My last post was about the tradition of 'scary ghost stories' referenced in the song "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" by Andy Williams. His version of that tune is probably the most well-known version and it's appearance on radio playlists is a sure marker that another Christmas season has come around.
This year, with Williams' recent passing, his songs evoke a bit more nostalgia and affection, even from those of us who were not big fans. I used to watch his Christmas specials on TV, but it wasn't to see Andy. I am sure I was looking for familiar songs, some laughs, and special guest stars that I had regard for.
As my musical tastes have changed over the years, I am hearing Williams more often, but I can't say that I like his tunes much better. He always struck me as a 'B-teamer' behind the likes of Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby and others. Obviously he was talented and had a fine career and I am by no means being critical - I just like others better. Your opinion may differ.
However, Williams was on the Varsity when it came to Christmas specials. I could not find an exact number of specials he did, but the best I can tell, they ran from the 60's to the 90's. He also had a long-running variety show on NBC.
I will say there is one song of his that I really like and, happily, it is a Christmas song. This song swings a bit and actually reveals a range that I think Williams should have explored more. Quickly let me add that I am by no means well-versed on Williams' discography and for all I know, maybe he did do some more jazzy numbers. I just haven't heard them.
Be that as it may, here's Andy - and brothers Bob and Dick and Don - singing "It's The Holiday Season/Happy Holiday" -
P.S. The sweaters are awesome!
Showing posts with label Christmas songs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas songs. Show all posts
12.04.2012
11.30.2012
Scary Ghost Stories
Well, the Christmas songs have begun - I'm sure you've noticed. The Saturday before Thanksgiving, I hopped in the car to head to work, anticipating one more 70's Saturday before the Christmas music started. Alas, I had already enjoyed the last 70's Saturday for 2012. The holiday tunes were already in full swing.
One of the songs that is played every year is 'It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year'. There several versions, to be sure, but the one that is probably most familiar is by Andy Williams.
There is a line in the song about 'scary ghost stories' and that always seemed curious to me. Why would you tell ghost stories at Christmas? Ghost stories are for camp outs and sleepovers. What is that line doing in the song? And then today, I remembered something.
Perhaps the most well-known of Christmas stories is 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens. And what is that tale if not a ghost story? And I remembered more. Last year I bought a copy of 'A Christmas Carol' and here is the opening paragraph from the Introduction:
"Between 1843 and 1848 Dickens wrote five novellas or long short stories that he published at Christmastime (A Christmas Carol, The Chimes, The Cricket on the Hearth, The Battle of Life, and The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain). The stories are not merely set at Christmas or the New Year's holiday but contain themes the author felt were particularly appropriate to the season. While Christmas celebrations predate Dickens and there existed before him a tradition of telling ghost-tales at Christmas and the turn of the year, Dickens breathed a new and unique vigor into these celebrations and traditions that carry forward to this day. He wrote other ghost stories, almost all of which are spoofs or farces, but in his "Christmas books" allowed supernatural elements a power to awaken characters and readers from their social misanthropy."
It seems strange to me that ghost stories were traditional at Christmas, but apparently so. I can't say that I miss it, though I like 'A Christmas Carol' very much.
One more note about the song - it was written in 1963 by Edward Pola and George Wyle and was recorded by Williams that same year. You can hear it right now if you want.
One of the songs that is played every year is 'It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year'. There several versions, to be sure, but the one that is probably most familiar is by Andy Williams.
There is a line in the song about 'scary ghost stories' and that always seemed curious to me. Why would you tell ghost stories at Christmas? Ghost stories are for camp outs and sleepovers. What is that line doing in the song? And then today, I remembered something.
Perhaps the most well-known of Christmas stories is 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens. And what is that tale if not a ghost story? And I remembered more. Last year I bought a copy of 'A Christmas Carol' and here is the opening paragraph from the Introduction:
"Between 1843 and 1848 Dickens wrote five novellas or long short stories that he published at Christmastime (A Christmas Carol, The Chimes, The Cricket on the Hearth, The Battle of Life, and The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain). The stories are not merely set at Christmas or the New Year's holiday but contain themes the author felt were particularly appropriate to the season. While Christmas celebrations predate Dickens and there existed before him a tradition of telling ghost-tales at Christmas and the turn of the year, Dickens breathed a new and unique vigor into these celebrations and traditions that carry forward to this day. He wrote other ghost stories, almost all of which are spoofs or farces, but in his "Christmas books" allowed supernatural elements a power to awaken characters and readers from their social misanthropy."
It seems strange to me that ghost stories were traditional at Christmas, but apparently so. I can't say that I miss it, though I like 'A Christmas Carol' very much.
One more note about the song - it was written in 1963 by Edward Pola and George Wyle and was recorded by Williams that same year. You can hear it right now if you want.
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