I once heard it said (though I can’t find any verification on the internet) that Newfoundland boasts more musical recordings than any other country in the world. And that was quoted back in a time when you had to pay for access to a recording studio; long before the advent of internet, hand held recorders, and beat underlays.
Regardless, we won’t quibble over the details, knowing with all certainty that we have a disproportionately large number of musicians, song writers and singers in Newfoundland. For this is the foundation upon which much of our cultural heritage is based. Kitchen parties, concerts, choirs, orchestra’s, recitals, caroling, mummering, and a mad variety of taverns and pubs – they each keep us swaying to the music all throughout the year.
But Christmas really ramps things up as many of our professional performers return home to rejuvenate with friends, family and even foes. This is a brilliant time of year, one that inspires Christmas themes and therefore, many fun, thoughtful and soul wrenching songs that help us celebrate the season.
Here’s a list of our favorites;
1. Damian Follett – ‘Christmas in St. John’s’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=In_X6Okonl0
2. Great Big Sea – ‘Come and I will sing You’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbRsJ5riZgY&list=PLCHzGfI1BoXniDPRndTy6yY19xZ6Zkild
3. The Once – ‘Light in Your Widow’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnMwiXLVS7Q&index=2&list=RDaKLlYcgS2vA
4. Hey Rosetta – ‘Carry me home’
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-ab&q=hey+rosetta+christmas
5. Elmo & Patsy – ‘Christmas in the Harbour’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQaXSIpBZNc
6. Wonderful Grand Band – ‘Christmas in the Harbour’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhG7LCX8mf0
7. Punters – ‘Christmas in the Harbour’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vM_kmy9wcJc
8. Simani – ‘Mummers song’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E86bcriRtW8
9. Ennis Sisters – ‘I’ll be there Christmas Eve’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2mA1aNWFrI
10. Dick Nolan – ‘Good Ole Newfie Christmas’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icjv2YS4ca4
11. Irish Descendants – ‘Heading home for Christmas’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCSJB0vPvc8
12. Shanneyganock – ‘Mummers song’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvcmhyHyjak
13. Dave Whitty – ‘Santa Clause is getting out of hand’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caglHU86XL8
14. Bump – ‘Coloured Lights’
www.youtube.com/watch?v=UL_itns0Vnw
