On Solstice Eve, I give to you these twelve Holiday songs. Much of Christmas music is such crap, but there are some real gems (and maybe some that are just gems to me).
Religion has become irrelevant to me, so I try to celebrate all the holidays! My belief system has at its core the karmic golden rule as I learned it - "What goes around comes around."
But whatever you believe in, be it Hairy Thunderer or Cosmic Muffin (does anyone remember the Firesign Theatre?), enjoy this Solstice week and as you all celebrate Chrismahanudwazkah, please do it with some music. Rock on.
The complete YouTube playlist (just hit the 'Play All Videos' over on the right side)-
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=7F... Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
Written by: Phil Specter, Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich
Performed by Darlene Love
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Itw8wi9O3js Starting off we have the magnificent voice of Dalene Love and the umistakable sound of the mad musical genius, producer Phil Specter. If I were Casey Kasam, I would dedicate this to all the brave children, spouses, partners, parents, family, and friends who have loved ones serving overseas in the military.
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Written by Ralph Blane (and Hugh Martin)
Performed by Judy Garland
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cC9o4oYMIqI WARNING: If you are alone and depressed DO NOT LISTEN TO THIS SONG. It is without a doubt the most depressing (but beautiful) Christmas song ever written. This is the definitive Judy Garland version before Frank Sinatra had the lyrics changed to the version currently used, but after they had already been changed from the as-written version. I have a sneaking suspicion that a good percentage of holiday season suicides are due to this song. For a complete history of this song -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Have_Yourself... Little Saint Nick
Written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love
Performed by The Beach Boys
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIL01E_gI0s Even though Mike Love (no relation to Darlene), who now has the rights to the Beach Boy name, turned out to be a douche bag, I still like their original stuff they did in the 60's into the early 70's. This song has some good vibrations for the holiday season. Perfect harmony!
The Christmas Song
Written by Mel Torme and Robert Wells
Performed by Nat King Cole
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaxDGfA7evA Probably the greatest Christmas song ever written. Combine that with the silk voice of NKC and you have a holiday massage for your ear drums.
I Believe In Father Christmas
Written by Greg Lake
Performed by Greg Lake
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0QqEI4BGL0 You gotta hand it to a Christmas song that contains these lyrics -
"They sold me a dream of Christmas.
They sold me a silent night.
They told me a fairy story
Till I believed in the Israelite"
Father Christmas
Written by Ray Davies and Dave Davies
Performed by the Kinks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjaPXihbORk By a country mile, this song is far and away the most kick-ass, true rock Christmas song ever written. TURN UP THE VOLUME. If it were not a Christmas song, it would still be a great rock ditty. And there isn't a better line in in any Christmas holiday song than this one -
"Have yourself a merry merry Christmas; Have yourself a good time
But remember the kids who have nothing; While you're drinking down your wine"
Happy Christmas (War Is Over)
Written by John Lennon
Performed by The Plastic Ono Band
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qh40KnUL-ZE Q. When will I get over missing John Lennon? A. Never.
(FYI: This song was also produced by Phil Specter.)
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Written by Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie
Performed by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLMK755Qiv4 Who would have ever thought that this tune could rock? The Boss. And it does.
Give The Jew Girl Toys
Written by Sarah Silverman
Performed by Sarah Silverman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40qTXlNJj9s The all-time greatest, most brilliant and creative female comedian comes through with this new classic. And she's so HOT!
Sleigh Ride
Written by Leroy Anderson and Mitchell Parish
Performed by The Ronettes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWba_b8wsIM Another Phil Specter produced song (from the same album as the Darlene Love ditty) with the hottest singer of the early-mid 60's "girl group" era - Ronnie! I had my first celebrity crush on her.
Same Old Lang Syne
Witten by Dan Fogelber (with a tip of the hat to Tchaikovsky)
Performed by Dan Fogelberg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NmdFgFyhnk Beautiful song. A true Holiday classic, but not for those still hurting over a lost love.
Christmas Time (is here again)
Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney
Performed by The Beatles
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4vE5DnFWV0 Taking a minimalist approach, the Beatles gave us this classic using only three lines -
"Christmas time is here again
It hasn't been 'round since you know when
O - U - T spells 'out' "
If anyone can tell me what John Lennon is saying at the very end of recording - using his Scottish brogue - you win the prize!
It seems that John was enjoyng a bit too much of the egg nog or perhaps hitting too hard on the Holiday Hash?
See y'all in the Spring.
O-U-T spells OUT.
