Last night, while watching a televised Yule log, I heard a version of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" played on the piano. My first thought was, "This is a well-played rendition and good accompaniment for the Yule log." My second thought was, "This version would also work in a PSA with a gravely serious announcer asking, 'Did you know that 85% of homes have undetected radon?'"
If that isn't a 2020 mindset, I'm not sure what would be. Here's hoping that 2021 is a much better year for the world.
Looking for music with that Christmas charm that isn't Christmas music? Try the various artists compilation, "Ringing Clear: The Art Of Handbell Ringing." From Felix Mendelssohn to Scott Joplin, these compositions bridge the gap between Christmas and the new year gracefully.
Kudos to the new dental hygienist. While singing along frequently with the office's streaming service during today's appointment, she had the courtesy to sing in tune. If that hadn't been the case, I would have needed to maintain a poker face to avoid grimacing during off-key renditions of "Save The Last Dance For Me" and "The Way You Look Tonight."
It would have been a stretch for me to claim that the instruments being used to scrape my teeth were making me wince in pain, so I appreciate not having to make that judgment call.
One of the catchiest cartoon themes I remember from childhood is "George Of The Jungle." I haven't seen the cartoon in decades, but I remember the theme song clearly. There almost isn't any need to watch the cartoon, as the theme spells out everything you need to know about the characters.
I've been trying to sleep, but the inner voices of my mind's soundtrack keep advising, "Watch out for that tree!" For one day, at least, I'm OK with that. It's sound advice, I'm sure.
...anyone wanting to hear "Carol Of The Bells" is advised to follow the St. Louis Symphony's lead and ask four percussionists to play it. The arrangement I heard four of their percussionists play is perhaps the best I've heard.
...if you play Eddie Dunstedter's version of "March Of The Three Kings" on an LP, know that if your cat is sitting on the record player at the time, it might startle her. She might want to know where the organ music is coming from, take it out on the record player, jump on it, and cause the needle to skip. She then might jump down from the record player, causing the needle to skip again. She then might set off in an attempt to find those three kings and admonish them for disturbing her...
...At least, that's my experience.
Every year since receiving it as a gift from my parents in 1982, I've read stories from the Jack Newcombe-edited anthology, A Christmas Treasury. One essay that hit home with me this year is George Plimpton's "The Christmas Bird Count." In it, rival groups of National Audubon Society birdwatchers are obsessed with spotting more birds--especially rare ones--than any other group.
I've never gone birdwatching, but when it comes to music, I know that feeling well. Say, have you heard that new Warren Wolf rendition of "Sleigh Ride?" Through an energetic vibraphone arrangement, he conveys the thrill of coasting down snow-packed trails. If you're looking for a warm, comforting arrangement of a familiar carol, try Ken and Leslie Bier's guitar and flute rendition of "It Came Upon The Midnight Clear." Searching for an imaginative interpretation of a more lighthearted Christmas favorite? Then, check out Ensemble Galilei's take on "Frosty The Snowman." Initially, it's fit for a conga line before giving way to a Celtic tap dance.
Oh! And then, there's that original 45 mono mix of "Light Of The Stable" by Emmylou Harris. There are about 20 extra seconds in which the guitar doubles back briefly, and backup singers Linda Ronstadt, Dolly Parton, and Neil Young contribute an extra round of Hallelujahs.
Reading what I just wrote there, I think I should take up birdwatching. I suspect I'd enjoy trying to find a marbled godwit.