Wednesday, December 25, 2013

A CHRISTMAS DAY BONUS ON THE 2013 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - CIVIL WARS & ALLISON KRAUSS

Well, Christmas Day is drawing to a close. If everything went right, everyone is stuffed, everybody got what they asked Santa for and the kids are tired. Please enjoy these two bonus tunes to end a day of celebration, joy and renewal.

The Civil Wars bring a touching rendition of  I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day.



 And to close out your day, enjoy the simplicity and purity of Allison Kraus and Union Station - There Is A Reason



Happy New Year!!

d.l.Stafford
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No. 1 on The 2013 XMAS Countdown - Somebody Sing Hallelujah Again

It's The Day of Celebration In All of Christendom

I said last year - there really is only one choice for No. 1 on any Christmas list of songs. Some things do not change. In my humble opinion, the greatest work of religious music ever written and performed by thousands of choirs, ensembles, singers, churches and even flash mob singers in food courts since it was written in 1741 by George Frederic Handel is
The Hallelujah Chorus from The Messiah.

History says that while Handel was composing this piece, he imagined seeing heaven before his very eyes and 'the great God Himself' enthroned in glory. Whatever the origin of the custom, the piece has such emotional power that, to this day in, audiences rise as if in prayer as soon as the opening notes are struck.

The history of this master work may be disputed, but its majesty and power is beyond question. I hope these arrangements - some old and some new - will help make your family's Christmas a day of celebration to stand and sing Hallelujah!
 
And by the way - turn up the stereo!!

First up is The Mormon Tabernacle Choir performing this master work as originally written.
 


If you like your Hallelujah with some funk, this version from Handel's Messiah - A Soulful Celebration from a mixed choir who knows how to bring it will get you to the church on time!



And the greatest contemporary arrangement of this ancient work, featuring a 200 voice choir and orchestra with soloists Twila Paris, Sandi Patty, Wayne Watson, Michael English, Larnelle Harris and Steve Green, brings this ancient work into a new relevance from the 1994 tour - The New Young Messiah - Worthy Is The Lamb/Hallelujah.



May God Truly Bless Your Family This Christmas & In The Coming Year - Merry Christmas!

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Tuesday, December 24, 2013

NO. 2 ON THE 2013 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - YOU KNOW WHO'S COMIN'

Well, here we are Nomads. One day left - waiting on the world's ultimate Nomad to come down the chimney. Today's Countdown is dedicated to the premise that Santa is coming to your house. And don't tell anyone if you don't believe. I remember exactly where I was when I learned the truth! But on this day, I revert back to when I did believe. It just makes me feel better.

We start with one of a kind . Springsteen & The E Street Band absolutely kill this Christmas Classic, first recorded in 1934 by Tom Stacks. I had the pleasure of seeing the Boss do this in my home town of Tallahassee on his Born In The USA Tour. If you don't have Springsteen on your Music Bucket List then you don't know what you are missing.


 
Next up is the dapper dance man, Fred Astaire, giving his take on this classic. The video is excellent as well. For those that remember Fred Astaire, no one captured the essence of pure elegance like him - one of the greatest dancers in cinema history. And this one is for the kids.


 
The Band Perry broke into the country music scene with a bang in 2010. Lead singer Kimberly Perry can just flat out sing. She and her siblings give a great take on this Christmas favorite.


 
Is there a pop singer that is more tedious than Justin Bieber? However, the boy's got talent. Time will tell if he burns out like so many others before or takes his talent to the next level. This video is a very innovative take on today's tune.


 
Finally, Michael Buble' shows what new school/old school is like with Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town. With the big band in tow, he shows why he is a hit everywhere he goes. Man, this kind of music, that has been around since the forties, just gets in you and never leaves!




No Bah Humbugs Not Allowed Tonight!

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Monday, December 23, 2013

BONUS TRACK NO. 5 ON THE 2013 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - RUN DMC - OLD SCHOOL DOES CHRISTMAS

I can't help it, I love this video. For a myriad of reasons, I have never been a particular fan of Hip Hop. However, on occasion, a tune comes along that engages and makes me at least listen. Today's countdown tune is just such a piece. Acknowledged as one of the most influential acts in Rap and Hip Hop, the "music" of Run DMC is commonly referred to now as Old School Rap. In 2007, MTV named them "The Greatest Hip Hop Group of All Time".  So, even though you might not include these guys on your favorite playlists, take a listen to this inventive, humorous look at Christmas by one of the fathers of a genre of music that, like it or not, is here to stay - RUN DMC - CHRISTMAS IN HOLLIS.

