tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post8889682101315122915..comments2024-03-26T00:10:40.751-04:00Comments on Reggie Darling: Reggie's Favorite Christmas Music Around the HouseReggie Darlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04044215790585354363noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-23534524752369757662012-12-26T10:41:40.630-05:002012-12-26T10:41:40.630-05:00I would add the Vince Guaraldi Trio's "A ...I would add the Vince Guaraldi Trio's "A Charlie Brown Christmas"... of course you will remember this from your childhood! Geo.https://www.blogger.com/profile/02157563208699581528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-39293768917131817722012-01-03T16:13:14.548-05:002012-01-03T16:13:14.548-05:00Reggie, I wholeheartedly agree with your list of r...Reggie, I wholeheartedly agree with your list of recordings, many of which I own and play myself. Michael Buble is indeed a wonderful interpreter of the American Songbook, and the Carpenters Christmas Portrait album has been voted the Number One holiday music album for many years and still stands up to time. A compilation spanning 3 or 4 decades of music by Time/Life which is a 4 CD set is also a must play at my house. Doris Day would also be a delight, if one could find the recording. I will be on the lookout for next year. Happy New Year!Cynthia Lambertnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-32918559928051448182011-04-12T16:36:13.728-04:002011-04-12T16:36:13.728-04:00One album missing from the many great ones offered...One album missing from the many great ones offered here:<br /><br />1) Magic of Christmas - Natalie Cole with the London Symphony Orchestra (excellent arrangement, playful and touching) - http://www.amazon.com/Magic-Christmas-Natalie-Cole/dp/B00001SIC4<br /><br />As for individual songs that have a more sacred holiday element (all traditional English carols with the exception of the American songs Lux Aurumque and Aspenglow):<br /><br />1) Lux Aurumque - Eric Whitacre (pure angelic harmony that evokes the magic, mystery, and fantasy of the holiday season) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7o7BrlbaDs<br /><br />2) Holly and Ivy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7eHtDtZ7hs&feature=related)<br /><br />3) Aspenglow – John Denver (a crisp reflection of the barren beauty of nature during the winter months) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WhpOi2ZagQ<br /><br />3) Ding Dong Merrily on High (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unth_dMEYjw)<br /><br />4) Sussex Carol (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKSM4kmpX9s)<br /><br />5) Gabriel's Message (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5GUdUYUF8A)<br /><br />6) Three Ships Sailing by Sting (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeUBgb5xaPQ)<br /><br />7) There Is No Rose Of Such Virtue (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NPcLk6XJYs&feature=related)<br /><br />8) Det är en ros utsprungen ("A Rose has Sprung") (arr Sandström) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jF0vJDN1ek8)<br /><br />9) Walking on the Air (from The Snowman) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubeVUnGQOIk)<br /><br />10) Gaudete (Mediaevals Baebes version) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obLayCNhbHw)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-1335984373989982042011-01-03T18:46:19.011-05:002011-01-03T18:46:19.011-05:00It's obvious that musical tastes are quite per...It's obvious that musical tastes are quite personal and not always rational. I like that. I like your list, too. <br /><br />My Christmas playlist spans decades, genres and several other categories as well. <br />Here's a sampling of individual songs and albums that are in rotation at High House from late November to early January:<br /><br />"Winter Weather," Fats Waller; also Miss Peggy Lee<br />"Father Christmas," The Kinks<br />"Silver Bells," Twisted Sister<br />"Santa Baby," Eartha Kitt<br />"A Soalin' Peter, Paul & Mary<br />"Baby, It's Cold Outside," Johnny Mercer & Margaret Whiting; also by the cast of Glee<br />"Run Rudolph Run," Chuck Berry<br />"Frank the Christmas Turkey," Antsy McClain & the Trailer Park Troubadours <br /><br />"A Cold December Night," Erin Bode<br />"Cool Yule," Bette Midler<br />"A John Waters Christmas," various artists<br />"Christmas With the Beach Boys"<br />"Merry Christmas," Johnny Mathis<br />"Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas," Ella Fitzgerald<br />"On Yoolis Night"<br />"Nutcracker" Orchestra of the Royal Opera House of Covent Garden<br />"A Demento Christmas," various artists<br />All of Elvis's Christmas albumsLyndahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03788610902096354682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-91896489010412582982010-12-29T18:05:46.938-05:002010-12-29T18:05:46.938-05:00Those albums look very familiar! I believe my mot...Those albums look very familiar! I believe my mother has several of them, and many others in that vein. As a child, I was deeply attached to one of them in particular and recently searched high and low for it until I found it here, in its entirety: <a href="http://falalalala.com/2006/12/merry-christmas-from-the-command-family-of-recording-stars/" rel="nofollow">Merry Christmas from the Command Family of Recording Stars</a>. Really, really nice. I'm not sure who the singer was on Virgil Fox's rendition of "Cantique de Noel," but although I consider Leontyne Price's recording to be definitive, she held her own.