LIFE SOUNDTRACK: Rock Christmas Vol. 1
Rock Christmas was a multi-volume sampler CD in Germany in the 90s, meant to mix up the predominantly traditional Christmas music in Germany. The first volume came out in 1991 and while the word “Rock” is used very loosely, it has been our go-to record for the holidays and many of the tracks stirr pleasant memories. Here’s some of them:
Wham! – Last Christmas: This song gets me into celebratory mood, mostly thanks to its video that shows a bunch of young, pretty people, including George Michael in his best 80s style, celebrating Christmas in a snowed-in cabin in the mountains. Wouldn’t we all like to celebrate the holidays like this, of course minus the broken heart?
Jona Lewie – Stop The Cavalry: I remember well when this song came out in 1980 and back then I didn’t even register it as a Christmas song (and it actually wasn’t [meant as one])(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/StoptheCavalry)). I simply loved it because of how it’s structures and Jona Lewie’s voice and I was happy to find it again on the sampler.
Alexander O’Neal – The Christmas Song: For Americans this song in its many versions has been holiday staple for many years, but I heard it the first time on Rock Christmas. Alexander O’Neal’s interpretation is still my favorite – I closed my eyes and felt transported to Christmas in New York City, something that felt magical to me.
Bing Crosby – White Christmas: Of course this song was well known in Germany too – I heard it the first time in the 80s when we were driving to my grandparents to celebrate Christmas and it was stuck in my mind for a long time.
Chris Rea – Driving Home For Christmas: This is one of my all time favorite Christmas songs and I wonder why I’ve never heard a cover of it. Chris Rea sings about the joyful, anticipatory feeling during his drive to his family on Christmas Eve. Having done this for many years as a kid, this resonates with me.
Ella Fitzgerald – Santa Claus is Coming To Town: Everybody has heard this song a million times, but wait until you hear Ella Fitzgerald singing it full of joy and swing.
Happy Thanksgiving to everybody!
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