12-13-25 ALL NOMADS NEED TO JUST TAKE SOME TIME - RELAX & ENJOY THE SEASON - NO. 13 ON THE TOP 25 NOMAD ARCHITECT CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

OK - I know all Nomads need a break from the tree, the decorations, the giant inflatable Santas, the gift buying, AMAZON, ETC, ETC, ETC. So - today just sit back, relax and listen to some cool, relaxing tunes celebrating the big day on this calm, cool collected Saturday!

First up - Here is a very cool tune with a nice video - CHRISTMAS IS EVERYWHERE by MUSIC TRAVEL LOVE & FREINDS.

Take a listen to one of the greatest - NAT KING COLE singing THE CHRISTMAS SONG.

And from a personal friend of mine that I sang with a few years back - REGI STONE performs a subtle version of WHITE CHRISTMAS.

Enjoy a quiet peaceful Saturday - Merry Christmas!

DLStafford

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12-12-25 THE WEEKEND IS HERE - I HOPE ALL NOMADS HAVE THEIR TREES UP AND DECORATED - JUST RELAX AND LISTEN TO SOME INTERESTING CLASSICAL TUNES - NO. 14 ON THE 2025 NOMAD ARCHITECT TOP 25 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

 

BEETHOVEN, MOZART, BRAHMS, HAYDN - The list of great Classical Composers is long and enduring. 

I have seen many different works of classical music performed by orchestras, quartets and singers. They all make me realize the true power and grace of great music. 

Today - here are some works that will hopefully please the listener hearing amazing arrangements of great music. The mix of music is both unique and diverse.

First - The distinctive sound of the first group performing a classic Christmas song is impressive in the "classical" acapella technique they employ when they sing - SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN by VOCES8.

VOCES8 performs a version of one of the greatest works ever written by one of the most profound composers in history - HALLELUJAH from THE MESSIAH composed by G.F. HANDEL.

Here is Andre' Rieu, The Platin Tenors & The Johan Strauss Orchestra performing Adeste Fideles (O Come All Ye Faithful) live at Christmas Maastricht!

Merry Christmas to All Classical Music Lovers!

DLStafford
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12-11-25 - IT'S THURSDAY - A UNIQUELY AMERICAN MUSIC - JAZZ - SOME TUNES FOR CHRISTMAS TO GET US MOVIN' - NO. 15 ON THE NOMAD ARCHITECT TOP 25 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

Jazz originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in New Orleans, blending African and European musical traditions, and has since evolved into a diverse genre with numerous styles and influences.

Since I was a kid listening to my White Christmas Album featuring the great singer and pianist Bing Crosby I have loved small combo jazz, Dixieland, big band music and other genres that have been produced from the free attitude of jazz. I still have my White Christmas vinyl given to me by my parents when I was around ten.

Today's first jazz feature - The incomparable jazz pianist Dave Brubeck performs a special Christmas piece with his two sons accompanying him. We had the pleasure of seeing Brubeck in 1969 at The First International Atlanta Pop/Rock Festival. How he performed at a rock festival is a story in and unto itself. Fast forward to October 2005 when we saw him, at the age of 73, perform flawlessly at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Saint Petersburg, Florida

And - from the founder of the Rockabilly group The Stray Cats in the 1980's Brian Setzer has built one of the most popular Swing/Jump Bands that tours every Christmas to the enjoyment of big band fans everywhere - THE BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA performs a song written by Leon Rene' in 1948 - BOOGIE WOOGIE SANTA CLAUS! Setzer also plays a mean guitar!

It's Christmas - Enjoy the jazz around this time of year

DLStafford

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12-10-25 MID WEEK - TIME FOR SOME PROGRESSIVE ROCK FOR CHRISTMAS - ENJOY SOME COOL TUNES - NO. 16 ON THE NOMAD ARCHITECT TOP 25 COUNTDOWN

From the all-knowing WIKAPEDIA-ProgressiveRock (shortened to prog rock or simply prog) is a broad genre of Rock Music that primarily developed in the United Kingdom through the 1960's to the mid 1970's. Initially termed "progressive pop", the style emerged from psychedelic bands who abandoned standard pop or rock traditions in favor of instrumental and compositional techniques more commonly associated with jazz, folk or classical music.