<br /><br />My current favorites tend to be melancholy and modern and introspective, in the English tradition--Ralph Vaughan Williams' <i>Hodie</i>, Peter Warlock's "Bethlehem Down" (which I love, despite its dubious history), John McCutcheon's "Christmas in the Trenches," and American carols like "I wonder as I wander" and "Poor little Jesus." Like you I never miss the broadcast of the King's College service, and like you I can't keep from singing along.<br /><br />One last emphatic recommendation is the glorious gospel update of "The Messiah," <i>Too Hot to Handel.</i> Yes, the title is gimmicky, but the. work. is. absolutely. stunning. and the soloists will give you chills. Please find and listen. It may put Krall and Bublé to shame.<br /><br />Hope you've managed to dig yourselves out over there on the East Coast...warm rain is coming your way, from us.Staircase Witchhttp://staircasewitch.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-36938692153457175002010-12-26T16:26:17.551-05:002010-12-26T16:26:17.551-05:00Lovely choices. Croon and Swoon is one of my top c...Lovely choices. Croon and Swoon is one of my top choices as well. I will have to look into A Christmas Festival. I've always loved traditional carols of that tradition - the opening medley to the George C. Scott version of A Christmas Carol has been a longtime favorite. And, I had the good fortune to have our church present the "Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols" at the Christmas Eve service this year.<br /><br />If you enjoy Kathleen Battle and have fond memories of boyhood choir days, then please listen to Jessye Norman and the American Boychoir singing "This Christmastide." It stirs the soul and leaves tingles up one's spine. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCpDJS_KxQ0Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-24554776192508922292010-12-24T16:47:32.124-05:002010-12-24T16:47:32.124-05:00Well, I immagine by now the Xmas music is going fu...Well, I immagine by now the Xmas music is going full blast at Darlington House, M. Buble et al. I get my dosis with just one song, Silent Night which makes me cry every year. After that you can play anything you want. BTW i once bought Herb Albert and the Tijuana Brass Xmas album for my father and I've never heard the end of it. We do have our slips no?lindaraxahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15721286284279902181noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-63701075187789443712010-12-24T15:56:48.333-05:002010-12-24T15:56:48.333-05:00New for me but one I will enjoy at least once a ye...New for me but one I will enjoy at least once a year from now on - a video with Charo singing Feliz Navidad on Pee Wee's Playhouse.<br />xox CamillaCate Fitthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12835720513248934609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-88030306514724674602010-12-24T15:23:50.773-05:002010-12-24T15:23:50.773-05:00We love Rutter; and we usually take Handel's M...We love Rutter; and we usually take Handel's Messiah out of its dust jacket every year for a spin.<br /><br />Merry Christmas Reggie (and Boy and Pompey).<br />All the best for the coming year.<br /><br />Regards,<br />D&PLord Cowellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08022567039394790375noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-69687724471611664522010-12-24T14:02:15.226-05:002010-12-24T14:02:15.226-05:00And then there's shop music that somehow cause...And then there's shop music that somehow causes forbidden objects to hop into your shopping basket and makes your Visa screech [like the antique bowl I'm looking at here on my desk, it was just supposed to be an innocent walk-through this morning at a favorite antiques shop, this music came through the speakers, suddenly I was in my car with the receipt, not my fault]: <br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ga-qd5FYUjA&feature=relatedAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-22818965570385026672010-12-24T10:52:51.641-05:002010-12-24T10:52:51.641-05:00Oh dear, now I feel like the Grinch who Stole Bubl...Oh dear, now I feel like the Grinch who Stole Buble. I do point out to you that I even let the Carpenters slide---but if Buble is the best modern interpreter of the songbook, I'm Johnny Mercer. But what do I know? I actually listened to Lady Gaga the other day. And kinda enjoyed it. But I was driving in the car... <br /><br />Actually my real reason for coming back was not to take another swipe at Bubbly Buble, ( okay, make that two swipes), but because as the Christmas spirit finally hits even me (I was always a late bloomer), I've dug out some Nat King Cole Christmas stuff that is thrillingly good and uncorny. Top of the list.