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Dec.5 - Dec.12, 2004 |
Tips for a merry music
Checking out this year's new Holiday season records and concerts
By Kerry Doole
Originally Published: 2004-11-21
As you're doubtless aware, it is just a month till we enter another Christmas season. An appropriate time to check out some of the seasonal music on offer this year.
A few female friends of mine would like nothing better for Christmas than to find hunky and funny singer Chris Isaak in their stocking. He has just released his first Xmas CD, Chris Isaak Christmas. It includes a duet with Stevie Nicks on "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town," plus Chris covers of such classics as "White Christmas" and "Let It Snow."
You'll also find a cover of "White Christmas"(one of the most recorded songs ever) on The Beach Boys collection, Christmas With (on EMI). It features new cover art and liner notes this time around.
Famed jazz and r 'n b singer Dianne Reeves chimes in with Christmas Time Is Here, on Blue Note. Her selections of standards includes "I'll Be Home For Christmas" and "Little Drummer Boy."
A classy collection is the three-CD set, Ultra Lounge Christmas (EMI). The 53 tracks include tunes from Dean Martin, Lou Rawls, Julie London, Bing Crosby and Peggy Lee. Some of the same singers surface on Capitol Christmas Classics, another well-chosen compilation. Dean Martin's "Baby, It's Cold Outside" is a highlight.
For the country music fan, the seasonal debut from young superstar Leann Rimes might be a good gift choice. What A Wonderful World (on Curb) features "White Christmas" (naturally) and a fine cover of the Louis Armstrong hit, "What A Wonderful World." An equally good option is Shimmy Down The Chimney, an 18-song collection of Xmas classics from the likes of Willie Nelson, Dwight Yoakam, Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard and Alison Krauss (who sings the title track).
One of the most star-studded new Christmas pop collections is the aptly-entitled Platinum Christmas 11 (on BMG). Superstars featured include Elton John, Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera, Paul McCartney, and that great David Bowie/Bing Crosby duet on "Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy." Such Canadian and American Idol stars as Ruben Stoddard, Ryan Malcolm, Clay Aitken and Kalan Porter are also featured.
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