OK - favorite versions of "(The) Little Drummer Boy"
#1: Harry Simons Chorale - a nostalgia pick, first heard it probably 1969 or 1970 on local AM radio, when radio stations played Christmas music only intermittently in the last week or so before Christmas. You only heard it a couple times, maybe and not again until next year. Even at age 9 or 10, I somehow recognized and was attracted to the minor key, even if I was too young to realize it.
#2: Low - first heard several years ago on TV; the GAP used it in their Christmas ad campaign. It's "slo-core" (a cleverly-named category in and of itself) and I'm attracted to it because of its casual gravitas and solemnity. Love the hushed vocals, muted drums and the minor key drone that acts like a "bed" for the song. Cool stuff.
#3 Joan Jett and the Blackhearts - thanks to brother Dave, who included this on one of his absolutely outstanding holiday compilations. Joan bleepin' ROCKS on this track and I love how she trills the "rrrumpa-pa-pums" --- awesome.
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