A few years ago I downloaded what has since become one of my favorite Christmas albums ever — White Christmas on the Campus by the Dartmouth Glee Club (United Artists UAL 3102, 1961). Now I now what you might be thinking: Glee Club? You mean like the homogenized, lifeless crap on that TV show?

Nope. This is the real deal. Tasteful and elegant a capella holiday music, nothing more. The Glee Club was apparently all-male when this was recorded, just so you know. Regardless, or maybe because of that, this is a strong performance with just the right balance of delicacy and strength. Kudos to director Paul R. Zeller. My favorite, in case you were wondering, is “The Secret of Christmas.”

If you enjoy this album (and I know you will), be sure to check out the excellent Ernie (Not Bert) blog, where I got this from. He’s got tons of other great Christmas music for your downloading pleasure. If you don’t see the SoundCloud widget below, let me know in the comments.

Track Listing

1. Happy Holiday
2. O Come All Ye Faithful
3. White Christmas
4. Angels We Have Heard On High
5. The Secret Of Christmas
6. What Child Is This?
7. The Christmas Song
8. Lo How a Rose E’er Blooming
9. Sleigh Ride
10. The First Noel
11. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
12. Mid Ox and Ass
13. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
14. Here a Torch Jeanette Isabella
15. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
16. Jingle Bells