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Holiday Tunes

Date: Dec 22 2003

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Intro

1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.

Jingle Bell Rock

2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.

I have to admit, I’m not the biggest fan of holiday music. When I was a child, I enjoyed singing Christmas songs in school, but since I’ve grown up I’m not really into it. However, that doesn’t mean I can’t help you enjoy some good holiday albums.
The Christmas season has inspired hundreds of albums. They vary from the pop – like Mariah Carey and NSYNC, to rock – like Bruce Springsteen, to classic – like the Rat Pack[/def], to jazz – like Harry Connick Jr., to undefined – like Mannheim Steamroller.
Read on to learn more!

Dialog

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2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.

I asked some of my friends what their favorite holiday albums were, and they returned a long list. Apparently, they like holiday music quite a bit!
Here are some of the albums you should check out:
Christmas with the Rat Pack
by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. *
Three of the 20th century’s most famous singers sing about sleigh bells, roasting chestnuts, and the Christmas tradition. Two of the best tracks are Sammy Davis’s “Jingle Bells” and Dean Martin’s smooth “Peace on Earth/Silent Night.”
Now That’s What I Call Christmas!
Now That’s What I Call Christmas! features a wide variety of singers, such as Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, Britney Spears, John Lennon, Bruce Springsteen, Harry Connick Jr., Shaggy and ‘N Sync. With 36 songs on 2 discs, there’s enough holiday music for anyone and everyone!
A Very Special Christmas
A Very Special Christmas is another diverse collection of wonderful holiday songs – including classics such as “Do You Hear What I Hear?” by Whitney Houston and “Merry Christmas Baby” by Bruce Springsteen. This album features one of my favorite holiday songs, “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” by U2.
Merry Christmas
by Mariah Carey*
Mariah Carey’s Christmas album is very popular. Mariah has one of the most amazing voices in the music business, and she shows it on songs like “Silent Night” and “O Holy Night.” The most famous song on this album is probably “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Mariah sings this song better than anyone else could.

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Discussion

After thinking about all of this holiday music, I am in the holiday spirit. It is nice to hear a good Christmas song – once in a while. The real problem is that during the holiday season, you hear Christmas music everywhere. It gets annoying.
Anyhow, I hope you’re having a great winter, whether you’re celebrating holidays or not. If you are celebrating, check out some of these CDs. They won’t disappoint.
Bell Rock[/def] On,
Migs