Expecting the unexpected

When I did some sports writing at a previous job, I never wanted to be assigned prediction articles.  Predictions, after all, are based on the limited information you have at the moment and don't account for surprises that might affect your thinking.  Thus, they have a deservedly short shelf life.

I could write, for instance, that I'm curious to hear the forthcoming releases by Todd Rundgren and Jethro Tull.  However, that's based on my reflexive liking of their best work from the '70s.  I have no idea how their new releases will sound.  I could also write that after hearing a really catchy song by Sky Ferreira that I didn't know existed until nine years after its release, I'm curious to hear what her new release will sound like.  That, too, however, is based on incomplete information.

Also, there will likely be any number of gems I'll hear next year on KDHX, WSIE, KCLC, out-of-town stations, SiriusXM, Stingray Music, and other sources.  Some songs will be by artists I've never heard before.  Others will be by more established artists whose 2022 releases will be unexpectedly gripping to me.

Each year, my countdown of favorite songs is a mixture of thoughtful singer-songwriter music, contemplative jazz, catchy power pop, and melodic instrumentals.  Right now, I have no idea what songs will make 2022's countdown, and that's exciting.  Even if it isn't the best year for music, there will still be captivating releases in those categories, waiting to be discovered.

Persistent earworm alert CCXLVI

After listening to the year-end "American Top 40" countdown of 1981, it was inevitable that "Bette Davis Eyes" by Kim Carnes would lodge itself in my mind.  It was that year's biggest hit, which still puzzles me a bit.  I don't dislike it, but in a year with so much good pop music, it surprises me that "Bette Davis Eyes" sold better than any other song.  The vocals are rather raspy, and it doesn't strike me as a song that most listeners would seek out repeatedly.  It's lyrically and melodically memorable, though, so those must have been its keys to success that Summer.

Better perspective with age

Over the next few days, I plan to turn the clock back 40 years.  I'll be listening to the "American Top 40" year-end countdown from 1981.  I remember putting a tape recorder up to the radio in my bedroom and preserving parts of the countdown at age 11.  (I'll be listening to a higher quality recording than that in the coming days, though.)

I still think 1981 was one of pop music's better years.  It amuses me, though, that I once thought The Little River Band's "The Night Owls" was some sort of biker gang anthem.  At the time, that was my idea of tough, rebellious rock.

One first impression that still holds up, though: Joey Scarbury's "Theme From 'The Greatest American Hero'" is still a captivating way of expressing wonder and gratitude for assuming a role you weren't anticipating.

Can't have silence, but...

I grapple with this every year for at least three days after Christmas.  In the days after Christmas, I still like the warm glow that Christmas music elicits.  Somehow, it feels wrong to listen to any other type of music until New Year's Eve.  How do I handle radio listening in the car, then?

Usually, by listening to news/talk stations.  Tonight, I ended up listening to commentary on a sports team I don't follow and part of an awards banquet that has no bearing on my life.

Radio is meant to be escapist, after all.

Still Winter, after all

A memory of grade school recess: On a snowy, icy day, a student started singing "Winter Wonderland" on the playground--in January.  He sang it with such confidence that the rest of us nearby couldn't help but join in.  You've never heard a group of kids singing about a bluebird going away and a new bird arriving to stay with such gusto after Christmas.

Years later, this student put down his saxophone and started improvising vocals during a high school jazz band rehearsal of "C Jam Blues."     

"Different venue, different genre," I thought, "but the same confidence is there."

FM dial scan highlights CLXXVIII (Christmas edition IV)

Highlights from yesterday afternoon and evening:

WSIE 88.7 FM

• Skating-Erin Bode (I've always enjoyed hearing Bode sing this in concert; one of many highlights from Bode's album, "A Cold December Night," it's suitable for any time of year, especially when you're relieved to be returning home.  Also recommended: "The Holly And The Ivy" and "The Star's Song.") 
• There's No Time Like Christmas Time-Chris Standring & Kathrin Shorr (Listing things you enjoy about Christmas while creating an inviting, memorable melody is a tall order.  Shorr and Standring pull it off, however.)

