Music of the season.

pigfarmer

pigfarmer

tall, thin, irritable
Well, we don't start Christmas for a while yet but what the hell.

This doesn't immediately seem to be holiday related but most definitely is, to me anyway.

I'd put this old vinyl record on Gram's console stereo and put up the tree, set up the crib - the nativity scene in the fireplace. That's an old pre-war German manger with various figures and decorations that I sent out to my brother. It has a neat little wind up music box that plays Silent Night that goes with it for some reason.

He's quite clever and gave it a museum quality restoration. We've always had cats - never could set it up here.

But, Snoopy ? Well, I am a big Snoopy fan and into the WW1 ace/ Red Baron thing as we have the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome nearby. When lived up north a bit I'd see biplanes and the occasional triplane cruising around. Been there many times.

There are three songs in this album related to a story and the last one is about Christmas, it ends with O Tannenbaum. When I put the tree up each year I put this on and have a mug of heavily laced eggnog..... or three.

Our tree came from a dollar store before there were dollar stores. It was a place that sold one-offs. Example - Xmas decorations made in countries where they didn't speak English so you 'd have (for cheap) decorations that said 'Merry Chistmas' etc. People never really look ;)

So I got a little 12" fake tree there and it's still a beloved and treasured part of our little ritual. The original vinyl album is framed and hanging on the wall next to me.


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Rikki

Rikki

High Priestess
pigfarmer said:
Well, we don't start Christmas for a while yet but what the hell.

This doesn't immediately seem to be holiday related but most definitely is, to me anyway.

I'd put this old vinyl record on Gram's console stereo and put up the tree, set up the crib - the nativity scene in the fireplace. That's an old pre-war German manger with various figures and decorations that I sent out to my brother. It has a neat little wind up music box that plays Silent Night that goes with it for some reason.

He's quite clever and gave it a museum quality restoration. We've always had cats - never could set it up here.

But, Snoopy ? Well, I am a big Snoopy fan and into the WW1 ace/ Red Baron thing as we have the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome nearby. When lived up north a bit I'd see biplanes and the occasional triplane cruising around. Been there many times.

There are three songs in this album related to a story and the last one is about Christmas, it ends with O Tannenbaum. When I put the tree up each year I put this on and have a mug of heavily laced eggnog..... or three.

Our tree came from a dollar store before there were dollar stores. It was a place that sold one-offs. Example - Xmas decorations made in countries where they didn't speak English so you 'd have (for cheap) decorations that said 'Merry Chistmas' etc. People never really look ;)

So I got a little 12" fake tree there and it's still a beloved and treasured part of our little ritual. The original vinyl album is framed and hanging on the wall next to me.


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Pigfarmer thank you so much!
Blessed be
Rikki
 
The shadow

The shadow

The shadow knows!

View: https://youtu.be/lCpXMy5GalI?si=-Zt3v92fF_92GUQ8

The duet “Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy” by Bing Crosby and David Bowie is among the most surprising yet celebrated Christmas collaborations ever. This 1977 performance brought together two contrasting musical worlds, crafting a moment in history that continues to be treasured. The journey behind this iconic pairing is as compelling as the song itself.

In 1977, David Bowie was already a global icon known for his flamboyant, avant-garde persona and groundbreaking music. Bing Crosby, on the other hand, was a legendary crooner, synonymous with classic Christmas songs like “White Christmas.” At the time, Crosby was filming Bing Crosby's Merrie Olde Christmas, a TV special to air during the holidays. His team invited Bowie to appear as a guest, likely to attract a younger audience, as Crosby’s traditional appeal was fading among the newer generations.

Initially, Bowie was hesitant. He wasn’t keen on performing The Little Drummer Boy, a song he reportedly didn’t like. However, the producers worked with him to create a counter-melody, Peace on Earth, which Bowie would sing alongside Crosby’s Little Drummer Boy. This fresh arrangement was completed in less than an hour, blending their voices in a way that felt timeless and unique.

The actual taping of the duet took place in London on September 11, 1977, at Elstree Studios. Bowie arrived dressed in a conservative blue blazer, looking noticeably different from his usual Ziggy Stardust or Thin White Duke personas. This was intentional; Bowie wanted to match the tone of the show and avoid overshadowing Crosby with his typically theatrical style.

Despite their stark differences, Bowie and Crosby reportedly got along well during rehearsals. Bowie admired Crosby’s smooth baritone voice, while Crosby was intrigued by Bowie’s boldness and artistry. According to producer Buz Kohan, Crosby even referred to Bowie as a “nice kid with talent.” Their mutual respect was evident during the performance, which became a seamless blend of their contrasting worlds.

Tragically, Bing Crosby passed away just five weeks after the recording, on October 14, 1977. His death brought an unexpected poignancy to the duet. When the special aired on November 30, 1977, the performance became an instant classic, celebrated for its emotional depth and musical harmony. The duet struck a chord with audiences, blending nostalgia with modernity in a way that felt magical.

Years later, the song was officially released as a single in 1982, reaching the UK charts and becoming a Christmas staple. Critics and fans alike praised the arrangement for its innovative melding of two distinct styles. It also symbolized a cultural bridge between generations Crosby representing the old guard of traditional pop, and Bowie embodying the avant-garde future of music.

The enduring appeal of this duet lies in its sincerity and simplicity. Bowie’s soaring tenor complements Crosby’s warm baritone, creating a sense of peace and unity. The lyrics, particularly the addition of Peace on Earth, resonated deeply during a time of political and social turmoil in the late 1970s. The collaboration is a reminder of music’s power to transcend boundaries, both generational and stylistic.
 
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