 


Don't It Look Like XMAS?

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NO. 3 ON THE 2013 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - CROW & CLAPTON DO A R&B CHRISTMAS CLASSIC

It's Monday morning. Hopefully you took the week off, but if not, today's Countdown tune is a cure for what might ail you. It just doesn't get any better. Sheryl Crow on vocals, Eric Clapton on the Fender and a killer horn section doing Christmas R&B the right way - Merry Christmas Baby.
 



Find Your Baby & Give 'Em A Big Merry Christmas Smack Today

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Sunday, December 22, 2013

NO. 4 ON THE 20013 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - SAY HELLO TO SUNDAY AFTERNOON JAZZ CHRISTMAS STYLE

Jazz musicians always bring a different take to Christmas music. Sunday afternoons always seemed a perfect time to sit back and enjoy really good jazz. And why should Christmas be any different. In honor of the Sunday Afternoon Jazz Time, today's jazz collection presents old school and new school jazz greats.

First up is the Dave Brubeck Trio doing a very cool version of We Three Kings. Saw Mr. Brubeck and company in 1969 and 2005. Amazing!

 

Next up. The one and only Miles Davis with David Sanborn on sax. Miles was weird but man could he blow. And Sanborn shows his stuff on this tune as well - Another version of We Three Kings.



Master keyboardist and fusion jazz pianist Chick Corea brings his version of What Child Is This.



One of the greatest current day jazz singers and pianists that should be on every one's Musical Bucket list, Diana Krall, gives a very modern take on Let it Snow.



And, last but not least, the late great Duck Ellington does Jingle Bells right.
 



Hope You Have A Seriously Jazzed Christmas

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Saturday, December 21, 2013

NO. 5 ON THE 2013 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - BOB HOPE BRINGS THE TRUE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD

I decided to make today a day of remembrance. My old college roomie sent me this compilation of Bob Hope performances entertaining our troops all over the world. The relevance of this video and the understanding of what this iconic entertainer did for men and women in uniform is a reminder of what the true spirit of giving and Christmas is all about. Thanks for the memories again Mr. Hope - Bob Hope Christmas With The Troops.

 


Merry Christmas to Every Man and Woman Who Has Ever Worn The Uniform

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Friday, December 20, 2013

NO. 6 ON THE 2013 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - HARRY CONNICK, JR. FINDS OUT ABOUT THE REAL SANTA

Harry Connick, Jr. is an amazing pianist, singer, arranger and band leader. When I saw him in Ruth Eckerd Hall, an almost acoustically perfect venue designed by William Wesley Peters, a Frank Lloyd Wright protĆ©gĆ©, in Clearwater, Florida this jazz artist, who played a duet with the great Eubie Blake when he was just nine years old, was most impressive. His renditions of both classic jazz and new music displayed a deep understanding of what great jazz music is all about. And his mastery of the keyboard is second to none. In the intimate setting of a small church, today's tune, much to the surprise of the story teller, tells of the discovery of Santa as the real deal - Harry Connick, Jr. performs It Must Have Been Old Santa Claus.
 


You Just Gotta Believe!

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Thursday, December 19, 2013

NO. 7 ON THE 2013 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - IT'S A BUBLE' KIND OF DAY

It's official - Michael Buble' has taken the torch from all of those singers from the forties - Sinatra, Jack Jones, Torme'- the list is very long. His appreciation and performances of great songs from the golden age of crooning has managed to reach multiple generations and, of course, the girls swoon. My wife says he is very cute! No singer on the scene today can bring new life to some of the greatest tunes ever penned. I have had the privilege of seeing Mr. Buble' twice. He's another one that belongs on your bucket list, if you like great music. In honor of Michael, I have declared Thursday December 19, 2013 to be Michael Buble' Christmas Day. This guy, who was raised on the songs of  my parents, keeps the flame alive for great music that never grows old.
 