KLOU 103.3 FM

• Joy To The World-Percy Faith & His Orchestra (This is an excellent instrumental rendering of the carol, I've always thought, with a perfect opening trumpet proclamation.  This is a great example of harmonious strings and brass.)
• Silver Bells-Andy Williams (A clear, reliable voice for conveying the anticipation of Christmas Day.  This rendition has held up well over the decades.)

K297BI 107.3 FM, a.k.a. WFUN-HD2

• In Dulci Jubilo-Mannheim Steamroller (This ensemble is usually at its best when it backs off from the synthesizer.  The instrumentation and a slower tempo make this one of the better, more demure versions of this carol.  Also recommended: "Wassail, Wassail.")
• Wassail Song-Philadelphia Brass Ensemble (Appropriately stately.)
• Martin: Nouvelles, Nouvelles (The Boston Camerata/Joel Cohen, conductor) (I'm pleased that during or after Christmas dinner in three different years, I've heard this French carol on Classic 107.3.  It has such a memorable, welcoming chorus, so I'm surprised I haven't heard it on other Classical stations or streams.)
  

FM dial scan highlights CLXXVII (Christmas edition III)

Christmas Day highlights:

KDHX 88.1 FM

• Christmas Sounds Medley-Brentford All Stars (This is how you put down a beat and infuse funk into carols instrumentally.  Part of the time, I could imagine Tom Tom Club's "Genius Of Love" being interwoven into the mix and somehow making sense.)
• Carol Of The Banjos-Beta Radio (If you don't think of the banjo as a dramatic instrument, perhaps this version of "Carol Of The Bells" will change your mind.)
• Little Road To Bethlehem-Shawn Colvin (Colvin sings this with such sincerity that it's the best version of the tune, in my opinion.)
• Bring A Torch, Jeanette Isabella-Chris Thile (A very pleasant midtempo interpretation on mandolin.)

WSIE 88.7 FM

• Here We Come A-Wassailing-Lisa Addeo (Wassailing doesn't always have to be boisterous.  Addeo plays a subtle, slower piano interpretation.)
• Good King Wenceslas-Dawn Weber (One of the more modern-sounding takes on this carol on a confidently played trumpet.)
• Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!-Chris Botti (Airy, resonant trumpet.  Also recommended: "Winter Wonderland.")

WFUN 96.3 FM

• Silent Night-The Temptations (For the full range of the group's vocals and emotions, the six-minute version is the one to hear.)
• Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas-Lou Rawls (When Mr. Rawls decrees it with such certainty, how could you not have a merry little Christmas?)
• Go Tell It On The Mountain-Myra Walker Singers (If this version doesn't make you want to proclaim the good news...)

KLOU 103.3 FM

• O Come, All Ye Faithful-Amy Grant (A tasteful, somewhat subtler than expected rendition.)

K297BI 107.3 FM, a.k.a. WFUN-HD2

• Skating-Vince Guaraldi Trio (In addition to its famous inclusion in "A Charlie Brown Christmas," Snoopy uses "Skating" as a beautiful diversion in the movie, "A Boy Named Charlie Brown."  If that scene and this song don't make you forget your woes for a few minutes, I wonder what would.)

Never quite finished

Alright...I think that's where I'll wrap it up in listening to Christmas music from my collection on Christmas Eve...

...Wait...No...Arrrrgggghhhh...KWMU is playing Peter, Paul & Mary's "A'Soalin'" during a break.  How have I not thought to listen to that yet?  For that matter, why haven't I listened to Stevan Pasero's cover of it, spelled "A Soul'n," on guitar?  Those are at least two tracks I have to play today.

Also, I need to get to at least one more Shawn Colvin Christmas tune.  Her voice conveys a warmth and innocence that's perfect for the holiday.  I've already listened to my favorite cover of hers, "Little Road To Bethlehem," but I need to hear more.  

Then again, Christmas is, in large part, about being home for the holidays, so I ought to play "Celebrate Me Home" by Kenny Loggins, as well as Al Jarreau's cover of it.

Also, I haven't listened to as much Lou Rawls Christmas music, as usual, this year.  And, what about Joan Baez?

I feel like the man pursuing the horizon in that Stephen Crane poem.

