I can totally understand, however, that when department stores and radio stations start playing holiday music before Halloween --- and they keep a continuous rotation of the same 20 songs or so --- that you can be Grinch-tastic before December 1st. As I am somewhat of a curator of Christmas music, and look for new songs each year -- and not just unimaginative standards recorded by the pop music flavor of the month -- I thought I'd share a few of my old and new favorites that (for reasons I will never understand) don't make it onto the radio. Adding a few of these to your holiday playlist (you have one, right?!) will mix things up a bit and make your spirits bright. You're welcome.
Peggy Lee - Ring Those Christmas Bells
When swing and big band music was really trendy in high school (though I've always loved it) my dad got me an album of swing and Rat pack -type gems. This was one I adored.
Natalie Hemby - The Perfect Gift
So a few years ago Target used some cool, funky songs in their holiday commercials and then had the songs availble to download for free on their website. This and the next song were two that I really enjoyed.
Little Jackie - Mrs. Claus
Another fun, funky song that I discovered from the Target commercials. I dedicate this to all the moms out there (especially mine!) who have worked hard to make the holidays magical and memorable for their kiddos.
Sammy Davis, Jr. - Christmas Time All Over the World
Ok, actually I can understand why this isn't on the radio, since it's Mad Men-era "Oriental music" probably isn't quite PC anymore, but the children's choir is so cute and the spirit of the song is delightful and timeless. Plus, if Sammy Davis Jr. can't inject some cool factor into your holiday cocktail party, then you my friend may be hopeless.
Celtic Woman - Christmas Pipes
This one is really traditional, and my mom thinks my dad and I are dorks for liking them, but do the ladies of Celtic Woman have the voices of angels, or what?! I mean, stunning. This is a song I've rarely heard sung or recorded but I think it is so sweet. I also really adore their version of Ding Dong Merrily on High.
Straight No Chaser - ?Donde Esta Santa Claus?
Despite my complete lack of singing of musical ability, or perhaps because of it, I think acapella is so darn cool. I like everything I've heard from SNC's Christmas albums but I think this one is super-fun and you'll be salsa-ing your way around the kitchen whilst you make tamales.
Francesca Battistelli - Christmas
I discovered her last year, can't remember how, and I think her while album is fantastic. Some are standards and some are orginals, which is fun... if I had to pick favorites I would say Marshmallow World / Christmas Is / Go Tell It On The Mountain / Heaven Everywhere
Sheryl Crow - There is a Star The Shines Tonight
There's not a lot of original Christmas music these days that doesn't sound like mass-produced, adult Top-40 crap, so this is really pleasant to me.
Kay Start - Everybody's Waiting for the Man with the Bag
In 9th grade I had this Dance/PE class where we had to do a one-minute choreography as the final, which happened to fall the day we left for Christmas break. The teacher was super laid-back so most people did it as a group and threw something together at the last minute, but I loved this challenge and used this song (off the swing album) and did this really cute dance with a chair, tap and jazz steps, and high kicks. I could have earned the same grade improvising, but I had fun with it.
Willie K - O Holy Night
This might be my favorite version of one of my favorite Christmas songs.
Freddy Fender - When They Ring Those Christmas Bells
I just adore Freddy Fender's voice and this is another that you never hear but will enjoy when it comes on after you've listened to "Jingle Bells" for the thousandth time. This whole album has a cool, country-ish vibe but not too much twang.
Jimmy Buffett - Merry Christmas Alabama
This entire album is really fun and sets a cool, coastal vibe (Up on the Housetop, Run Run Rudolph and Ho Ho Ho and a Bottle of Rum are all gems) but I like how this showcases that Jimmy Buffett, known for Margaritaville and fun times, writes a really good, thgoughtful ballad, too.
I'd also recommend the entire Chris Isaak Christmas album, especially if you're like, having a backyard bonfire or watching the Christmas Boat Parade or something.
You might also want to add in some non-holiday favorites that convey the feel-good, home-y spirit of the season nonetheless. I did this for our Christmas party last year and think that it's a nice break from the same songs everyone has been hearing for weeks. A few of my faves:
- The Beatles - All You Need is Love
- Three Dog Night - Joy to the World
- Jackie Deshannon - Put a Little Love in Your Heart
- Jack Johnson - Better Together
- Keith Urban - Somebody Like You
- Ray Lamontagne - You Are the Best Thing
- The Eagles - Peaceful Easy Feeling
- Extreme - More Than Words
- Jimmy Buffett - I Have Found Me a Home
- Ray Charles and Van Morrison - Crazy Love
- Louis Armstrong - When You're Smiling
- The Lumineers - Ho Hey
- Phillip Phillips (is that his real name?) - Home
And what's your favorite? I couldn't possibly choose one favorite (taking the easy way out of that one) but I personally cry at least once a year listening to BandAid's "Do They Know It's Christmas" and my sister and I lip synch -- in character -- all of baby Michael Jackson's "Up on the Housetop."
Joy to your ears,
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