Rum-Pa-Pum-Pum!!

Let's face it, some Christmas Carols are rooted in tradition rather than theological accuracy.  Scripture says nothing about there being only three wise men, the herald angels didn't sing, it's quite doubtful that the nativity was silent, ("No crying He makes?"  Really?  One wonders if the author had ever been around a newborn baby.)  and there was no little boy with a drum, anywhere in the narrative. (And "Joy To The World" is actually about when Christ returns to set up His eternal kingdom, but that's a different situation.)

But traditions and inaccuracies don't take away from the enjoyment of these songs, in my opinion.  From Sparrow Records late 1980's Christmas album, Whiteheart's quasi-metal take on "Little Drummer Boy" is without doubt the best version I have ever heard.

It's Christmastime...Again!

Around the turn of the century (this one) Crystal Lewis released her Holiday CD, a collection of Christmas standards that was a throwback to the jazzy Christmas albums of yore.  Pure joy to listen too!

Wonderful Christmastime

To begin with, I'm well aware that Paul McCartney's quirky, New Wave Pop-Synth experiment provokes visceral reactions in most.  I actually enjoy it, but that's probably because of nostalgia and affection for McCartney rather than a true appreciation for the song.  (My argument has always been, if you don't like Wonderful Christmastime, flip the 45 over and listen to the b-side, Rudolph The Red Nosed Reggae, and you'll think Wonderful Christmastime is a classic.)

Anyway, Jars of Clay dug deep and found a real song buried under all the spacey synthesizers.  They turned a song that could produce violence in some into a nice contemplative offering, and it's one of my favorites off their Christmas Songs CD.

Christmastime is here...2

From his 1993 album "Christmas", here's Bruce Cockburn with my favorite Christmas tune of all time.  (If anyone knows what the lyrics are about, please let me know!)

Here's Jon Anderson's version from his "3 Ships" album.

And here is a link to Bob Bennett's version from his "Christmastide" cd:

http://www.bob-bennett.com/bob-bennett-i-saw-three-ships.mp3