My Music Monday

I know last year I used the same song around this time - "the Little Drummer Boy".  Of course, that was done slightly tongue-in-cheek because not only was it Grace Jones doing it on Pee Wee's Playhouse, but I remember from years ago Dr. Spo mentioning his dislike for such a holiday tune.  He does not like the song, that Spo.

I'm not a fan either - and I promise this to be the last of the series.

However, this year is not comedy turn, but drama.  Taken from possibly one of the best West Wing episodes done, 'In Excelsis Dio'.

Technically there is music during the video, but it's not a music video. The song's was selected to play part of the military theme of the episode and whether you like the song or not (and I do not), it works quite well, especially beginning at the 2:40 mark.

There is a shorter clip that gets right to the songs, but I think you need to watch some leading-up footage to get the gist.

The arrangement of the music, especially the drums in military fashion, play off the holiday theme and the funeral one as well. You can take or leave the choir singing the song, but with the addition of the drums, it brings some heft and actual emotion to a song that I always took as being lightweight.

I think there are clips of on YouTube on why Mrs. Landingham requests to attend the funeral, so you can search those out if you so desire. The implied rationale is quite moving.

There are two quick shots of Toby and Mrs. Landingham during the 21 gun salute that ring so true, assuming you've been to or observed a military funeral. It is a reaction that I think most civilians encounter.