Favorite traditional (or non) Christmas songs

[Lowly Bantha Cleaner]

Tis the season of Christmas music and if you live somewhere on the East, chances are a few radio stations in your area have decided to blare nonstop, 24/7 Christmas music since Thanksgiving week. This is the first time this has happened in my area. Usually, they'll play a mix of whatever format the station specializes in with a few Christmas songs, until December 24th, when they go to all Christmas music. This year four stations that I regulary listen to (two in Buffalo, two in Toronto) have gone all Christmas, all month long for the first time.

Anyway, those who love Christmas music have their traditional favorites (mine are "O Holy Night, Ave Maria, The First Noel, and Do You Hear What I Hear?") among the hundreds of traditional Christmas songs.

The versions of these songs and others, that I must absolutely blast whenever I hear on the radio are:

"O Holy Night" by Perry Como or Johnny Mathis
"Sleigh Ride" by The Boston Pops or The Ronettes
"Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" by Bruce Springsteen
"Adeste Fideles" by Luciano Pavrotti


Some of my favorite nontraditional songs are:

"Someday at Christmas" by Stevie Wonder
"Last Christmas" by Wham!
"Happy Christmas" by John Lennon
"It's a Marshmellow World" by The Ronettes
"The Little St. Nick" by The Beach Boys
"Simply Having a Wonderful Christmastime" by Paul McCartney & Wings

What are your favorites?

[scruffziller]

Definately any Christmas stuff by John Williams, Andy Williams, Nat King Cole, Burl Ives, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, etc.

Plus BOYZ II MEN's CHRISTMAS INTERPRETATIONS was an absolute masterpiece.
I really love their rendition of Silent Night on it.:cool:

Plus the Pet Shop Boys' IT DOESN'T OFTEN SNOW AT CHRISTMAS is great.
Exclusive Fan Club disc.

[Jedi_Master_Guyute]

I must say that my favorite christmas album of all time is "A Johnny Mathis Christmas"; at least, I'm about 99% sure that's the title. The cover is a young Johnny with a pair of skis and poles. It's hands down my fave x-mas album, ever, of all time.

I also LOVE "Let me Sleep (It's christmas time)" by Pearl Jam. One of the greatest Christmas songs, ever! :D

"O Holy Night" by Eric Cartman is good too. hehehehehe :p

[jedihunter25]

1. Mr.Hankey The Christmas Poo (South Park)
2. Merry F**king Christmas (Mr. Garrison from South Park)
3. Mistress For Christmas (AC/DC)
4. Christmas Time In Hell (Satan & Hitler from South Park)

[dr_evazan22]

I'm not too into traditional Christmas music, but I like most of your non-traditional songs LBC.

I'll add:
- Feed The World (Do They Know Its Christmastime), which spawned LiveAID
- Baby come home, U2

I'll stop there, 'cause I think I'm butchering the names of these songs!

[Lowly Bantha Cleaner]

I must say that my favorite christmas album of all time is "A Johnny Mathis Christmas"; at least, I'm about 99% sure that's the title. The cover is a young Johnny with a pair of skis and poles. It's hands down my fave x-mas album, ever, of all time.

Very funny JMG, that was the very first CD I ever bought, when I was 15 years old. It too is my favorite Christmas CD, with a Time Life Treasury a close 2nd. Mathis has released 2 more Christmas CDs since then, but the first remains my favorite.

I'm not too into traditional Christmas music, but I like most of your non-traditional songs LBC.

I'll add:
- Feed The World (Do They Know Its Christmastime), which spawned LiveAID

I forgot that song, a beautiful one that is. I remember the video too, with a bunch of mostly washed up British rockers (although I recall Bono, Wham! and Boy George) singing to raise money for Africa.

And Scruff, many Christmas songs by those folks are classics, I especially like Bing and Andy Williams.

I also forgot a few modern gems like "Step Into Christmas" with Elton John & "The Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth" by David Bowie and Bing Crosby.

[bobafrett]

I own a CD with musical Christmas songs, no singing, but there are nature sounds with it, Loons, wolves, etc. It reminds me of a peaceful Christmas with my family in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

[jjreason]

Suprisingly enough, the Christmas album I turn to year after year is by Mel Torme. Very soothing sounds to help you relax after a stressful trip to the mall, or a frustrating light hanging session. I also like both albums by Neil Diamond (ironic, as he's very Jewish) and Stompin' Tom Connors (whom you may not have heard OF let alone heard if you're not from Canada) Chrstmas album.