An overlooked (Christmas) cover tune CVII

Until I heard Kate Rusby's version of "Winter Wonderland," I hadn't imagined the chorus being sung in a minor key just long enough to make the listener pay attention, nor had I imagined it with accompaniment that makes the accordion sound hip.  Those ingredients complement each other well, however, in a rendition that should be better known in America.  Rusby's music, in general, for that matter, deserves a larger audience here.  "Sir Eglamore," "Annan Waters," "Planets," and her versions of "The Holly And The Ivy" and "Hail Chime On" have been my favorite tunes of hers for years.  Today, I'm adding "Winter Wonderland" to that list.

An incongruous carol for cat play II

My cat, Collette, ran amuck this afternoon, twirling in the air to catch various cat toys and jumping in and out of a window.  The carol playing at the height of her frenzied behavior?  "A Gift Of Love" by The Boones--a reverential and beautifully sung carol of appreciation for Christ's birth.

In retrospect, I should have cut my losses and put on Jorma Kaukonen's "Downhill Sleigh Ride."  It has just enough of a Benny Hill quality to match Collette's manic leaps and spins.

"A Christmas Carol" musings

In recent days, I've listened to many radio productions of "A Christmas Carol," many of which I'd never heard before.  All of them were enjoyable in their own ways.  Some thoughts I had while listening:

• If you sound like you're about to break into an evil guffaw when saying, "Old Marley was as dead as a doornail," you aren't reading the line properly.  Also, there's no need to elongate the syllables of doornail.  The line isn't, "Old Marley was as dead as a dooooornaaaaail," as I heard in one production.
• Three productions I heard emphasized how delicious sage and onions were to the Cratchit family.  I've never considered them essential Christmas dinner ingredients, but more power to those who do.
• Even if your production has no time limit, it's tedious to list every food served at Old Fezziwig's Christmas party or all the fruits of generosity that surround the Ghost Of Christmas Present when he appears initially.
• It impressed me that one production was surprisingly captivating with only five actors playing up to seven characters apiece.  Not just anyone can pull off voices of both genders and all ages convincingly.
• The oldest production I heard was from 1931.  The radio station's announcer said it was the oldest known radio production of "A Christmas Carol."  I had no idea who the actors were, but they impressed me.  I'm not sure why I was slightly surprised.  After all, just because radio was relatively new then, people still had acting chops 90 years ago, and the Charles Dickens story holds up in any era.
• It's appropriate that the "Campbell Playhouse" version of the story has survived for so many decades and is the radio production of "A Christmas Carol" I've heard most, by far.  Lionel Barrymore conveyed Ebenezer Scrooge's cantankerousness more convincingly than any other radio actor I've heard.  It's no wonder KMOX plays that version every year.

For all fans of "A Christmas Carol," here's hoping you hear at least one radio production of it this year that suits your taste.

An overlooked (Christmas) cover tune CVI

Its downcast melody makes me seek out "Coventry Carol" only sparingly.  Sonos Handbell Ensemble's version of it, however, makes me want to hear it slightly more often.  There's something about the clanging, welcoming timbre of handbells that makes even the most solemn carol sound more appealing.

FM dial scan highlights CLXXVI (Christmas edition II)

December 2015: It was considerate of those 10 tabby cats to distribute Christmas-themed desserts.

Seven Sunday Christmas tunes worth hearing:

KDHX 88.1 FM

• Joy To The World-The Staple Singers (An interesting, catchy fusion of gospel and country styles.)
• Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming-Elizabeth Mitchell and Friends (These captivating layered vocals must sound powerful in surround sound.)
• The Holly And The Ivy-Artisan (This vocal ensemble sings a less common bouncy, skipping arrangement of this carol.  If you like this arrangement, you'll probably also enjoy Kate Rusby's version.)
• The First Noel-Nossa Bossa Nova (Pleasant, breezy Portuguese vocals that wouldn't be out of place on a smooth jazz station.)

WSIE 88.7 FM

• Frosty The Snowman-Marcus Roberts Trio (A tasteful, just-whimsical-enough piano-anchored rendition.)
• Sleigh Ride-John Pizzarelli (I'm glad to finally hear a radio station play this, as it's a fun, generally overlooked romp for piano and guitar.)

