For every hair-brained scheme or idea Jim and I developed in our college years, every once and a while we created something of lasting value, however frivolous or silly it may seem. No it's not wall pencil, and it is not sliding on our backs past the motion sensors on Fischer One East. It is not pranking Dave Hurt either.
Two-Ball-To-Two is one such creation, but the merits of this wonderful game can be discussed at another time. No, during this Christmas season I would like to evaluate the Christmas Anthology we compiled during the fall of 2000. This marks the eighth historic year since the beginning, and a fresh look at what has been seen as a masterpiece will reveal the genius, ignorance, and altogether happy spirit that led to such a monument of the Wheaton Circle Christmas tradition.
Overall, the accomplishment of a such a lasting mark is a testament to our willingness to dream and pretend, and in not being afraid to be children in a college-age body. Often, this led to some stupid decisions and actions, but I love the memory and the realization that I still hold some of this idiocy inside as I take on more "real" responsibilities in this life.
Of course I am biased, as is Beitler I'm sure, but if you cannot agree with my assessment of the greatness of our selections, at least appreciate the amount of time and thought that went into something so seemingly meaningless in a continuous age of cheap blank CDs and a million songs in the iTunes store. The Christmas spirit was alive and well at Terrace that fall...
Disc One
1. I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas
Ah yes, how can a Christmas anthology open with any other anthem than the soothing deep voice that comforts and warms as the weather outside flows down?
2. There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays
Follow that up with another warm song about family, friends, and the gathering together of loved ones. What a way to ease you into two hours of Christmas pleasure - you are about to go on a journey of Christmas emotion.
3. I'll Be Home for Christmas
Continuing the introduction and home themes, Amy Grant brings a woman's touch to our list, including a rarely heard introduction to the song. Yet another slow tempo allows your heart to come alive and prepare for the movements and pulses ahead.
4. Grown Up Christmas List
Amy Grant again? Oh yes, as she brings a little serious tone to the disc. We must remember what many do without these holidays, but the song still has the air of nostalgia that belongs at the introduction.
5. It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
Now you notice the subtle change in tone, as the fun and joy of Christmas is revisited in this lively tune. You begin to tell yourself "Why, yes indeed, it is truly beginning to look like Christmas, in fact, it looks like it everywhere I go!" And suddenly, you are captured in the spirit of the season.
6. Feliz Navidad
This opens our Christmas Around the World section. And come on, have you ever met a person who doesn't know or like this song? What a way to get the heart pumping.
7. Christmas in Kilarney
Continuing the world theme, the lively brass enters in abruptly, ushering in the parties of the winter.
8. Christmastime in New Orleans
Can you have a compilation disc with Louis? He is too good to let go, and this fun jaunt will leave you smiling wide, just like Satchmo.
9. Meli Kalikimaka
What a smooth voice, what a fun diddy, what a sunny day in the midst of winter's doldrums. This concludes our Christmas Around the World section, as we slowly turn to the Romantic section of the disc, a perfect point for that special alone time - bust out the hot cocoa, snuggle under your favorite blanket, and hold your lover tight as you sit next to the Christmas tree.
10. When My Heart Finds Christmas
Harry Connick's first contribution finds him handing out Christmas wishes and blessings.
11. You're All I Want for Christmas
Right there, talk about romance? That is the bottom line folks, and the inherent logic of this track list so far amazes me even as I now write.
12. Winter Romance
Love's not controlled by the weather, but this time of year sure makes you appreciate all that you have. Give your loves an extra squeeze as you listen to this wonderful story of love and romance.
13. Let It Snow
Now that you have shown your appreciation, show your joy and carelessness as you sing along to this classic theme.
14. What Are You Doing New Year's Eve
Now that you are with your loves, remember the times when your nerve was tested, asking your mate out for the first time, or maybe the first Christmas you spent together as a new family (or will if you are not yet married). Harry is just fantastic on this track.
15. Winter Wonderland
Tony Bennett, the coolest man alive, graces us with his presence, including a bang up ending with full orchestra blazing.
16. I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm
Anyone can weather the storm with this CD, a constant tonic of Christmas goodness.
17. Santa Claus in Comin' to Town
Now that your romantic powers have been spent, enjoy a couple of giants from kid-dom. Many have criticized our selection of Michael Bolton here, but I beg you to give this CD another listen, and try and tell me you didn't just got a huge smile when Michael busts out a classic flurry at the end of the song.
18. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Again, another target for the critics. First of all, would a Beitler and Koch Christmas anthology be complete without a dose of pure silliness? Second of all, have you ever heard a version where Rudolph him/her self speaks? I ask you!! And of course, we end Disc One with the careless recitation of Santa's reindeer, only to leave with "on Donner, on Somethin'!"
Oh man, I am gushing....
Disc Two
1. Hallelujah Chorus
The joy of the season bursts forth at the beginning of Disc Two, with an all-time classic Chorus that actually is in English! I still stand up every time, even when I am by myself.
2. O Holy Night
Classic carol leads off our general Carols section.
3. Silent Night
Oh, the a cappella sounds of Boyz II Men. They may have dropped off, but the boyz easily melt your cares away as you enjoy the firelight shining on your presents under the tree.
4. O Come All Ye Faithful
This begins what I believe is our favorite section: Caroling with Nat. His voice is frankly the best in the business, and he brings a genuine tone to each and every selection.
5. Hark the Herald Angels Sing
6. Away in a Manger
7. O Little Town of Bethlehem
8. The First Noel
9. Joy to the World
10. Deck the Halls
After listening to Nat during this section, you cannot help but remember the real reason for the season: Jesus, God's Son, became flesh to save us from our sins. Amen. Thanks Nat.
11. Carol of the Bells
I contemplative piece meant to bring class and meditation before the grand finale.
12. Silver Bells
A not-so-classic duet.
13. It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Amy Grant appears again with an understated rendition of the sentiment felt by all. Especially if you have listened to our anthology.
14. Happy Holidays
Yet another wishing of wellness.
15. Sleigh Ride
The Velvet Fog, Mel Torme, delivers a unique and stirring version, complete with pinpoint diction and accuracy. What a great find.
16. Merry Christmas Baby
Three great Christmas rock tunes follow. If this doesn't chill you out with delight, I don't know what would my friend.
17. Jingle Bell Rock
Again, a universally loved twist from the rock world. Puts me in the mood for food, presents, and family every time.
18. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree
Completing the rock cycle, another female voice adds a new tone to our celebration.
19. We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Time to slow things down before the end. Time to take a deep breath and appreciate all that the anthology and the season have brought. Time for your heart to pass out its final wishes.
20. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Luther Vandross delivers a completely uncommon version of what is usually an easily forgotten tune. This song was an extremely hot contender for the final song of the compilation, and at one point I believe it was in the top spot, but no one can overcome Nat.
21. The Christmas Song
Take a Mel Torme composition, use a healthy dose of classic Nat, and put a dash of Frank Sinatra duet on top, and you have a recipe for the perfect ending to a perfect Christmas experience. Ahhhh.
Take it all in folks, sit for a while in silence after the anthology has ended. You will be glad you did. You will discover new appreciation for old traditions. You will feel overwhelming warmth for your mind and soul. You will gain the satisfaction that comes with the completion of an anthology that stands the test of Christmastime.
I know I speak for Jim as I say that we hope you enjoy this small Christmas tradition, if only to gain a fraction of the amount of joy we had making this CD and benefiting from the fruits of our labor.
The Christmas Song: An Anthology
We salute you and all you have done for our collective Christmas celebrations each year.
Koch
Friday, December 7, 2007
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comments:
right on all counts, my good friend.
the anthology, as your post aptly demonstrates, continues to hold its own, many yuletides later. as i read over your assessment of the collection, i couldn't help but marvel at our attention, when creating the cds, to breadth (christmas around the world, romance, caroling with nat, christmas rock), depth (the beginning of volume two), and good-hearted frivolity (i stand by the rendition of rudolph we chose).
I especially appreciated your charity and tact toward the amy grant selections as well as your critique, when it was absolutely necessary (your description of silver bells reminded me of pope's definition of "wit": "what oft was thought but ne'er so well expressed").
And, then, there's this fine bit of prose: "Overall, the accomplishment of a such a lasting mark is a testament to our willingness to dream and pretend, and in not being afraid to be children in a college-age body. Often, this led to some stupid decisions and actions, but I love the memory and the realization that I still hold some of this idiocy inside as I take on more 'real' responsibilities in this life."
To which I don my favorite christmas sweater, start a toasty fire, put on my christmas anthology (volume two, track twenty-one, of course), and raise a glass: "Hear, hear!"
merry christmas to the koches!
Post a Comment