Carol of the Bells is pretty much the best Christmas Song. Absolutely minor key, medieval sounding, and even better, it’s full of bells–the good kind. So, I’m happy to report that, thanks to NoJoy’s recommendation, I believe I’ve finally found the best version of the song for today’s post:
No, this isn’t the original Ukranian song, “Schedryk” written by Mykola Leontovych in 1922. Based on traditional Ukranian folk melodies, the song is essentially the same, though with the notable absence of bells:
And no, this isn’t the Savatage…er…Trans Siberian Orchestra version, which I can pretend I’m better than it all I want, but I most likely am not:
The Ray Conniff (And the Ray Conniff singers) version is somehow darker and more epic than all other versions combined. Adding in a backing melodic line straight out of a John Carpenter movie, coupled with the most sinister delivery of “RING…” possible, the song sounds positively modern even before the choir absolutely loses their shit for the final notes.
There is no switching to a major key bullshit like “We Three Kings” (and so many others), just pure unadulterated darkness. Counterpoint, dischord, and non-jingly bells–Jesus might be king, but the devil had a hand in this song.
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