The RunDown: Christmas Music 06 part 2
12-21-2006
by Brenten Gilbert

'Twas the week before christmas
and I'm running late
deadlines approaching
with a lot on my plate

Between shopping and projects
there's plenty to do
how about some music
the Christmas RunDown part two?

Okay, I know that's a bit corny, but hopefully the rest of this long-awaited sequel will make up for some of that cheese. I'm digging into eight more Christmas albums this time around and hopefully, there's a little something for everyone. For the RunDown categories, I'm picking one (maybe two) tracks on the album that would be best suited for a ringtone, the best setting for the album to be played, and I'm comparing each album to a Christmas icon. I think that should do it for the introduction... Giddy-up, giddy-up, giddy-up let's go...

Admittedly, I'm not much of a Hillsong fan. I've discovered that there are typically people who love everything that Hillsong puts out or those who don't like them at all or dismiss them entirely. Don't get me wrong, I don't have anything against them, just a pre-conceived notion of what I expect them to sound like. Regardless, this is a pretty solid Christmas release. I was pleasantly surprised at the contemporary arrangements that managed to hold fast to the tradition and spirit. The variety between the tracks both vocally and musically is nice too, making it a good album to reach a mix of listeners with different tastes.

Best candidate for ringtone: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Best setting: In the family room while chatting away.
If this album were a Christmas icon/symbol, it would be. . . a candy cane.

Well, we knew that green was one of the Christmas colors for a reason, right? So why not turn that plain green into Irish green with the help of the enchanting vocals and festive arrangements (at times lively) of Moya Brennan and her latest, holiday release? This one's certainly not going to be for everyone, but for those who have acquired the taste of Celtic, operatic sounds, this one should suit your fancy just fine. This album is kind of like Christmas meets Titanic meets Enya meets Riverdance. It's relaxing and quaint.

Best candidate for ringtone: what's a ringtone?
Best setting: Gathered around the fireplace sharing stories.
If this album were a Christmas icon/symbol, it would be. . . angels

Another Christmas album that caters to a specific taste and preference and, to be perfectly honest, this one's strictly for the kids. The Go Fish guys may say that their music won't drive parents bonkers and God bless them for trying, but I don't know too many parents that can make it too many times through the disc. Be that as it may, it's certainly digestible in small portions and there's no denying that the kids do dig the Go Fish Guys. This album will rile them up and get them giddy for Christmas.

Best candidate for ringtone: White Christmas
Best setting: In the car on a fairly long trip when the kids start to get restless.
If this album were a Christmas icon/symbol, it would be. . . stockings.

I generally like Mary Mary and I enjoy it when an artist manages to put their own fingerprint on a rather well-known song and "make it their own," so to speak. However, something about this album just never connected with me. There's certainly a lot to enjoy, the upbeat, contemporary gospel really brings the music to life and the duo shines with a flair that's unlike anyone else, but for my money, it felt almost like they were overpowering the songs at times (O Come All Ye Faithful comes to mind). Anyway, taken at face value, it's another fun release for Mary Mary, but doesn't necessarily feel like a Christmas album to me, despite being full of Christmas songs.

Best candidate for ringtone: Call Him Jesus
Best setting: While washing dishes and cleaning up after the big party.
If this album were a Christmas icon/symbol, it would be. . . an aluminum Christmas tree.

I can still clearly remember "rocking out" to the 2nd Chapter of Acts while my blue cassette tape bearing The Roar of Love played in my tape player. Looking back, it's a funny picture. So, I assumed that this Christmas album would be somewhat boring, to be honest. However, this was another pleasant surprise as it's a classy collection of traditional ballads and carols that really sound rather spectacular in context. Ward's vocals are as crystal clear as ever and the album may well prove to be a new classic for years to come. Nothing flashy, no gimmicks, just straightforward arrangements and Christmas music.

Best candidate for ringtone: Carol of the Bells
Best setting: by the tree, laughing and opening presents.
If this album were a Christmas icon/symbol, it would be. . . a wreath.

Speaking of classy Christmas music. There's not much classier than this collection of instrumental Christmas tunes, aptly named Christmas Treasures. The makers of McPherson guitars brought together a great group of artists to create this compilation that includes the likes of Dave Clevelend, Michael Ripoll, Tom Hemby, and Phil Keaggy as well as Matt McPherson himself. Being that it's instrumental, it allows you to just relax while listening or sing along with the lyrics you remember, making up the ones you forgot. These are surely some of the best in the business showing these guitars how to be played and it's just enjoyable soaking it all in.

Best candidate for ringtone: Christmas Time is Here
Best setting: on a hammock.
If this album were a Christmas icon/symbol, it would be. . . a row of nutcracker soldiers..

It's hard not to like a Ginny Owens album. She has a very rich voice and a rather distinct style that always seems to be appropriate. This album was released independently - now's not the time to question why - and proves to be an endearing project that is delightful and free. From the opening notes to the very end, the listener is swept away by the melodies and arrangements that are at times reminiscent of the classic Christmas albums of Bing Crosby and the like, though tracks like Nothin for Christmas remind us that it's the 21st century.

Best candidate for ringtone: This Is Christmas
Best setting: in the dining room, sharing a meal.
If this album were a Christmas icon/symbol, it would be. . . candles.

I'm pretty sure that Sixpence released a Christmas song or two back in the day, but much like with Blue on Blue, Wishing for This just continues to show how much Leigh Nash has come into her own since becoming a solo artist. The songs are quite charming and comforting to listen to. I've been finding myself singing along to pretty much every track, but specifically "Hard Candy Christmas" and "Last Christmas." Great job and well worth checking out as a digital download.

Best candidate for ringtone: Last Christmas
Best setting: catnapping in the afternoon, sleeping off the feast.
If this album were a Christmas icon/symbol, it would be. . . mistletoe.

Well, that should do it for the music of Christmas 2006. There are, of course, some unfortunate exclusions. I'm aware of that, but I can only discuss what I've got in front of me. I hope that you've enjoyed this episode of the RunDown. If you need a refresher course, part one of the Christmas Music RunDown is still on the site at: http://www.cmcentral.com/special/5674.html.

On behalf of CMCentral and all the staff, I'd like to wish you and yours a merry Christmas. God bless.