17 December 2007

Katy fails at keeping up with these holiday songs: 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 December

The title says it all. I owe you six songs. Today's post is divided in two parts.

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???:

2 comments:

  1. The Bird and the Bee! We went to see them a few weeks back. Inara George is one of Adam's FAVORITE singers.

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  2. So 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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