Hear the Holidays

It's fun to explore new music during the holidays, but some of the following have topped my playlist for years.

One of the best albums in my holiday collection is from someone you've never heard of, but should definitely check out. Steve Carlson's Auld School Christmasperfectly combines contemporary and classic tunes. His raspy soulful voice lends itself beautifully to the feel of the music and I find myself listening to this album well after Christmas. Special mentions go to You, Me and a Christmas Tree, written by Mr. Carlson and Run Run Rudolph which also appears on Lynyrd Skynyrd's Christmas Time Again. Sadly, Auld School Christmas is much too short with only six songs.

Christmas on the Ponderosa, released in 1963, features songs sung by the original cast of Bonanza. The music ranges from the traditional sound of Pernell Roberts singing New Born King to the fun of Michael Landon's Santa Got Lost in Texas. Dan Blocker, the loveable Hoss Cartwright, doesn't exactly carry a tune well, but his songs add to the enjoyable family feel of the album. And who can forget Ben Cartwright, the family's patriarch? Lorne Greene provides rich tones as he sings and tells a few holiday stories.

Who but country superstar Kenny Chesney would name a holiday album All I Want for Christmas is a Real Good Tan and sing a song with the same title? Released in 2003, this album pure Kenny. It's definitely country, but like in a lot of his music, there's no mistaking the island flavor.

A Classic Christmasis Toby Keith's second foray into holiday music. The first was Christmas to Christmas. It came out in 1995 and contained all-original (and somewhat depressing) songs. The more recent two-disc set contains Christmas standards that most everyone will know. The first CD is comprised of secular songs like Frosty the Snowman and I'll Be Home for Christmas, while the second concentrates on more spiritual tunes. Toby's deep voice adds a texture to the songs that make them all fun to listen to.

Like Toby, Charlie Daniels has more than one Christmas album, but my collection includes only A Merry Christmas to All. Released in 2002, this album contains primarily holiday standards such as Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, one of my favorite songs no matter who sings it, and Oh Little Town of Bethlehem. Charlie is definitely a down-home kind of performer. Known mainly for his fiddle-playing, he's just as competent on pretty much any instrument that has strings, and he has the kind of talent that has let him remain popular for decades.

Anything from Mannheim Steamroller is a must-have, my favorite being 1990's release entitled simply Christmas. In a similar vein is the Moody Blues' 2003 release called December. It has holiday standards as well as the original Don't Need a Reindeer.

And what Christmas collection would be complete without Tiny Tim's Christmas Album? Everyone should hear it once. But probably just once.

Happy holidays and happy listening!