KWMU 90.7 FM

• White Christmas-Oliver Jones (Swingin' piano and guitar with an intro that brings "One Note Samba" to mind.)

An incongruous carol for cat play

While there will be times when your cat might knead you in time to a favorite Christmas carol, there will be other times when music you play clashes with your cat's mood.  One recent night, my cat, Collette, was leaping into the air, spinning around, and pouncing on a Cat Dancer toy maniacally.  During her acrobatic feats, Chanticleer's placid rendition of "It Came Upon The Midnight Clear" was playing.  

Sometimes, you just have to accept that certain music will calm your mood--while your cat remains impervious to it.

Context? CXLVI

Heard from a caller on an AM radio talk show this morning: "I have no interest in getting the (Covid) vaccine, but I want to protect my family."

Sigh...There are no words...

Actually, that's not so, as I said to the radio, "If you really want to protect your family and yourself, just get the vaccine.  Oh, never mind.  If you're not convinced by now that the vaccine will protect all of you, nothing I say will persuade you."

The right carol for kneading

Liking John Rutter's "Donkey Carol" isn't required for getting in good with my family--but it doesn't hurt.  I was heartened that my cat, Collette, kneaded her paws on me in time to it recently.

"Yep," I thought.  "She's one of us."

An overlooked (Christmas) cover tune CV

Wishing someone a restful sleep and pleasant dreams is appropriate at any age.  "All Through The Night," a Christmas lullaby, conveys these warm sentiments endearingly.  Just about any sensitive singer should be able to pull off a respectable rendition, but I'm partial to Misty River's version.  The group sings with just the right amount of tenderness and reassurance--essential qualities for any performance of a lullaby.

An overlooked (Christmas) cover tune CIV

I like to believe that God has a whimsical side.  I won't be surprised, then, if I hear angels in the afterlife playing The New England Irish Harp Orchestra's version of "Linus And Lucy."  Harps, by their nature, sound heavenly, and the airy production values on that ensemble's rendition make Vince Guaraldi's tune sound ethereal.

Annual Christmas cheer revisited II

Each December since 2013, I've made at least one call to a Dial-A-Carol service.  Each year, carolers with varying levels of singing ability do their best to fulfill my requests.  Bravo to caroler Matthew, who belted out a pitch-perfect rendition of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" last night and the chorus of anonymous women who maintained an impressive level of enthusiasm through three verses of "Joy To The World" this afternoon.

Kudos to those carolers for having the courage and confidence to sing for strangers over the phone.  I can't imagine doing that, so I applaud their gumption.

FM dial scan highlights CLXXV (Christmas edition)

December 24, 2012: A reindeer waits for a special version of "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town."  That's his cue to join Santa's team of sleigh-pullers.

Saturday and Sunday Yuletide-themed highlights:

KDHX 88.1 FM

• Ding Dong! Merrily On High-Firesign Vocal Quartet (A warm, cheerful a cappella rendering.  Think The King's Singers, with a somewhat lighter approach.)
• Little Drummer Girl-The Gothard Sisters ('The Little Drummer Boy" has never been one of my favorite carols; it's too repetitive for my taste and doesn't move me as most other carols do.  This instrumental version of it, however, is excellent.  The guitarist, violinist, and percussionist give it a much-needed dose of energy, thus improving the tune.)
• Winter Wonderland-Jan Luna (A pleasant, Hawaiian-sounding instrumental rendition.)

WSIE 88.7 FM

• I'll Be Home For Christmas-McCoy Tyner (Through his arpeggio flourishes on the piano, Tyner conveys the excitement and anticipation of going home.)
• Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas-The 442s & Peter Martin (An appealing transition from stately Classical intro to hip jazz melody.)
• Winter Wonderland-Warren Wolf (Wolf shows how "Winter Wonderland"'s bounce cries out for a vibraphone-led version.)

K297BI 107.3 FM, a.k.a. WFUN-HD2

• What Child Is This?-Vince Guaraldi Trio (Guaraldi's piano playing underscores this carol's downcast nature, with exactly the right amount of melodic embellishments.)
• In The Bleak Midwinter-Robert Shaw Chamber Singers (These resonant vocals sound as though they were recorded in a cathedral with great acoustics.)

