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More Christmas Music

After last week's post, a friend pointed out that my videos were more "winter" songs than "Christmas." Here are some of my favourite Christmas carols, for Kolten & any others who thought the same.


First, the ultimate a cappella song:

(does anyone else think of McGee and Me when they hear this?) My brother told me to check out this a cappella crew, so props to you, Stephen. And I feel the need to tell you all that I liked a cappella before it was cool. Just like I had fashion glasses before hipsters existed. My inner nerd has become trendy, but it wasn't always that way...


O Come, O Come, Emmanuel



Come, Though Long Expected Jesus
(I can't find any videos of decent versions. So let's all just take a minute and hum it to ourselves.)


O Holy Night

It was also difficult to find a version that I truly like of this song. But Josh Groban is OKAY. I SUPPOSE.


and one modern song:




I've realized that most of my favourite Christmas songs are in minor keys. I think this is significant because minor keys communicate longing while major keys sound more triumphant. I could could go on at length about this, but I have a few more videos instead.


Winter Song - Sara Bareilles & Ingrid Michaelson


Thanks, Teagen for the recommendation! (is it just me, or does this opening sound like a song by Ginny Owens/Sara Groves/someone similar?)


And one more a cappella medley.

Hilarity and skillzzzzz.


Final note on Christmas music: last year, I got a free EP from Matthew Mayfield and it has grown on me exponentially. Check out Her Name Was December.
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Comments

  1. Thom6:10 PM

    Winter Song is amazing. I liked everything about that. When exactly did a cappella come back? or perhaps when did it become cool for the first time? Because apparently it is, and I missed the onset, was not prepared for it's return (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdzyuJJZMCI). Death Cab for Cutie's Transatlanticism (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CeZhdNsIDQ) has always been a winter song to me. I don't know a thing about music, so I can't say whether it's in a minor or major key, but full of longing no less.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thom6:11 PM

    aww, I messed up "its". I take great pride in proper use of "its"...

    ReplyDelete
  3. Beth6:25 PM

    Tom,

    I am EXCEEDINGLY happy that you've begun commenting here. This will bring much joy and many new links to my life. Thank you particularly for that Carmen Sandiego song.

    Glee has recently brought a cappella to the foreground. Mike Tompkins and others like him have helped too. (Look. Him. Up.)

    I'm not sure about the key of Transatlanticisum (I know by reading music, not by listening), but it is indeed wintry!

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