<br /><br />Merry Christmas.The Down East Dilettantehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13950254669198151850noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-30469564941854135832010-12-24T10:40:33.424-05:002010-12-24T10:40:33.424-05:00Brother Dear: A most excellent list of Christmas m...Brother Dear: A most excellent list of Christmas music. In addition to "Nog" one should seriously consider the Blenders' excellent 2002 disc "When It Snows." Other possible additions to the Christmas Music Canon include: Handel's "Messiah" (the Christopher Hogwood & Academy of Ancient Music 1754 version, in particular). I played "Messiah" in the office yesterday; since I know the chorus bass lines pretty well (having performed the piece 20+ times), I sang along with gusto, to the amusement of my staff. The Christmas Revels disc "In Celebration of the Winter Solstice" is another natural; I love their traditional UK-based carols (having appeared in the NYC Revels for several years in the early 1980s - as did Reggie Himself, I now recall). I respond viscerally to the Revels music, having been innoculated with it at an early age by having Jack Langstaff as a middle school music teacher (another pleasure I believe we shared). In a somewhat similar vein are the discs recorded by a Hudson Valley quartet, Nowell Sing We Clear. I particularly recommend their 2000 issue: "Just Say Nowell." Think old time (but not Olde Tyme) morris dancers and Christmas revellers. Especially wonderful is their performance of a 1995 carol "Chariots." Finally, may I suggest Judy Collins' 1995 disc "Come Rejoice." Her version of "Let It Snow" is a knockout. With warmth of the holiday season, I remain Your Loving Brother, Frecky.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-66603412024902531842010-12-24T10:35:26.493-05:002010-12-24T10:35:26.493-05:00Dear Reggie,
Your blog has made my days much more...Dear Reggie,<br /><br />Your blog has made my days much more merry and bright!<br /><br />Merry Christmas!janfawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02562967571742574117noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-27554315231612544152010-12-24T10:30:37.242-05:002010-12-24T10:30:37.242-05:00This season I'm listening exclusively to Joan ...This season I'm listening exclusively to Joan Sutherland's Christmas<br />album out of homage to her passing and because she sings Joy To<br />The World so thrillingly. But as a rule I am allergic to Christmas music<br />with its reiteration of a mythic moment where all is cozy and bright.<br />There are notable exceptions~Judy Garland's bittersweet rendition of<br />Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas strikes just the right note of <br />resignation.<br />Now, about Michael Bublé. Can we admit that he's got a fine voice which is overshadowed by his monstrous ego? That he goes for effects that distort the meaning of a lyric? It's not easy to sustain admiration for a performer so transparently in love with himself.Toby Worthingtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05887066048372484464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-82997431410176269782010-12-24T10:20:50.630-05:002010-12-24T10:20:50.630-05:00Wait, wait, wait.
It's not Christmas to me un...Wait, wait, wait.<br /><br />It's not Christmas to me until I play "Grandma Got Run Over by a Rheindeer" as loud as I can, over and over again until the neighbors call the cops. Then I begin again with Alvin and the Chipmunk's Christmas song.<br /><br />Merriest of Christmases to you, Boy, Pompey and your devoted readers.<br /><br />Security word of the day. I kid you not:"Bugary"magnushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09181183756484194127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-53597889271877682192010-12-23T21:50:12.040-05:002010-12-23T21:50:12.040-05:00Merry Christmas, Reggie. Thank you for writing thi...Merry Christmas, Reggie. Thank you for writing this wonderful blog. It picks me up on days when I am feeling a little blue, and gives me the best chuckles ever. Wishing you and Boy, all the very best in 2011.<br /><br />Warm regards,<br />Bonnie, Ottawa, CanadaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-28075647231753785372010-12-23T16:02:56.866-05:002010-12-23T16:02:56.866-05:00It isn't officially Christmas until Bach's...It isn't officially Christmas until Bach's Christmas Oratorio has blasted through the house.<br />Yeah, yeah - I know.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-87400199628711931302010-12-23T14:15:53.202-05:002010-12-23T14:15:53.202-05:00In order to mantain matrimonial harmony in my home...In order to mantain matrimonial harmony in my home similar rules have also been placed on me, although I do occasionally cheat when I'm driving alone ;) Merry Christmas Reggie!Amber Murphyhttp://www.murphysfive.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-11794694142850133042010-12-23T12:31:27.199-05:002010-12-23T12:31:27.199-05:00Let's see:
