Best Ever Xmas Carols When You Don't Like Xmas Carols

[ZombieCake]

It's that time of year when you are constantly bombarded by nauseatingly saccharinely cheerful things like 'Jingle Bells' and so on. But what if that isn't your cup of tea and yet you are supposed be / ordered to be getting into the xmas spirit?
I think there may be a solution. If someone said to me play an Xmas song, I think I could now oblige their request with pleasure! Fortunately the most excellent Finnish singer Tarja Turunen (formerly of Nightwish) has released an album of Xmas songs. I liked them so much I bought the album. I'm sure other songs in a similar vein are available so I'll start with a lovely rendition of Jingle Bells. As ever thoughts and contributions are most welcome, and Merry Goth-mas!

 

[Fulk]

Hmmm . . . do you think she spells 'sleighing' as 'slaying'?

 

[AR]

I've got a vague recollection of a thrash metal version where they sang "oh what fun it is to sing a Slayer song tonight"

Here's Tom Lehrer's seasonal offering...

 

[badger]

 

[badger]

 

[badger]

And for something a bit lighter, does contain some very rude wordshttps://youtu.be/6U2XdkBkTTk?si=ITrqN5tHYkvb4jcF

 

[badger]

 

[JAshley73]

Perhaps my post isn't going to follow the spirit of this thread, but I do share in some of the nauseous sick, feelings at what Christmas has become...

As a Christian, I'm disgusted at how the world views the Christmas holiday nowadays. I don't know when the secular, commercial takeover of Christmas happened, but it does sadden me.

The only anecdote that I've found, is to simply not participate. Santa doesn't visit our kids. (I know THAT is going to ruffle some feathers! LOL) I don't tune into cheap, cheery "Christmas" music. I don't watch the corny "Christmas" special shows and movies. I've found that it's best to focus on the true meaning of Christmas - that is, Christ, the synonym for "messiah", or savior - fulfilled prophecy and became incarnate here on earth in the form of a Baby. Thus fulfilling prophecy, but ultimately fulfilling the mission, and giving hope that Christ came to make payment for our sins, making a way for mankind to be reconciled to God.

As far as music goes, traditional hymns and carols have now become my favorite. Acapella, or as close to it as possible. My current favorite - which I believe is more popular in the UK - "In the Bleak Mid Winter."



I would say that if the Christmas season is very irritating to you, and especially if you're not a Christian believer, perhaps consider withdrawing from the secular grind of Christmas, and instead contemplate on what the holiday even is. Start with the name - Christmas - Christ's coming... Maybe try to reframe your entire view of the holiday, and instead of being frustrated by it, try backing away. I find that simply reading the lyrics of traditional hymns & carols is deeply moving. It helps reset the meaning of the songs, and will grow your appreciation for the Christmas holiday - that is, the gratefulness of Christ's coming, and the hope of our salvation that is found in him.

I do with you all Peace, and a Merry Christmas. (In the truest sense.)

 

[JAshley73]

Oh, and one more thing... That drummer deserves a sharp thump on the head, for playing a traditionally slung snare drum, with a matched-grip. Sacrilege...

 

[TheBitterEnd]

Perhaps my post isn't going to follow the spirit of this thread, but I do share in some of the nauseous sick, feelings at what Christmas has become...

As a Christian, I'm disgusted at how the world views the Christmas holiday nowadays. I don't know when the secular, commercial takeover of Christmas happened, but it does sadden me.

The only anecdote that I've found, is to simply not participate. Santa doesn't visit our kids. (I know THAT is going to ruffle some feathers! LOL) I don't tune into cheap, cheery "Christmas" music. I don't watch the corny "Christmas" special shows and movies. I've found that it's best to focus on the true meaning of Christmas - that is, Christ, the synonym for "messiah", or savior - fulfilled prophecy and became incarnate here on earth in the form of a Baby. Thus fulfilling prophecy, but ultimately fulfilling the mission, and giving hope that Christ came to make payment for our sins, making a way for mankind to be reconciled to God.

As far as music goes, traditional hymns and carols have now become my favorite. Acapella, or as close to it as possible. My current favorite - which I believe is more popular in the UK - "In the Bleak Mid Winter."



I would say that if the Christmas season is very irritating to you, and especially if you're not a Christian believer, perhaps consider withdrawing from the secular grind of Christmas, and instead contemplate on what the holiday even is. Start with the name - Christmas - Christ's coming... Maybe try to reframe your entire view of the holiday, and instead of being frustrated by it, try backing away. I find that simply reading the lyrics of traditional hymns & carols is deeply moving. It helps reset the meaning of the songs, and will grow your appreciation for the Christmas holiday - that is, the gratefulness of Christ's coming, and the hope of our salvation that is found in him.

