A
long time ago, I shared out a rare Burl Ives album where he performs Christmas songs believed to be the favorites of various US presidents. There was something in the liner notes that led me to believe maybe I had an abridged version of the LP, and I've been hunting for the other, ever rarer, version of the LP ever since. And guess what recently popped up on eBay? Thankfully, I don't think the seller knew this was a special variant of the album, so I was able to get it at a decent price, though not my usual dollar or less price. But since I'm not running around every weekend buying every LP I can get my hands on anymore, I was able to spend a little more this year and get some slightly better stuff than what I usually buy. And besides, how many more copies do I need of some things? I've discovered that I've got plenty of albums in the collection with multiple copies, either because I found a better copy, or because I forgot I had the other one (or two or three...). Anyhow, this new version features a bit of narration before each song, spoken by Mr. Ives, and it's a real treat to hear. Sometimes he strums along with the story, so it's not just dry explanations. I really enjoyed it, and I think you will, too. This is
Burl Ives-Music Conducted By Tony Mottola-
Christmas At The White House-Burl Ives Sings The Favorite Carols And Hymns Of America's Presidents (Caedmon TC 1415 (Historical Comment Version), Stereo, 1972). FYI, the actual songs themselves seem to be the same recordings as presented on the other version, but they are in chronological order by president here, while the other LP has them sequenced differently. (If for whatever reason you want the other version, you should still be able to download it
here.)
1. George Washington Intro
2. While Shepherds Watch'd Their Flocks By Night
3. John Adams Intro
4. Joy To The World (Boston)
5. Thomas Jefferson Intro
6. Adeste Fideles (Portuguese Hymn)
7. Andrew Jackson Intro
8. Shout The Glad Tidings
9. Zachery Taylor Intro
10. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
11. Abraham Lincoln Intro
12. We Three Kings Of Orient Are
13. Ulysses S. Grant Intro
14. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
15. Theodore Roosevelt Intro
16. Christmas On The Sea
17. Franklin D. Roosevelt Intro
18. Art Thou Weary, Art Thou Laden
19. John F. Kennedy Intro
20. Silver Bells
21. Lyndon B. Johnson Intro
22. Silent Night
23. Richard M. Nixon Intro
24. The Little Drummer Boy
MEGA