I really love the aforementioned U2 track, "Do they know its Christmas?", and "Christmastime in Hollis" by Run DMC. Now that I have kids, I seem to be enjoying the whole Christmas thing again.

[Jedi_Master_Guyute]

I own a CD with musical Christmas songs, no singing, but there are nature sounds with it, Loons, wolves, etc. It reminds me of a peaceful Christmas with my family in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

that does sound very nice, Boba. what tis the name that disc; i'd be interested in checking it out. If you can post the title, please do!! :D

Ah, the northwoods of wisconsin...i can almost smell the cheese and beer. :crazed:

[bobafrett]

that does sound very nice, Boba. what tis the name that disc; i'd be interested in checking it out. If you can post the title, please do!! :D

Ah, the northwoods of wisconsin...i can almost smell the cheese and beer. :crazed:

It's titled "A Natural Christmas" . On the back it reads as follows; A Natural Christmas is a beautiful blend of cheerful carols and natural sounds. Strings, keyboards, and guitar merge with the wilderness music of wolves, loons, geese, ahorse drawn sleigh, and much more. Somehow-perhaps magically-the holiday spirit comes shining through.

It's produced by a company called NORTHSOUND, and they have an address in Minocqua, Wisconsin. I'll be up North for the Christmas holiday, or so the plan is at the moment.

[dr_evazan22]

Not sure if this is the same song or not LBC, but John Lennon's "So This Is Christmas (War Is Over)". On Kazaa I found a U2 cover of the song from what looks like the Rattle And Hum era. Not too bad!

[scruffziller]

1. Mr.Hankey The Christmas Poo (South Park)
2. Merry F**king Christmas (Mr. Garrison from South Park)
3. Mistress For Christmas (AC/DC)
4. Christmas Time In Hell (Satan & Hitler from South Park)
OH YES BUT OF COURSE!!!!!!!!:D
Can't forget to put that in the DVD player this year!!!!
Don't forget Eric Cartman's rendition of O HOLY NIGHT.
"Jesus was born, therefore I get presents......."lol

[arctangent]

i too love 'let me sleep' by pearl jam - it really reminds me of when i was young at christmas but i also like 'the fairytale of new york' by the pogues and kirsty mccoll and 'i believe in father christmas' by greg lake. two classic modern christmas songs.

but if you hear a song called 'don't let the bells end (its christmas time)' by the darkness do yourselves a favour and run!

[bobafett07728]

Christmas in Hollis
By Run-DMC

An absolute classic! I can hear this song at anytime of the year, and it brings a smile to my face. The perfect balance of Holiday Cheer, and Hip-Hop! The video is also timeless! If I remember correctly, the "Naughty/Nice" computer was part Atari joystick, part Simon game!!! That is pure GENIOUS!!!


". . . looked at the dog, OH MY GOD. . . an ill reindeer!"

". . . rice and stuffing; macaroni and cheese. . . and Santa puts gifts under Christmas trees!"

Most other songs mentioned in this thread are necessary Christmas tunes. . . I just had to express my love for this one!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!!!!

[plasticfetish]

"Santa Claus Go Straight to the Ghetto" by Mr. James Brown.

[Darth Jax]

i wanna hippopotamus for christmas, the chipmunk song and the twelve days of christmas by the muppets (and john denver) are my fave nonsensical songs.

blue christmas - elvis
please come home for christmas - eagles
christmas eve/sarajevo - TSO
all i want for christmas is you - mariah carey (can't believe i actually said that)
angels we have heard on high - the nylons
are among my faves of holiday music.

[Exhaust Port]

"Happy Christmas" by John Lennon

[arctangent]

"Happy Christmas" by John Lennon

the latest bunch of pop idols in the uk have chose to record a version of that song to try and get a christmas number one and they have absolutely murdered it. mr lennon will be spinning in his grave!

[Exhaust Port]

Hopefully it stays on that side of the pond then. :)

[Mandalorian Candidat]

There's a CD called "A Very Special Christmas" and it has several songs I really like, such as "Winter Wonderland" by the Eurythmics, "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" by U2 (which, BTW is a remake), and "Gabriel's Message" by Sting. Barenaked Ladies does a great duet with Sarah McLaughlin of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen."

