by Akasha Ravenwolfe

Created on: November 20, 2008

This Yule time's musical offerings are rich and as delicious as a mug of warm spiced wine on a cold winter's night. Every office party or family gathering should have a sound track to keep the mood upbeat. For your enjoyment I have taken the glad task of finding the best of the best Holiday Sounds recorded in 2008.

1. Christmas Lounge David Arkenstone

I was delighted upon hearing David Arkenstone's seasonal offering. The cover of Christmas Lounge intrigued me, with a stark white background; the CD featured only a big red sofa. Hummm; interesting. California's David Arkenstone developed a sonic mix of keyboard rock and global new age with a synergy that washes mellow through you like a good dirty Martini; extra olives please. Its lush exotic slow grooves have a certain intensity to them that begs you to sway along with him. He has a wonderfully unique way of approaching traditional songs of the season and not making them sound like they've been slopped over. I like the blends of synthesizer and organic guitar and bass which warm it and keep it toasty as if by the fire. Being a bit of a traditionalist with Christmas songs, I was concerned when I saw titles like "We Three Kings", but his rendition is fresh and funky; a true surprise. I loved it. I highly recommend it as a gift and for your own collection. Lounge Lizards everywhere will see this as MUST HAVE. It's a wonderful CD for parties...it's up and it moves unlike most Holiday CDs.

2. What a Night! A Christmas Album Harry Connick Jr.

Harry Connick's voice is smoother than silk pajamas and warmer than hot cocoa on a cold winter's night. What a night! A Christmas album swings you along that path to Grandma's house, before you know you it; you'll be in a great mood! Not even crazy Uncle Larry will get on your nerves after hearing " Zat You Santa Claus?" Tip back some Eggnog to that lost love to "Please come home for Christmas". I believe that this is one of the best seasonal offerings of the year. Mr. Connick in fine voice and his crack band are about as tight as they come. Not only an amazing singer and performer, but a generous and giving man to those that lost so much in New Orleans; Mr. Connick brings swing to the Christmas season. Make sure you have enough ice for those drinks, and don't forget the cranberry sauce.

3. Christmasville Manheim Steamroller

Manheim Steamroller, along with other orchestral bands like Trans Siberian Orchestra has made a wonderful connection with today's youth as well as the baby boomers

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