Safe to Say - this genre of music, like all music, is diverse beyond belief. It also requires some listening to really appreciate it. You Tube has thousands of pieces of music labeled Progressive Rock. So, for all you Nomads that like diversity in your music - Enjoy!

First up - Bryan Adams with a cool tune and nice video - CHRISTMAS TIME!

Here is a classic Christmas tune written and recorded by Jimmy Boyd in 1952 when it reached No. 1 on The Billboard Pop Charts. This performance is by the multi-award winning member of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - I SAW MOMMY KISSING SANTA CLAUS - JOHN MELLENCAMP!

DLStafford

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12-09-25 RANDOM TUESDAY IN DECEMBER - NO. 17 ON THE NOMAD ARCHITECT TOP 25 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

RANDOM MUSIC ON THIS TUESDAY - CHRISTMAS & OTHERWISE

First up - Texas Country - I am posting this very ironic non-Christmas tune by one of the greatest artists from the state of Texas to ever take the stage. I have been going to church since I was a wee lad and can relate completely to this cool tune - Lyle Lovett and His Large Band - CHURCH! I have had the pleasure of seeing this amazing artist at least six times. The multi award winner never fails to impress.

Another Texan, David Phelps, born in Tomball, Texas, has been a high tenor with The Gaither Vocal Band, off and on, for over 16 years. He sings in the upper stratosphere like no other. Written by Margaret Wells Allison and first recorded in 1950 - IMHO, Phelps's version is the best - JESUS WHAT A WONDERFUL CHILD by David Phelps.

And from the Chairman of The Board with some help from the multi-award-winning British singer Seal. Here's Sinatra & Seal performing SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN!

All Day on this Day - Wish Somebody MERRY CHRISTMAS!

DLStafford

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12/08/25 SECOND MONDAY OF CHRISTMAS SEASON - YOU GOTTA LAUGH TO KEEP FROM CRYING - DECORATING, SHOPPING, YELLING KIDS, THINGS YOU FORGOT - THE STRESS CAN REALLY BRING YOU DOWN! - SO LAUGH LOUD & PROUD! NO. 18 ON THE NOMAD ARCHITECT TOP 25 COUNTDOWN

SECOND MONDAY - IS YOUR TREE UP? HAVE YOU DECORATED EVERYTHING? HAVE YOU STARTED ORDERING THE GIFTS FOR THE KIDS & GRANDKIDS? Several of our neighbors have really impressed with their front yard decorations. Some of the inflatable Santas, Reindeer, Dinosaurs and other Christmas decor items are huge! Here is a loaded front yard just down the street from us.

So, to celebrate the razzle dazzle of Christmas, here are a few humorous takes on the most favorite holiday of the year.

First up - Comic Jim Gaffigan explains what it's like in the North when Winter sets in for real.

And here is Comic Eddie Murphy from SNL 1984 - Mister Robinson, in a Santa suit, explores the true meaning of Christmas. This comedic sketch features a unique take on holiday giving and receiving, with unexpected twists. An eviction notice inspires a humorous small business venture.

And here's a Christmas Song from Adam Sandler - THE CHRISTMAS SONG!

Laugh Out Loud and Sing Merry Christmas!

DLStafford

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12/07/25 THE FIRST SUNDAY OF DECEMBER - REJOICE GREATLY AS WE CELEBRATE THE REASON FOR THE SEASON - NO. 19 0N THE NOMAD ARCHITECT TOP 25 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

"And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." (Luke 1:30-33)

Chris Tomlin Celebrates

Christopher Dwayne Tomlin is an American contemporary Christian music singer, songwriter, and worship leader from Grand Saline, Texas. This song presents a worshipful, powerful message celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Chris Tomlin - We The Kingdom - Christmas Day

Mark Lowery & The Gaither Vocal Band

Mark Lowry, the resident comedian with the world-famous Gaither Vocal Band for over thirteen years, wrote this powerful song celebrating the birth of Christ. He sings the lead with the help of two Gaither Vocal Band high tenors - Guy Penrod and David Phelps - MARY DID YOU KNOW.