A petty fixation VII

My thought process earlier today: "Yeah!  That's some great, crunchy guitar work, and the vocals are catchy, too.  This is a pretty good song I'm hearing on KDHX, and...Wait...It's recent?  Oh, no.  If that's the case, I'll need to remake my 'Favorite music of 2021' post and create a slot for it.  That means I'll have to bump a song from the countdown, and I don't like doing that.  Once I nail down my top 25 tunes for the year, I like them to stay fixed in place.  Oh, wait...The album on which this song is from won't be released until February?  That means it'll be eligible for my 2022 countdown instead.  Whew!  Crisis that wasn't really a crisis averted..."

Persistent (Christmas) earworm alert CCXLV

Thanks to Bing Crosby and company, any version of "It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas" that doesn't include an orchestral "Jingle Bells" excerpt as its prelude feels incomplete.  Frequently, when I'm driving down side streets looking at Christmas decorations in Kirkwood, Missouri, that orchestral windup enters my mind.

Favorite music of 2021

Once I'd listed my favorite songs of 2021 this morning, I was surprised how quickly my rankings fell into place.  Here are 25 of my favorite tunes from this year:

25.  Through The Fog-Marinero (It's a compliment to say this isn't conventional radio fare; the Brazilian-sounding flute arrangement, seemingly drawn from the late '60s and early '70s, enhances the vocals.)

24.  Justified-Kacey Musgraves (A lyrically effective way of conveying the thin line between love and hate.)

23.  Talk About It-Jungle (This propulsive dance groove demands the listener's attention; presumably, it's a staple track at clubs.  This is how you blend multiple eras while still sounding contemporary.)

22.  Harshest Critic-Allison Ponthier (Sincerely sung, honest lyrics about the bravery of baring your soul as a musician.)

21.  Beside April-BADBADNOTGOOD featuring Arthur Verocai (This is one of 2021's more beguiling instrumentals.  This is how acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and orchestral strings coalesce harmoniously.  This tune should give listeners a boost of confidence or at least sustain the confidence level they already have; it's fit for "I think I can" moments.)

20.  Ocean Waves-The Ryan Benthall Trio (The pleasant uptempo piano part makes this one of 2021's more appealing jazz tracks.  Also recommended: "Dance For Soli," which has a music box feel.)

19.  Hole In One-Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio (Organ that brings the funk.  The band's "I Told You So" release has the same consistency as an album by The Meters.)

18.  Adriatic Blue-Steve Hackett  (It's amazing how much of a difference a well-placed tremolo on a guitar makes when conjuring up the sensation of floating.) 

17.  Telepath-Manchester Orchestra (This April release offers sensitive, direct lyrics about committing to someone for a lifetime and knowing you made the right choice.)

16.  To The Island-Crowded House (Although it sounds even better as an acoustic number, the sing-along quality of the chorus still shines through.)

15.  Nobody's Fault-Benny Sings (This is how to sing about the disintegration of a relationship with a light, matter-of-fact touch and have it sound like a Bee Gees demo.)

14.  Fall-Terence Blanchard featuring The E-Collective & Turtle Island String Quartet (Lush and ornate; a fine tribute to Wayne Shorter.)

13.  More Than We Know-Aoife O'Donovan & The Milk Carton Kids (O'Donovan sings this with her customary sensitivity.  I'm reminded of Mary Chapin Carpenter's music when I hear this.)

12.  Show Me Your Soul-Lalah Hathaway & Robert Glasper (Lyrically and vocally empowering.)

11.  Eye To Eye-John Smith featuring Sarah Jarosz (Endearing vocal harmonies and guitar accompaniment in this March release bring these lyrics about a faltering relationship to life.)

10.  Too Much Heaven-Barry Gibb featuring Alison Krauss (A strong rendering of the Bee Gees hit; while I never imagined this pair as a duo, the vocals of Gibb and Krauss mesh perfectly.  Krauss's vocals soar especially well.)

