The Annual Music Box Share

One thing I've discovered since hitting the thrift shops in search of Christmas records is that there are a lot of music box recordings.  I think this will be the 3rd year in a row I've shared out an album of Christmas Music Box songs.  Hmmm.... I've added a couple of the German Christmas Carousels (like in "Christmas Vacation", only smaller) to my Christmas decorations this year.  Maybe I need to be on the lookout for an honest-to-goodness Christmas Music Box.

This year's share is "Christmas Music Box Favorites" from the Paul Eakins Gay Nineties Village collection, from (when the album was made) Sikeston, Missouri.  The Gay Nineties is, or was, according to the album a "mecca of fun".  I can't speak for the Village itself, but the music on this record is a whole lotta fun.

These music boxes seem to produce more complex tunes than my previous shares.  There is a lot going on here musically - runs, rhythmic counters to the melodies, and quite complex song structures.  There is also the noise that the music boxes produce while playing - some knocks and whirrs - but I think that adds to the nostalgia and authenticity of the experience.

One of these days maybe I'll produce a 'best of' Music Box collection.  But not this year :-)

For tonight, I bring you "Christmas Music Box Favorites".

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