My Favorite Christmas Albums: [View all]

[Fiendish Thingy]

from my blog at:

https://www.afiendishthingy.com/blog/Entries/2020/12/my-favorite-christmas-albums.html

Below is a list of my favorite Christmas Albums; although there are many excellent various artist compliations out there (especially on the Rhino and Bear Family labels), this list focuses on albums that were conceived as whole entities, hence most are by individual artists.

1. Various Artists, produced by Phil Spector - A Christmas Gift For You (originally released 1963). This album, along with #2 below, has been part of our family’s Christmas eve listening for decades.
2. Vince Guaraldi Trio - A Charlie Brown Christmas (originally released 1965). For anyone, but especially Baby Boomers, this music is essential listening.
3. The Fab Four (Beatles Tribute Band)- A Fab Four Christmas/Have Yourself a FAB-ulous Little Christmas (2002). Covers of Christmas songs, Beatle-Style. Captures the joy and spirit of both Christmas and the Beatles.
4. J.D. McPherson - Socks (2018). If this disc doesn’t have you smiling and bopping around the house, you must be six feet under.
5. Cyndi Lauper - Merry Christmas…Have A Nice Life! (1998). Fun collection,mixing originals with covers. Some bouncy tunes along with some sentimental ones too.
6. Rotary Connection - Peace (1968). This soulful collection Features Minnie Riperton.
7. The Smithereens - Christmas with The Smithereens (2007). Power Pop Christmas Rock!
8. The Grip Weeds - Under The Influence Of Christmas (2011) More Power Pop Christmas Rock!
9. Nat King Cole - The Magic Of Christmas (1960, rereleased as “The Christmas Song”)
10. Emmylou Harris - A Light In The Stable (1992, expanded with new tracks in 2002). If you’re looking for a Roots/Bluegrass Christmas album, this is the one. Guest appearances by Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Neil Young.

What are your favorite Christmas albums?