Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blues

Jimmy Buffet "Tis The SEASon" 

Tis The SEASon for Christmas records

 Fa La La La La! La La La Laaa! 

After creating one classic, why not another?

Fa La La La La! La La La Laaaa!

I am not a Parrothead, but I do know what I like, and this Christmas Island Shuttle Captain comes sailing in with three breezy classics reworked in the key of cruise, before shifting gears to "Drivin' The Pig(Manejando el Cerdo)." 

I have to say one of my favorites is the "Twelve Days of Christmas (Parrothead Version)" which sounds like a buffet of good humor and good times, and the charming list of "What I Didn't Get For Christmas" with all sentimentality and fun intact.

Another song that undoubtedly captivated my attention with its glaring truth, that has most in the know with occasional alternate facts and humor in tow, is "Santa Stole Thanksgiving," which is no longer as relaxing because it led to Black Friday eating some of Thanksgiving too.

What follows is an appropriate and then two questionable covers. Whether you celebrate in Hawaii you can still sing "Mele Kalikimaka," right? Of Coarse, Toucan.  The soft white sand can serve as snow for a "Winter Wonderland," so it's not as questionable, I guess. I digress when someone says "Baby It's Cold Outside," we think of thirty degrees or below and in three-layer dress. It can get colder at night, just not as cold as New York State, but that is just one of many places where the statement would be right.

Norah Jones "I Dream of Christmas"

Norah Jones finally answered the call, and this Jolly Jones opens with a song that embodies holiday anticipation, that can also score a beautiful snowfall. Her rendition of "Christmas Don't Be Late" re-enforces that feeling of anticipation in this one-two punch that can bring that feeling that a child may have at Christmas. 

But we know that it's not all sugarplums, gingerbread, candy canes and merriment with the cover of "Blue Christmas" that really prepares you for the next tune. As last year was one example, to which Jones documents in her original "It's Only Christmas Once A Year" and urges everyone to "Gather all your loved ones, hold them close to your heart/ 'cause one never knows what lies ahead or when you'll part." It fits center in a nice sandwich of songs that realize and express that holidays cannot chase the blues away. The original that follows sounds like it could serve as an anthem for those that suffer seasonal affective disorder, yet it assures all who care to listen that "You're Not Alone."

Her cover of "Winter Wonderland" seems to denote a shift, and the word "ethereal" comes to mind, it may not be heaven but it sounds like you are experiencing that walk during snowfall in another world. While "A Holiday With You" does seem to address the SAD a little more effectively, she is hopeful, and after a selection of two more joyful covers she is even more confident in asking "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" 

A Very Kind Beats Christmas: The Music of A Charlie Brown Christmas Interpreted by Andrew McCauley

Schulz's characters are synonymous with the Christmas season, and every other major American holiday to put it plainly. The album that inspired the re-interpretations is one of the best albums to honor the season and more transcendent than most seasonal offerings, when it comes to listening to it outside the traditional time frame.

 The classics are included, and "Christmas Time Is Here." The latter includes an exploration of the season on another planet. "Christmas Is Coming" for sure, and it seems it arrives faster every year, and to acknowledge this, the tempo has been sped up, not for lack of patience, but for a subconscious imperative. Whatever the reason, we have more fanfare for the Christmas stan. 

The major change in "Fur Elise" is the Merry-achi vibe brought to you by the horn section replacing Schroeder's iconic piano, it is an extension of a good time. All in All, there is enough to warrant the whole project, aside from proceeds going to charity, which is a very kind gesture, if you want to listen to a reinterpretation of a holiday staple. If not, it's your choice. My one complaint is that it cuts out "Greensleves," but I am a bigger fan of the color red anyways.

Sabrina Claudio "Christmas Blues"

After listening to her voice, "I Just Melt," or my preconceived notions of how good this album can be do. Yes, her voice is so smooth and sexy without any effort that I can detect. The first single, "Warm December" perfectly describe the sentiment and temperature of the album, as described by Claudio herself, and set the tone for the record. Even though there is that fire of passion she sets, she manages to temper the flame to a bonfire, enough to warm chestnuts over. She remains faithful with her cover of  "O Holy Night" and two other classics. While her duet with The Weeknd focuses on the "Blue Christmas" that living away from your loved one can bring, her duet with Alicia Keys lists some the past and current wonderments of "Wintertime." She keeps it classy throughout the whole project, even with a song like "Short Red Silk Lingerie," and how many Christmas albums can you say have achieved that?