SEASON'S GREETINGS FROM AN OLD FRIEND

Michael Jackson: Season's Greetings
From Ultimate Christmas Collection (Motown, 2009)

It's still hard to believe that MJ is gone. It was hardly even yesterday when he recorded this short little Christmas greeting. In a second half of the year, he dominated headlines – for better or for worse. Sure, the circumstances weren't ideal, but it's great to see him get some positive publicity instead of the negativity that surround him the decade prior.

This little greeting is on the reissued Christmas collection that you can either buy the CD from the link above or through Christmas Eve can get the MP3 download through Amazonof the whole album for $2.99. That's under $3!!! Take a stroll down memory lane with those crazy kids from Indiana.

It's actually a really well done compilation. Not only do you get the entire original issue of the music, but you get greetings from the all the original J5 except Marlon, a few stripped mixes of their Christmas tunes, and a nice medley.

HISTORY OF HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS

Gavin Degraw: Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
From Sounds Of The Season: The NBC Collection (EMI, 2004)

I always love reading about the history of music, especially about the root origins of songs. This is especially true of standards. Songs such as “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” are so ingrained into Christmas culture now that it's hard to imagine December 25th rolling by without hearing it.

This great article explains its history of how it came to be, how it almost didn't become a standard, and its numerous versions. Of particular note, it finally explains to me why the song musically sounds mismatched with its upbeat theme. Well, that was made possible by a slick rewrite in a few lines as asked for by.... well, you'll just have to read the article to find out.

This example is of pop star Gavin Degraw singing the original lyric toward the end.

Through the years we all will be together
If the fates allow
Until then we'll have to muddle through somehow

Somber indeed, but a beautiful song emerges from it.