I’m a traditionalist when it comes to Christmas music: gimme the classics by artists from the 50s and 60s instead of a classic sung by a newer artist any day of the week. I’m sure much of that has to do with holiday sentiments and thinking of childhood innocence because I can’t think of an artist who has put out anything over the past 30 years that even comes remotely close to what I grew up with (Harry Connick Jr has a couple out and I’m a fan, but he’s about as retro as you can get). And with me being a hard rock guy, you may be surprised that I don’t get into Trans-Siberian Orchestra ‘cept for that smoking version of “Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24)”, tho I do dig The Kinks’ raucous “Father Christmas”.
For my money, if you had to pick one album to play during the holiday season it’s gotta be The Andy Williams Christmas Album. It’s easy listening, it’s hip, it’s somewhat jazzy, it swings in spots, and overall is just a downright classic. You’re bound to have heard his ubiquitous version of “It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year” either on the radio or a few years ago as a back to school commercial for Staples, but besides that song he’s got some which should rank just as high on your all time Christmas favorite lists. Excellent versions of “White Christmas”, “Happy Holiday”, and “Little Drummer Boy” are here but the standout cuts for me are his versions of “O Holy Night” and “Sweet Little Jesus Boy”, both displaying Williams in beautiful tenor voice accompanied by a string orchestra. “O Holy Night” is a real showcase, giving Williams opportunity to stretch his vocal range from softer passages to greater heights. Absolutely stunning.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UseFjJ7cmSA
Whether you prefer the classics as I do at this time of year or you want the latest and greatest from your favorite artists, I wish all of you the best and hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday season!
ironriot.blog 
Yes, this is the best Christmas album hands down. And, yes, O Holy Night sends chills down my spine every time I hear it to this day. Williams could bring it as good as Sinatra, Bennett, Martin, etc., etc., you name it, a top tier vocalist.
I only really like the classics too, Sinatra, Crosby, and Como being favorites, but besides Andy Williams, the only one I really need, oddly enough, is the Vince Guaraldi Trio’s Peanuts Christmas soundtrack. Just a place in time, I guess, just like most music.
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Funny about the Guaraldi mention as I was going to highlight that one in the post as well!
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Btw, did you notice that Do You Hear What I Hear/Baba O’Riley mashup at the Coney light show? Who was that? I thought it was really cool, though the singer sounded too poppy, haha.
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