My Favorite Christmas and Holiday Songs… Continued

First Song- “Ave Maria” – The Michael Buble Version

First things first- Michael Buble’s “Christmas” album which was released in 2011 is by far the best holiday compilation over the past decade and maybe the previous 25 years. Every song on this body of work is pleasurable for every single age bracket and over the past five years I have listened to this album probably more than any other including non-holiday releases. It is extremely hard to pick the best track from this release but over the past few years, his version of “Ave Maria” has surpassed his take on “Silent Night” (although I will say for both songs I do not move and am polarized from start to finish. The children choir backing him up on Silent Night makes it very tough to go with my selection).

From the moment Ave Maria begins with the beautiful background choir vocals I feel like I am in the church with Kevin McAllister sitting next to me as the majestic feeling of the holiday season puts me in the most joyous atmosphere. When Michael begins to sing at the 19 second mark, I am in a different world away from all the hustle and bustle- well maybe not this year but it does alleviate the trapped feeling we all have had in 2020 for four glorious minutes. And despite only recognizing the words “Ave Maria” for the entire tune, I am completely mesmerized by a song that is sung in a language that I do not even understand. Folks, this is what music is supposed to do to you- lift you up from the fray and loft you into a situation where you never want it to end. As many of us probably think- “Why Can’t Everyday Be Like Christmas?” There is that certain feeling that puts one in front of a fireplace, with snow falling outside as the family unites around the living room to create more holiday memories.

I want to thank Mr. Buble for making this most incredible version of this traditional song, it is my favorite version except maybe when my bride sang this tune at the altar of our wedding as the congregation looked all around to see what beautiful voice was performing the live version and when they all realized it was my bride, the look on their faces were priceless. I know there are so many versions of this song and I am not saying Michael’s is the best one out there but for me, it is the most hypnotic adaptation ever. A few weeks ago, as I was listening to the entire album, this track is near the end and I hit the rewind button on my I-pod classic for two hours straight. My bride came into the room and asked if I was okay. I looked up and said I was locked into a zone, the holiday season. I wish it could last forever, find your song(s) folks. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

Second Song- “A Christmas Alleluia” by Chris Tomlin featuring Lauren Daigle and Leslie Jordan

My second favorite Christmas album over the past five years is the unbelievable “Adore: Christmas Songs of Worship” that Mr. Chris Tomlin released in 2015. Talk about mesmerizing? From the instant I put on this body of work I was in a trance and have not stop listening to it every Christmas season as I already know that this will be with me for the rest of my life. Again, this is a tough call because I love every single track but maybe there is a reason why Chris selected this song to end this exquisite album. I can recall all of my favorite bands when they put out new work, they ensured that the final dish was going to be something that would keep you coming back for seconds, thirds and you get the picture.

During the month of December, I always pray for snow because once it does, I put on my boots, zipper up and put this album on and purposely walk towards our church. As I approach the upper bounds of the road that descends down, I can start to see the cross high atop the roof and with a flick of my fingers I quickly switch to this song as the entire church comes into being as the snow gently falls at my feet as I almost need “wiper blades” to keep the flakes from going into my eyes. The beauty of the moment is exemplified by this most pleasing song as my eyes are not only wet from the snow. I can recall walking towards the church for a funeral of a friend and this song was playing in my ears and even though the pain was unbearable, there is something about this track that lifts me up despite the uncomfortable memory.

My bride and my kids were amazed that I bought this album and were more baffled as I took my wife and her best friend to see Mr. Tomlin at the Beacon Theater in New York in December 2018. How does someone who “worships” bands like Black Sabbath and Kiss go to see Chris Tomlin? My answer to that question is what I have always maintained on this site- music is in the ear of the beholder and music is food for the soul.

I want to thank Mr. Tomlin for making this album and specifically this song as it changed my life instantaneously. I will forever cherish this wonderful body of work and will never forget seeing people at the Beacon standing with tears rolling down their faces at the beauty of his songs.

