Given how the supporters of 'Politically Correctness' are attempting to remove elements of 'Christ' from the Christmas period. I thought it appropriate that I might remind you, how inspirational and uplifting a beautiful Christmas Carol can have on us, whenever we're alone or feel abandoned at this special time of the year.

Today, on radio I heard the dulcet tones of Ms Celine DION and her unique rendition of one of my favourite Carols; 'O Holy Night'. She'd literally raise the hair on the back of your neck, with her beguiling delivery of this inspirational Christmas Carol. The fact I'm a 'born again' atheist doesn't exclude me from being emotionally moved, by the beauty and/or musicality of this great Carol.

I was in a jungle Fort (Tapong) on the Thai/Malay border in 1964. We were tasked with seeking out Communists terrorists. Someone had an old 'Aiwa' portable, battery operated, reel to reel tape recorder. I first heard Marie CALLAS 'scratchy' voice perform this beautiful Carol, it was so uplifting for us, all those years ago in that stinking hole of a place. We (S.x 5) felt utterly abandoned and so bloody lonely, our exfiltration chopper had missed our LZ (twice) because of the monsoon.

How about you, what are your favourite Christmas Carols, and did they uplift you at the time ? And who do you prefer to perform them ?

A Merry Christmas to all !

Dear O Sung Wu.,

I remember years ago of going to St Paul's Cathedral
Melbourne at Christmas time. It was a new experience
for me (being a Catholic) and St Paul's is Anglican.
But what an experience it was. The Cathedral Choir, the
music, the magnificent interior of the Cathedral -
It was breath-taking, moving, and totally inspirational.
Something I will never forget.

I'm a traditionalist as far as Carols go. I love Carols
like - Good King Wenceslas, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,
Do You Hear What I Hear, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,
and so on. And of course there's - O Christmas Tree,
The First Noel, and the ever favourite - Silent Night.

Joy to the World, O Come All ye Faithful, O Little
Town of Bethlehem, One in Royal David's City, it's hard to
pick a favourite but if I had to - I guess - Silent Night
would be it. And as for who should perform the Carols?
I think that a Cathedral Choir is hard to beat.

Hello there FOXY...

I like and recognise all of those fabulous Carols you've mentioned herein, and I too would have to say 'Silent Night' to be one of my favourites. Melbourne has 'Carols by Candlelight' each Christmas, performed in the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, in Melbourne's Botanical Gardens, I believe. They have an enormous number of talented people performing the Carols (without a fee), many from the Australian Opera Company. All the money raised goes to the Victorian Blind Society, a worthy charity I reckon.

My only reservation, some of the performers are from rock 'n roll backgrounds, consequently don't have the voice to do credit to something musically demanding like Silent Night. Regrettably they tend to murder the Carol, which is a pity really given their hearts are in the right place, because they do it purely for altruistic reasons (charity) ? Thank you very much indeed FOXY for your input, I value your contribution enormously.

Merry Christmas o sung wu to you and your family, and a happy New Year.

My favorite Christmas song is Jimmy Buffett with 'Mele Kalikimaka' it cheers me up right now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FWNcgcosMY

I am rather pissed off today, a shipment of clothing and toys etc that was destined for Fiji last week for distribution Saturday, has not arrived in Sigatoka where it now should be, possibly it has gone astray, and no one seems to be able to locate it, despite extensive inquiries both in Australia and Fiji. Flooding has seen Sigatoka hard hit, so that may account for the delay, it may still be in Nadi, and waiting shipment, I hope so. Otherwise some kids and their families are going to miss out. people who miss out on a lot of material things throughout the year as it is. The bright side is the food hampers (which contain staples) is not affected.

