Since the holidays are upon us, here is my essential holiday albums for 2006. “Barenaked Ladies’ CD “Barenaked for the Holidays” has become my new favorite, even though it came out last year. Where else will you get both Christmas and Channukah songs on the same album? The Barenakeds here have come up with a real festive CD that will be enjoyed by all — and it includes originals and not just holiday standards. It’s chockful of 18 tracks and best of all it’s new on e-music. So you have no excuses. Okay, some songs like “Jingle Bells” are a bit too goofy, but so what! Get it here and now.
Amiee Mann has created a beautiful take on all the holiday classics with this new CD. With Mann’s somber and serious approach, she makes this the Christmas album to drink to. Like the polar opposite of Karen Carpenter, Mann’s mood will get the listener to seriously think about this time of year. She gets a bit of help from hubby Michael Penn, Jon Brion and Grant Lee Phillips doing a respectable version of “The Grinch.” Pour another eggnog and play this one. Also available on e-music.
Do I really need to add the obvious Vince Guaraldi Trio album? here are the links to e-music:
A Charlie Brown Christmas