[Probably Never Heard] Christmas Songs

Are you tired of hearing the same Christmas songs every year on the radio? Well if you are (actually even if you're not), here are two songs that are sure to bring some variety to your Yuletide playlist ! Suggested by regular reader "Opie", these two little gems offer a different kind of Christmas record. So don't expect any jingling bells, choir of Children, or overt festivity, because there ain't any to be found here!



First off is Alison Krauss' "Only You Can Bring Me Cheer (Gentleman`s Lady)". Our Country/Bluegrass belle finds herself, like many a singleton, pining for the love of another at this special time of year. Luckily for her, she's spied a likely candidate; one who's very presence has taken away the "gloom" and the "sorrow" she'd been feeling! But does she get him in the end? Unfortunately, we never find out. A sweet little pseudo-love song!

Shelby Lynne, Daryl Hall and Band offer us a darker Christmas treat. In fact Daryl Hall calls it "the darkest Christmas Song ever written"! With most festive songs focusing on good tidings and seasonal greetings, here a tale of loneliness, the commercialisation of the season and a reminder of sadder times is visited upon the listener. It's all played out over an amazing, bluesy backing that is complimented by Shelby Lynne and Daryl Hall's sublime vocals.

"Merry Christmas To Me," indeed.

But what about you, reader? Do you have any Christmas Gems that you don't feel get enough recognition? Let us know in the comments!