My favourite is The Pogues' "Fairytale of New York". A beautiful song, although no doubt some consider some to the lyrics politically incorrect for a Christmas carol.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9jbdgZidu8

I also like "The Night Santa Went Crazy" by Weird Al. Still cracks me up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTGlUMvbhSw

And then there's Trans-Siberian Orchestra, a prog-rock band who have a whole Christmas album. It's pretty epic. This is one of their best songs:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHioIlbnS_A

Merry Christmas, everybody. And Happy Hogswatch, if you celebrate Hogswatch.

Hi o sung wu, & a very merry Christmas to you. I know what you are talking about. I was also reading a comment the other day by a singer doing some Christmas shows, saying he dreaded doing yet again Jingle Bell Rock. Much modern stuff is not really carols.

I'm more inclined to go for Bing Crosby style Christmas carols, soft & gentle. Talk about aging myself. Then again I had a few done by Roberta Flack. She can bring the hair up on the back of my neck the moment she starts, & it doesn't have to be Christmas Carrols. Her The Impossible Dream does it in a big way.

One of the worst things about our modern cities today is their size. My mother in law has a 400 kilometre round trip to visit our youngest daughter for Christmas, held there so she doesn't have to move the new baby too much. Still I guess that gives her plenty of time to listen to carols on the radio in the car.

Dear O Sung Wu,

I love listening to the all-female Irish musical ensemble -
from Dublin - "Celtic Woman". They've been described as
the "Riverdance for the voice." Their CD "A Christmas
Celebration," will give you goose-bumps - especially
their version of "You Raise Me Up". Their "Carol of
The Bells," and "O Holy Night," is also beautiful.

Then there's the Dutch Superstar violinist - Andre Rieu.
Always a lavish celebration with him. I bought his DVD -
"Home For Christmas," to play for my mum and the residents
at her Nursing Home on Christmas Day. It's a magical two
hour spectacular performed at Rieu's fabled castle in
Maastricht, The Netherlands. It has all the traditional Carols
on it, performed beautifully.

Of Course talking about DVDs there's always the original
"White Christmas," with Bing Crosby that still resonates
today.

cont'd ...

At Christmas we have not only the wonderful music but
also the films and stories that drive home this
magical time of the year. I remembe as a kid,r watching on TV
in Sydney (where I grew up) "Miracle on 34th Street,"
and getting so emotional. Ah, those were the days.
Today, "Love Actually," is a favourite.

Good day to you PAUL1405...

What an amazing but appropriate setting to perform this classic Polynesian Christmas music; 'Mele Kalikimaka', but Maui and Oahu in the Hawaiian Islands. With your close connections through marriage, with that entire demographic, I can really appreciate your obvious fondness for their music, as I am too. All Polynesians have natural rhythm, most with superb voices to go with that rhythm.

Merry Christmas to you and your entire family as well Paul. I completely understand, both your frustration and anger over your missing shipment. I'm sure your cache of donated goods will arrive safely and intact, for it's intended recipients before Christmas Day.

I can only imagine how much work you'd done to meticulously gather-up and then Ship the goods to these very needy people who've again been struck by disaster. You're a good man PAUL1405 !

G'day there TONI LAVIS...

Thank you for your interesting selection of Christmas Music. I watched and listened to all three, the first two I've not heard before, but recognised the stark scenes of 'Fairytale of New York'. 'The Night Santa went Crazy' is an entirely different perspective on the traditional Christmas Carol altogether, probably not especially suitable for children either I would've thought ? Your last selection Toni, music performed by the 'Trans-Siberian Orchestra' was great in my opinion, with this well known score, and very well performed too I reckon.

Like everything I guess, we all have differing proclivities and tastes in many varied things from food, music or clothing. Thank you very much Toni for your contribution, I really appreciate it. And I too would like to wish you and yours a very happy, joyous Christmas and a brilliant 2017.

Hi there HASBEEN...

I was lucky enough to see Roberta FLACK (I think it was her - dementia?) 'live' years ago when she visited and performed here, I was on duty at one of her concerts. She didn't sing Christmas Carols, but what she did sing was utterly magnificent, what a fantastic voice eh?

