The Ultimate Little Drummer Boy Thread!

[Toymakr000]

I just thought I'd start a thread on a song that I've been looking for...The Little Drummer Boy.
I've done a little scouring of the web for the perfect version.
I have not found it yet. However I thought I'd share with everyone what I've found so far. I am welcoming anyone to enter names, links, albums, or any information on versions of this song they like.
Here's a few that I've found. some are links to videos and some are links to music sales sites. Just so you can sample what they sound like.
This may be a good thing for other popular songs as well in separate threads so they can be searched here on Planet Christmas!

Apocalyptica
http://metal-videos.blogspot.com/2006/11/apocalyptica-little-drummer-boy.html

Brian Oneal
http://www.ourstage.com/tracks/RQIHUPJPPKNH

Celtic Woman
http://www.chinatownconnection.com/little-drummer-boy.htm

Elvin Bishop
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SCDG74/ref=dm_dp_trk11

Gary Hoey
http://www.amazon.com/Little-Drummer-Boy/dp/B000QQ6G60

Jars of Clay
http://video.google.com/videosearch?hl=en&source=hp&q=little+drummer+boy+jars+of+clay&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=ZFXnSvm5NYasMMja3LMI&sa=X&oi=video_result_group&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CBkQqwQwAA#

Jay Osmund
http://www.osmondgeneralstore.com/Music/LittleDrummerBoyA.mp3

Joan Jett and the blackhearts
http://isfuckingaweso.me/song/363087/Joan-Jett-The-Blackhearts-Little-Drummer-Boy

Johnathan Kane
http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/7542153/a/Little+Drummer+Boy.htm

Rayu-Borne 2 Die
http://musicishere.com/artist/114039-Rayu/91292-Borne-2-Die-quot-Little-Drummer-Boy-quot

The Dandy Warhols......stupid video
http://www.last.fm/music/The+Dandy+Warhols/_/Little+Drummer+Boy

The Katinas
http://thekatinas.com/2009/09/17/little-drummer-boy/

The Dandy Warhols......stupid video
http://www.last.fm/music/The+Dandy+Warhols/_/Little+Drummer+Boy

Whitney Houston
http://new.music.yahoo.com/whitney-houston/tracks/little-drummer-boy--2089358

[B_Regal78]

The Dandy Warhols......stupid video
http://www.last.fm/music/The+Dandy+Warhols/_/Little+Drummer+Boy
.....:eek:.....

[Roman A. Gurule Jr.]

This is the one that I used last year. I had been searching as well, and think this one is a keeper.
Neil Diamond

http://www.vimeo.com/2855372

Enjoy
Roman

[B_Regal78]

Go Fish also sings the Little Drummer Boy on the album "Snow."

http://www.gofishguys.com/cms/pages/the-music/snow.php

[chartrand]

[QUOTE=B_Regal78;381896]Go Fish also sings the Little Drummer Boy on the album "Snow."

I agree the Go Fish version is GREAT!!

[Ronda]

this is also sung by ABBA and boney m


http://www.filestube.com/search.html?q=little+drummer+boy&select=mp3

[matthew in lex ky]

I think the one by Lou Rawls is a good tune and not that long ether.It is the one I am using this year it has kind of a blues beat to it..

[tfischer]

See this thread, regarding my use of the Go Fish sequence:
http://cr.planetchristmas.com/showthread.php?t=35198

[joeengler]

Oh lets not forget Bob Seger

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001NAZLN2/ref=dm_mu_dp_trk11

[B_Regal78]

And all of these guys (http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-music&field-keywords=little+drummer+boy)...1300+ versions.

[taybrynn]

Family Force 5 Christmas Pageant (great album, btw)- Little Drummer Boy

This is the most original version I've ever heard ... very updated for the times ... but obviously not for everyone.

In this version, the drummer boy uses a "drum machine" ...

http://www.amazon.com/Little-Drummer-Boy/dp/B002PXFLS6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dmusic&qid=1256690157&sr=8-1

[B_Regal78]

See this thread, regarding my use of the Go Fish sequence:
http://cr.planetchristmas.com/showthread.php?t=35198
I remember watching that video (it was excellent I might add), but I did not realize at the time that was Go Fish.