  9.  Bossa Nova California-Lawson Rollins (An aptly titled breezy guitar release with a '70s easy listening vibe.)

  8.  Sunshine-Grant Swift (The rhythm of this catchy June indie rock release drew me right in.  Lyrically, it's a good reminder that just because you might fail at something, you can still approach it with a positive attitude.)  

  7.  Be Sweet-Japanese Breakfast (For its catchy, poppy rhythm and solid dance hook, this track is a 2021 standout.  Rhythmically, Blondie's "Rapture" segues well before or after this.)

  6.  The Clock Won't Tick-Quantic & Eddie Roberts (A strong brass/guitar vamp; I keep expecting The Rolling Stones to hijack the tune and launch into "Jumpin' Jack Flash.")

  5.  Blue Shadows On The Trail-Sara Watkins featuring Nickel Creek (Watkins recorded one of this year's most endearing vocal releases, "Under The Pepper Tree."  Among its highlights is this cover of a tune from the movie, "Three Amigos."  If you like the feel of "Happy Trails," this tune will likely appeal to you, as well.  Other recommended covers: "Moon River" and "Pure Imagination.")

  4.  Save The Best For Last-Erin Bode (Bode's heartfelt sincerity shines on this cover of a Vanessa Williams tune.  There's not even a hint of overproduction, which serves the vocals well.  Also recommended: Bode's cover of "Happy Together" by The Turtles and "Because Of You," which features David Sanborn on saxophone and has a more overtly commercial sound.)

  3.  New Frontier (Live From The Beacon Theatre)-Donald Fagen (Fagen's album, "The Nightfly," with its intelligent lyrics and vision of the future, was a standout release in 1982.  Recording it live 39 years later was a smart choice.  This track and "I.G.Y. (What A Beautiful World)" hold up especially well.)

  2.  River Rise-David Crosby featuring Michael McDonald (These mature lyrics acknowledge that much of life is out of our control.  Also recommended: "For Free," a cover of the Joni Mitchell tune featuring Sarah Jarosz.)

  1.  Amoeba-Clairo (Compellingly written, sung, and produced; an effective combination of lyrics about questioning one's priorities against a memorable undercurrent of piano and guitar.  This tune is rhythmically strong and moody in the best way.  Thus, it's my favorite song of 2021.)

Heavenly harpist

Last Thursday night, I listened to the LP, "Three Harps For Christmas," by Sylvia Woods.  Inevitably, I started picturing my dearly departed cat, Sylvia, playing Christmas carols on a harp in Heaven.  You might think it's impossible for a cat to play a harp, but I hold out hope that somehow, Sylvia the cat is able to arrange her paws accordingly and bestow her intuitive musical gifts on the world from above.

An overlooked (Christmas) cover tune CIII

After listening to the Jim Cullum Jazz Band's version of "O Holy Night" recently, I was struck by how effectively it uses Dixieland instrumentation.  If I didn't know otherwise, I would have thought this version was from an album called "Christmas In New Orleans."

Even after hearing it multiple times, I keep expecting Leon Redbone to start singing over it.

Context? CXLV

While watching an interview with Phil Collins recently, the closed captioning cited the band Genesis as an example of "Prague rock."

"They've always been a strong band," I thought, "but imagine having no knowledge of the band or its history, hearing a band member's British accent, and thinking mistakenly, 'Wait, so they're from the Czech Republic?'  Is Prague rock an offshoot of this prog rock I've heard about?"

Efficiently played Christmas standards

If you're looking for an accessible easy listening compilation of short Christmas tunes, listen to Lawrence Welk's "Silent Night" album.  After I listened to it two nights ago, I thought, "It seems like the LP was over before it even started."

That's because the longest carol on the album is "It Came Upon The Midnight Clear."  It clocks in at only two minutes and 21 seconds.  

If the essence of a Christmas carol is enough for you, "Silent Night" is your album.

SiriusXM highlights CXXVII (Christmas edition)

Christmas 2004: Signs of the season in the family room.  Here's hoping everyone's Christmas or other Winter holiday is at least as cozy and inviting as this.

Christmas standouts heard today:

'70s/'80s Holidays

• Joy To The World-Andy Williams (For those who associate Williams with "Happy Holiday" and "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year," the slower than usual tempo and somewhat more sedate vocals might be surprising.)