I also love Burl Ives' "Holly, Jolly Christmas" and all those other songs from the "Rudolph" claymation TV show. I'd also throw in "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree." I don't remember who sings it, but it sounds a lot like young Wayne Newton.

[El Chuxter]

Like Eternal Padawan said somewhere else, anything by Burl Ives. I can't think of a single non-Christmas song he did, but everyone knows his Christmas stuff.

The entire "White Christmas" CD by Elvis, which collects all the Christmas recordings he ever released on one disc. Best of all are Blue Christmas, Santa Claus Is Back in Town, and his takes on White Christmas, O Little Town of Bethlehem, and Silver Bells.

Any Christmas recording by U2 (they covered Happy X-Mas? really? I gotta find that!) or Bruce Springsteen. Both of them should release Christmas albums.

The classic Motown albums by Stevie Wonder, the Temptations, and the Jackson 5.

All of Merry Axemas: A Guitar Superstar Christmas and most of Merry Axemas 2. (Joe Perry tearing through Blue Christmas is super-classic.)

The soundtracks to Home Alone, Home Alone 2, A Charlie Brown Christmas, and The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Most of the stuff from the A Very Special Christmas CDs. (Though there's always some bad fluff on there.)

Run Run Rudolph by Chuck Berry, Santa Claus by Sonny Boy Williamson II, and BB King's A Christmas Celebration of hope. There's not a whole lot of Christmas blues out there. :(

Songs by Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, and other folks I think are great singers but don't often listen to.

Other stuff slipping my mind. :p

[JON9000]

Holy Crud El Chuxter, I love Emmitt Otter. That is an awesome avatar. Every now and then, a conversation will come up about Christmas specials and what everyone's favorite is. Some one will invariably say, "Nobody knows mine, it was on HBO all the time when I was a kid..." Instant bonding all over.

"Pa would hock that toolchest!"

Oh, the topic. I love the Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack.

[kool-aid killer]

El Chuxter brought up the Motown Christmas CDs which i enjoy around this time of year. Darth Jax, i agree with you on Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas is You. Arguably my favorite tune during this time of year. And trailing that song by just a little is the Ronettes' Sleigh Ride.

[Turbowars]

Santa baby by Madona:kiss:

[2-1B]

Ah, the northwoods of wisconsin...i can almost smell the cheese and beer. :crazed:

Come on over ! :crazed: A nice and festive cheese tray awaits you. :)



My very favorite Xmas tunes, needing to be heard repeatedly every year, in no particular order:

Spinal Tap, "Christmas with the Devil"
King Diamond, "Christmas"
King Diamond, "No Presents for Christmas"
AC/DC, "Mistress for Christmas"
John Mellencamp, "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus"
Bruce Springsteen, "Santa Claus is Coming to Town"
Bruce Springsteen, "Merry Christmas, Baby"

Did anybody see Bruce on Conan O'Brien LAST year doing Merry Christmas Baby? Conan sat in with the band, it was awesome! :)

[Lowly Bantha Cleaner]

Would have bumped this back earlier, but was indisposed for a while.

Anyway, Holiday music seems to start earlier and earlier each year, and this year many local radio stations have been blaring constant Christmas music since the beginning of the month, instead of mixing them into the normal playlist, like they usually do.

Quite a few songs I have grown fond of this year, in addition to the many I listed last year. Many of them aren't new, but a few I believe are. Some I don't know the singer or band's name, so I'll just list the song.

"Do They Know It's Christmas?" by Live Aid --> This song was redone but the new version doesn't impress me. :neutral:

"Driving Home For Christmas" singer unknown.--> He may be Canadian, because I hear it a lot on Canadian radio. A catchy song about holiday traveling.

"Grown-Up Christmas List" singers unknown. -->I have heard two versions of this beautiful song, one sounds like Natalie Cole, and the other Bon Jovi, but I stress sounds like, because either of them probably don't sing it.

"We Need A Little Christmas" from Mame, The New Christy Minstrels version.--> An older song, but one that is impossible to get out of my head.

Any Phil Spector Christmas produced song, sung by Darlene Love, The Ronettes or The Crystals. My favorite being "It's A Marshmellow World."

Any Charlie Brown Vince Guraldi song--> I am starting to appreciate his music as a fellow (novice) piano player.