Third Song- “First Noel”- Chris Botti

Oh my, sometimes there are no words to describe the beauty of a tune and his take on this traditional song is breathtaking. Ironically, there are no words in this track, it is mainly his trumpet and the masterful orchestral background of musicians that will put you high atop a cloud from the moment you hear the first note from his trumpet. I do not know why but I always seem to tear up when I hear this song and it is all due to the magnificence of this two minute and fifty-second song.

When I was younger, I could never understand why people would cry at weddings, graduations and other celebrations because in my mind, crying was a symbol of something sad but as I have grown old (yes, I am officially on “the back nine”) I recognize that releasing tears at a celebration is due to overwhelming joy as well as understanding that the moment in time will soon be a distant memory, so really the only thing to do is clap while shedding a tear.

The exquisiteness of this song takes me back to my childhood memories of Christmas spent with my Mother, Aunt, Great Aunt and Grandparents who are no longer with us. I can recall our fourth-floor apartment on 46^th street in the Sunset Park section of Brooklyn N.Y. and how one of the neighbors (or my Dad) would always be Santa while purposely pound their footsteps across the roof. And since we were on the top floor we would know if anyone was on the roof, so it made the excitement of Christmas Eve that more enjoyable as we awaited Santa’s arrival. It also conjures up thoughts of my Mom and her sister singing in unison at my Aunt’s dinner table every Christmas Eve to their favorite holiday songs, especially “White Christmas” by The Drifters. I know many of us “boomers” say that things were different when we were children and they were, just as it was for our parents, grandparents, children and grandchildren but it does not make it better. What makes it better is the memories you take along with you on your journey of life and there is no better song in the world than “First Noel” by Mr. Chris Botti to navigate you through your remembrances of days gone by.

I want to thank Mr. Botti for crafting this undeniable version of this momentous song, it changed my life instantaneously as well the first time I ever heard it. I know this year will be different as Chris usually performs a month-long stint at the “Blue Note” jazz club in NYC each December into January and if you get the chance next year to see him, you should take the opportunity. You never know, he might just play this song and change your life forever.

My Favorite Christmas and Holiday Songs

First Song- “Pretty Paper” – The Roy Orbison Version

I recognize that the National Treasure, Mr. Wille Nelson, wrote this song and I want to thank him from the bottom of my heart because this is my all-time favorite holiday song. I just love the Roy Orbison approach on this beautiful and heart-breaking song. And yes, the reason I love this song is because my Mother treasured this tune, maybe more than I have. I can remember watching my mom when this song would come on, she would stop anything that she was doing and listen so intently with her heart. The compassion she had for those who appeared to be less fortunate than others was tremendous, and I believe that if she could have helped everyone in this world that was hurting, she would have.

Her favorite part of the track was when Roy would seemingly sing with a broken heart- “…Should you stop?… Better not…much too busy… you’re in a hurry… my how does time fly… in the distance the ringing of laughter… and in the midst of the laughter, he cries…”- I would watch as the tears in her eyes would well up. The lyrics written by Willie are so touching while also making you think of the folks who are having a hard time and I believe this year could be one of the toughest periods in many lives out there.

Ever since my boys were old enough to help my bride and I decorate our Christmas tree; our family tradition includes my wife taking out all the ornaments while my sons’ and I form a line while she doles out who was to receive their own decoration to mount on the tree. Yes, of course, there was a holiday setlist to dance or sing along to and anyone who knows my family, you can ask them what song that always had to be played at least two times in a row. You guessed it- “Pretty Paper” by Mr. Orbison.

I would stop and sit down near the fireplace with my head nearly between my legs or be frozen in time as I would feel the passion of Roy’s vocals seep into my bloodstream and take me to another world. And just like Mom, I want to help everyone who needs assistance as I wish all the current division between us would end because I believe at the end of the day, we all want to help each other. Sometimes I would miss like nearly 20 ornaments as I would just keep hitting the rewind button to hear this masterpiece. I want to thank Willie for writing this brilliant tune and Mr. Roy Orbison who is so missed by the legions of his family, friends and fans abroad. But we will always have this song to remind us of the good old days when Roy was the best male singer alive and for me it is a reminder that my beautiful Mom was the most compassionate person that I have ever encountered. This will always be my most favorite Christmas or Holiday song because I believe it applies to anyone’s denomination.

