Christmas presents from Camden

Allow me to quote the lines of an old song that aptly describes the arrival of the last months of the year. “It’s a long, long while from May to December/ but the days grow short when you reach September...” The month of September has arrived and along with it, also comes the anticipation of the joyous Christmas Season.

I love all the excitement that the waiting brings and I am always glad to find out that although, the reason for it might be actually commercial, there are others who feel the same way. The Christmas trees and accompanying decorations have made their appearance in the stores. Not yet in great profusion. Just in a corner or two. But they are there and they certainly make passers-by think of Christmas.

And when you think of Christmas, materialistic though it may sound, you also think of presents. And I can think of no better gift than the sound of music. As a famous quote says, this is the gift that keeps on giving. Pop the CD into the machine and you get the music. And you can do this again and again.

I am sure that a Michael Jackson CD or video would be one of the most welcome gifts this year. But for those who already have their copies or who have other interests, there is a new set of CDs by famous artists from the Camden label.

The key in choosing gift albums is the number of hits included in the compilation and this series has almost everything by a particular, well-loved star. Of course there is also the price. Camden’s range from P185 to P255 for the two-disc sets and these prices are very reasonable.

Check out some of the titles now in the stores. You can find something for everybody in your list and even for yourself.

 It’s Not For Me To Say, The Best of Johnny Mathis. One of the greatest balladeers of all time performs Friends in Love a duet with Dionne Warwick, A Certain Smile and When A Child Is Born.

The Best Of The Nolans. There was a time in the not so distant past when we all grooved to I’m In The Mood For Dancing, Sexy Music and Spirit, Body And Soul.

Time After Time, The Cyndi Lauper Collection. Madonna became the legend but chief rival from the early years Lauper did come up with timeless hits of her own. Girls Just Want To Have Fun, True Colors, Time After Time and Come On Home.

Ravishing, The Best of Bonnie Tyler. They said she sounded hoarse but that raspy voice gave birth to the immortal Total Eclipse Of The Heart, Bitterblue and other hits.

Breathe Again, The Best Of Toni Braxton. I still marvel at how Braxton got her hands on some of the gut-wrenching love songs of all time and they are all here together. Breathe Again, Unbreak My Heart and Give U My Heart featuring Babyface.

Black Magic Woman, The Best Of Fleetwood Mac. Didn’t now that early Fleetwood Mac recorded Black Magic Woman. But here it is along with Long Grey Mare, Dust My Broom and Worried Dream.

Soul Provider, The Best Of Michael Bolton. No one does blue-eyed soul like Bolton and the songs here will show you why. How Am I Supposed To Live Without You, When A Man Loves A Woman and Missing You Now.

Night & Day, The Best Of Dionne Warwick. One of the greatest interpreters of the pop ballad sings All The Love In The World, I’ll Never Love This Way Again and Deja vu.

Broken Wings, The Best Of Mr. Mister. I know some people out there who have been looking for any CD with the classic Broken Wings. So here it is along with Hunters of the Night and Welcome To The Real World.

The Best Of The Three Degrees. There was a time when this trio gave The Supremes very stiff competition with When Will I See You Again, Woman In Love and Distant Lover.

As you can see, there is something here for everybody. Diehard rockers will love classic Fleetwood Mac. Those who like to dance will find Pussycat Dolls antecedents The Nolans charming. Mon and Dad will go for Michael Bolton and Grandma and Grandpa will swoon for the hits of Dionne Warwick and Johnny Mathis.

You say it is too early to think of Christmas? As another old song says, difficult times like these, call for anything that can help bring a smile. “And we need a little Christmas right this very minute.”