One Last Shot of Christmas Music

As a lover and singer of music, Christmas offers the opportunity to perform a variety of amazing songs and carols. Some are favorites that I look forward to singing, (Hallelujia Chorus, O Holy Night) others rate somewhere below root canals (Bring a Torch, We Need a Little Christmas).

Near the top of the "root canal" list is the 12 Days of Christmas. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't like the music. The melody is ok, and the lyrics are passable, but the fact that it goes on for an eternity is pure torture for singers and listeners alike. So for the record, when you are at a christmas concert and the conductor fires up this tune, don't blame the singers. They are having no more fun with it than you are.

Much like "100 Bottles of Beer on the Wall" the 12 days are best enjoyed at a party where there is enough egg-nog to make the song seem homey and amusing.

(For the record, I don't know if it's possible to enjoy that much nog)

But I digress. The group below (thank you for finding this, Mikey) is "Straight, No Chaser" from Indiana University. What at first appears to be a very traditional version of the 12 days...but break out into something really impressive. Even though Christmas is over and it's time to start singing "Auld Lang Syne," give this one a shot. You won't be disappointed.