Some music and radio-related thoughts and observations on this Christmas Eve:
- The Radio Arts Foundation's station, K297BI 107.3 FM, started 48 hours of commercial-free Christmas music at midnight with "March Of The Toys." Based on the sound of this uprising, the toys take time to celebrate Independence Day, as well.
- I always felt sorry for KFUO's announcers on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. While they got to enjoy the beautiful music that the former station at 99.1 FM played during "A Classic Christmas," they basically came into work on those days just to read weather forecasts, as there was no back announcing of the music, once the station posted its Christmas selections online.
- I don't think I've ever heard it on the radio, but Fats Domino recorded one of the coolest versions of "Jingle Bells." "Jingle Bells" isn't one of my favorite tunes ordinarily, but Domino rocks its rhythm on the piano and vocally.
- Or, if an easy listening version of "Jingle Bells" suits you more, Paul Mauriat and his orchestra recorded perhaps the best, most spirited instrumental rendition.
- For unusual yet endearing arrangements of Christmas favorites and some more obscure songs, let Kate Rusby's "Sweet Bells" CD win you over. Her voice's angelic quality should make even the hardest-to-please listener come around.
- During a recent Pandora listening session, my brother and I heard "Driving Home For Christmas" come up more frequently, in different versions, than we ever had on the radio. I remember WRTH playing Michael Ball's version of it frequently one year, but otherwise, that tune isn't usually played on St. Louis radio stations. It fits the mood of the season, though, whether it's Ball's version, Chris Rea's rendition, or the Celtic-infused cover by The High Kings.
- Given its lyrical appreciation for Christmases past, present, and future, Glen Campbell's "There's No Place Like Home" is ideal for Christmas Eve. It seems especially appropriate to listen to it on vinyl.