[rwertz]

David Bowie and Bing Crosby

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zMhSjDqvRs

[Bruceski44]

Alabama version is pretty heavy.
Trans Harmonic Orchestra (not kidding, classical rock http://www.amazon.com/Classical-Rock-Christmas/dp/B001ANGRIA/ref=pd_rhf_p_img_2)
Tonic Sol Fa (accapella vocal harmony - did this one this year)
Mary Chapin Carpenter
CRU - dance
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Jimmy Maddox from Boogie Woogie Christmas Card (one of my faves!)

[tfischer]

I remember watching that video (it was excellent I might add), but I did not realize at the time that was Go Fish.

It's a slightly sped up, and edited down version (I removed portions of most of the bridges-- can't really remove verses in that song since it tells the story).

[tfischer]

Oh lets not forget Bob Seger

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001NAZLN2/ref=dm_mu_dp_trk11

I like that version, mainly for nostalgic reasons (I'm an 80's guy :) )

[laser633]

I use the Jars of Clay. I find it a good one to light. I hope I can afford the Cosmic Ribbon next year. The "zapping" sounds at the end of the song would look nice flashing up and down my stair-rail.

Ed

[hob]

I don't have links to these songs. All Jazz from my personal collection.

Cassandra Wilson 'Jazz to the world: A Christmas collection'
Jeff Linsky 'Concord Jazz Christmas 2'
Karl Lundeberg and Full Circle 'A Jazzy Wonderland'
Rick Gallagher 'A sleigh, A song and a baby boy'
and
Marlon Jordan and Delfeayo Marsalis ' A Jazzy Wonderland' but this is free form Jazz.

[Bob V]

I've been looking for the "perfect" version of Little Drummer Boy myself. Stumbled upon a version by New Song from the Christmas Hope CD. Needs edited down, but has some possibilities. Here is a link to a not so good live version, but might give you an idea of what it is like. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7hYiwpJMJY Amazon has it for 99 cents.

[rjnitto]

I'm using a shortened version by Mannheim Steamroller. Listen to it here. . .

http://www.last.fm/music/Mannheim+Steamroller/_/Little+Drummer+Boy

I think it's great!

Richard

[RiscIt]

can't really remove verses in that song since it tells the story).

Sure ya can... it's such a slow and boring song that no one listens to the story anyway. ;)

Really... I love Christmas.. and all the stories, but I have never heard a version of Little Drummer Boy that I could tolerate for more than a few minutes. Go Fish was close, but the slow/drone start still gets to me.

[Lionmo]

Give this one a listen. I am thinking about using it this next year. Only 2:36

http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=tra.30017205
Ron

[ahawk]

this is also sung by ABBA and boney m


http://www.filestube.com/search.html?q=little+drummer+boy&select=mp3

This is the version I run in my show. I haven't heard one yet that I like more than ABBA.

[Lightzilla]

Sure ya can... it's such a slow and boring song that no one listens to the story anyway. ;)

Really... I love Christmas.. and all the stories, but I have never heard a version of Little Drummer Boy that I could tolerate for more than a few minutes. Go Fish was close, but the slow/drone start still gets to me.

I am the opposite of you I cannot handle to many groups that hack up a song that was meant to be slower for a reason.......usually the song writer wants to move your emotions and not your hips, a song writer is trying to get you to see the important of the story.

I know that I heard songs where a group did a remake of the song and the music actually does not go with the words or the message that was being put forth.

I also heard the opposite too.

Just my thoughts.

[nanac1]

IF you like jazz, we use a version done by The Chris McDonald orchestra, Big Band Christmas.

You can view it on the LOR customer videos 2005 contest entries. http://www.lightorama.com/w_videos-2005-2.htm
Needless to say it's the Dan and Marilyn Caron "Little Drummer Boy" No vocals and it's a big hit around here.
Lori and Gene made the instruments for us.

Marilyn

[ryebred]

One of my favorites is the version done by Lonestar.

http://www.amazon.com/Little-Drummer-Boy/dp/B001382X0S

[Toymakr000]

I just found this version..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2WRv52XBd4

[Dale W]

This is going to sound crazy, but what about the Harry Simeone Chorale?