-first and foremost -- the song &q...Let's see:<br /><br />-first and foremost -- the song "Solstice Bells" from Jethro Tull AND his brillant song "Jack Frost and Hooded Crow" <br /><br />and CDs:<br /><br />-Jim Brickman "The Gift"<br />-Big Bad Voodoo Daddy "Everything You Want for Christmas" -- especially the brillant "Rockabilly Christmas and Heat Miser" ((just TRY to stay seated during these tunes!))<br />-Roger Whittaker "Tiding of Comfort and Joy" -- this old CD/album is simply among the very best for the Season!<br />-another vote for the CD from "Homes & Antiques" magazine -- gorgeous!<br />-Nox Arcana "Winter's Eve" <br />-Loreena McKennitt "A Midwinter Night's Dream"<br />-Loreena McKennitt "To Drive the Winter's Cold Away"<br />-Maggie Sansone "Ancient Noels"<br />-David Arkenstone "Enchantment: A Magical Christmas"<br /><br />-- and yet another vote for the voices of Kings College!<br /><br />and All of the Very Best and Brightest Good Wishes!! <br /><br />Cheers!Teacatshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06899566893360863672noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-82168001445743167702010-12-23T08:19:42.807-05:002010-12-23T08:19:42.807-05:00Reggie,
I have the Diana Krall CD and several Andy...Reggie,<br />I have the Diana Krall CD and several Andy Williams songs on my Christmas playlist. I should have thought to add Michael Buble's. So thank you! I love his voice and have a few songs on my ipod. Fortunately, I have not heard any of his interviews!<br /><br />I have no doubt I would like the Victorian selections, so I must search this out.<br /><br />As for me, I always need to hear the voices of Johnny Mathis, Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole at Christmastime.<br /><br />Wishing you and Boy a very Merry Christmas!!!Acanthus and Acornhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08603547994268012876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-40275378767997319672010-12-23T07:31:25.973-05:002010-12-23T07:31:25.973-05:00Goodness me, so many wonderful suggestions, all of...Goodness me, so many wonderful suggestions, all of which are most appreciated. I shall have fun exploring them, indeed. Thank you!<br /><br />Three commenters--DED, Anon:5:36, and the Ancient--took Reggie to task, sort of, for featuring Michael Bublé. Reggie admits that he sometimes doesn't have the best taste, but he stands firm on this one. Even though Mr. Bublé comes across as a bit of a jerk in the interviews I've seen of him, he is--I believe--the best male vocalist of the American songbook today. That's why I listen to him.<br /><br />T&CMom: Get thee a Blenders Christmas CD, I assure you that you will love them. In addition to being superb songsters, the message of their music will, I believe, resonate with you in particular.Reggie Darlinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04044215790585354363noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-16779372307226216752010-12-23T06:26:32.927-05:002010-12-23T06:26:32.927-05:00I love Andy Williams, I have that very albumI love Andy Williams, I have that very albumAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-36450217646575198422010-12-22T22:19:32.370-05:002010-12-22T22:19:32.370-05:00Very enjoyable post. I am not familiar with the Bl...Very enjoyable post. I am not familiar with the Blenders, so I plan to give that a try. I love the John Rutter cd and the Carpenters, too. We always play Julie Andrews Christmas album, and I usually play Emmylou Harris, at least once during December. The Mister loves Christmas music, so I've insisted we not start listening until the first Sunday of Advent because he insists on playing it (at least occasionally) until Epiphany.Town and Country Househttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00842299632895569707noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-41362106253809429022010-12-22T21:29:34.207-05:002010-12-22T21:29:34.207-05:00Ever since I lost my copy of "King Coleman Do...Ever since I lost my copy of "King Coleman Does Christmas In The Basement," my go-to album has been Howlin' Wolf's legendary "Ain't Gonna Be Your Santa Claus."<br /><br />P.S. Michael Bublé? You're messing with us, right? You play that really, really loud when it's time to chase the guests away?The Ancientnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8044541580633294348.post-12755120476871725852010-12-22T17:24:28.517-05:002010-12-22T17:24:28.517-05:00Well, I grew up listening to late night AM radio i...Well, I grew up listening to late night AM radio in Washington, DC in the early 1960s. My favorite Christmas albums are quite different from those of my brother.<br />John Prine - A John Prine Christmas (If You Were the Woman & I Was the Man)<br />Willie Nelson - A Christmas with Willie Nelson (O Little Town of Bethlehem)<br />Squirrel Nut Zippers - Christmas Caravan (My Evergreen)<br />xox CamillaCate Fitthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12835720513248934609noreply@blogger.com