And it’s not because Ian Anderson and company put out an actual Christmas record in 2003, or the “Christmas Song" on 1968’s Living in the Past album.
I think of a release in 1977, Songs From The Wood.
Danny White, a friend and former band mate of mine, gave me the Tull record. It doesn’t actually have any Christmas-themed songs on it, but does contain a lot of festive reels that go well during the holiday season.
“The Whistler” is a song that has a lot of lively pipes, and “Ring Out Solstice Bells” exudes a plethora of holiday spirit.
Another Christmas around the mid '70s I got Boston’s first album from my oldest brother. He had heard good things about this new group and thought I might like the debut record.
I did. Very much. In fact, songs such as “More Than a Feeling, Longtime, and Smokin’” later became part of my cover band’s repertoire.
Music is one of those gifts that keep on giving. Decades after I received those albums they remain some of my favorites and I still get as much joy listening to them as the first time I put the stylus down on that black vinyl.
Don’t get me wrong. I like the traditional and popular Christmas music as much as the next guy. But sometimes you need a break from the jingle bells and hymns, and some classic rock n’ roll is just the ticket.
You can outgrow shirts or wear them out over time. Candy and cookies are temporary treats that bring momentary pleasures.
But music is a gift that lasts.