Second Song- “If Every Day Was Like Christmas” by Elvis Presley

I think it would be hard to find a bigger fan of Elvis than my Father as my siblings and I grew up on most likely a daily dosage of The King as his music would resonate throughout our home, especially during the holidays. It amazes me to this day that we as a society mostly listen to Christmas or Holiday songs that were created more than 50 years ago by such classic artists that includes Elvis. The songs are endless but if I had to pick my favorite Christmas tune by Mr. Presley, it would have to be this song.

Now don’t get me wrong, my Mother also loved Elvis and when this song would come on, both of my parents would drift off into a daze as they appeared to look towards the heavens and most likely wondered like I do every time I hear this song- what if one could have that special feeling that appears on Christmas day for every single day of the year as Elvis laments- “…Why can’t that feeling go on endlessly?…” With each passing Christmas season, this song has grown in stature with me and just like my parents I am polarized with the beauty of the entire composition. My favorite part of the song is when Elvis sings- “… And the smile upon his tiny face… is worth more to me than anything…” We all know that The King did not write his songs but there is no one that could sing like him and I cannot listen to any version of this tune but his. I want to thank Elvis (and my parents) for recording this most astounding song because in my opinion, this ranks up high at the top of the list of the greatest Christmas or Holiday songs ever. And its meaning still resonates more than 50 years after it was crafted. Imagine “what a wonderful world this would be?”

Third Song- “Christmas Can’t Be Far Away”- Burl Ives

As I have grown older, my appreciation for those who laid the groundwork for greatness in the entertainment business which includes movies, television and of course creating some of the most treasured songs that are passed down to each generation, has blossomed. This brings me to Mr. Burl Ives, now do not get me wrong I do not know him as much as his contemporaries or historians but again as I have aged, I find myself watching the television channel called “TCM” which broadcasts the greatest films ever created.

Like many other people of my generation and tons of others that have come after me, my only reference to Mr. Ives-which is a beautiful one- is his narration of the classic animation of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” His voice is legendary, and can anyone really think of anyone else narrating this national treasure of a holiday story? Anyway, back to TCM, I was watching a movie called “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” and there was that voice- hey isn’t that the orator of “Rudolph” I said to myself?

I watched the entire movie and was blown away by his acting ability. Again, I know I am only scratching the surface. Now we all familiar with his version of “Holly Jolly Christmas” which I still believe is the ultimate rendering ever recorded. But for me, his mesmerizing “Christmas Can’t Be Far Away” which starts off with the violins takes me to “Utopia” as I always think to myself- “It does not get much better than this.” This song actually brings tears to my eyes because his vocal brilliance is too much to take. And I do not know about anyone else but the 24 days before Christmas are the most beautiful days for me especially as I listen to this song as much as I can, to achieve that holiday spirit. I know I say this about every song, but this tune could be the greatest holiday song ever created!! Thank you, Mr. Ives I will do my best to ensure that your legacy will be passed down for generations to come, I could not be more appreciative.

Fourth Song- “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”- The Beach Boys

I know I have mentioned many times on this site that my Dad has always maintained that The Beach Boys “ruined rock and roll,” but I do not agree because there are many songs that they created that have appeared on my “Walk Lists” as I venture around my town with my trusty “Classic I-Pod” (yes, I still have one and for those who do not know what it is- google it!). I will say that my two ultimate Beach Boy songs are “In My Room” and their version of this Christmas classic. I have also come to know that the tracks created by Brian Wilson are the ones that I gravitate towards.

