3. "That Spirit of Christmas" Ray Charles
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWmgTXuNoRY We're back to somber Christmas ballads. You may remember this one from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, underscoring perhaps the only peaceful moment in an otherwise frenetic, maniacal comedy. Ray Charles' legendary voice in "That Spirit of Christmas" is matched only by his backing band, which concludes with, naturally, a gospel choir. Probably my favorite part is how he sings the line, "Taking a walk through the snow." He almost shouts it, unable to contain his joy for the coming Christmas season. It's heartening sometimes how something so simple as walking through the snow can become powerful, beautiful moments, and Charles flawlessly nails the delivery. Driving the song's point home, Charles and his band recount how "truly amazing" this time of year is, that is, if you don't let endless commercials and crazed shoppers discourage you of course. It's a battle we seem to be losing every year, but it's still one worth fighting.
Michael Perone
Michael Perone has written for The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore City Paper, The Island Ear (now titled Long Island Press), and The Long Island Voice, a short-lived spinoff of The Village Voice. He currently works as an Editor in Manhattan. And he still thinks Michael Keaton was the best Batman.
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