A Golden Christmas Sing-A-Long - Sandpiper Chorus and Orchestra

You folks must have been real good this year, as here's another rarity (no alternate download spots on Google — my barometer for whether something is available!) — A Golden Christmas Sing-A-Long by the Sandpiper Chorus and Orchestra (Golden Records L67 / Arranged and Conducted by Jim Timmens, 1962.)

Like to sing-a-long with Christmas music? Well, here's your chance! "Performed in the proper keys for children", this album is complete with instructions on how and when to chime in on your seasonal favorites. The Sandpiper vocals even drop out at key moments for you to fill in ("... so be good for goodness ____.")

This gem will either excite you or enrage you (for instance, there's virtually no variation in the arrangements from track to track.) Chances are, however, if you're here in the first place, A Golden Christmas Sing-A-Long might just end up being your favorite download of the 2013 Christmas season.

Merry Christmas from Bonnie Guitar

My apologies for slacking off this season... I hope this album will more than make up for it!

I was surprised to find that in this great universe of Christmas music blogs, Merry Christmas from Bonnie Guitar (Dot Records DLP 25746, Stereo) had not already been shared.

Released on LP in 1966, and (to date) never re-issued on CD, this smooth collection features a coo-ing Bonnie Guitar on vocals, complemented with period-appropriate background vocals, strings and pop ensemble (arranged by Cliff Parman) — all in the style Guitar was popular for at the time as a performer.

The album kicks off with the original "I'll Be Missing You (Under the Mistletoe)", gently breaking in the festivities for what was likely a Country music crowd. Of particular note is "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear", a great, late-Christmas Eve option for those reflective moments before bedtime, and the drum-led "Joy to the World", which the background singers amping things up.

This album may also be the first appearance of "Last Christmas" — but it's not the mega-hit recorded by '80s pop group Wham! This one is an original tune.