The 12 Days of Christmas CDS

Bored with the same old Christmas recordings?  Grandma  tired of getting run over by a reindeer?  Try these CDs instead:

1. WILLIE NELSON – Hill Country Christmas (1997) An all-acoustic affair with his sister Bobbie, this includes the best version of “Pretty Paper” ever put to tape.  These songs are pared down, intimate, and perfect for Christmas morning.  Willie has one of the most recognizable voices of all time and he uses his considerable vocal gifts to their utmost here.  He has a knack for making the simple profound. 
2. BOB DYLAN – Christmas In The Heart (2009) A thoroughly enjoyable disc from The Bard himself.   He sounds like a grizzled Dean Martin.  Worth it just to hear him sing “ba rumpa pum pum” .
3. BRUCE COCKBURN – Christmas (1993) A mix of sacred and popular classics performed by one of Canada’s finest singer-songwriters.  A sublime version of “Silent Night” can be found here.  Perfect for a winter night. 
4. FRANK SINATRA – The Sinatra Christmas Album (1994) Ol’ Blue Eyes’ vocal skills have yet to be matched, although many have tried.  If his version of “White Christmas” doesn’t get you in the Christmas spirit, see a doctor. 
5. JOHN PRINE – A John Prine Christmas (1993) Prine has a voice you wish you could hug.  He’s a big ol’ friendly character that just happens to  write songs to die for.  Some of these tunes aren’t necessarily Christmas songs, but…well, close enough.  You still want to hug him. 
6. DWIGHT YOAKAM – Come On Christmas (1997) A Tex-Mex version of “Silver Bells”?  Check.  A fifties soul rendition of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”?  Got it.  A great original in “Santa Can’t Stay”?  It’s all here. 
7. JOHN WATERS – A John Waters Christmas (2004) A compilation of tunes (by Tiny Tim, Little Cindy, Alvin And The Chipmunks, many others)  chosen by the filmmaker himself.    It’s sufficiently strange and…well, it’s probably best to send the kids out of the room when you play it.  Fun and irreverent. 
8. BOOTSY COLLINS – Christmas Is 4 Ever (2006) Invite the kids back into the room and enjoy this CD from the world’s greatest bass player.  You’ll be smiling from ear to ear when you hear his rendition of “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town”.  And dancing, of course.  It’s Bootsy.   
9. The Best Of LOUIS ARMSTRONG & FRIENDS – The Christmas Collection-20th Century Masters (2003) A compilation CD from one of the most recognizable voices in all of history, it also includes tracks from Duke Ellington, Dinah Washington, Mel Torme, and Peggy Lee.  Armstrong’s version of “Winter Wonderland” can’t be touched.  Another voice you just wish you could hug. 
10. HALFORD – Halford 3: Winter Songs (2009) Yes, this is Rob Halford, lead singer of Judas Priest.  He has a remarkable voice and works wonders with “What Child Is This?”’ and “ O Holy Night”.  A full metal band makes this quite the listen—excellent musicianship, big and bombastic.  A top-notch record. 
11. MERLE HAGGARD – I Wish I Was Santa Claus (2004) The poet of the working man at his  best, performing both standards and new songs like “Santa Claus & Popcorn”.  This also includes a rendition of his classic “If We Make It Through December”.  Haggard is an American treasure, quite possibly the best singer alive. 
12. BEN KEITH & FRIENDS – Seven Gates (1994) The late Ben Keith was best known as a pedal steel player in Neil Young’s band.  For a time, he also lived here in Bowling Green.  On this recording (mainly instrumental), he brings together Johnny Cash, Young, J.J.Cale, and others for a great holiday set.  Includes a masterful take of “Away In A Manger”.

Play them loud and often.  Merry Christmas to everyone.  J

About the author: Michael Franklin is the Media & Reserves Specialist at WKU Library’s Visual & Performing Arts Library. Michael is also a professional musician and sound engineer.