My Top Christmas albums

I'm a huge Christmas fan. I enjoy the lights and colour and the fact that most people make a bit of an effort to be a little bit nicer. I count down the days in November until the Friday after Thanksgiving when it's officially Christmas season to start blasting the tunes (I use rehearsals for my Christmas concerts as an excuse to start a bit earlier though).

Christmas music ranges from amazing and transportative (not a word) to rage inducing dreck. These are the albums and songs that I could actually listen to any time of year. But, the ones that are top of the list for getting me into the spirit.

Good Christmas music:

Aloe Blacc brings us the funkiest
Christmas album of 2018

There's a fine line between so schmaltzy it's good and down right awful. Good Christmas music (like any good music) has a perspective. It tells a story or communicates a sentiment that is familiar or at least relatable. The best for me taps into the bitter-sweet tenor that runs through the holiday season. It's not all fairy lights and cozy sweaters. But neither is it 'Fairy Tale of New York' drug addict abusive.

Bad Christmas music:
I loathe what I call 'Sound of Music Christmas songs'. The kind of song that attempts to be emotionally manipulative by simply listing off Christmassy things and expecting it to resonate. I'm like, don't tell me how to feel. You don't know me! You don't know what my Christmas is like! But, again, I'll use 'Fairy Tale of New York' as an example, I also don't want to be dragged through the worst of human kind because I have the news for that.

(Side Note: If you're in any relationship like the one in 'FToNH' please leave it. You deserve better, not just at Christmas time.)

So without further adieu, here are my top Christmas albums to get me in the holiday spirit (in no particular order)

Sia "Everyday is Christmas"
This album is amazing. I love Sia anyway. But, this whole albums rides the line between ridiculously poppy and the beautiful reflection. And I've probably listened to this album just as a general 'need to cheer up' album any time of the year. All original songs, the album bucks trends and talks about bringing sad people sunshine, lists auburn as a Christmas colour and deals with the hazards of loving a snow man. For heaven's sake 'Puppy are forever' is the most endearing song with a serious message about taking care of your pets!

Pomplamoose's EP "Christmas in Space" 
Pomplamoose are a great fun band. There EP "Christmas in Space" is a fun slice of their quirky goodness. A particular North star is tthe song "Always in the Season" which so perfectly describes why I do all my shopping in November or online.

Ella Fitzgerald's "Ella Fitzgerald's Christmas"
Do I even need to explain this? Ella's my go to girl for any kind of background music. This is the perfect tree trimming song and Ella's vocals (on EVERYTHING) just put me in the best mood. If 'comfort and joy' was a sound it would be Ella Fitzgerald's voice.

Pentatonix - "A Pentatonix Christmas" 

The original Pentatonix line up

Pentatonix third Christmas album in 2016 is by far my favourite. Though their first "PTXmas" in 2012 was a great holiday offering. And the second Christmas album is also really good. Standard Christmas fare. But, they finally got the tone right by the third. The group is at their best when they're fast and upbeat. It's their quirky fun arrangements that made them a viral sensation and "A Pentatonix Christmas" captures that. I love each of the songs on this but my stand out picks have to be "Coldest Winter", "Good to be bad," "White Christmas", "Up on a housetop" and "Hallelujah" (ok so that's almost half the album).

I've always been a fan of a cappella. There's something about the human voice in harmony on its own that makes music resonate inside of me like no instrument ever could. Pentatonix are one of the most innovative groups (and possibly one of the best well known). And thank goodness their music is amazing because the more famous they get the more their fashion makes them look like designer trash people. But, as they song says, sometimes is "good to be bad".

Multiple artists "A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector"
What? You mean you've not listened to "A Christmas Gift for You From Phil Spector"? Well, do it now. If you're into doo-wop and Mowtown this is the Christmas album for you. Full disclosure - the wee Phil Spector dialogue at the end is a bit creepy for some reason. But, not only do you get Christmas hits from the likes of The Ronnettes and The Crystals, but the UK version comes with a few extra songs. And that means that "Swinging on a Star" has somehow become a Christmas song to me.

Stevie Wonder "Someday at Christmas"
It's an oldy but a good. Like Ella, I don't really think I need to explain or justify this. It's Stevie Wonder and it's Christmas. All things that make like a little bit better. Put them together and you get perfection.

John Legend "A Legendary Christmas"
This whole album is like someone pouring warm buttery toffee directly into your brain. John Legend is in fact a legend. And his take on a soulful Christmas album this year has made my holiday season merry and bright. His take on classics both modern and old are absolute perfection. The choice of songs is perfect for him as well as his own original offerings which will become classics in their own time. Like many of the albums on this list it's his original work that does the most for me. "Bring Me Love" and "By Christmas Eve" are songs that capture the meaning of the holiday perfectly - love, togetherness, and slice of laid back and mellow cheer.

Aloe Blacc "Christmas Funk" 
Plain and simple, this is an amazing funk album that happens to be about Christmas. The cover of Wham!'s "Last Christmas" and "All I want for Christmas" are fun funky re-imaginings. But, the opening song "Tell Your Mama" actually transports me back to growing up at church and any where you were without your parents you got a "and don't forget to tell your mama". For better or worse there was a great community feeling and that statement sums it all up for me.

Sponge Bob "Don't Be A Jerk (It's Christmas)"
I know. I know. But, seriously, listen to it. It's hilarious. But, it's not only funny but has a great message. I was introduced to this song a few years ago and it instantly became a favourite. It's everything I've ever wanted to say to a bratty kid going spare in a shop. Forget elf on the shelf. Sponge Bob actually lays the smack down on people who put commercialism above being decent. Hats off to you, Sir Bob. I try to get all my holiday shopping done before the rush. But, if I have to go to the shops during the busy season I find myself humming this as I watch people scramble and go nuts.

Waitresses "Christmas Wrapping"
"Bah humbug, but that's too strong 'cause this is my favourite holiday!" As someone who's spent a fair few Christmases by myself this song totally gets me. Again, it strikes that beautiful balance between cheer and the very real feeling of exhaustion and needing a break from all the expectations of the holiday. It's super punky and super sweet and something about those discordant bells at the beginning let me know it's time to begin getting excited for Christmas.

And of course

Mariah Carey "Merry Christmas"
Even if you haven't heard the whole album, you've heard "All I Want for Christmas". There's a reason that song and this album have dominated the Christmas charts for over 20 years (geez I feel old). Even though Mariah has lost some of the pop sheen in recent years her talent is undeniable and this album are the definitive

Usually the John Lewis tune - except this year which is basically just an advert for Elton John. They didn't even bother re-recording it or doing an all new interpretation.

Honourable mentions:

• Joni Mitchell "River"- this song and Joni's voice are absolute perfection
• Glee "Jingle Bell Rock" - like so many songs from Glee, this arrangement puts sparkle on a standard.
• K T Tunstall "Mele Kalikimaka" - just a great fun song and a great version.
• John Lewis adverts - I wait for this every year with excitement. The arrangements of pop songs often bring out meaning that you otherwise might have missed which makes these songs special. However, this year was a huge disappointment because it was essentially an advert for Elton John. They didn't even bother re-recording it or doing an all new interpretation.