John Denver - "Rocky Mountain Christmas"

Since this will probably be my last post before Christmas I wanted to break my alphabetical rhythm and write about one of my favorite Christmas Albums.

John Denver's "Rocky Mountain Christmas" was originally released in 1975 in conjunction with a TV special of the same name, sadly the TV film has yet to be released on DVD. The majority of the album consists of familiar Christmas Classics rearranged by Denver, including "The Christmas Song" and "Silver Bells." There are also some unfamiliar picks like the wonderful "Aspenglow" and "Christmas for Cowboys" as well as the true oddity on the disc "Please Daddy Don't Get Drunk this Christmas."

Denver's acoustic arrangements add warmth to the songs and the whole album brings out the feel of snowy mountains and sitting around the fireplace with a Christmas Tree. The CD reissue, part of Legacy Records Essential Holiday Classics series, includes excellent liner notes about the recording of the album. If you download the album (which is more expensive than buying the physical CD) you get three more tracks "The Music is You," "Perhaps Love (shortened version, I believe without Placido Domingo)" and "Dreamland Express." This is a wonderful Christmas album that will bring out the spirit of the season, even if you are not a fan of Denver's music this is a fine addition to anyone's Christmas Collection. Merry Christmas Everyone.

Holiday Spirit

"Hapa Holidays" Is a fun yet refreshing blend of old and new.

Innovative as always, Hapa's 1995 Christmas album "Hapa Holidays" is an inventive mix of old and new Christmas tunes. Instead of focusing solely on Christmas songs the pair have decided to focus on the spirit of the season with a larger theme of Love. So while half the songs are strictly about Christmas the other half are simply love songs or biblical songs that are very well chosen to fit in the spirit of the album. Such as "Love is the Reason to Believe," "House of Gold," and a song from Santa to Mrs. Claus in the cover of "Lady in Red."

The familiar songs that are here such as "Joy to the World" and "Mele Kalikimaka" are performed as well arranged instrumentals which set them apart from the many other renditions.

For listeners looking for a departure from the very familiar Christmas recordings but with out losing that Holiday feeling, this album for you. But this is a very good album whether it is Christmas time or not.