Also heard a few kooky, novelty Christmas songs this year, among them "Police Stop My Car" to the tune of Feliz Navidad, "The 12 pains of Christmas" and "Didn't I Get This Last Year?" to the tune of Do You Hear What I Hear?

[Turbowars]

Have any of you heard the song Christmas Rap by the Waitresses from the 80's? It was then redone by Save Ferris in 98. It's not a ghetto rap song, it's like a alternative like x-mas song. Anyways, it's been a favorite Holiday song through the years.

[Kidhuman]

This year I have been into Frank SInatra and Dean Martin Christmas songs. Dean Martin was slick and Ole Blue Eyes is a forever sweetheart.

[stillakid]

Have any of you heard the song Christmas Rap by the Waitresses from the 80's? It was then redone by Save Ferris in 98. It's not a ghetto rap song, it's like a alternative like x-mas song. Anyways, it's been a favorite Holiday song through the years.

It's "Christmas Wrapping" :D

"Bah, humbug!" No, that's too strong
'Cause it is my favorite holiday
But all this year's been a busy blur
Don't think I have the energy

To add to my already mad rush
Just 'cause it's 'tis the season.
The perfect gift for me would be
Completions and connections left from

Last year, ski shop,
Encounter, most interesting.
Had his number but never the time
Most of '81 passed along those lines.

So deck those halls, trim those trees
Raise up cups of Christmas cheer,
I just need to catch my breath,
Christmas by myself this year.

Calendar picture, frozen landscape,
Chilled this room for twenty-four days,
Evergreens, sparkling snow
Get this winter over with!

Flashback to springtime, saw him again,
Would've been good to go for lunch,
Couldn't agree when we were both free,
We tried, we said we'd keep in touch.

Didn't, of course, 'til summertime,
Out to the beach to his boat could I join him?
No, this time it was me,
Sunburn in the third degree.

Now the calendar's just one page
And, of course, I am excited
Tonight's the night, but I've set my mind
Not to do too much about it.

Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!
But I think I'll miss this one this year.
Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!
But I think I'll miss this one this year.
Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!
But I think I'll miss this one this year.
Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!
But I think I'll miss this one this year.

Hardly dashing through the snow
Cause I bundled up too tight
Last minute have-to-do's
A few cards a few calls
'Cause it's r-s-v-p
No thanks, no party lights
It's Christmas Eve, gonna relax
Turned down all of my invites.

Last fall I had a night to myself,
Same guy called, halloween party,
Waited all night for him to show,
This time his car wouldn't go,

Forget it, it's cold, it's getting late,
Trudge on home to celebrate
In a quiet way, unwind
Doing Christmas right this time.

A&P has provided me
With the world's smallest turkey
Already in the oven, nice and hot
Oh damn! Guess what I forgot?

So on with the boots, back out in the snow
To the only all-night grocery,
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
In the line is that guy I've been chasing all year!

"I'm spending this one alone," he said.
"Need a break; this year's been crazy."
I said, "Me too, but why are you?
You mean you forgot cranberries too?"

Then suddenly we laughed and laughed
Caught on to what was happening
That Christmas magic's brought this tale
To a very happy ending! "

Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!
Couldn't miss this one this year!
Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!
Couldn't miss this one this year!

[El Chuxter]

stilla beat me to the proper title. :)

I really dig the new Barenaked Ladies holiday album (it throws on a few Channakuh songs, so it's not really a "Christmas album"). Both they and Pete Yorn have done excellent covers of "Do They Know It's Christmas." It works better with only one voice (though you do lose Bono's chilling "tonight thank God it's them instead of you").

[Kidhuman]

If ya want a Christmas Rap song look no further than Run DMC's CHristmas in Hollis. One of the all time classics.

[Ji'dai]

I usually listen to Bing or the Beach Boys this time of year.

[JON9000]

I heard "Snoopy's Christmas" on the radio this year by the Royal Guardsman. Pretty good stuff. He and the Red BAron celebrate Christmas.

[OC47150]

Sorry for the late post on this one, but I had to chime in.

I prefer the traditional stuff, but some of the modern isn't too bad.

Frank Sinatra -- Holly Jolly Christmas

Phil Spectre Christmas album -- Entertainment Weekly rated this the best Christmas album of all time. It is good, especially if you like the girl groups from the '60s.

Any Elvis Christmas album.

