Friday, December 21, 2007

Favorite versions

Having multiple versions of the same song sung by anywhere from 10 to 58 different artists in varying styles keeps my holiday mood moving. But if I had to choose the definitive version of a song, could I? Here's what I came up with.

  • Christmas Song, The (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) - Torn between Diane Schuur and Ella Fitzgerald, both so different and yet so good.
  • Deck the Halls - London Symphony Orchestra (I like a big loud traditional rendition)
  • Frosty the Snowman - Ronettes
  • Hark The Herald - Vince Guaraldi Trio (from the Peanuts TV show)
  • Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - I've got to go with the classic by Judy Garland

  • I’ll Be Home For Christmas - Tony Bennett, this song can be a real downer, but his version in very swingin'.
  • Jingle Bells - Bing Crosby with the Andrews Sisters (a very close second is by SheDaisy)
  • Little Drummer Boy - people either love it or hate it. Strangely I just like it. But the primary version for me is by the Norman Luboff Choir (same arrangement we sang in choir in high School) and then for the geniusness of it all the version by Marlene Dietrich in German.
  • O Holy Night - for powerful vocals, I've gone with Wynonna. But right on her heals are Martina McBride and Billy Gillman (I love his angelic baby voice that sounds like a girl)

  • Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer - Dean Martin
  • Santa Claus Is Coming to Town - The version by Phil Spector. How can I not choose this one, it starts with, "Jimmy, I just came back from a lovely trip..." Hello, she's speaking to ME.
  • Silent Night - in German, Stille Nacht, performed by Chanticleer.
  • Sleigh Ride - André Kostelanetz
  • White Christmas - two versions chosen. Barbra Streisand because she does the intro I love to hear in Los Angeles, "The sun is shining, the grass is green, the orange and palm trees sway. There's never been such a day in Beverly Hills, LA. But it's December the 24th, and I am longing to be up North..." And then all the rest of the vote goes to Rosemary Clooney.
  • Winter Wonderland - Lena Horne

3 comments:

Rachel V. Olivier said...

I'm going to really miss my fairy Christmas this year, but just picturing you guys cozy on the couch with the dogs, the decorations, and the music makes it all good.

Have a wonderful, warm, cozy and loving Christmas this year.

Muah!

A Lewis said...

Sending you the BIGGEST of Christmas greetings. Hope it's warm, happy ,safe. And "Oh Holy Night" is right up there for me.....

The T-Dude said...

Jim,

I just wanted to take a moment to wish you a happy holidays. When C and I started blogging, we did it as a lark. It was just a way to satisfy a latent need to create. But what it turned into was a blessing because we had the opportunity to meet and interact with others, in particular, you. Thank you for your friendship and kindness, it is truly an unexpected and much appreciated blessing.

I hope your new year is everything you hope and that 2008 finds you healthy, wealthy and filled with the love of your friends and family.

The T-Dude