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Favorite Holiday CDs

Tuesday, November 28, 2006 | 04:30 PM

Its that time of year: In only takes a few weeks, but I very quickly tire of walking into stores and getting assaulted with endless repetitions of all those corny Xmas Carols we've all heard far too many times to enjoy any longer (see this list).

No worries, though: Amazon has some great Christmas Music on Sale this year, with almost all of these discs available for under $10. Here's a way to get into the holiday musical spirit without having to endure the usual annoying cloying tunes. This is one holiday-themed list that won't make you ill.

Enjoy!

1. Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas

There truly is no better Christmas album than this one. It is 180 degree from all that junk holiday music you hate: Recorded in 1960, it is without a doubt the swingingest Christmas album ever recorded. A Jazzy big band, brilliant arrangements and Ella's perfect voice make this album a must have Christmas albums, period. Wishes You a Swinging Christmas, Ella Fitzgerald

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2. A Charlie Brown Christmas

The classic Peanuts Christmas Jazz Masterpiece: For those of a certain age, "the first time you listen to this disc you will undoubtedly be transported directly back to your childhood" (one reviewer noted)and thats absolutely true.

Indeed, for lots of us, this was our first introduction to Jazz -- and Vince Guaraldi is still a great intro. A must have. A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Original Sound Track Recording Of The CBS Television Special

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3. James Taylor at Christmas

Nicely balanced between pop and jazz selections, with more stately hymn-like fare and balladry. Anything JT does manages to sound fine via his charmingly understated, mellow, soulful voice. (and a must own for JT fans) James Taylor at Christmas

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4. Oscar Peterson Christmas

Sophisticated yet unobtrusive, this CD is an ideal jazz instrumental backdrop to all your holiday activities. Peterson mades this warm, mellow album accessible to non-Jazz buffs, while at the same time keeping it sophisticated and interesting enough for afficianadoes to enjoy. This CD, along with the Ella disc, are two of my favorites. Its perfect for sipping an evening cocktail and sitting in the dark with nothing on but Christmas lights. Oscar Peterson Christmas

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5. December, Piano Solos

December holds the distinction of single-handedly putting Windham Hill on the map. This collection of solo piano works crossed over from new age to popular to seasonal.

I always loved having this as one of 5 CDs on the carousel (back in the days of 5 CD disc players). Yes, kids, there was a shuffle play before the iPod. December, Piano Solos: 20th Anniversary Edition, George Winston >

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6. Merry Christmas from Motown

A terrific collection of favorite Motown artists doing all the usual songs; The work was interesting enough that the series from Motown saw a few more versions of this after the success of the first one.

This first collection is all Motown A-list: The Temptations, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles and Stevie Wonder.
Merry Christmas from Motown (Various Artists)

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7. Christmas with the Rat Pack

Break out the cocktail shaker, its time for some Christmas drinks with Frank, Sammy and Dino! This is a boozy holiday compilation, a perfect retro lounge soundtrack for a bachelor pad. My favorite comment about this: "the novelty of having three of the 20th century's most notorious sinners belt, whoop, and sing the praises of sleigh bells, roasting chestnuts, and the virgin birth would be enough to recommend this dizzy, 21-track delight, but there's actually some rewarding pop archaeology here as well."
Christmas with the Rat Pack: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin Sammy Davis Jr.

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8. Wintersong

Sarah's elegantly beautiful voice mixes some traditional (but not ubiquitous) Christmas songs along with some more modern holiday tunes (John Lennon's "Happy Xmas (War is Over)" and Joni Mitchell's "River"). If you enjoy her lovely and haunting voice, you will most likely enjoy this collection. (I suspect this collection may grow on me) Wintersong, Sarah McLachlan

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9. A Winter's Solstice: Windham Hill Artists

Following the success of December, this album became one that built a Windham Hill tradition of New Age seasonal music / mixed artist collections. They are now up to number VI in the Winter Solstice Series. A Winter's Solstice: Windham Hill Artists

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10. Rhino: Swingin Christmas and Ultra-Lounge: Christmas Cocktails, Part One (2 way tie).

These two are similar hipster recordings:

Ultra-Lounge is a martini-and-mistletoe combo from the late 50s/early 60s. Think of the Doris Day movies of that era (or even Tony Randall's), and you get the picture of the big band sound on many of the tracks. Its very retro, and features the likes of Nat King Cole, Dean Martin, Lou Rawls, Julie London, Jackie Gleason, Peggy Lee, Billy May, and Les Brown. Ultra-Lounge: Christmas Cocktails, Part One

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The Rhino collection digs deeper back to the 40s to more recent cuts -- a diverse collection of songs covered by Louis Armstrong, Louis Prima, Woody Herman, Lionel Hampton, Esquivel, The Manhattan Transfer, Vic Damone. (Les Brown is the only artist present on both discs).

Rhino: Swingin Christmas