Music that's a Must!

I just had to post my new favourite Christmas (and otherwise) music. I downloaded a couple of new albums this year and money well spent!!

Sarah McLachlan - Wintersong. Just love her haunting voice and it seems to bring a real reverence to the Christmas Carols. My favourite songs are "Wintersong", "River", "Song for a Winter's Night" and "What Child is This (Greensleeves)".

Josh Groban - Awake. He does 2 songs with Ladysmith Black Mambazo. I saw Ladysmith Black Mambazo a few years ago and LOVE their music, so thought it was an interesting mix with Josh. It definitely showcases Josh and not LBM, but I still loved the mix. My favourites are "You Are Loved", "Weeping", "Un Dia Llegara" with almost all else a close second.

Barenaked Ladies - Barenaked For the Holidays. This is not a recent purchase, but worth mentioning. Very fun...very surprised with Jingle Bells! The kids love this album and Shane downloaded it on his MacBook to share with his friends! Great mix and tons of songs.

John Denver and the Muppets - A Christmas Together. Absolutely a classic. We actually own the album...as in LP...as in vinyl!! A collector told us to hold on to that one! Collectible aside, there are some great songs on here with the best being "When the River Meets the Sea" or "The Christmas Wish". How can you go wrong with Kermit?! Put a red bow on him and he's very Christmasy!

Nsync - Home for Christmas. Don't knock it 'til you try it! Our friend Cyndi gave this to us a few years ago and perhaps there is some sentiment there, but we really enjoy just listening to this album. Nothing specific jumps out, but the harmonies are nice and the mood is mellow.

Jim Cuddy - The Light That Guides. Nothing to do with Christmas, but Blue Rodeo is a favourite and when I heard Jim Cuddy's new single, I had to hear more. Then, surprise-surprise...won tickets to a Jim Cuddy concert. It was at the Jack Singer Concert hall...great accoustics with great musicians. Jim plays a number of different instruments and to hear all the stories that go with the songs, it was a memorable experience (i.e. FUN!!). Favourite song has to be "Pull Me Through". It was a favourite before I even knew why he wrote it, but it definitely had more meaning after hearing the story. Something about his uncle being left a widower and just the contrast of before and after his aunt's death.

Music is such a huge part of Christmas. It brings back memories, sets the mood, calms the soul, reminds us of others and their needs, brings family together and helps us to celebrate the birth of Christ. May music be as important in your home as it is in ours!