You're right 'ol mate, I imagine our predilection in Christmas Carols would be very much along the same lines, with Bing CROSBY in his movie; 'White Christmas' and his easy singing style, being very soothing and easy to listen too. And I do agree with you, concerning Carols rendered in a rock 'n roll style, is not my thing either.

Still I suppose young teens like to hear their favourite Carols jazzed up a bit? I suppose our choices in music is very much a generational thing I think ? Though some of it is nothing more than a cacophony of harsh sounds, or a mixture of discordant noise !

I hope that you and your entire family, have a very joyous, and happy Christmas together with a healthy 2017.

Hello there FOXY...

Who from our generation hasn't seen the original B&W version of 'Miracle on 34th Street' with Maureen O'HARA, John PAYNE and Edmond GWENN, made in 1947. I understand there's been a remake, perhaps two of this highly evocative movie?

Indeed the Irish have always had terrific voices as do the Welsh, and the group 'Celtic Women' would not be the exception neither I wouldn't expect. Andre RIEU has a tremendous following around the world with his beautiful music, and the marvellous artists he accompanies from time to time. I'm not aware of the other movie 'Love Actually' that you've cited herein?

As I mentioned to someone earlier, music is very much a generational thing I suppose, my introduction to early rock 'n roll' was Johnny RAY the 'crying singer' of the fifties, followed by Bill HARLEY, Elvis PRESLEY and so on. Even so as teenager, I still liked the more traditional Christmas Carols rather then those that've been 'tricked up' as it were ?

Concerning Andre RIEU's obvious musical genius, some Carols are very much the domain of a vocal rendition, rather than purely orchestral? 'O Holy Night' being one of them I believe. I suppose it's a case of whatever it is 'that floats one's boat'?

Thanks again FOXY for your thoughtful contribution, I appreciate it very much indeed.

Dear O Sung Wu,

Well you've really started something with this
discussion. I've been singing Christmas Carols
all day and driving my family nuts. You see I love
to sing but I'm tone deaf. I got kicked out of
the school choir because I've got a strong voice,
but flat as a pancake - and I influenced everyone
in the choir much to the annoyance of the music
mistress. "Joy to the World..."

Did you ever see the film, "Joyeux Noel?"
It's about French, Scottish and German soldiers
during World War I who put down their guns for 1
night. Beautiful film.

//At Christmas we have not only the wonderful music but
also the films and stories that drive home this
magical time of the year.//

So true, Foxy. For the last 10 years or so, I have made it my Christmas tradition to watch the movie of the late Sir Terry Pratchett's 'Hogfather'. I know the plot and half the dialogue off by heart, but it still brings me joy.

And 'The Muppet Christmas Carol' remains the greatest version of Dickens' classic ever told. A movie the whole family can enjoy.

//'The Night Santa went Crazy' is an entirely different perspective on the traditional Christmas Carol altogether, probably not especially suitable for children either I would've thought ?//

Definitely not for small kids - older kids who are bit more cynical and don't believe in Santa anymore will probably get a laugh out of it. The juxtaposition of a kindly, loving old gent with a rampaging psychopath is a proven comedy formula, also utilised by 'Futurama'.

//Your last selection Toni, music performed by the 'Trans-Siberian Orchestra' was great in my opinion, with this well known score, and very well performed too I reckon.//

Yep, TSO do great stuff. Their version of 'Oh Holy Night' is pretty terrific as well (starts after 'Oh Come All Ye Faithful'). I do like choral versions of 'Oh Holy Night' - it's a wonderful hymn - but it sounds amazing on guitar.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcMe551smvs

And for the more traditional amongst us... here's something I found when searching for the above. Apparently it's TSO doing the instrumental, but I was more taken with the singing. That Crawford fella's sure got a set of lungs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNJiSfz0_io

Hi there FOXY...