Besides maybe The Mamas and Papas, The Beach Boys harmonization is arguably the greatest in music history. The tune opens up with an orchestra type setting as I believe the violin starts off this majestic song and when Brian starts to sing “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” I am already on a different planet. I often wonder if there are people out there like me who think- “how were these songs crafted?” – I do not mean how long ago because that would be insulting (as I now have been finding out since I have aged so fast) but rather how have they stood the test of time while sounding like they were recorded yesterday with the brilliance that is absolutely stunning.

If I were testifying before a jury and had to put my hand on the bible, I can honestly say that this could be the most phenomenal song ever recorded and I know that I could not be convicted of perjury. This track leaves me speechless as I need absolute quiet around me while listening to this most exquisite song. If this does not get one in the holiday spirit, I do not know what will.

I want to thank The Beach Boys for crafting this most unbelievable piece of work as I believe I have listened to this song as much as any other in my entire life. (unlike many others, I will listen to Christmas songs until April and I start listening in Rocktober so that is how I can say that).

Happy Holidays folks and I wish everyone the best of the season can bring and here is to a better 2021.

Songs that Changed My Life- The Formative Years, Continued

First Song- “Flirtin’ with Disaster” by Molly Hatchet

I have always maintained that 1979 was a phenomenal year of album releases, despite the notion that the end of the 1970’s decade was not a good time for the “classic rock” genre because “Disco” was the prominent flavor at that time period (and deservingly so- yes I say that now as I have grown up but at the time there would be no way I would admit to that notion). As a 14-year old teenager, I looked for great “rock” or “rock and roll”- it did not matter to me what “label” was forced upon by the general masses. Take the band Molly Hatchet for instance, at the time I knew that there were “battle” lines drawn between the followers of “The Allman Brothers” and “Lynyrd Skynyrd” for which I wanted no part of because I liked tunes from both bands.

In the fall of 1979, in walks Hatchet with their second studio album and the title song just blew me away. This was my way out as I latched on to a “third” band that was separate from the silly arguments between the aforementioned bands. The first time I heard “Flirtin’ with Disaster” I was polarized because I knew this consisted of a “southern” flavor but that did not matter to me. This was “straight-up, pure rock and roll” from the opening guitar licks and the vocals of the late great Danny Joe Brown fit so perfectly with the vibe of the tune that it changed my life instantaneously as I ran out to either “The Record Factory” or “Little Record Store” on 86^th street in Bay Ridge Brooklyn to purchase this transcending song. 1979 went out with a bang and in my opinion, this song led the charge and is arguably one of the greatest rock songs in the history of music- forget all the labels- again- straight up rock and roll.

When Danny Joe exclaims at the 1:47 mark that “The boys and I have been burning it up… can’t seem to slow us down” (which is my favorite vocal part) I am out of my mind as I wildly run around the house air-guitaring wishing that was me on the guitar. The chorus is so addictive as everyone knows it and sings along-“Flirtin’ with disaster ya’ll damn sure know what I mean… you know the way we run our lives it makes no sense to me…” and when Mr. Brown chuckles at the 2:50 mark and then flatly states “it ain’t for everybody!”- can it get any cooler? As the entire nation gets ready to air-guitar to one of the best guitar solos ever from a song that defined this band, I know I perform the “We are not worthy bow,”- a la Wayne’s World style. And yes, you know I “whistle” the part at the 3:25 mark—can it get any better?  As the song comes to a blazing end you are thirsting for more and what should you do? Yes, hit the repeat button or pick the needle up and put it back on side two as it is easy because it is the first song. I could have easily written that this entire album changed my life because, in my opinion, it was one of the best recordings in 1979 as I listen to both sides from top to bottom. However, it is clear (to me anyway) that the title track is their most recognized song in their history as well as one of the best songs for the decade of the 1970’s- there, I said it. I want to thank the members of Molly Hatchet for making this phenomenal song as it laid the foundation for me in my journey in the pursuit of gathering the best rock and roll out there. There is no denying (from anyone) that this sits high above the echelon of the most distinguished songs in the “classic rock” genre- period, end of story.