[ChrisL1976]

This is going to sound crazy, but what about the Harry Simeone Chorale?

that version is on top of the list from Post #10
(http://talk.planetchristmas.com/showpost.php?p=381963&postcount=10)

[Toymakr000]

I just found this version..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2WRv52XBd4

[Dale W]

that version is on top of the list from Post #10
(http://talk.planetchristmas.com/showpost.php?p=381963&postcount=10)

Thanks, I had not clicked on the Amazon link.

Does anybody else but me get jazzed by this version?????????

[oldcqr]

Man, how did I miss this message all those months ago?

When I get a chance, in the next day or 2, I'll go through my library (it has to be over 10K tracks now) and see what other versions I can dig out.

[ChrisL1976]

Does anybody else but me get jazzed by this version?????????

Umm...no, its only you. :rolleyes:

[Dale W]

Umm...no, its only you. :rolleyes:

I figured as much.

Love the peaceful harmony of the Chorale. It is my favorite version and I am leaning heavily in favor of doing it this season.

[madmiask]

Hello,

It exists in French for those who want to be exotic :

Nana MOUSKOURI : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vklUhZZDk7Y

Jaïro : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7qXiigScbc

Suzanne BEAUSOLEIL : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dKxo9B04ys

trumpet version : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPP2tWFLndA

choir version : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKJsQ7T9RLE

bagpipes version : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4vy9XocmvE&feature=related

That's all folks :santasmileyitty:

[Dale W]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dZPctFNUj0

Jimi Hendrix

[oldcqr]

I have not forgotten my promise-> I finally got a chance to run through my library today, and I found approximately 72 different versions of 'The Little Drummer Boy' in it.

The tracks are now ready to go. I just need to update my site with them, and I'll pass along a link as soon as I do (or more correctly: As soon as I remember how to use the software I installed on my site last year to play them!)

[RiscIt]

...I found approximately 72 different versions of 'The Little Drummer Boy'....
72?? I thought torture was illegal?!? :eek:

[Dale W]

Has anybody done the version by Audio Adrenaline? It rocks!

[Bryan]

This is an excellent idea! How about attaching some sequences to the original post to match up (For those who share.)

[Toymakr000]

I'll share my sequence after I get it done! The problem is with all 1000 some odd versions of LDB that I've listened to, none of them are even close to what I want...
What I really want is a totally percussion instrumental version!
No piano, No guitar, No flute......The song is the little drummer boy, all he has to offer is his drum music...Why can't any musicians see that??? It's obvious! I even started looking into buying a drum set and lessons!!! It's out of my budget but I still researched it!!!
Sorry for my drummer boy rant....Just frustrated by 2 years of looking:confused:

[oldcqr]

After deleting some duplicates, it turns out I only had 68 different versions. Bummer. Ok, here they are:

http://www.landolights.com/main/component/option,com_wrapper/Itemid,72/

I didn't listen to all of them, so I can't really tell you which ones are good for sequencing. There may also be some duplicates vs what was already posted on this thread.

If you find one or two that you like and need help finding, let me know and I'll dig up some more information for you.

[Mike Rosanske]

I like the version of Little Drummer Boy By: Hoot Owl Boys Choir. It a hoot.:giggle:

[Dale W]

I'll share my sequence after I get it done! The problem is with all 1000 some odd versions of LDB that I've listened to, none of them are even close to what I want...
What I really want is a totally percussion instrumental version!
No piano, No guitar, No flute......The song is the little drummer boy, all he has to offer is his drum music...Why can't any musicians see that??? It's obvious! I even started looking into buying a drum set and lessons!!! It's out of my budget but I still researched it!!!
Sorry for my drummer boy rant....Just frustrated by 2 years of looking:confused:


The closest thing I have found to what you are describing is The Little Drummer Boy by the Crash Test Dummies (it has a brass intro at the beginning and end of the song [could be edited out with Audacity] and limited instrumentation during the song only on the whole notes)

[Scot Meyers]

my favorite all time little drummer boy is by whiteheart. IS ROCKS!!!

[Dale W]

Harry Conick Jr. has a version that features the drums very heavily (but not exclusively). But the vocals are pretty messed up and it gets confusing.

[WestCoastRedneck]

72?? I thought torture was illegal?!? :eek:

Instead of Water-Boarding, ...Little Drummer Boarding....

[MarthaK]

You don't know torture by Little Drummer Boy until you've heard Johnny Cash's version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hRVGIM4qH4
or The Cranberries: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMdXikyXVNY&feature=related