Indeed I did, apparently it was based on a real event that actually occurred during the War ? Their Officers ordered them to resume hostilities or they would libel themselves to Court Martialling, still, they failed to take up arms? My maternal Grandfather was at Ypres and the Somme with the 30thBn. AIF, and he'd not heard of the event himself?

There's something about Christmas, and Christmas Carols, that somehow soothes the savage beast in men? And I believe you're selling yourself very short too FOXY, claiming as you do to sing 'flat'! If you were as bad as you claim, why were you accepted into the School Choir in the first instance? In order to be unceremoniously removed from it? You're simply too modest is your problem? You should sing Carols to your hearts content, I'm positive all the residents at the Home would appreciate it without doubt, and that's despite your claims of being 'flat'!

Hi again Toni LAVIS...

I agree, the TSO produces a terrific orchestral sound, together with the Hawaiian guitar carrying a most unusual melody line, in your first presentation.

And Michael CRAWFORD manages to hold a note or two, in his rendition of 'O Holy Night'. Seriously Toni, you've got to have a well trained and controlled voice, to enable you to reach and sustain notes in the upper registers, without loosing the quality of your vibrato, as the note is prolonged. A pretty good test of the quality of a singer's voice, is the smooth progression through the registers, of this magnificent Carol. Not dissimilar to PAVAROTTI's version of that operatic classic; 'Nessun Dorma'. Thank you again Toni, for giving us all the opportunity to see Christmas Carols performed from a different perspective. I really appreciate it my friend.

Dear Tony Lavis,

There's so many wonderful films that I recall.
Films just like music that uplift and inspire.
I'm looking forward to seeing what's going to
be produced this Christmas Season for us. I
believe there's an excellent one coming out
on Boxing Day, a musical, along the lines of
the golden oldies of the past. We'll have to wait
and see.

Dear O Sung Wu,

Much as I love singing I can't deny the fact that
I'm tone deaf. I got into the school choir without
being tested. But when they realised I couldn't
sing - I got tossed out. However my grand-children
love my singing, as do the residents of my mum's
nursing home. They sing along with me.

Hi o sung wu,

Thanks for the kind words, but I give much more credit for good works to my partner "T" and others both here and in Fiji than anything I do.

I know we don't always see eye to eye on matters political, but I know you will totally agree with me, that we have bipartisan support that the greatest Christmas singer of all times. the greatest singer of all times, is the King himself, Elvis. Not that I would be biased or anything on that score.

A bit of music trivia, excluding the song 'Happy Birthday', Bing Crosby's classic Christmas song 'White Christmas' was at one time the most popular song played ever.

"T" sings from time to time with one of the popular Maori singers around Sydney. They did a gig last week at a club, included a good few Christmas favorites, and I must say 'Mele Kalikimaka' went down very well with the folks.

Dear Paul,

They played Bing Crosby's movie - White Christmas
at my mum's nursing home recently. It was thoroughly
enjoyed by all. Voices raised in song are so
beautiful. I can only imagine your partner's
rendition bringing so much joy to everyone. The
Melbourne Lithuanian choir recently visited my mum's
nursing home - and again the traditional songs
were song in both Lithuanian and English, and were so
well received. Good traditions are worth preserving.

Hi there PAUL1405...

You say we don't always agree with political issues, nevertheless with the most important things, I think we're all on the same page, all of us without exception! Yep, Elvis was very hard to beat, not only in the quality of his voice, but in his whole standard of behaviour, both on and off cameras and in public. The world lost his musical genius far too early in my opinion.

I don't think there would be many people who've never heard the easy listening strains of White Christmas rendered by anyone with a really good voice. Again any of the Maori singers would acquit themselves very well indeed, singing White Christmas - one in particular, who's name momentarily escapes me ? Help me out please Paul, he looks and sounds a bit like Engelbert HUMPERDINCK'? A really great voice !

Alright FOXY...