Beach Boys

It's albums like these that will stand the test of time and people will still be listening to in 100 years.

There's one Christmas CD I have that is old radio broadcasts from Christmas 1945. It's scratchy and pops but interesting to listen to.

I wanted to get the Rat Pack Christmas album but didn't get around to it.

[Lowly Bantha Cleaner]

Two nontraditional songs that have grown on me this year--even though I've heard one of them sparingly.

They are the O'Jay's "I Can Hardly Wait For Christmas" and Natalie Cole's "Grown Up Christmas List." Both are kinda sappy, especially the latter, but are two songs that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I haven't heard the O'Jays song that much this year, only once, but I like the harmony of that song.

Another song that I am starting to like is on Canadian stations all the time. It is called "Driving Home for Christmas." I don't know the name of the singer, probably a Canadian known only artist, but it is a song worth a listen to.

[Sentinel18725]

Always remembering listening to Bing Crosby, so that is a natural. However, I do dig listening to one particular wacky song.....Weird Al Yankovich "It's Christmas at Ground Zero" Laugh everytime I listen to it.

Otherwise, I am much more of a traditional guy. I dig Carol of the Bells, Greensleeves, and other more subdued songs.

Pearl Jam's song is a good song also though.

[CaptainSolo1138]

I'm sure you mean "holiday song", right KH?;) :beard:

It's hard for me to pick out 1 or 2 songs. I really like the classic instrumental version of "Sleigh Ride". I'm more of a favorite Christmas artist person, Johnny Mathis leading that pack, followed closely by Perry Como and Andy Williams. I'm also a big fan of Mannheim Steamroller's first Christmas album from 1984 (their others were only "meh").

[Jedi_Master_Guyute]

Pearl Jam's song is a good song also though.

YES! I love that song; i was jsut listening to it last night. I'm also hooked on Chris Martin (of Coldplay) and his piano driven "Have yourself a merry little Christmas." He performed it on Conan the other night after the band did "Talk" and Conan took the last verse. It was hysterical. Luckily, it was a b-side to a promo disc of theirs a few years back, so i have a lovely studio version, sans conan. :crazed:

[OC47150]

Always remembering listening to Bing Crosby, so that is a natural. However, I do dig listening to one particular wacky song.....Weird Al Yankovich "It's Christmas at Ground Zero" Laugh everytime.

I have one comedic Christmas CD, and Christmas at Ground Zero is on it. The 12 Pains of Christmas is included, too.

The local WM has a couple of the Twisted Christmas CDs. I might have to buy them, too.

[Darth Jax]

YES! I love that song; i was jsut listening to it last night. I'm also hooked on Chris Martin (of Coldplay) and his piano driven "Have yourself a merry little Christmas." He performed it on Conan the other night after the band did "Talk" and Conan took the last verse. It was hysterical. Luckily, it was a b-side to a promo disc of theirs a few years back, so i have a lovely studio version, sans conan. :crazed:

i picked that song up last year on one of target's exclusive christmas albums. they typically do 2-3 for the season for $5, featuring plenty of new songs mixed with todays artists performing traditional classics. not my favorite version of the song though. i'm more a fan of the muppets/john denver performing it.

[InsaneJediGirl]

For more traditional songs,you cant go wrong with the Beach Boys :) Also a fan of some of the songs done in the Big Band era,although the names elude me right now.

Non-Traditional,my favorite is the Ren and Stimpy Yaksmas tape. I loved that,great take on the holidays. Another was on a cassette of kids songs,about what some monsters got for Christmas set to "Monster Mash". Classic stuff :D

[JEDIpartner]

"O Holy Night"... hands down. Surprisingly enough... Celine Dion's version lays the rest to cake dust. I was shocked myself.

[bobafrett]

They played a song from Dennis Leary's new Christmas album on the radio tonight called "Merry ****ing Christmas". I have to admit, I thought it was pretty funny. I also enjoy the Trans-Siberian Orchestra which has a site here: http://www.trans-siberian.com/intro.html

[Jargo]

my favourite traditional song isn't a christmas carol though it's often mistaken for one: Unto us a boy is born. It's the only song I know of that openly talks about Herod having all the babies killed. so being a bit dour and grim I naturally like it.
this christmas gone we did all we could to get the christmas spirit. we had the lights the decorations the big roast bird dinner, big domestic scene almost ended in me being thrown out on my *** and a load of mixed christmas classics from bing crosby, perry como, Boney M, judy garland, trans siberian orchestra (new on me), most of what's already been mentioned in that vein. and I had a huge playlist I set to repeat.

my favourite non traditional song has to be A winters tale by David Essex. excrutiatingly twee and sacharin sweet, but it has atmosphere and it's a well crafted song. again fairly muted in tone though. worth at least one listen I reckon. though I think it played through about fourty times over christmas in my house.