 








 



Birds Flyin' High - You Know How I Feel - Merry Christmas!

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Wednesday, December 18, 2013

BONUS TRACK NO. 4 - JAMES TAYLOR DOES JINGLE BELLS GROOVY

Groovy is not a word you hear much from Millennials today. Well, the 20-30 something crowd could use some schooling in that word, at least as it relates to music. And who better to do that at Christmas than the one and only James Taylor, who was around when groovy was cool and has continued to prove that you can get better with age.. If you have never seen James Taylor live, you should add it to your bucket list today. Bonus Track No. 4 - James Taylor bringing groovy as it should be with - JINGLE BELLS.
 


All You Need Is a Bob Tail Nag (That's a horse with a "bobbed" tail for you Millennials - Ouch!)

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NO. 8 ON THE 2013 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - JARS OF CLAY SINGS ABOUT LOVE

My first recollection of the Christian rock band Jars of Clay was at Thomasville Road Baptist Church in Tallahassee, Florida. They were not very well know at the time, but they featured clean vocals with a unique instrumental rock sound, complete with cello. They have come to be know, more or less, as the break out Christian alternative to REM. With excellent writing, delivered by simple, stripped down vocals, their music makes you think about the important things. Since that night many years ago, they have come to be one of the standard bearers of contemporary Christian music, winning numerous Grammys and Dove Awards along the way. Today's Countdown tune - Love Came Down at Christmas - and a  very unique animated video, brings the message of Christmas in a new, fresh way by one of today's top crossover bands.
 


Just Let The Love Flow This Christmas

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Tuesday, December 17, 2013

NO. 9 ON THE 2013 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - A CAPPELLA AT ITS BEST DELIVERS THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY

Pentatonix are the new kids on the block - a cappella wise. With tight harmonies in the best tradition  of groups like Take Six, Manhattan Transfer and Straight No Chaser - they bring a fresh take on a singing tradition that takes talent and lots and lots and lots of practice. Good a cappella singing is very hard, but these guys show a smoothness and energy that belie the hours it takes to get a sound this good. It's refreshing to hear great, simple singing in the current music world of over produced, diva driven, soulless  singing. These guys don't need to wear a meat suit or twerk to get their point across. Today's tune brings you a fresh take on a Christmas standard - The Little Drummer Boy from Pentatonix.
 


Singing Is Good For The Soul - Merry Christmas!

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Monday, December 16, 2013

BONUS TRACKS NO. 3 ON THE 2013 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - LOS LONELY BOYS DO CHRISTMAS


Los Lonely Boys combine the best of rock, Texas blues, soul and country to create one of the most unique sounds in rock and roll. This trio of brothers brings us today's Bonus Countdown - I've Longed for Christmas. This little diddy will help get you through any bad case of The Monday's you may have contracted over the weekend.
 


And just to show that I really care, I have included the Grammy winning song Heaven by the Texican Trio to get you through the week. Technically, it's not a Christmas song, but, it still makes you feel better just hearing great harmonies deliver great lyrics about redemption and hope.



It's All About The Love

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NO. 10 ON THE 2013 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - I DREAMED OF CHRISTMAS

I included this emotional song about Christmas by a great artist who has, as they say, had his moments, for the first time, in last year's Countdown. However, George Michael can bring true emotion and power to anything he sings and today's Countdown selection is no exception. The lyrics speak of the universal hope of Christmas and the video is one of the most innovative you will ever see. George Michael sings December Song (I Dreamed of Christmas).
 


Here's Hoping Your Christmas Dreams Come True

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Sunday, December 15, 2013

NO. 11 ON THE 2013 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - IT'S A JOYFUL KIND OF SUNDAY

Ten days until Christmas Eve. The greatest night in all of Christendom! What better way to celebrate this world changing, life affirming event than with - JOY? Joy is the one aspect of this season that is universal. So, commit to spreading some between now and the New Year. Today's Countdown features three different interpretations of a standard Christmas Musical Composition that has its roots in the classical music of Ludwig von Beethoven - the Fourth Movement of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, generally referred to as the Choral and the 1907 poem of Henry van Dyke - Hymn of Joy (Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee). The three versions of Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee feature interpretations that, hopefully, will have something for every musical taste. The final composition for today features The Berlin Philharmonic performing the Ninth.

