Christmas Music and Audiophiles?


I personally really enjoy listening to Christmas music. I find that when it's done well it can be better than just about any other types of music. I even listen to it from time to time throughout the year.

Are there any audiophile Christmas Albums that are worthly of your dedicated stereo listening systems or do you only play Christmas music on your whole house systems as background music?

What are you favorites?

One of my personal current favorites is the Canadian Tenors Christmas album. I have five more Christmas CDs on the way to enhance this upcoming season.
mceljo
Blkadr has it right with respect to contemporary Christmas music though lately it seems like Christmas muzak offerings are heavily weighted towards Santa Fraud and his ilk. My personal Christmas music preference is certainly for that celebrating the birth of the Christ.
Blkadr, "Especially hate that countrified tune about a kid buying shoes for his dying mommy. I will pass on the sob rag, pass me the barf bag."

Amen, brother! You've got to get some serious consideration for post of the year with that one.

Excellent suggestion, Marty. The Pogues and Kirsty McColl do a wonderful job with that song.

Anyone for "Christmas Card From a Hooker in Minneapolis" from Tom Waits?
Wanted to chime in once again...

I love the soundtrack to White Christmas, love the film too.

Any Nutcracker except, sorry Bdgregory, TSO.

Best,

Dave
My two favorites of the last few years are Diana Krall's and Jethro Tull's Christmas albums. Both very good and very listenable.
Picked up Yo-Yo Ma - Songs of Joy and Peace based on the recommendation but have not had a chance to listen to it yet. That recommendation also led me to get Yo-Yo Ma's new Goat Rodeo album. I put it on in the car and can't wait to hear it on my system.

I'll admit to liking the Christmas shoe song. We also have a local Christmas song called Christmas in the Northwest that's pretty decent.