The Reason for The Season - Merry Christmas!

DLStafford
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12/06/25 IT'S SATURDAY - MORE STUFF TO DO WITH FRIENDS & FAMILY - HERE'S A LITTLE ROCK & ROLL TO CELEBRATE - NO. 20 ON THE NOMAD ROCK TOP 25 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

Here we are - December 2025. I always tell my kids, who are now in their 40's - my generation changed the world of modern music forever. From Elvis to Led Zeppelin we seventy-year-olds listen to the Classic Rock Station every day on the radio. I still have about 300 LP's from the early days of rock to the last time I actually purchased a long play album. My kids are very well versed for new great music. From Heavy Metal to Progressive Rock music was played every day in the house and in the car when they were growing up.

First up on this Saturday

Get ready to rock with the greatest version of a great classic! This tune was written by Chuck Berry but credited to Johnny Marks and M. Brodie due to Marks's trademark on the character of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. It was published by St. Nicholas Music and first recorded by Berry in 1958. 

RUN RUN RUDOLPH performed by the incomparable Steven Tyler with some pretty amazing guitar riffs by Brad Pasley!

He's Comin' To Town

This classic was written by J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie and first recorded in 1934. Recorded by The Boss in 1975, when he was still relevant, here is a great live version of the Christmas Classic - Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town by Bruce Springsteen! We had the pleasure of seeing The Boss December 7,1984 in my hometown, Tallahassee, Florida. He performed this classic as the last tune in the show. The Donald Tucker Civic Center has never been the same since!

Rock, Rock, Rock - Merry Christmas!

DLStafford

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12/05/25 IT'S FRIDAY - CHRISTMAS PARTIES ARE EVERYWHERE - THAT'S GOOD & SOMETIMES BAD OR WORSE THAN YOU COULD EVER IMAGINE - NO. 21 ON THE 2025 TOP 25 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

Today is all about the parties that bring us all together to celebrate the soon coming day. We all know how this goes - partying at 18 is always fun. At thirty, it slows down. At forty it gets slower and then one day you say to your dearly beloved - let's skip this one and watch a few NCIS episodes and call it a night.

However, there is hope we older folk will find ways to have a party that keeps our minds and hearts loving our fellow partiers! LOL!!!

First up for this first Friday of December - A great quick memory of funny TV - FESTIVUS - a secular holiday celebrated on December 23 as an alternative to the perceived pressures and commercialism of the Christmas season. Festivus entered popular culture after it was made the focus of the 1997 Seinfeld episode "The Strike",

Party on DUDE!!!

The next song has been published every year in The Top 25 Christmas Countdown since 2011. One of the great Poets from Texas delivers a somewhat sardonic Merry Christmas tune from The Family - Robert Earl Keen performs what has become, IMHO, an alternative country classic - MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE FAMILY!

No matter what - Say Merry Christmas to you family!

DLStafford

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12/4/25 CHRISTMAS & KIDS - MEMORIES THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME! NO. 22 ON THE NOMAD ARCHITECT TOP 25 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

 

People my age don't jump around and go crazy when we open a box with something that we really, really wanted for Christmas. We smile big, laugh maybe and thank everybody in the room gathered around the tree. However, if you are my age or older, you have memories of special things that made your Christmas Day special. For me - I was 8-9 and Santa had placed one of my presents under the tree. I got up about 5 AM, found this amazing gift from the Big Man & started playing my brand-new pinball machine. 

The playing was quite loud. Dad walked into the Living Room smiling and shaking his head. He said son, you need to go back to bed. And of course, me being a mindful son did exactly that - but I did not go back to sleep! Later that morning when everybody was up, I played pinball all day! We all have memories from our youth on the most special day of the year of presents, family and friends we enjoy.