Joyful Joyful - Casting Crowns
This version of Joyful Joyful by the Christian Rock Band Casting Crowns, started in 1999  at First Baptist Church in Daytona Beach, Florida, brings a fresh pop/rock sound that stays true to the original intent of this Christmas Standard.
 



Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee - Sister Act 2
First let me say - I am neither a Whoopee Goldberg fan or a Lauren Hill fan. Having said that, this rendition of Joyful Joyful from the movie Sister Act 2, complete with a killer arrangement, a seasoned gospel choir, a little bit of rap and even some great solo work by Lauren Hill, just gets down and completes the mission of this great song - It creates unadulterated feelings of joy. Great music does that, you know. If this tune doesn't get your motor going well - Merry Christmas!




The Mormon Tabernacle Choir - Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
You really don't need to say much when the Mormon Tabernacle Choir performs this classic Christmas standard.




Fourth Movement of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 in D Minor (The Choral)
I saved the best for last. The first time I ever actually listened to classical music was in the bowels of the Auburn University Library, when I would sneak away from architecture studio and check out LP's of classical music and sit in one of the listening chairs with a set of headphones and enjoy my new found musical interest. At the time, I was reading one of Frank LLoyd Wright's books. As in all of Wright's books, he compared architecture to music as an edifice of sound. His favorite composer was Beethoven. So, being the young, ever curious student, I checked out Ludwig one day and I started listening to the Ninth. When the Fourth Movement started and then kept going higher and higher - it was an epiphany I tell ya! The choral text of the fourth movement is from Friedrich Schiller's poem Ode To Joy. I have included the full text under the video if you care to read along. I prefer just to enjoy the music. I have included the entire Fourth Movement in today's post by the Berlin Philharmonic, conducted by one of the twentieth century's greatest composers - Herbert von Karajan. It's lengthy but well worth your time. Put down the Iphone, turn off the tv - then plug the headphones into the Ipad and prepare to be impressed by what many consider to be the greatest piece of music ever written.



ODE TO JOY (Friedrich Schiller)
Text & translation of Symphony No. 9 Finale by Friedrich Schiller
Introduction by Beethoven
                               BARITONE    
O Freunde, nicht diese To"ne!       Oh friends, not these tones!
Sondern lasst uns angenehmere    Let us raise our voices in more
anstimmen, und freudenvollere!    pleasing and more joyful sounds!
    
                     ODE TO JOY (Friedrich Schiller)    
    
                       BARITONE, QUARTET, AND CHORUS    
Freude, Scho"ner Go"tterfunken,    Joy, fair spark of the gods,
Tochter aus Elysium,             Daughter of Elysium,
Wir betreten feuer-trunken,         Drunk with fiery rapture, Goddess,
Himmlische, dein Heiligtum!         We approach thy shrine!
    
Deine Zauber binden wieder,         Thy magic reunites those
Was die Mode streng geteilt;         Whom stern custom has parted;
Alle Menschen werden Bru"der,    All men will become brothers
Wo dein sanfter Flu"gel weilt.    Under thy gentle wing.
    
Wem der grosse Wurf gelungen,    May he who has had the fortune
Eines Freundes Freund zu sein,    To gain a true friend
Wer ein holdes Weib errungen,    And he who has won a noble wife
Mische seinen Jubel ein!         Join in our jubilation!
    
Ja, wer auch nur eine Seele         Yes, even if he calls but one soul
Sein nennt auf dem Erdenrund!    His own in all the world.
Und wer's nie gekonnt, der stehle    But he who has failed in this
Weinend sich aus diesem Bund!    Must steal away alone and in tears.
    
Freude trinken alle Wesen        All the world's creatures
An den Bru"sten der Natur;        Draw joy from nature's breast;
Alle Guten, alle Bo"sen          Both the good and the evil
Folgen ihrer Rosenspur.          Follow her rose-strewn path.
    
