A few albums arrived too late to be included in our Christmas music series, 12 Days of Christmas, but were worth your consideration. Whether it’s Sandi Patty’s CD or concert DVD, Nat King Cole, Handel’s Messiah Rocks, Olivia Newton-John, The Beach Boys, The Chipmunks, or the CD/DVD combo Christmas Classics By The Fire, this half-dozen (plus one) may fill a hole in your Christmas repetoire.
Word Music released Sandi Patty’s Christmas Live from First United Methodist Church of Richardson, Texas, with the church choir periodically backing her up. Available in both CD and DVD formats, the musical lineup plays it traditionally, with an upbeat pep and sounds that are easy on the ears. Whether you’re a fan of Sandi Patty’s operatic style or simply interested in a Christmas album for your party (or some background visual and music filler,) these discs may be what you are looking for. I thought Patty and the choir did an especially wonderful job with “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee.”
Nat King Cole’s The Christmas Song. Nat. King. Cole. What else do you want me to say? That he covers religious favorites, like “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” “Away In A Manger,” “Joy To The World,” “The First Noel?” Okay, there, I said it. Now, go pick up the album!
Handel’s Messiah Rocks by Joyful Noise calls itself “classic music meeting classic rock,” exploring “the mystery of faith, the power of love, and the hope for peace.” Whether you recognize the original’s impact or not, this one sticks to similar themes and provides the starting point for a discussion between old school fans and newer ones that brings in some of the best in the original (which you should check out!)
Olivia Newton-John’s Christmas Wish is not technically “new,” but you still might be interested in an album that is predominantly religious in nature, and certainly filled with the Christmas spirit. You might also be interested in the fact that Jon Secada, Jim Brickman, and Barry Manilow cameo on the album as well.
The Beach Boys’ Christmas Harmonies kicks off with the rocking “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town,” and maintains the secular bent through “Frosty,” “White Christmas,” “Blue Christmas, “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree,” and the New Years’ fav, “Auld Lang Syne.” Who says there isn’t some gospel truth in a man who delivers our greatest wishes when we behave the way we should and treat others with charity? Okay, before I get carried away…
Christmas With The Chipmunks features Ross Bagdasarian as he was remastered (mostly) in 1999 with twenty hits showing off the “voices” of Alvin, Simon, and Theodore. Whether it’s the opener “Here Comes Santa Claus,” the well-known “Rudolph, The Rednosed Reindeer” or any of the other Chipmunk-inflected favorites, small children and fans of the Chipmunks will be eating this one up.
And last but certainly not least…. Are you missing that holiday background for your party or tree-decorating? Have you been wishing that you had a fireplace and the soundtrack to make your party “pop?” Then consider this Virtual Fireplace DVD, Christmas Classics By The Fire. With three different visual scenes and the opportunity to include the audio fire “crackle” or not, the music features Nat King Cole, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Wayne Newton, and others.
Whatever your taste is, I hope you’ve found a musical “Christmas miracle” sometime in the last thirteen days. Music is great, Christmas is magical, and family is crucial, so sit down somewhere and share some moments of Christmas cheer with someone you love.
December 14th, 2009 at 12:49 am
I agree with Jacob that Handel’s Messiah Rocks is worth checking out. It reminds me of Jesus Christ Superstar, which made a big impact on me when I saw it as a teenager with our church youth group. I’ve also seen Handel’s Messiah, and was impressed that the creators and performers of Handel’s Messiah Rocks honor the original, yet have crafted a beautiful and riveting musical work. I run a fan club for one of the stars, MiG Ayesa, and am so proud of MiG’s performance. Co-stars LaChanze and J. Robert Spencer are also outstanding, as are Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops, an adult choir, a children’s choir, and the rock band. The music inspires a range of profound emotions. It’s a production that all ages can embrace. I also recommend the DVD because it enriches the experience.
December 15th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
I bought the Handels Messiah Rocks dvd and my only regret is that I didn’t get the cd too. i loved this show. I am usually a Rock only person, but even I could appreciate the beauty of songs like “The lamb of God” , and it still never skimped on the rock! I saddly haven’t had a chance to see it as a whole ,but i LOVED what I saw
December 15th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Hey Kay and K, thanks for chiming in! I haven’t seen the DVD or the live show but I would definitely like to. My family has a long-standing (10 years?) tradition of enjoying the Boston Pops’ Messiah, and this would give it a new spin. Hopefully the Messiah Rocks crowd can come out with an unabridged version, much like my 2-Disc 2+ hours of the Messiah!
December 15th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
I happened to see the live performance of Handel’s Messiah Rocks as it was filmed and I can say that it was one of the most moving experiences ever. The music was rearranged masterfully, keeping to the original but was so much more joyful with the updated, energetic arrangement. The principal’s were amazing as were the choirs. I totally recommend the DVD as it gives you more of the feeling of participation than the music track alone. This show will be touring and I can only hope it stops at a venue near me so I can see it again. The way it brings the audience into it is wonderful and you leave with a much more personal appreciation of the music. The Tenor, MiG Ayesa, was not only outstanding as a singer but amazing in how he was able to involve the audience and bring them into the music.
December 17th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
dear jacob ,saddly I don’t thik they have a longer version however I hear that Handel’s Messsiah Rocks will be going on tour in 2010 check http://www.handelsmessiahrocks.com/ for details