New Music Monday - Holiday Edition

It is a wee bit early for holiday music, but I never can wait very long after Abby's birthday to bust out the Christmas music. I have so many favorite holiday albums, I thought I would make them a part of New Music Monday. One of my very favorite artists of all has to be Loreena McKennitt. She is beyond amazing, to put it simply. Her voice is haunting and almost ethereal. She is very medieval sounding - Sara and Jessi, I know you will love her if you haven't already heard of her. I was first introduced to her through my lovely aunt Deb. She ran a victorian tea room and gift shop in her house back in my home town. It was such a wonderful place and I (as well as many other people) have so many good memories of it. My aunt served some of the best tea, coffee, scones and other baked goods for several years there!! Not only was the atmosphere warm and comfortable because of the food and good people, the music was always adding to that warmth. Loreena was playing all the time and whenever I listen to any of her beautiful albums, I can't help but remember all the good times in the tea room. Aunt Deb's tea room is closed now, but she still bakes the best scones and hooks us up with top notch coffee.

Loreena McKennitt was born in Canada, but is of Irish and Scottish parents. Her passion for Celtic music is quite evident in her albums. You'll probably know her best by the song "The Mummer's Dance" which had much success on the pop charts a few years ago. She has MANY wonderful albums, but this week I will be focusing on her holiday ones!



'To Drive The Cold Winter Away' is first on the list. I loved the title of this album right away. The songs are haunting like always, but have such a warmth to them. These songs are Christmas-y, but even after the holidays are over you won't tire of them. These are just a few that I enjoy.....remember to pause the playlist to the right before listening to any of these.....

'In Praise of Christmas'


'Wexford Carol' - one of my favorite Christmas songs about the birth of our Savior


'Banquet Hall' - pretty holiday instrumental




Next on the list is the brand new 'A Midwinter Nights Dream.' It just came out and I am actually still waiting to get it from Amazon. It has a lot more songs on it than the other album and they are all so good. Here are just a few.....

'Coventry Carol'


'In Bleak Midwinter'


'Snow'


'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen' - cool, middle eastern drum sound


'The Holly and the Ivy'


Now this next song isn't on the holiday albums, but is on the very first album I ever owned of Loreena's 'The Visit.' Still my personal favorite of hers!!! This is also another lovely Christmas song and I adore her take on it!!

'Greensleeves'


I hope you've enjoyed the first holiday edition of New Music Monday and that you'll add these two amazing albums from Loreena to your holiday music collection!!! Next week I will be blogging about more holiday music to get you all in the spirit of the season.