Ku"sse gab sie uns und Reben,    She gave us kisses and wine
Einen Freund, gepru"ft im Tod;    And a friend loyal unto death;
Wollust ward dem Wurm gegeben,    She gave lust for life to the lowliest,
Und der Cherub steht vor Gott.    And the Cherub stands before God.
    
                          TENOR SOLO AND CHORUS    
Froh, wie seine Sonnen fliegen    Joyously, as his suns speed
Durch des Himmels Pra"cht'gen Plan, Through Heaven's glorious order,
Laufet, Bru"der, eure Bahn,      Hasten, Brothers, on your way,
Freudig, wie ein Held zum Siegen.  Exulting as a knight in victory.

                                CHORUS    
Freude, scho"ner Go"tterfunken,    Joy, fair spark of the gods,
          ...                               ...
    
Seid umschlungen, Millionen!     Be embraced, Millions!
Diesen Kuss der ganzen Welt!     Take this kiss for all the world!
Bru"der u"ber'm Sternenzelt      Brothers, surely a loving Father
Muss ein lieber Vater wohnen.    Dwells above the canopy of stars.
    
Ihr stu"rzt nieder, Millionen?    Do you sink before him, Millions?
Ahnest du den Scho"pfer, Welt?    World, do you sense your Creator?
Such'ihn u"ber'm Sternenzelt!    Seek him then beyond the stars!
U"ber Sternen muss er wohnen.     He must dwell beyond the stars.

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Saturday, December 14, 2013

NO. 12 ON THE 2013 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - A FORMER DOOBIE KICKS GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN



                                                
 
 
Today's Countdown Tune has been around since 1865. It has been recorded in virtually every genre of music since that time. Today's arrangement is delivered by one rock's most soulful voices - Michael McDonald. Beginning with Steely Dan and later The Doobie Brothers, McDonald has always brought a strong soulful voice to everything he does. With songs like Takin' It To The Streets and Minute by Minute to his credit, this five time Grammy winner has an unforgettable vocal delivery that just want let go. With a killer band and a small choir backing - enjoy today's Countdown hit - GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN BY MICHAEL MCDONALD.
 
 
If You Believe - You Gotta Tell It!
 
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Note - Due to technical issues, please click on one of the links above to listen to this song.
 

Friday, December 13, 2013

BONUS TRACK NO. 2 ON THE 2013 XMAS COUNTDOWN - JIM GAFFIGAN ON CHRISTMAS AND OTHER HOLIDAYS

Today's bonus countdown selection is not music. It is highly entertaining however. Funnyman Jim Gaffigan gives his take on the surreal side of Christmas and a few other holidays as well.

 


Laugh Out Loud On Christmas!


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NO. 13 ON THE 2013 XMAS COUNTDOWN - ANNIE LENNOX'S NEW TAKE ON AN OLD CAROL

To some, Annie Lennox is an acquired taste. To others, she is an artist of immense talent and depth. I am in both camps. It took me awhile to warm up to her unusual approach to rock, pop and soul, first with the Eurythmics and later as a solo  artist, but when I heard Sweet Things Are Made of This, I became a believer. VH1 named her the Greatest White Soul Singer Alive and Rolling Stone named her one of the 100 Greatest Singers Of All Time. Today's countdown tune is trademark Lennox. With her always unique vocals, a great rhythm track and instrumentation and some of the most compelling visuals you will ever see in any video, she makes God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen a haunting and enchanting visual/musical experience, capturing the power of the original lyrics while making them completely new and relevant.

 


Let Nothing You Dismay

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Thursday, December 12, 2013

NO. 14 ON THE 2013 XMAS COUNTDOWN - RINGO WANTS TO BE SANTA CLAUS

I my humble opinion, former Beatle Ringo Starr has never been given his just due. After the breakup of The Fab Four, he was overshadowed by heavy hitters John and Paul, who went on to give us great timeless rock and pop classics, and George, who established himself as a serious solo artist with All Things Must Pass. Ringo did sing lead  on many of the greatest Beatles tunes, including Yellow Submarine and A Little Help From My Friends, and, with over fifteen studio albums, he has an impressive body of work, including the country influenced Beaucoups of Blues. In addition, he continues to tour each year with Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band, which always includes other well known artists. When we saw his summer tour in 2005, it included Paul Carrack of Mike and The Mechanics and Sheil E., former Prince percussionist. Today's Countdown tune - Come on Christmas - is a neat little rocker  from Ringo's Christmas album - I Wanna Be Santa Claus. With a simple classic drum back beat and a some wailing sax and guitar, it will get your blood pumping for your next trek to the mall!

