I love pretty much anything Christmasy this time of year but Handyman Tim definitely prefers classic hymns over the "holly jolly" type tunes. This week I'm focusing on the type of playlist you'd find him turning to when he's in charge of the mood music.
1. Simon and Garfunkel's "Comfort and Joy": I love this a cappella version of the song. It always catches my attention on a playlist because the lyrics are so central in focus and it stands out for it's quiet mood.
2. Sting's "I Saw Three Ships": I love that hymns don't need to be morose in tone. I bounce my way through my holiday errands with this in rotation.
3. Andrea Bocelli's "Angels We Have Heard on High": I really could add his entire Christmas album to this list. It is this year's purchase for our collection and I've absolutely loved every moment of listening to it. My friends Luigi and Moira introduced me to Bocelli when I lived in Milan. I always think of them when I hear his beautiful voice. The fact that he is not singing in English only improves this song for me. It makes me stop and consider what he is singing and reminds me of Christmas Eve mass singing in Latin as a child. In the right moment, I get quite teary.
4. Andrea Bocelli's "What Child is This?": Also from his newest album, this duet with Mary J. Blige is absolutely beautiful. It is the type of song that stops me in my tracks and makes me listen.
5. Vanessa William's "Do You Hear What I Hear?": This is my all-time favorite version of this song. So many of these songs are similar in that they build to a crescendo, this is one of the best. It always has the power to bring me to tears when I am paying attention. I've got goosebumps as I listen to it right now.
6. Nat King Cole's "Silent Night": This is one of those songs that just should not be done with a heavy hand. Too many modern performers make this big and jazzy.
7. Ella Fitzgerald's "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear": I just love Ella Fitzgerald's Christmas songs.
8. Josh Groban's "O Holy Night": My absolute favorite Christmas song, I'm still searching for the "perfect" version of it. Groban comes very very close, but the hunt continues. . .
Moira
This evening I'll see Andrea Bocelli's concert in Los Angeles and I'll think of you!
If Santa does not bring the CD to me, I'll buy it as a self-made birthday gift. He's great!
Baci *