Acoustic Christmas

• Frosty The Snowman-Fiona Apple (Many listeners might see this as casting against type.  Don't let that prevent you from enjoying Apple's rendition.  Her voice conveys the requisite carefree wonder needed here.)

Holiday Pops

• Away In A Manger-Nicolaus Esterhazy Sinfonia/Peter Breiner, conductor (Brassy and regal.)
• Hugo Distler, arranger: Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming-The National Lutheran Choir (Airy, reverent vocals.)
  
• Christmas Time Is Here-Los Romeros (The tone-setting opening number from "A Charlie Brown Christmas" translates well to a guitar quartet.)

Holiday Soul

• The Christmas Song-The Stylistics (Smooth, soaring vocals, as usual.)

Holiday Traditions

• White Christmas-Beegie Adair (A swingin' piano-led version in an accessible jazz combo style; this is one of the stronger versions of "White Christmas" I've heard.)
• Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas-Jackie Gleason (Endearing old school easy listening; plenty of strings with comforting backing vocalists.)
• It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year-Chris McDonald Orchestra (Slick saxophone, horns, and piano; I wouldn't be surprised if an ensemble was playing this rendition in the lobby of the swanky condo building across the street.)

Jazz Holidays

• Sleigh Ride-Take 6 (Not just any ensemble can pull off an a cappella version of this; it doesn't surprise me that Take 6 nails it.)

Navidad

• Good King Wenceslaus-Manfredo Fest (One of the most simmering, percolating, energetic instrumental renditions I've heard.) 

Noel Incontournable

• O Tannenbaum-Paul Mauriat & His Orchestra (Right from the opening cascade of descending notes, this is a perfect rendition, conveying the awe that a Christmas tree elicits.)
  

Online radio sampler highlights CLI

Five recommended Christmas and three non-Christmas standout tunes:

KAFM (Grand Junction, CO)

• Land Ho-Supertramp (With its ear-catching rhythm and radio-friendly accessibility, it's surprising that this wasn't a hit.)
• The Heart Is Wrong-Mail Order Messiahs (With spooky instrumentation and vocals seemingly wrapped in gauze, this is indie rock well suited for the middle of the night.)

KORJ (Butte Falls, OR)

• Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring-Stevan Pasero (A faithful guitar rendering at just the right tempo.  Also recommended: Pasero's "Seasons" CD.)
• Joy To The World-Tom Caufield (Pastoral new age guitar; this is one of the subtler versions I've heard.)

WDCB (Chicago, IL)

• Visions-Melissa Aldana (A winding, swirling stew of saxophone, piano, vibes, drums, and bass.)
• Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas-Dexter Gordon (Gordon's warm tenor sax tone carries the melody, and the rhythm section gets to stretch out on this expansive rendition.)

WXPN-2 (Philadelphia, PA)

• In The Bleak Midwinter-Shawn Colvin (Colvin's voice is ideal for conveying the starkness this carol requires while maintaining an optimistic undercurrent.)
• Christmas Is The Season Of The Bells-Jo Stafford (A fun, lighthearted, brisk tune lodged firmly in 1964.  Stafford accompanies sings lead and backing vocals, giving the tune added texture.  The last time I heard this tune on a local station was 20 years ago, during the music-of-your-life days of WRTH-AM.)
  

Warm weather Christmas melodies

What Christmas music fits the mood on a sunny, unseasonably warm December day?  Ottmar Liebert's "Poets & Angels" CD.  On each Christmas carol, Liebert uses the melody as a template on which to build easy-on-the-ears flamenco guitar embellishments.  It wouldn't surprise me if many listeners took in these Christmas covers with the window open or the top of their cars down.

Context? CXLIV

I still wonder about the context of one AM radio talk show co-host telling another, "Not bad for an animal hater," yesterday.  It puzzles me how anyone could hate animals in such blanket terms, so I'm glad the co-host clarified that he's "an animal tolerator."  Although that's a tepid endorsement, at best, of our animal friends, it's a start.  Hopefully, in time, the host will come to appreciate animals more fervently.