 


Come On XMAS Indeed!

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Wednesday, December 11, 2013

NO. 15 ON THE 2013 XMAS COUNTDOWN - Il DIVO - HALLELUJAH

I Think Leonard Would Approve

Mix one French pop singer with a Spanish baritone, then add one American and one Swiss tenor - Stir with the flair of one international impresario, Simon Cowell, and you get Il Divo - a classically trained quartet that delivers lyrical renditions of a diverse set of popular tunes - whatever you may call them - when they sing - the ladies swoon.  The bottom line - with four power voices - this multinational quartet delivers the goods for all to enjoy. Today's Countdown version of the Leonard Cohen classic emotional anthem Hallelujah (Alelujah) gives us the power and grace of this amazing song.




One Word Says it All

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Tuesday, December 10, 2013

NO. 16 ON THE 2013 XMAS COUNTDOWN - MARIAH CAREY - OH HOLY NIGHT

NOTHING ELSE NEED BE SAID.

MARIAH CAREY SINGS OH HOLY NIGHT!
 


Go Ahead - You Can Lift Your Hands!

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Note to Know It Alls: This version is actually live, not the original video with the original studio track and she is NOT lip syncing!

Monday, December 9, 2013

NO. 17 ON THE 2013 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - JACK JOHNSON - IN THE MORNING

Simple Profound Thoughts From A Former Surfer
 
Hawaii native Jack Johnson sings very simple songs. Sung to simple acoustic guitar, his almost workaday lyrics  transcend the every day. The single Better Together captures true love through the imagery of simple daily objects and actions in a way rarely found in today's pop/folk world of over produced commercial music. Today's Countdown selection does much the same with simple lyrics about the thing we cherish most, our kids -These are the gifts we keep / And this is the morning that we breathe / And then we see / These moments are the only gifts we need. This song takes me back to those simple feelings I remember watching my kids, now grown, at Christmas and knowing that that feeling, that sense of unfettered joy and love was all I would ever really need to give my life meaning. Jack Johnson - In The Morning.
 


I Feel Good - I Knew That I Would Now!

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Sunday, December 8, 2013

NO. 22 ON THE 2013 XMAS COUNTDOWN - BUBLE' & THE PUPINNI SISTERS - JINGLE BELLS LIKE IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE

Mix One Great Crooner With Three Lookers That Can Sing & You Get One Hot XMAS Tune

I found this tune last year with Michael Buble' backed up by the very hot and very talented Puppini Sisters who channel the Andrews Sisters as about as well as any I have seen. Great music from any era never gets old and Buble' et al are making sure that we don't forget just how great this style of music is. Jingle Bells with some heat. Enjoy!



 


Have A Very Merry Jazzy Christmas

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Saturday, December 7, 2013

NO. 19 ON THE 2013 XMAS COUNTDOWN - ROBERT EARL KEENE - MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE FAMILY

I CAN'T HELP IT - IT'S JUST FLAT OUT FUNNY

This hilarious ode to family dysfunction has become a staple in the COUNTDOWN. I saw Robert Earl Keene perform this very song with my son in Atlanta this past spring - and the audience of 3,000 plus sang every note. Robert Earl is another great Texan that comes from the same gritty side of Texas Music as Lyle Lovett and Delbert McClinton - and we are the better for  it. The visuals in this great little video definitely take it to the next level. For some Merry Christmas From The Family may bring back some uncomfortable ghosts of Christmases past, present or future!



Say Merry Christmas Even If  It's A Stretch

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Friday, December 6, 2013

NO. 2O ON THE 2013 XMAS COUNTDOWN - THE ONE & ONLY LOU RAWLS - CHRISTMAS IS

I Became A Fan In 1968

I bought the classic LOU RAWLS LIVE album my sophomore year in college. We almost wore it out. Nobody can quite do what Lou Rawls can do with ANY song. That deep, soulful baritone makes every note a fat, juicy musical piece of poetry that just stays with you. And in this turn on an old tune from the Christmas Cocktails compilation, you hear why Lou turned songs like Tobacco Road and Saint James Infirmary into timeless soul/blues classics. Simply said and sung - Christmas Is.