[Lowly Bantha Cleaner]

this christmas gone we did all we could to get the christmas spirit. we had the lights the decorations the big roast bird dinner, big domestic scene almost ended in me being thrown out on my ***

We call that in America, Thanksgiving. lol

Just purchased Andy Williams "Happy Holidays" off ITunes and have finally turned on the all Christmas music stations in my areas. I am officially in the Holiday Mood. :thumbsup:

[Bel-Cam Jos]

I can't believe no one mentioned the SW Christmas in the Stars album (I only have it on vinyl LP, but I think I saw it once on CD and passed on buying it :( ). Echoing what others have said, mostly by artist rather than song:

John Denver and Muppets (mainly "The 12 Days of Christmas" song)
Trans-Siberian Railroad
Mannheim Steamroller
Andy Williams
Johnny Mathis
Perry Como
"Christmas in Hollis"

[Rogue II]

Has anyone picked up Twisted Sister's Twisted Christmas album yet?

[dr_evazan22]

The best, for me, was last year at work. During a conversation a buddy says he hasn't heard this one Christmas song. After a few questions I figure out what song he means (his girlfreind is sick and he helps her out): "6am, day after Christmas, I throw some clothes on in the dark...."

He says "Yeah! Yeah! That's it!"

The song is Ben Folds Five: Brick

He didn't like it when I told him what it was about.

[CaptainSolo1138]

John Denver and Muppets (mainly "The 12 Days of Christmas" song)
Trans-Siberian Railroad
Mannheim Steamroller
Andy Williams
Johnny Mathis
Perry Como
"Christmas in Hollis"Man, BCJ, you freakin' NAILED it! Good stuff there!

The last couple years I've been listening to the Barenaked Ladies Christmas album. It's anything but traditional, but some of the songs on there are fantastic!

[El Chuxter]

Has anyone picked up Twisted Sister's Twisted Christmas album yet?

The Associated Press reviewer actually said it was, surprisingly, one of the best rock Christmas albums ever. I'll have to admit, I'm intrigued.

[2-1B]

Christmas Tauntauns from that fan awards show that GLu liked a few years back.

[Rogue II]

The Associated Press reviewer actually said it was, surprisingly, one of the best rock Christmas albums ever. I'll have to admit, I'm intrigued.

I just saw a video for "O Come All Ye Faithful". It was pretty good...and they threw in a riff from "We're Not Gonna Take It" during the guitar solo. I might pick this album up.

[Lowly Bantha Cleaner]

The best, for me, was last year at work. During a conversation a buddy says he hasn't heard this one Christmas song. After a few questions I figure out what song he means (his girlfreind is sick and he helps her out): "6am, day after Christmas, I throw some clothes on in the dark...."

He says "Yeah! Yeah! That's it!"

The song is Ben Folds Five: Brick

He didn't like it when I told him what it was about.


What is the song about?


And I wouldn't be surprised about the Twisted Sister Christmas CD. Barbra Streisand, Neil Diamond and Kenny G, all Jews, put out excellent Christmas albums.

[DarkArtist]

For my favorite Christmas song there is only one version :

The Christmas Song : Nat King Cole

As far as other songs I like:
Josh Groban "Believe"
Stevie Wonder "Someday at Christmas"
Amy Grant "Grown Up Christmas List"
U2 "Christmas, Baby Please Come Home"
Trans Siberian Orchestra "Christmas Eve Sarajevo 12/24 and Old City Bar"
Fricken A "Merry Frickin Christmas"

there are many others but can't think of them right now. have to check out my CD's to see what else is on them. Also I know they are not Christmas Songs but Adam Sandler's Chanunk Songs 1-3. Sorry if I mispelled the holiday.

