Rob’s List of Must Have Christmas Albums

While not nearly complete, if you want to have a decent collection of Christmas music, I would suggest starting with these. Also, check back often throughout the holiday season...I may be adding to the list as albums hit me.

Phil Spector A Christmas Gift for You

Darlene Love, The Crystals and Ronettes...The Wall of Sound at it’s best! Check out the liner notes on the album, you’ll see Sonny Bono plays percussion and Niagara Falls native Tommy Tedesco plays guitar.

Carpenters Christmas Portrait

The classic we all grew up with! Try to find the version released in 1984 with over 70 minutes of music and 21 tracks on it. Our kids’ kids will be listening to this CD for their Christmases.

Elvis Presley If Every Day Was Like Christmas

There have been a bunch of Elvis Christmas albums, but this is the best! Released in 1994, it includes 24 tracks, alternate versions, and some great liner notes.

Dean Martin Making Spirits Bright

Like so many others, Dean recorded many Christmas singles over his career, and a few albums. This CD, released in 1998 by Capitol Records contains the best of the best. 14 Tracks, and they all reek of Dean and too much Egg Nog!

Mariah Carey Merry Christmas

Many contemporary artists have tried to pull off Christmas albums. Mariah’s from 1994 is one of the best. Can’t believe it’s 12 years old!

Beach Boys Christmas Album

Their unmistakable harmonies have been a part of the holiday season since it’s first release in 1964. The newly remastered CD (1991) make them sound even cleaner. But I still like it better on vinyl!

Herb Alpert and The TJB Christmas Album

First released in 1968, this album had been one of the most sought out of print holiday titles. This past year, A&M released a brand new completely remastered CD. Even casual Herb fans should buy it for his version of "Jesu... Joy of Man’s Desiring," and a Mexican cool "Las Mananitas."

Amy Grant Home For Christmas

A bit on the softer side, but very listenable for all.

Frank, Sammy, and Dean Christmas With the Rat Pak

Even though this features three of the all time greats, the CD is good, but not outstanding. It does have 21 tracks, and some live performances from the Dean Martin TV show that make it worthy of having.


Tony Bennett Snowfall

A classic from 1994. Tony’s voice could make Halloween songs seem reverent.


Lorrie Morgan Merry Christmas from London

This CD, recorded with the New World Philharmonic, may include the best version of My Favorite Things ever done.


Brian Setzer Orchestra Boogie Woogie Christmas

Santa meets swing. And nothing is cooler!


SPECIAL PRODUCTS

These are compilation albums that may be a little tougher to find, or even out of print. But Google the title, and when you see ’em, grab ‘em!


Christmas Cocktails Vol. 1 and 2

These CD’s are part of the Capitol Records Ultra Lounge Series. Nothing but cool swinging background music perfect for the house party. You may recognize some of these songs as pieces we use on the morning show.


The Christmas Songs, Vol. 1 and 2

My wife bought these from a TV ad back in the early 90’s. It’s a great compilation from Capitol records. Some older classics from some unlikely artists.


AWESOME LOCAL PRODUCT

Mark Krurnowksi is one of the best guitarists in the Buffalo- Toronto corridor, and has produced two great holiday CD’s, many songs of which you hear on STAR 102.5 Check out Yuletide Rocking’s and Have Yourself a Groovy Little Christmas at http://www.guitarmarkcentral.com/cdsmp3.htm


Michael Civisca That Holiday Feeling

Released in 1997 by Rhapsody Records, Michael’s version of THAT HOLIDAY FEELING, recorded with Mary Stahl, has become a WNY classic.