Christmas Time is Here

Two Hundred Forty

Artist - Vince Guaraldi Trio
Album - A Charlie Brown Christmas
Released - 1988
Label - Fantasy Records
Genre - Christmas Music/Holiday

Tracks:
Side One
O Tannenbaum
What Child Is This
My Little Drum
Linus and Lucy
Christmas Time is Here (Instrumental)
Side Two
Christmas Time is Here (vocal)
Skating
Hark, The Herald Angels Sing
Christmas is Coming
Fur Elise
The Christmas Song
Greensleeves

One of my favorite Christmas records of all time, hands down, without a doubt, this is the one.  To even begin would be a disaster in itself because I could let myself go on how this album reminds me of all things great and fantastic, which stems from my childhood until now.  This record will forever be a record that I play every Christmas or even whenever I'm feeling nostalgic about things.  I absolutely love this album.

Enjoy!

Reminiscing

I wanted something that reminded me of my youth and all things amazing.  So here, I present my one hundred forty-fourth pick.

Artist - Vince Guaraldi
Album - Oh Good Grief!
Released - 1968
Label - Warner Bros.
Genre - Jazz

Tracks:
Side One
Linus and Lucy
You're in Love, Charlie Brown
Peppermint Patty
Great Pumpkin Waltz
Side Two
It's Your Dog, Charlie Brown
Oh, Good Grief!
Red Baron
Rain, Rain Go Away

Only Vince Guaraldi can make Charlie Brown into something amazing.  Using a keyboard and electric harpsichord, Vince illuminates the characters with his sound.  A little snippet from the album cover:

Oh, good grief!  They've gone and done it.  They've put that jazzy music from Peanuts television specials on a record.  Those piquant waltzes, fox trots, and box steps that Vince Guaraldi wrote...What's more, they're played by Mr. Guaraldi himself, on piano and electric harpsichord, with a noble assist from Carl Burnett (drums), Stanley Gilbert (bass) and Eddie Duran (electric guitar).

I remember going on a mission to fine A Charlie Brown Christmas on vinyl because it reminded me of my childhood and the Christmas' I had with our little family.  I always feel like a kid again in that sense and always think about all things wonderful.  To have that moment in my heart and mind, I will never forget it.

Enjoy!