Sunday, December 21, 2008

Sleigh Ride



One of the distinctive features of the festive season is the holiday music you hear everywhere you go. Ad nauseum. After a couple of months of hearing the same tunes over and over, I do get tired most of them. But there's one that I never tire of hearing.


It's the Boston Pops' instrumental version of Sleigh Ride, written by Leroy Anderson in 1948. This arrangement features sound effects--sleigh bells, hoofbeats, a horse's whinny, and the crack of a whip.


I love the sound of that whip. I don't think it really sounds like a buggy whip at all; it's more like the sound of a hand spanking a bare bum. One of my favourite sounds of the season. Listen to it here.


What do you think?

8 comments:

Spanky said...

I think you're definitely on to something! Love your post, as usual!

Jay Walker said...

I get fed up with all the popular Christmas songs that are played to death in the run up to christmas. They (whoever they are) never play the carols, thats why I have a selection of carols on my blog. Nice traditional christmas music, well except the crazy drunk lady doing the 12 days of christmas.
Hugs, Jay

dwcmike said...

Loving the sound of a whip... wow, are you progressing in the imagination. Actually, the idea of being good or naughty and being suitably rewarded has it merits, making the season even more wonderful.
Happy Holidays!
Mike

Anonymous said...

Hi Hermione,
You know even as a very young child that crack! of the whip was my favorite part of the song. So I guess I was a closet spanko as a child and didn't even know it.
I love the way your mind thinks
Take care
Andrades Girl

Greenwoman said...

Yeah, that one is hard to get tired of. I can usually enjoy the instrumental ones far longer than those with words myself. *smiles* Happy Solstice!

ronnie said...

Lovely Hermione, I also get fed up with all the same music thats played wherever you go. The sound of the whip sends my imagination all over the place. I think I would agree with you - sound of a hand spanking a bare bum mmmmmmmm delicious.

Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Ronnie
xx

Hermione said...

Spanky - Thanks!

Jay - I prefer carols too.

Mike - My imagination has been in overdrive lately!

Andrades - Great minds think alike.

Greenwoman - Happy solstice to you too.

Ronnie - It's amazing how many times I've heard that particular piece since I wrote this post.

Happy holidays, everyone!

Hugs,
Hermione

Lil Sam said...

Hi Hermione
Thank you for your warm welcome. I am very new to this scene,but really look forward to the journey. I love your site and look forward to visiting it often.
hugs Lil sam