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AN INDEPENDENT VIEW
By: Linda Fryer © 12/2001
"CHRISTMAS MUSIC ALBUMS"
Christmas.
A time that's busy for most of us. It's filled with things like shopping,
planning parties, going to parties, baking, and decorating. Then, of
course, we have
our usual traditions…things the family always does, year after year. Some
draw names, some buy for each and everyone on a very loooong list. But it's
all fun, and sometimes a little stressful. This year, many of us have found
something new going on in our minds and hearts. We are at war. And wars are
not compatible with celebrations. So, we have to try to separate them, somehow,
for the sake of the children AND for ourselves! After all, we're supposed to
'carry on' with our lives…no matter what's going on around us, no
matter how much our hearts are torn in different directions.
For me, as many of you may have noticed, my
writing hasn't been as consistent as it was before that terrible day in September.
I've had some trouble getting myself back to "normal". I haven't
seemed to have found that all important motivator, yet. The one that pulls
me to my desk to write about the music. And, believe me, it hasn't been because
of any LACK of music. That still keeps pouring in, and I'm listening to it
every day. And loving it. And trying hard to put my thoughts on paper (so
to speak).
So, I'm gonna take this time, today, to tell
you about some Christmas music that seems to be helping ME to move forward,
and enjoy the holidays. Maybe it will help you, too. Maybe you don't NEED
any help. But whatever your mood, there's nothing like great music to make
you feel good! And I have a few favorites I'd like to mention here. I hope
its not too late for you to find these albums. 'Cause they are very, VERY
good ones! And they're all on independent labels, so naturally, I'm 100% in
favor of getting as many of them out to the rest of the world, as possible! |
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The
first one, and I've talked about it before…is Hal Willis' "SANTA'S
CLONES". This is one funny and touching album of songs. I've loved it since
the day I got it. It's filled with original tunes, that I hope will someday
become classics. And yes, I do have a favorite. (or twoJ …Hal has a way
of bringing humor to what he writes…but maybe its in the delivery! "Santa's
Clones", the first and title track, is brilliant. But it also makes you
think, AND answers a lot of questions! Listen closely, and you'll have the answer
when your kids ask about why Santa is in the mall, AND at the park, AND at Grandma's
favorite store, AND in every city in every state in the union! Hal has all the
answers for ya! Another favorite of mine, is "Mrs. Santa Claus". This
one is very touching and warm. And you'll hear the love Hal has for the lady
he writes about. I have no doubt in MY mind, who he has in HIS mind! Be sure
to run on over to Hal's website, http://www.halwillis.com for information on
this and other CD's. Hal will quickly become a favorite of yours too. I've said
it before, and I'll say it again, this is the single most joyous Christmas album
I've ever heard. I meant it when I said it the first time, and my opinion has
NOT changed. |
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Next
up, I have to talk a bit about the new "GOSPEL/CHRISTMAS" album from
Stardust . This is a beautiful album, and
brand new this year. Its filled with glorious music. Some of it is Christmas,
some is gospel, and some has a more patriotic tone to it. I won't tell you
about every song on the CD, you can discover those for yourself when you buy
the album. But I'd like to point to a few that are especially
right for the times. One of those is, "Mourning In America", written
by David M. Atkinson, and performed by Jim Allen . This one really moved my
heart. David has a way of putting the words together to make you see and feel
the events of recent history, and then to make you think hard about your own
personal world around you. It's a beautiful song, and well done by Jim Allen.
For me, this ONE song, is worth the time for the entire album! And I loved "Cowboy
Christmas", Brant Miller/Buster Doss. (Yep, I DO have a weakness for cowboys)
Susan Marshal wrote and sings another wonderful gospel song, called "Where
Angels Fly". I liked this one, but then, I have a special place in my heart
for angels, too. And Bob Norman echoes what we all want for Christmas, when
he sings "What I Want For Christmas". Great lyrics, Bob. Then, there's
the unusual, but very refreshing instrumental tune among the others, Gatham
Graham's "Holly Jolly Christmas" written by J. Marks. Unusual, because
you don't often find an instrumental, right in the midst of an album like this…and
refreshing because…well, that speaks for itself. You'll see! For nostalgia,
listen to Mayf Nutter, singing "Thinking of Christmas And Home". Billy
Cate, in my humble opinion, is one of the most talented artists around, and
I'm glad he's included on this new CD, singing "If Everyday Was Like Christmas",
by R. West. What a soothing, beautiful song! All in all, I think this is one
of the most well rounded and well-produced gospel/Christmas albums I've heard
in awhile. In fact, it's kinda rare to have this combination! I was surprised
to find three wonderful examples of the kind of music we have all grown to love
through the years. Patriotic, gospel, AND Christmas! Thanks, Col., another job
well done! You have given us another gift…and the timing couldn't have
been better! |
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Now,
if its REALLY different, you're looking for, then do I ever have a good one
for you! George Lee, Jr. and The Crazed Cowboys have one of the most unusual
sounds around, and this Christmas album is no exception! "MERRY CRAZED
CHRISTMAS", has 17 songs, and each one is a pure joy! Most are original
songs, written by the Cowboys, but there are a couple of old standards, too.
This is another CD that I've written about before, but I'd like to touch on
a few of my favorite tunes here, just to remind you, and maybe wet your appetite
for more. You can find this CD at their website, http://www.crazedcowboys.com
. "Reindeer in the Sky" features the "crazed kids", and
is just plain FUN to listen to! Ya know, there are some songs that never fail
to bring you DOWN at Christmas, and for me, "I'll Be Home For Christmas"
is one of those songs. But the Cowboys have a way with a song, and with this
one, they totally turn me around. No more feelin' blue, welllll, maybe a little.
But also, happy and ready to dance! Only the Cowboys could do that for me. Now,
for something MORE than different, you have to hear "Bring on the Holidays".
Once you hear it, you'll know why it's a "must have" for your Christmas
collection! And rounding out my list of favorites on this CD, is "I Wanna
Be Your Santa Claus". You guys KILL me! J Thanks for a fun CD, that never
fails to make me smile. |
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Well,
that's it for now, folks. I have a lot more Christmas albums that I could
tell you about, but these are the three that stand out most for me right
now, and
I didn't want another day to get by me, without telling you about them. And
of course, as always…this is
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