Second Song- “I’m The Man” by Joe Jackson

One month after Hatchet releases “Flirtin’” a “punk” recording artist by the name of Joe Jackson released his second studio album a little more than six months after releasing his debut album that same year (“Look Sharp”). The title of the second album is one of my all-time favorite songs and it definitely cracks my top 20. Joe Jackson and his band had such an electric energy so much so that even 41 years later one can feel it—just picture a cold winter’s night where it is below freezing with a massive snow storm and your boss is the type of person that wants you at the site no matter what. So, you jump in the car after wiping off all the snow and when you turn the key- the engine appears to be dead. What to do? I say run back into the garage, get your head phones and put this song on while forgetting about the “red” & “black” clamps because all you will need is to put your hands on the battery because the juice that will flow through your finger tips will automatically jump start “Old Yeller” so that you will be able to keep your job.  

My favorite part of the song occurs at the 2:30 mark when Joe exclaims- “…right now, I think I’m gonna plan a new trend…because the line on the graph’s getting low and we can’t have that…and you think you’re immune… but I can sell you anything…anything from a thin safety pin to a pork pie hat…”—does it get any better? Joe was part of the “new wave” mission and in my opinion was at the top of the pile because of the energy he displayed with songs like this. Again, 41 years later I can sing this song word for word- no need for lyrics on the screen. My neighbor’s always know when my bride is not home and I know many times, this is the one song that is repeated over and over as I fly around the house with such joy as I air-guitar and scream along to the lyrics. Have I mentioned that this is one of the greatest songs ever? I would like to thank Mr. Joe Jackson for creating this masterpiece of a song as I knew from the instant, I heard this track it would change my life forever. If there was a category in any Olympic games for “synchronized chaos” this would have to be the song that would accompany that classification. My first concert ever was in 1980 to see him at Central Park and I remember being blown away. I was very upset with him for seemingly turning his back on this genre of “new wave” or “punk” as I scoured to see him live years later but it appeared that he never went back to his roots. As I am now older, I do not hold a grudge (because I am not certain that he does not play these type of songs anymore) but I need to let him know that he changed my life forever with this one song. Joe, I bow to you!!

Third Song- “Red Barchetta” by RUSH

About two weeks before I turned 16 in 1981, Rush releases their legendary album- “Moving Pictures”- which many of the brethren would say changed their lives forever. Now for the “general” public most would assume that I would pick either “Tom Sawyer” or “Limelight” but I can say with certainty that “Red Barchetta” changed the lives of many Rush fans as this epic 6:09 minute song could be the best six minutes one can spend alone while listening to this unbelievable track.

Where do I begin to describe how good this tune is? Well of course the beginning as Alex and Geddy beautifully introduce the song with a low key vibe as they await their brother- Neil- to join in the fray at the 31 second mark and when Geddy starts to sing at the 44 second mark- “My uncle has a country place, that no one knows about” it is off to the stars in an instant as you wonder how three people can craft such a masterpiece. (which they did often). I can remember being on the hard wood floor with my head in a pillow between the speakers which were cranked up so loud, especially when Mom & Dad were not home, and completely mesmerized by the entire composition. I was so used to songs that were about four minutes that blazed with the “same” sort of melody and in comes this song- which I know is “short” for Rush as this album contained their last song that was longer than 10 minutes. There were so many “changes” during this song that it reminded me of a heavier version of “progressive” rock like Kansas. This tune taught me patience as I had been so used to “high octane” instant gratification sort of rock and roll. And not that this song does not provide the pleasure because it does, it actually takes the level of enjoyment to the highest plateau. Of course, I saw them perform this at Madison Square Garden and was amazed as I watched 18,000 freaks sing along, air-guitar and air-drum to every single note. I was the novice who wanted to learn what the Rush brethren had been ingesting for many albums. As I stood up and scrutinized everything and each person to let it soak into my blood stream as clearly the rest of MSG had done, I was amazed at the loyalty. I wanted to be part of it so bad and this was the song that did it for me. Thank you, Neil, Geddy and Alex for forever changing my life with this song as I always wanted to have an uncle who had a country place.