“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.”
– Norman Vincent Peale
1. Folk Angel – “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
O Little Town of Bethlehem
…on Glad Tidings – Christmas Songs Vol. 4 (iTunes | Spotify). Folk Angel makes some of my favorite arrangements of classic songs. This one is so refreshing and unique and just makes me really, really happy.
2. The Rosebuds – “Xmas in New York”
Xmas In New York
…on Christmas Tree Island (iTunes | Spotify | NoiseTrade). I love the entire vibe of this album, but this song in particular stands out as a favorite. Seeing New York at Christmastime is on my bucket list, and the pictures this song paints are haunting to me. Plus, that moody saxaphone almost 80’s-esque solo that doesn’t belong in a Christmas song but somehow works…gosh…just an all around great job, Rosebuds.
3. Peter Bradley Adams – “Snow Will Fall Tonight”
Snow Will Fall Tonight
…on Bands Under the Rader, Vol. 3: A Very Indie Xmas (iTunes | Spotify).
4. The Green Apple Sea – “December”
December
…an early release from their upcoming album (iTunes | Spotify). This German folk band made me cry the other night at 12:42 AM. I just didn’t know what to expect. I liked their band name, the song was called “December,” so of course I was going to listen to it. And you guys, I just love this song so much.
5. Aaron Ivey – “Hallelujah, What a Savior (Christmas Version)”
Hallelujah What A Savior (Christmas)
I listen to the traditional hymn year round, but this rewritten Christmas version is just the best. This is the original version that Aaron Ivey, worship pastor at The Austin Stone, released a few years ago. There is a live version on their A Day of Glory live album (Spotify), sung by Todd Agnew, but this simple studio one is still my favorite. Could this be our faith now sight? Hallelujuh, what a Savior!
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