Here is a very touching and powerful arrangement of Born on Christmas Day written by Kristin Chenoweth as performed by One Voice Children's Choir.

And from one of the most popular funny people around - Jim Gaffigan gives his impressions of the Big Day - A Christmas tree seems like a drunk people activity!

Gotta Love dem KIDS - Merry Christmas!!

    DLStafford

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12/03/25 It's HUMP DAY all day - Hope all you NOMADS have your tree up - The 25th will be here before you know it - NO. 23 ON THE 2025 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

CHRISTMAS GIFTS - According to published statistics, roughly 25% of men buy Christmas gifts on Christmas Eve! I can relate! Back in the pre–AMAZON online shopping world I was always getting ALL my gifts a few days before the big day. About 51% wait until the last few days before Christmas to purchase gifts, Of course, as you would expect, 58% of women purchase Christmas gifts in late November and early December.

To get Hump Day started on a humorous note here is a funny Southern Lady from Adams, Tennessee who has become a must-see comic on NETFLIX - Leanne Morgan - Enjoy this quick take - IT'S CHRISTMAS WITH FAMILY

Today's tune features a truly incredible pianist and singer you will ever hear. Blind since birth, he has toured for years with the Gaither Vocal Band Homecoming. He rocks this classic Christmas Spiritual first printed in the early 1900's - GORDON MOTE plays and sings this classic with power & emotion - GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN.

Tell It - Merry Christmas

DLStafford
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12/02/25 NO. 24 ON THE 2025 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - A BLUE TREE FOR FAMILY & FRIENDS

HERE WE ARE - THE FIRST TUESDAY OF DECEMBER. We already have our Christmas Tree up - still needs more decorating. For the first time in our lives, we have decided to put up a "fake" tree. Gotta love AMAZON! However, IMHO, it is very cool - it's Baby Blue!!! And best of all, it comes with all the lights already attached. If you have ever decorated a Christmas Tree, you will understand that's kind of a big deal! LOL! 

It took some discussion, but we all voted and approved the Blue Christmas Tree.

Today, I found this great tune celebrating all the things we love about CHRISTMAS - the tree - the family - the friends - the food - the smiles - the jingle bells - the dancing - and, of course, the one and only SANTA! This heartfelt tune with a very cool video is offered from multi-award-winning Australian singer - SIA - SANTA'S COMING FOR US!

For tune number two, there is nothing like a poet from Texas. This song, quietly performed with feeling and emotion about families gathering to celebrate this special holiday, shines a soft light on the joys of family at Christmas time. The multi award winning Texas Troubadour presents a song as only he can - HAYES CARLL - GRATEFUL FOR CHRISTMAS.

Enjoy your loved ones this season - Merry Christmas!

DLStafford

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12/01/25 THE FIRST DAY OF THE MOST EXPENSIVE MONTH OF THE YEAR - THE PRESENTS, THE KIDS, THE TREE & THE LOVE! - JUST TAKE IT ALL IN!! No. 25 on THE OFFICIAL TOP 25 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

Point well taken. Life can be indeed tough. However, IMHO, Christmas is the one time of year where you can just enjoy your family, your kids and the blessings God has shed upon your life and others in your life circle.

Some of my greatest memories are Christmas as a kid, Christmas with my kids and now Christmas with my grandkids. They always make me feel good. Well, not always - you know what I'm sayin'. 

So, on this first day of Christmas time I thought all you NOMADS might like to hear a couple of diverse tunes I have drummed up.

First up - A tune that will hopefully get you in the mood for all that time on AMAZON, Hobby Lobby, Nordstrom or any of the other online places to spend your hard-earned money for the ones on your Christmas List! Gwen Stefani & Blake Sheldon give us a lively arrangement of YOU MAKE ME FEEL LIKE CHRISTMAS!

And here is a classic, written by Hugh Martin & Ralph Blane in 1943 and first introduced by the great Judy Garland in the film Meet Me In Saint Louis in 1944 - HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS by the multi-award-winning quartet Human Nature.

Enjoy the day, the week, and the month - Merry Christmas!

    DLStafford

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