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Wednesday, November 20, 2013

To Drive the Cold Winter Away


Always at this time of year, as I grasp at the final days of November, hoping they will pass a little slower, and while the trees have fully disrobed, ready to bare their souls for another winter, is when I pull one of my most favourite CD's off the shelf.

Loreena McKennitt's To Drive the Cold Winter Away is billed as a Christmas album, but to me, it sets a mood of inner reflection as we begin our journey of winter respite. There are hints of Christmas throughout but not in the overly commercialized way of most albums but rather the soothing lilt of the harp and Loreena's haunting and ethereal voice lead me through Christmases past when it really was a simple holiday celebrated in simple ways. It was recorded in a local (to me) church, and a monastery and great hall in Ireland, replete with Celtic instruments which only lend to the feeling of being transported to a music faire several hundred years ago.

So while you're baking, wrapping gifts or for those preparing for Thanksgiving, give this CD a listen. You won't be disappointed. It's a wonderful way to start the season of celebrating light in a time of darkness.

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This time of the year is spent in good cheer
And neighbours together do meet
To sit by the fire, with friendly desire
Each other in love to greet
Old grudges forgot are put in the pot
All sorrows aside they lay
The old and the young doth carol this song
To drive the cold winter away.



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15 comments:

Lynne said...

Oh I must . . . sounds like the perfect music for my blogging break . . . thank you, thank you . . .

Jessica said...

Oh that sounds like an album I need to get! One of my favorite albums is a Celtic Christmas album, all instrumental. It's so relaxing, and reminds me of the little colonial-era village in my hometown where I got it. :)

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh Andrea it is absolutely beautiful much like your words. Oh we do not have any snow yet it is so pretty. Hug B

Mary, Windy Meadows Farm said...

Thanks! I've loved her voice & music for years, but don't have this cd...sounds like what we need to get into the season. -Mary

Judy said...

That is beautiful Andrea,thanks for sharing. It did snow a bit yesterday but nothing stuck.

Candy C. said...

I haven't listened to any of her music in a couple of years and hearing this made me realize how much I miss it! :)

Kim Mailhot said...

Sweet ! I am still happily enjoying some Fall here but will keep this music in mind when the winter hits.
Happy Thursday ! Stay cozy !

Country Gal said...

Beautiful photo ! I love the Celtic sound and have a few CD'S my self I like to listen to ! Thanks for sharing . Have a good week !

Dotti said...

To drive the winter away ... sounds good to me! My husband loves Celtic music, I shall have to play this for him.

Snap said...

Lovely shot. I adore Loreena McKennitt. I could listen to her music 24 hours a day. This is one of my favorites, too.

Kim Cunningham said...

Oh that's a new recommendation to me! Will look it up! Thanks for joining us at LTT today!

Unknown said...

Wow, this is an awesome post! Tonight is the first snow of the year here, it's cold and quiet...perfect for this post and song!

tiarastantrums said...

I had never heard of this song or artist before- thanks so much for introducing me to someone new!

Meri said...

Like some of your readers, it's been a long time since I focused on Lorena's haunting melodies. Thanks for reminding me to tune in again.

Dark Creek Farm said...

Oh, that voice... it has been ages since I listened to anything by her - thank you for the post -