love it!!! It's the "Straight No Chaser" version of "The Twelve Days of Christmas"!!! "The Christmas Can-Can" is also cute."

"The Twelve Days of Christmas" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Fe11OlMiz8

"The Christmas Can -Can" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7E-47VmFopE&feature=artistob&playnext=1&list=TLiFnQxcrilDE

"O Holy Night" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKFTgTcPX9c&feature=related


Deb/AGBF

 

[aviastar]

Loreena Mckennit has several holiday albums, they are my favorite Christmas music!

A Midwinter Night's Dream
To Drive the Cold Winter Away
A Winter Garden

Last year I also discovered some beautiful music by the Von Trapp children:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1fWh3dmx2E: Mary, Did You Know?

Sarah Brightman has a lovely version of Ava Maria:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_6oND8zL_0

I think I mentioned these guys in last year's music thread, too, but Shawn Lee's Ping Pong Orchestra is just as eclectic and wonderful as it gets. There is a whole Christmas album that's not really on YouTube, but it's fantastic:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGJQVOKSSeE

I love Christmas music!

I found Loreena McKennit through Pandora online. She definitely struck a chord. (yup, I punned)

Punny!

I had a difficult time last year putting together a holiday Pandora station that I really liked; it wasn't electronic, or classical, or top40. This year I have discovered the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (holiday) station and I am enjoying it very much. Do you have PandoraOne so you don't have to listen to ads? I find they are popping up every 2-3 songs now, but I don't really want to pay for it.

 

[HollyS]

Loreena Mckennit has several holiday albums, they are my favorite Christmas music!

A Midwinter Night's Dream
To Drive the Cold Winter Away
A Winter Garden

Last year I also discovered some beautiful music by the Von Trapp children:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1fWh3dmx2E: Mary, Did You Know?

Sarah Brightman has a lovely version of Ava Maria:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_6oND8zL_0

I think I mentioned these guys in last year's music thread, too, but Shawn Lee's Ping Pong Orchestra is just as eclectic and wonderful as it gets. There is a whole Christmas album that's not really on YouTube, but it's fantastic:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGJQVOKSSeE

I love Christmas music!

I found Loreena McKennit through Pandora online. She definitely struck a chord. (yup, I punned)

Punny!

I had a difficult time last year putting together a holiday Pandora station that I really liked; it wasn't electronic, or classical, or top40. This year I have discovered the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (holiday) station and I am enjoying it very much. Do you have PandoraOne so you don't have to listen to ads? I find they are popping up every 2-3 songs now, but I don't really want to pay for it.

I would most often set it on Windham Hill Holiday. That's where Loreena popped up and I heard her for the first time. I've got all the Winter Soltice CDs from Windham Hill; I happen to like a quiet music mood through Advent. I'll switch it over to the classic Christmas tunes closer to the 24th. By classic, I mean Bing, Perry Como, Nat King Cole, and all the other great crooners of the 20th century. There are a few "newer" songs and singers I might throw in there, but I'm really kind of looking for Christmas Past. Elton John can make an appearance, or Jose Feliciano, and the Charlie Brown Christmas CD is an absolute essential, but I don't want any McCartney or Lennon.

I go with Pandora w/ ads. Why pay? There are also some free radio feeds that can be tailored to your likes; try Yahoo.

 

[zoebartlett]

Straight No Chaser is fun to listen to. I also love Mannheim Steamroller's music. We play it every year at my parents' house and one our favorites is their version of Silent Night. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwlFOx12Nzs..

 

[HollyS]

I get choked up when I first here this at this time of year. It is on a CD I have, replacing the cassette given to me by my sister almost 30 years ago. It says "Holiday Season" to me. It reminds me of my parents (both passed), and baking cookies, and decorating trees, and being part of a family. My husband and I play this as the first holiday CD every year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNHs25qtAqI

George Winston's Thanksgiving. It is on his December album.

It reminds me of all that I have, and all that I have lost. And how grateful I am.

 

[HollyS]

This is another great melancholy, fall is waning, winter is coming kind of song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAjl-9mKsJ0&feature=related

George Winston's Longing. I think it is on his Autumn CD.



Is it obvious that I like George Winston?

 

[AGBF]

Christmas Canon by Trans-Siberian Orchestra...need I say more?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cP26ndrmtg&feature=list_other&playnext=1&list=AL94UKMTqg-9BuG4UmtqVqg2g9shaQoGtM

AGBF

 

[HollyS]

And to satisfy the (Catholic, or maybe just Anglican) classical souls of Deb and Holly:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0aL9rKJPr4&feature=related

Choir of King's College, Cambridge

 

[aviastar]

I would most often set it on Windham Hill Holiday. That's where Loreena popped up and I heard her for the first time. I've got all the Winter Soltice CDs from Windham Hill; I happen to like a quiet music mood through Advent. I'll switch it over to the classic Christmas tunes closer to the 24th. By classic, I mean Bing, Perry Como, Nat King Cole, and all the other great crooners of the 20th century. There are a few "newer" songs and singers I might throw in there, but I'm really kind of looking for Christmas Past. Elton John can make an appearance, or Jose Feliciano, and the Charlie Brown Christmas CD is an absolute essential, but I don't want any McCartney or Lennon.

I go with Pandora w/ ads. Why pay? There are also some free radio feeds that can be tailored to your likes; try Yahoo.

Ohhhh, I'll try that station, too! I actually don't much care for 'pop' Christmas tunes- I like fresh or funky takes on traditional music and hymns. I'll take Carol of the Bells or Silent Night over White Christmas anyday. I usually go more and more traditional the closer in the Christmas; more sacred music especially for Christmas Eve and Day. I love the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for the most traditional choral hymns, but it's the quiet instrumental or solo versions that put me in mind of the reason for the season, if ya kwim.

