Need the best 'Carol of the Bells'

[mdameron]

Well, it's Christmas time again, and Carol of the Bells is easily my favorite Christmas-ish song there is. I'm really wanting to pick up an orchestra or symphony (actually, a very powerful choir would be sweet too!) playing this song. It needs to be POWERFUL. Like, it needs to leave you feeling winded. I started to really get into the Trans Siberian Orchestra version of it, (think the track is called 'Sarajevo' off of the 'Christmas Eve' album) but I really got turned off with the hair-band style guitar riff.

All recommendations are greatly appreciated! Just name a group and album that has it... Powerful orchestras, instrumental groups, or bigass choirs will do. Just needs to have 'ooomph'.

 

[roadtonowhere08]

I doubr you will find one with more energy than the TSO one. IMO, that is the best one I have ever heard. It's pretty much the only one I can listen to more than once w/o getting tired of it.

 

[mdameron]

Ah man... I was hopin' I wouldn't hear that. That guitar shred is such a buzz kill

 

[roadtonowhere08]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdameron Ah man... I was hopin' I wouldn't hear that. That guitar shred is such a buzz kill

Well if it makes you feel any better, I am not exactly the authority on the subject either

The song is BY FAR my favorite Christmas song though.

 

[roadtonowhere08]

Well if it makes you feel any better, I am not exactly the authority on the subject either

The song is BY FAR my favorite Christmas song though.

 

[mektarus]

Yes, I know this thread is old. And yes, I know is July, but when I stumbled upon this thread I had to reply. Carol of the Bells is my favorite Christmas tune as well. And while I love TSO's version (cheezy guitars and all) my absolute favorite version is by David Benoit, from the GRP Christmas Collection, Vol 1. No guitar solos or power chords, just an incredible jazz (it's ok, no need to be afraid) rendition featuring incredible musicians. It still stirs my soul and moves my spirit even after nearly 18 years.

 

[Audiofiler]

Yes the TSO version is grand, but by far the best version of Carol of Bells (IMHO) appears on the David Foster Christmas album, track 1.

This is by far my most listened to Chistmas CD over the years, and contains some other songs you have heard and enjoy I am sure as well..
The recording is well done, in 1995 so the sonics are great, and David Foster's production is spot on.
I remembered watching the special on TV, Michael Crawford (Original London Phantom) has an amazing version of Holy Night...that will make your Grado/Senn/AKG/AT/SONY sing sweetness...great reference track for upper register.
Here it is, there is a reason it is $25.00 for used/new, because it is awesome

enjoy

 

[Dusty Chalk]

I really like the George Winston rendition. I realize it's not powerful in the traditional sense, but if you've ever heard solo piano music that you consider powerful, he is the man.

 

[madkatben]

Mormon Tabernacle Choir – Carol of the Bells this is the one your looking for

 

[MaZa]

Dude, this thread is from 2005...

 

[paras42]

MystiQuintet
 
Can't find it online, sorry!

 

[paras42]

nvm