Past, Present And Future

OK, let me go ahead and say this right at the beginning.  This is a weird one.  You'd think it's just another Christmas album by noted choral director Ken Darby and his singers, but that would be too easy. Perhaps the cover clues you in if you look closely at the odd colors and the warped typeface.  The creepy guy in the center ornament doesn't help either.  I hunted this record for a long time before it finally came my way.  I'd seen it mentioned on contemporary Decca Christmas LPs, but for some reason it never turns up.  After you listen to it, you might understand why it's a little rarer than Bing and Burl albums.  I don't really know how to explain it.  It's not bad.  But it's not catchy or poppy, either.  It could easily be the soundtrack to something, but it isn't.  I'm thinking the closest thing it might compare to is Gordon Jenkins' themed albums, like Manhattan Tower or Seven Dreams.  It's like that, if that means anything to you.  It even gets a little sci-fi on the future part, talking about listening to the sounds that left Earth many years ago.  Or is that the past part?  I don't know, it's all too trippy for me.  I'm going to go listen to my copy of Rotary Connection-Peace, that'll make this one sound like Nat.  Maybe.  If you're feeling brave, why not download and listen to Chorus And Orchestra Under Direction Of Ken Darby-The Spirit Of Christmas--Past, Present And Future (Decca DL 78939, Stereo, 1959).  Funny story, I recorded this one two years ago, but then promptly misplaced the record.  I didn't scan it before I lost it, so couldn't do much with it.  Today I found another copy and was able to scan and share it real quick.  Ha, that sure was funny!  I crack myself up!

1. The Spirit Of Christmas Past; Adoremus Te; Noel De Thevet; The Friendly Beasts; Come To Bethlehem; The Coventry Carol; Mary Treads The Snow; Stille Nacht; The Bell-Ringers Carol
2. The Spirit Of Christmas Present; 'Twas The Night Before Christmas; White Christmas; We'll Dress The House
3. The Spirit Of Christmas Present (Con't); Caroling, Caroling; Some Children See Him; Come Dear Children; 'Twas The Night Before Christmas
4. The Spirit Of Christmas Future; To You Who Are As Yet Unborn
5. The Story Of Christmas
6. Another Christmas
7. Finale: Saviour, Saviour

Zippyshare