Another good group for a Celtic vibe is Medieval Babaes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57l6dSbVppM

And just because I do love Carol of the Bells, here are some of my favorite renditions:

The Piano Guys, for 12 cellos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9GtPX6c_kg&feature=related

And Trans-Siberian Orchestra:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHioIlbnS_A

 

[HollyS]

And for something different:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9GtPX6c_kg&feature=related

Gorgeous video.


Ooops. I guess great minds think alike!

 

[HollyS]

I've always appreciated Enya.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPHh3nMMu-I

I like the spare, unembellished quality of this version. The voices are the thing here.

 

[HollyS]

And for a great voice with only a guitar:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMvldwLqe2U&playnext=1&list=PL649DEBEC2C1B89C4&feature=results_video

Jessye Norman.

Perfection does exist.

 

[aviastar]

And for something different:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9GtPX6c_kg&feature=related

Gorgeous video.


Ooops. I guess great minds think alike!

HAHA, wonderful!

 

[HollyS]

I came across this video, while trying to remember which Ave Maria was which, and which I liked more.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iH6uCrmjwOE

Lovely.

 

[aviastar]

I've always appreciated Enya.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPHh3nMMu-I

I like the spare, unembellished quality of this version. The voices are the thing here.

Great minds really do think alike, because this is my favorite version of my favorite hymn and the very next one I was going to post!

 

[minousbijoux]

I get choked up when I first here this at this time of year. It is on a CD I have, replacing the cassette given to me by my sister almost 30 years ago. It says "Holiday Season" to me. It reminds me of my parents (both passed), and baking cookies, and decorating trees, and being part of a family. My husband and I play this as the first holiday CD every year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNHs25qtAqI

George Winston's Thanksgiving. It is on his December album.

It reminds me of all that I have, and all that I have lost. And how grateful I am.

Wow, you had me at "choked up" but the rest of what you wrote is profoundly loving and wonderful. I'm listening to it as I type.

Good call.

 

[minousbijoux]

If anyone has specific direction they'd like to provide on how to get good free radio stations through the computer, please let me know!

I would love to have a "go to" station for Fall/Christmas music and I get tired of just the popular stars and regurgitations of old hits...suggestions please. Thanks.

 

[aviastar]

This takes my breath away; Audra McDonald and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Go Tell it on the Moutain:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtmz9wkAe-8

 

[HollyS]

If anyone has specific direction they'd like to provide on how to get good free radio stations through the computer, please let me know!

I would love to have a "go to" station for Fall/Christmas music and I get tired of just the popular stars and regurgitations of old hits...suggestions please. Thanks.

Yahoo music. It will take you to a spot where you can look at all the free radio streams. Also, of course, Pandora.



Oh, and when I say "here", I mean to say "hear". Why does typing on the internet bring out the idiot in all of us?

 

[mrs taylor]

I do pandora too. I make a few different channels and just select similar sounding people on each. So I have a Loreena McKennitt/Sarah McLachlan/Enya station and for each artist I select "holiday." Ditto for the rest of them. There's some overlap but I'm almost always happy with what comes up! ON the odd chance that I'm not, you can give a song a "thumbs down" and they stop it right there. It does not appear again. Genius!

 

[AGBF]

And to satisfy the (Catholic, or maybe just Anglican) classical souls of Deb and Holly:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0aL9rKJPr4&feature=related

Choir of King's College, Cambridge

Lovely. And one good turn deserves another, Holly. This version of, "A Coventry Carol", although different from the one we usually hear, is certainly well done by the King's College Choir. Doesn't the soloist have an angelic voice?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=si0Fu9OcCzY

Deb/AGBF

 

[HollyS]

And to satisfy the (Catholic, or maybe just Anglican) classical souls of Deb and Holly:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0aL9rKJPr4&feature=related

Choir of King's College, Cambridge

Lovely. And one good turn deserves another, Holly. This version of, "A Coventry Carol", although different from the one we usually hear, is certainly well done by the King's College Choir. Doesn't the soloist have an angelic voice?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=si0Fu9OcCzY

Deb/AGBF

You're my twin from another mother! I had this one saved on my computer at work last year during the holidays!

 

[AGBF]

One of my very favorite carols is, "Jesus Christ, The Apple Tree". I have spent hours listening to different versions of it today (as I have before). Some of my favorites are simply not available on the 'net, but the one below is (in my opinion) really beautiful. I think it may be my favorite among the versions available on YouTube, although there are several other lovely ones. I may post a few others here, too.

Choir of St. John's College Cambridge..... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPJBFYuUWvY&feature=related
Lee Farrar Bailey............................. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=we11bcbyaKk&feature=related
The Choir of King's College Cambridge.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cm3fZDZxiko
The Rankin Family........................... http://www.christmas-tree.ca/music/apple.html

Deb/AGBF


edited to add that my favorite version is the one by the Rankin Family, which I eventually found available on the 'net, although not on YouTube. I own the CD it is on, so I can listen to it at home all the time!

 

[AGBF]

I looked up new Christmas albums for 2012. Celtic Woman has put out one called, "Home For Christmas". I like their version of, "We Three Kings" which has great vocal harmony. (Vocal harmony is my thing.)

Celtic Woman doing "We Three Kings"....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzPbB96NLr4&list=PLDQ45hujDIQ2sX9mq5ciAeWVl3LdyWYoB&index=45&feature=plpp_video

Deb/AGBF