Perhaps you 'might' sing just a fraction flat, so what? When accompanied by many happy voices I'd suggest Maria CALLAS might even need to watch out ! A Lithuanian Choir would sound absolutely brilliant singing any of the traditional Carols, or anything else traditional I would think. Pardon my ignorance, but doesn't their language have a very distinctive Germanic flavour to it, I believe? Or have I got it all wrong ?

Thank you PAUL & FOXY for another excellent contribution. *I really do wish I could recall the name of that well known Maori singer, he has a brilliant voice ?

Dear O Sung Wu,

The Lithuanian language is often said to be
the most conservative living Indo-European
language retaining many of its archaic
features other wise found only in ancient
languages such as Sanskrit. That's why it is
studied by scholars interested in Indo-European
linguistics.

Hi there FOXY...

Thank you very much indeed for that brief synopsis of the Lithuanian language, I'm still none the wiser I must admit. Geographically, the country is considered one of the former Baltic States under the old USSR regime. Doesn't Latvia abut it's northern borders, with much of it's coastline facing the Baltic Sea ? With common borders with both Belarus and Poland ?

Somehow I have these images etched in my mind, of these dull, featureless, and sad little Nations, all clustered haphazardly along the coast of the Baltic sea. To be among the poorest, the bland, almost slate grey in appearance, of those that are nestled nearby in Northern Europe. All of whom until recently, necessarily yielding to the iron jackboot of Soviet Russia. Thanks again FOXY.

Hi o sung wu,

You maybe thinking of John Rowles. who had a smash hit back in the 70's with 'Cheryl Moana Marie' and a number of others. Funny you should mention Engelbert Humperdinck and possibly John Rowles, we were fortunate to go to both shows this year. The chap "T" sings with scored us all free tickets so can't complain, both being personal friends of his. Engelbert at 80 is still touring with a great performance, John is snow white on top these days, but does an excellent job with a 2 hour show, on his own, and he has a very busy schedule. Talking after the show, John is booked for Las Vegas in 2017. Engelburt is an honorary Maori, with his song 'Ten Guitars' be the Maori party national anthem, when the guitar comes out it gets an airing every time.
"T" has more talent in her little finger than I have in my whole body. besides singing she play guitar, ukulele and you wouldn't believe it, the alto sax as well, now wants to get a banjo. A pocket dynamo, never stops. At 67 works full time, among other things, runs a Maori culture group (Kapa Haka) for about 30 young people. Has more humanity than anyone I know, her latest 'project' for 2017, I can't believe it, 'Street Busking' (I'm the roadie again) to raise money for street kids. She has all the gear already, so that's no problem, all she needs is her public liability insurance and City Council permit! Should be fum!

Hi there PAUL1405...

Indeed it is John ROWLES. He has a truly magnificent voice with that very suave look to go with it. I've seen him sing in a live performance, and at the risk of being berated by many, he sings traditional Elvis numbers, even better than Elvis can himself, and the ladies absolutely love him !

The more technically difficult his song may be, the least amount of effort he seems to need to sing it. An amazing voice altogether I believe. It's really incredible Paul, how different nationalities seem to have specific musical abilities or skills. As we discussed earlier, Polynesians as an example, seen to have a natural cadence or rhythm, together with some amazing voices. While the Spanish and Italians, have classic operatic voices. The Welsh, Scottish, and Irish have unusually good choral voices and are generally considered to possess fine solo performers, even comedians as well.

While we Aussies, have some truly unique, though hitherto obscure talents. With good pub voices, capable of loud singing, knocking back an ice cold Schooner, and fightin' some boofhead, all at the same time; without once, spilling a single drop of the precious amber liquid ! A magnificent achievement all round, I'm sure you'd agree eh, Paul ?

I do hope your parcels have arrived safely in the flood affected areas of Fiji too Paul ?

Merry Christmas to you and your dear 'T' as well ?