I do with you all Peace, and a Merry Christmas. (In the truest sense.)

I refer you to post #7 above

 

[andrewmcleod]

Perhaps my post isn't going to follow the spirit of this thread, but I do share in some of the nauseous sick, feelings at what Christmas has become...

Just like US 'indestructible rope technique' versus European 'single rope technique', you might find a bit of a cultural difference between the US and the UK (not a majority a Christian nation any more) here...

That said, if I would make an uneducated guess that Christmas is even more commercial in the US than the UK.

Vaguely on topic, just Jethro Tull's 'Solstice Bells' (very appropriate today) count? Bring back Saturnalia I say

 

[Fulk]

For what it's worth, I understand that the original 'true meaning' of Christmas was a mid-winter piss-up enjoyed by pagan folks to ward off the cold-weather blues long before the birth of Christ, there being no evidence whatsoever that he was born on 25th December. However the early Christians were upset by the pagan shenanigans, and took over the festival – if you can't beat them, join them – huh?

 

[JAshley73]

Just like US 'indestructible rope technique' versus European 'single rope technique', you might find a bit of a cultural difference between the US and the UK (not a majority a Christian nation any more) here...

That said, if I would make an uneducated guess that Christmas is even more commercial in the US than the UK.

Vaguely on topic, just Jethro Tull's 'Solstice Bells' (very appropriate today) count? Bring back Saturnalia I say

That wouldn't surprise me one bit, unfortunately...

 

[TheBitterEnd]

This has to be worth a mention

 

[TheBitterEnd]

For what it's worth, I understand that the original 'true meaning' of Christmas was a mid-winter piss-up enjoyed by pagan folks to ward off the cold-weather blues long before the birth of Christ, there being no evidence whatsoever that he was born on 25th December. However the early Christians were upset by the pagan shenanigans, and took over the festival – if you can't beat them, join them – huh?

Half a bottle in and up for a pointless Friday night argument debate so...

I would say that by definition Christmas must be about the mass of christ so the "true meaning" must be whatever the christians define it as? However Diwali, Hanukkah, lots of cultures have a celebration of light around mid-winter so it seems to be one of those pan-cultural things. As you say people want a mid-winter party to brighten the long dark days but as it goes the joyless and puritanical take over these things and turn them into a "respectable" ritual.

I'll take the enjoyable bits and leave the rest, happy winter solstice

 

[ZombieCake]

For what it's worth, I understand that the original 'true meaning' of Christmas was a mid-winter piss-up enjoyed by pagan folks to ward off the cold-weather blues long before the birth of Christ, there being no evidence whatsoever that he was born on 25th December. However the early Christians were upset by the pagan shenanigans, and took over the festival – if you can't beat them, join them – huh?

Was that after all the centuries of murdering and oppression of the masses that disagreed with them for political power plays each major cult seems to have functioned under? I guess that even the more original old ways certainly also had their issues too. Oh well each to their own I suppose. Can't win either way really so best to just have a party and chill out a bit.

 

[Stuart France]

Returning to the original Best Xmas Carol topic, whatever you might believe or disbelieve, like or detest about Christmas, anyone surely can appreciate the tasteful calming tune used in America for It Came Upon a Midnight Clear. My nomination for "best effort", musically anyway.

 

[Mrs Trellis]

Traditional village carols are anything but saccharine. They are usually sung in pubs and belted out with a drink in hand. These were sung in taverns and on street corners as they weren't allowed in church. There are over 300 tunes for While Shepherds - the CofE tune Winchester Old was never sung until recently.

Imho the best tune for While Shepherds is "Old Foster" , the second best "Lyngham" which is usual in metal mining/Methodist areas like north Derbyshire and Cornwall.

Spofforth's Glee "Hail Smiling Morn" is popular - it's also a well-known brass band piece.

Old Foster:-

Lyngham in a north Derbyshire pub-:-

Hark Hark what news in a pub :-

Hail Smiling Morn:-

Back Lane :-

The Bradda (Bradwell - the lead mining village) anthem (Peace O'er the World) - https://youtu.be/SB2mbtC66N8?si=iSwOgbgX6FfOzZxl

 

[alanw]

There are over 300 tunes for While Shepherds - the CofE tune Winchester Old was never sung until recently.

Imho the best tune for While Shepherds is "Old Foster" , the second best "Lyngham" which is usual in metal mining/Methodist areas like north Derbyshire and Cornwall.

It can be sung to "Cranbrook" too. You'll recognise this tune too, though in a different context

 

[Babyhagrid]

I enjoy singing silent night as loud as possible for irony at Christmas. Usually with pan lids and spoons as a drum set and copious amounts of wall banging