[DarkArtist]

And I wouldn't be surprised about the Twisted Sister Christmas CD


That CD is a riot. picked it up in Walmart on Black Friday, it is too funny, I really suggest either dowloading it or buying it. to hear O Come All Ye Faithful to the beat of We're Not Gonna Take It is just priceless.:thumbsup:

[Slicker]

John Denver and Muppets (mainly "The 12 Days of Christmas" song)
Trans-Siberian Railroad
Mannheim Steamroller
Andy Williams
Johnny Mathis
Perry Como
"Christmas in Hollis"If I may I'd also like to add Bing Crosby to the list. His voice makes several of the songs just that much better.


Here's a good poem/song entitled A Soldier's Silent Night (http://www.majic.com/audio/A%20Soldiers%20Silent%20Night.mp3). It's kinda fitting with the situation going on now and it's quite good.

[pbarnard]

The Letterman "O' Holy Night"
Carmen Dragon "Joy to the World"
Harry Connick, Jr. "Santa Claus"
Arthur Fielder and The Boston Pops "Sleighride"
John Williams and The Boston Pops "Nutcracker Prelude"

Makes me wonder what it was like before ~1840 going to Midnight Mass and what not on Christmas Eve. Most of the "traditional" Christmas carols/hymns were written in a 20 year span between 1840-1860 give or take. The music industry as a whole has been trying to duplicate that feat but is going with the if we put enough stuff out there, something will be the next classic, but really just diluting the season and the meaning of the songs imo.

[Bel-Cam Jos]

Makes me wonder what it was like before ~1840 going to Midnight Mass and what not on Christmas Eve. Most of the "traditional" Christmas carols/hymns were written in a 20 year span between 1840-1860 give or take. The music industry as a whole has been trying to duplicate that feat but is going with the if we put enough stuff out there, something will be the next classic, but really just diluting the season and the meaning of the songs imo.That time was such a drag. I remember, anyone who had a printing press could put out any hymn, durge, or ditty. Most of the stuff was carp, not enough worth the ink on the parchment. There were the Hair Balladeers and the Ye Olde MCs who just ruined the genre. :upset: Hardly anyone from that time gets any print time in the newspapers anymore. :rolleyes:

[Mad Slanted Powers]

I heard "Snoopy's Christmas" on the radio this year by the Royal Guardsman. Pretty good stuff. He and the Red BAron celebrate Christmas.I had the Snoopy vs The Red Baron son on a Goofy Greats album. Years later, I was going through some old records, and came across a Snoopy Christmas on a 45. I hadn't heard it since I was very little, so I put it on and realized it sounded like the Royal Guardsmen, but there was no indication on the record or the sleeve that said that. It might have even had a different name listed.

Here are some of my favorite modern or "rock & roll" Christmas tunes, some of which have been mentioned.

Waitresses - "Christmas Wrapping"
Paul McCartney - "Simply Having A Wonderful Christmastime"
Chuck Berry - "Run Rudolph Run"
Billy Squier - "Christmas is the Time to Say I Love You'
Elmo & Patsy - "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer"
Brenda Lee - "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree"

I finally bought the Charlie Brown last year.

For something a bit more traditional, I like "Do You Hear What I Hear?", however I just looked it up and it was written in 1962.

I think Public Enemy should do a Christmas tune, it would go a little something like this:

Flavor Flav - Yeah, Winter Wonderland in full effect boyeeeeeeee!

Chuck D - Riding through the snow in an open sleigh, Santa with his reindeer leading the way, flying around the world with a bag full of toys, to give to all the good little girls and boys, but sorry if I don't share in your cheer, 'cause Santa ain't coming to the hood this year.

[DarkArtist]

Ok here goes some Christmas Tunes on the PC:

Christmas Don't Be Late (Chipmunks)
Do They Know it's Christmas (Band Aid)
Nutcracker Suite (Trans Siberian Orchestra)
Frosty the Snowman (jimmy Durante)
Father Christmas (The Kinks)
Father Christmas (Emerson Lake & Palmer)
Hey Santa (Carnie & Wendy Wilson)
Run Rudolph Run (Bryan Adams)
Where Are You Christmas (Faith Hill)
What Christmas Should Be (Hilary Duff)
Santa's Beard (The Beach Boys)
Christmas Wrapping (The Waitresses)

[Mad Slanted Powers]

Ah yes, I forgot to mention the Kinks.

I also forgot to mention "Feliz Navidad" by José Feliciano.

