Part One focuses on "Carol of the Bells." As I've mentioned before, I've been involved with the Handbell Choir since first year (and I've been a proud band geek since 4th grade), barring my junior year, spent in Paris, and this semester, spent at home. This, of course, means having to play "Carol of the Bells" a lot.
My favourite version of "Carol," though, is the one by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra- you know, the one with the crazy electric guitar that they play on the radio all the time around Christmas? Yeah, that one. I really enjoy the irreverent take on a classic, and beyond that, I just really love the arrangement.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra - "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24"
And now for a completely different take on the same song: The Bird and the Bee's "Carol of the Bell." The reedy vocals and interesting instrumentation make it hauntingly pretty.
The Bird and the Bee - "Carol of the Bells"
Finally, this piano-based version from the National Philharmonic Orchestra flies fast and stays light on its toes. A little more classic, still a little bold in its delivery.
National Philharmonic Orchestra - "Carol of the Bells"
And onto part two...If you're living anywhere north of central Jersey, then you probably experienced the lovely winter weather that I had to drive through last night at around 3:20 am. I made it home okay, though, and spent the day in my pj's, baking, decorating, and, er, shoveling. In light of all that, here are a few classics celebrating the snow and the cold.
London Symphony Orchestra - "Sleigh Ride"
Dean Martin - "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!"
Bing Crosby - "White Christmas"
And while we're on the topic of winter wonderlands, ftw???:
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The Bird and the Bee! We went to see them a few weeks back. Inara George is one of Adam's FAVORITE singers.
ReplyDeleteSo you've mentioned. ;) I quite liked what I heard when you stuck in the CD in the car, so I was listening to them on the 'Space and came across this track. Voila.
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