(photo kidnapped from flickriver) This is without a doubt my favourite holiday album, mostly because it never mentions Christmas. Growing up Irish Catholic, the entire month of December was dedicated to nothing but Christmas music. Then I went into retail. Enough said, right?
The ninth broadcast from The Dark Forest began with, appropriately enough, Snowfall by Ahmad Jamal. Up until then, I had never heard Jamal's music, but now I absolutely love it. This piece in particular is so dreamy and peaceful.
Other tracks that were apropos to the season were Rosemary Clooney singing Snow, Kate Bush's December Will Be Magic Again, Winter in the Hamptons by Josh Rouse, and Jane Monheit's version of Moonlight in Vermont.
The patron saint of The Dark Forest, Ms. Mildred Bailey, makes another stunning appearance and brings us Me and the Blues and I never tire of hearing her incredible vocals. Other songs that made absolutely no sense in this mix was The Gypsy by Emmett Miller & His Georgia Crackers, originally recorded on September 1, 1936 on the Blue Bird label (you're not surprised.) Then there was Halley's Waitress by Fountains of Wayne, sponsored by the Medport Diner (if you're ever there, try those twisty fries, they'll change your life.)
The best song played on the 15th of December, 2005 was Randy Newman's gorgeous and haunting Bad News from Home. I never was all that crazy about Randy Newman's voice until I started listening to The Dark Forest and now I wonder what the hell was I thinking because he's fantastic.
More odd songs were Iggy Pop (♥) singing about Success and Eddie Floyd telling us about his Big Bird and finally Rickster Rick brought it all to a close with Ozzy Osbourne's remake of the classic Moody Blues song Go Now. The perfect end to yet another perfect broadcast.
3 comments:
And this is why you need to hear the 2010 "holiday" broadcast which ALMOST doesn't mention Christmas -- there is one song which mentions Christmas however it's a funny comedy song by Frank Kelly - better known as the nasty and alcoholic Father Jack on the classic Britcom FATHER TED so it ain't that bad! Otherwise another fine and dandy recap/review of an old DF episode and I'm still thrilled you are a loyal listener! Much obliged, honey chile.
So wait, maybe a few liner notes are in order here. SNOWFALL by Ahmad Jamal is faboo, agreed. It's my second favourite rendition of that song (my fave is by The Manhattan Transfer it is to died for). It might be interesting to note that I was introduced to the Ahmad Jamal album LIVE AT THE PERSHING (which SNOWFALL is from) by our mutual friend Maz. While working at the Hellmouth, I actively sought Maz's advice on which really good jazz cd's to buy; thanks to her I was able to collect a goodly amount of tasty jazz cds during my time working there. Come to think of it, Max is the one who foisted the first Jane Monheit cd on me as well so that's another one I owe her. Of course, my love of Mildred Bailey is all down to you! BAD NEWS FROM HOME is probably my fave song on Randy's LAND OF DREAMS cd - and there are 1 or 2 other strong contenders. It's such a good and dark song of stalking revenge for a cold, dark winter's night. Oh,but oops - GO NOW was actually the Bloody Mues - er um The Moody Blues' first hit single not the Bee Gees.
The last five years have flown by so quickly; it seems only recently I did these DF shows and it's already been half a decade. The local pirate radio station desperately needs to arrange a dropoff point to give you the new DFs you're missing. Send your best secret agent!
bee gees??? i don't recall writing that....thank cuss for corrections! i'm working on a dark forest drop off location as we speak!
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