Holiday music for the carol-impaired

By Danielle Marsh

Do you find yourself listening to the same Christmas music over and over every year or do you find yourself not listening to anything at all? Well let’s spice this year up by checking out all our options. Ranging from the soothing sounds of Kenny G, to the eclectic O.C. Chrismukkah CD, the lists are infinite on the different types of music that are available this holiday season.

At the top of the charts this year is the Trans Siberian Orchestra. For those that find traditional music a bit dull, the TSO may be the twist needed to spice up the holiday season. This Orchestra blends traditional Christmas music with soft rock. All of the songs on their three-disc set are sure to be a Christmas music must.

For the more laid back, romantic-type of Christmas music listener, Kenny G. goes classical in his holiday album titled Miracles. He approaches this CD with a “musical rather than religious perspective” said Kenny in his forward for the album. With a rich blend of a soprano saxophone, often switching to the tenor saxophone with the piano, he adds a nice mixture to any holiday music collection.

Long time student listener, Ryann Stewart, says that she enjoys Kenny G.’s music because “it is a soothing reminder of the holidays.”

Mannheim Steamroller is another classic that should be in any Christmas music collection. With a full orchestra, Mannheim Steamroller produces a very harmonious and full sound in their album Christmas Celebration.

After 20 years of hard work and touring, Chip Davis, composer and producer of Mannheim Steamroller said, “This CD is a reflection of those 20 years told in songs that you’ve heard and some that you haven’t heard done this way.”

For those who prefer a religious spin to their Christmas music, the band Avalon will add a nice contemporary Christian flair to any collection.

Freshman Blair Bennett said, “I prefer traditional Christmas music, not the songs that contemporary artists come out with today.”

In their Christmas album titled Joy, A Christmas Collection, produced by Brown Bannister, the voices of Greg and Janna Long, Jody Mc Brayer, and Melissa Greene sing in harmony praising the birth of Christ. This CD is very emotionally uplifting and is good for any individual to listen to.

Around Christmas there are many organizations that serve to help the community they live in. One artist that has done this is Rosie O’Donnell. In her album titled A Rosie Christmas, O’Donnell sings along with many famous singers, such as, Cher, Billy Joel, Elton John, Celine Dion and even Elmo. With a variance of Christmas classics and uplifting songs never heard before, these artists along with Rosie are sure to sing their way into your hearts and iPods.

An added bonus to this CD is that by buying it, all of the profits are donated to “The For All Kids Foundation” which helps support underprivileged kids around the country.

Lastly on the must have Christmas music list is the O.C. Chrismukkah CD. A nice aspect about this CD is that it serves two religious faiths at the same time Christmas and Hanukkah. This CD contains the music of contemporary artists such as Jimmy Eat World, Rooney, the Eels and the Raveonettes. Overall, this holiday album captures the essence and spirit of the O.C. It is sure to be a hit for many years to come.