Cole, Nat King - "The Christmas Song"

Cole, Nat King - The Christmas Song
2009, Capitol

1. The Christmas Song
2. Deck the Hall
3. O Come All Ye Faithful
4. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
5. O Tannenbaum
6. O Little Town of Bethlehem
7. I Saw Three Ships
8. O Holy Night
9. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
10. A Cradle in Bethlehem
11. Away in a Manger
12. Joy to the World
13. The First Noel
14. Caroling, Caroling
15. Silent Night
16. Buon Natale
17. All I Want For Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth)
18. The Happiest Christmas Tree
19. The Christmas Song (ft. Natalie Cole)

I've wanted to replace my Chestnuts Roastin' Nat King Cole collection with a proper one for a long time. This year I finally did it. If you're looking for a Nat collection, this is the one to get. I like that the balance of songs on here is more toward the hymns and carols and less to the silly, fun songs. Not that there's anything wrong with silly, fun songs - I just like more of a balance. Now I just have to get some Frank Sanatra and I'll have the "holy trinity" of Christmas performers.

Useless Fact: I am happy to report that there is no version of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" on this disc.

Cole, Nat King - "Chestnuts Roastin'"

Cole, Nat King - Chestnuts Roastin'
1991, Cema Special Markets

1. The Christmas Song
2. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
3. O Little Town of Bethlehem
4. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
5. Away in a Manger
6. O Come All Ye Faithful
7. O Holy Night
8. The First Noel
9. Silent Night
10. Caroling, Caroling

I bought this a many years back at a pawn shop in Ft. Wayne. It was cheap. It was probably cheap when it originally came out. In fact, I suspect this was bought as an impulse item at a grocery store. That's okay though because it's friggin' Nat King Cole. He's one of the "Big 3" for me in terms of Christmas music (the other two being Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra). While the quality of the packaging may be on the flimsy side, the music is not. After all, what bad can be said about Nat King Cole? I mean, really. Back in the day the man was probably singing in clubs that he wouldn't have even been allowed to enter normally. He's got a silky smooth voice and even his non-Christmas music is timeless. I feel compelled to inform you that if you'd like to add some Nat to your Christmas music library there are many, many collections out there. All of which I am sure are better than this one.

Useless Fact: Dave Chappell did a little skit about Nat King Cole and objectifying women. It was very, very vulgar. But also very funny!