 


If this one doesn't quash the bah humbug in you - get professional help!

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Thursday, December 5, 2013

NO. 21 ON THE 2013 XMAS COUNTDOWN - MISSY MODELL COVERS THE LUMINEERS

If You Are Going To Cover A Hit Song - Make it Count

The Lumineers burst on the "We're tired of the same old crap cause we got somethin' to say" music scene in 2012 with a debut self titled studio record with a song entitled HO HEY! that stayed No. 1 on Billboard for eighteen weeks. Usher in the new rising redhead Missy Modell. Generally, covers don't go over well. But this new, fresh singer took this great little tune and turned it into a homage to Santa. The chorus - I'm in love with you / You're in love with me  / My Santa - is a great play on the original lyric. In total, the tune is a great take on Christmas while covering one of the best tunes to come from a real, live band in recent years.

 I assume The Lumineers support this ironic tribute to the fat man. I certainly hope so.

 


HO HO - It's Nice To Belong To Someone at Christmas


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Wednesday, December 4, 2013

No. 22 ON THE 2013 XMAS COUNTDOWN- MERRY LIP SYNCING!

Take That Milli Vanilli!

I received this very funny Flixx-You Tube via email that is making the rounds this Christmas. It captures the essence of the joy of Christmas with kids doing what they do best. The bass steals the show in one of the funniest lip sync performances ever. Destined for a little more than a very deserved fifteen minutes, these guys make Milli Vanilli look like rank amateurs.




http://www.flixxy.com/kids-lip-syncing-a-wonderful-christmas-song.htm



Don't Blame it On The Rain - Just Say Merry Christmas!


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Tuesday, December 3, 2013

NO. 23 ON THE 2013 XMAS COUNTDOWN - FROM A DEPARTED DIVA

It has been said that all great singers sing their first songs in a church choir. Many great and famous singers learned the heart and soul of their voice while singing praises under the tutelage of other great gospel singers and teachers. No other artist embodied those influences more than the great Whitney Houston.
You can hear the soul of gospel music in every note she ever sang. Even though her life ended tragically, she left a legacy that still moves us.  This arrangement of Joy To The World captures both her virtuosity, passion and joy in every note.


 



JOY INDEEED!

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Monday, December 2, 2013

BONUS TRACK NO. 1 ON THE 2013 XMAS COUNTDOWN - ONE LUMP OF COAL AT A TIME

NAUGHTY NAUGHTY CHILDREN (BETTER START ACTIN' NICE)
 
This little diddy lays out some good advice for those of you (and you know who you are) that wrestled that blender or flat screen away from the little old lady in Walmart at 4 AM Friday morning - And are doing your part for Cyber Monday by ordering that really ugly sweater from AMAZON for your favorite BFF. Grace Potter and The Nocturnals turn the whole Christmas Thing on its head in this cool little rocker for bad kids everywhere
 
 

 
Better Watch Out People - He's Comin' !!
 
d.l.stafford
 
 

NO. 24 ON THE 2013 XMAS COUNTDOWN - FROM ACROSS THE POND - THE RIPS

From a little know house band in London comes one of the most unique vocal/rock sounds you will ever here. With a lead singer from another place, tight vocals and some blazing guitars, these guys just might make it big someday....Take a listen to The RIPS doing their across the pond version of Christmas Time.



 



Wake Up Everybody!

d.l.Stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

Sunday, December 1, 2013

No. 25 ON THE 2013 XMAS COUNTDOWN - IT'S SUNDAY MORNING!


 
To kick off this year's XMAS Countdown - The New Young Messiah featuring Larnelle Harris with First Call and a Killer Choir Backing.... The incomparable Larnelle Harris' virtuosity creates one  of the most inspired, jamming interpretations of Every Valley Shall Be Exalted - the Third Movement from Scene One of Handel's Messiah - the greatest religious musical composition ever penned.

 



Man, this guy can sing!
 
d.l.stafford