Becca’s Better-than-Bolton Christmas Music

Vince Guaraldi: http://www.amazon.com/Charlie-Brown-Christmas-Recording-Television/dp/B000000XDJ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1261085768&sr=1-1

Charles Brown: http://www.amazon.com/Cool-Christmas-Blues-Charles-Brown/dp/B0000004BF/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1261086261&sr=1-1

Aimee Mann: http://www.amazon.com/More-Drifter-Snow-Aimee-Mann/dp/B000IMUYEC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1261086656&sr=1-1

If you’ve been paying close attention (i.e. have read my column), you’ll know that Michael Bolton will not appear on this list – but that Vince Guaraldi will. 

So let’s start with Vince. The soundtrack to “A Charlie Brown Christmas” is a melancholy album. There are some happier moments here, but the centerpiece of this album, the song “Christmas Time Is Here” is definitely in a minor key. Let’s face it: the holidays can be bittersweet. Part of the yearly ritual is remembering people who are no longer here to share the holiday. This album underscores that point, but also allows you to do your Snoopy kids dance moves for the edification of the tots.

Charles Brown’s “Cool Christmas Blues” is a great album,with two of my favorites songs being  “Merry Christmas, Baby” and “Blue Holiday.” And it’s not even that blue. In fact, some of it is downright cheery – but not in a maudlin, 248-piece orchestra manner that will make you long for a shot of insulin.

Now, when I really want to be blue, I’ll often turn to Aimee Mann. But her Christmas album is surprisingly not-so-depressing. There are some very good covers of classics here (with tasteful, understated strings – do you hear me, Michael?), plus a version of “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” (Fabulous song!) This is an album that satisfy the Scrooges in your family.

Like me.