Monday, December 16, 2002

I've bought four Christmas CDs this season, breaking my self-imposed restriction of one annually, and I'm immensely glad I did. If I hadn't, I'd have missed out on one of the best in many years.

It's the new compilation Maybe This Christmas. Much like the now-venerable Very Special Christmas series, it brings together acts of varying styles and fame for a tasty holiday buffet, with several items worth going back for multiple servings of, and one or two dishes that are best avoided after sampling.

Of the former group, two in particular stand out. The first is the title track, in which Ron Sexsmith seeks the sweetest, simplest joys of the season, namely reunions and reconciliation.

The other, "What A Year For A New Year," resonates with me on a very personal level. After my difficulties these past twelve months, the enormity of which I'm only now, with a little distance, beginning to appreciate, this song's lyrics are particularly poignant:

What a year for a new year
We need it like we needed life I guess
Last one left us lying in a mess
What a year for a new year

What a night for a sunrise
And we thought the dark would never end
Reaching out to try to find a friend
What a night for a sunrise
Sunrise

What a day for new day
And our star shines like a miracle
And our world is almost beautiful again
What a day for a new day
New day

...

Soon we'll be lying in our beds
And new dreams will fill our heads
And the old ones will be ended

My pal Jody is the one who tipped me off to this disc (thanks, Jody!), and I, in turn, recommend it to anyone who likes a blend of tradition and innovation in their Christmas music.

Posted @ 3:32 PM

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