Speaking of "Feliz Navidad", Jared, Butcher of Song also had a song of that name. For those of you with a Macintosh, search for the Dashboard Widget "Jared Butcher of Song". It has three Jared songs, one of which is his Christmas song. For those on Windows, you might be able to find something at http://dev.freeverse.com:16080/faq/index.php?action=artikel&cat=1&id=68&artlang=en&highlight=toys

[El Chuxter]

1) I recently discovered that the Trans-Siberian Orchestra is basically underrated art/metal band Savatage with a backing orchestra. Very cool.

2) A while back (June?), a Sam Goody was closing down and had their Christmas CD's so heavily discounted that I came out with a huge stack for less than $20. I've been opening them and listening. I'm a bit surprised to say that Loretta Lynn's Christmas album kicks quite a bit of butt to be as old as it is. I think the album's actually older than Jack White by about a decade.

Speaking of which, where is this supposed second Lynn/White collaboration?

[2-1B]

Hopefully nowhere near a CD player within my earshot.

[2-1B]

Ok here goes some Christmas Tunes on the PC:

Christmas Don't Be Late (Chipmunks)

Is this the same one playing in the background while Duke plays Chess with that Russian escort in Rocky IV ?

[El Chuxter]

I just listened to some clips of the Twisted Sister CD.

Not bad. Not bad at all.

But not worth $14.

Maybe at the after-Christmas sales.

[dindae]

Traditional

Baby It's Cold Outside


Non-Traditional

Waitresses - "Christmas Wrapping"
Paul McCartney - "Simply Having A Wonderful Christmastime"
Billy Squier - "Christmas is the Time to Say I Love You'
John Lennon's - "So This Is Christmas (War Is Over)
The Kinks - "Father Christmas"

[Sentinel18725]

Traditional:
1. Bing Crosby (grew up listening to it, so it still soothes me)
2. Classical (orchestra or piano, NOT Trans Syberian crap)

Non-Traditional:

Weird Al "Christmas at Ground Zero"

[figrin bran]

2) A while back (June?), a Sam Goody was closing down and had their Christmas CD's so heavily discounted that I came out with a huge stack for less than $20. I've been opening them and listening. I'm a bit surprised to say that Loretta Lynn's Christmas album kicks quite a bit of butt to be as old as it is. I think the album's actually older than Jack White by about a decade.

Speaking of which, where is this supposed second Lynn/White collaboration?

Hopefully nowhere near a CD player within my earshot.

you're wrong! Van Lear Rose was awesome!

[2-1B]

Jack White:Caesar :: Our Country:Figrin Bran

( did I do that "is to" thing correctly?:confused: )

[Mad Slanted Powers]

How could I forget Bob & Doug McKenzie's version of "The 12 Days of Christmas"?

[OC47150]

And a beer!

Question: 10 to 20 years from now, do you think Christmas songs recorded by artists who are popular today (Destiny's Child, Christina Agulaira, etc...) will be heavily played like Andy Williams and Bing Crosby?

I don't think so. Granted, there may be one or two now popular songs that are still played but I believe the majority will be forgotten. The classics are that: classic. They will be here long after we're gone.

Just my two cents.

[El Chuxter]

The few that are actually good may still be played. Like Norah's "Peace" or maybe even Twisted Sister's "O Come All Ye Faithful."

But, then again, Bob Rivers was pretty good 15-20 years ago, and now what we thought then were surefire classics (like "Twelve Pains of Christmas" or "Walking 'Round in Women's Underwear") sound pretty hackneyed and tired.

Thankfully everyone else seems to have realized that Elmo and Patsy unleashed a despicable evil onto mankind with "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer," and it seems to get a lot less play the last couple of years.

[Lowly Bantha Cleaner]

Flavor of the months like Christina, Beyonce and others will disappear into obscurity a few years from now, no doubt.

Blasmephy to you Chux on your trashing of the Elmo and Patsy gem. Lord knows, some eons from now, when society forgets our glorious contributions like "Silent Night" and "O Holy Night", "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer" will be the sole hymn for some future generation will have left to remember us by.

[DarkArtist]

Is this the same one playing in the background while Duke plays Chess with that Russian escort in Rocky IV ?

yes. I can remember actually asking Santa for the Chipmunks Christmas Album on Cassette Tape years ago.

[DarkArtist]

Thankfully everyone else seems to have realized that Elmo and Patsy unleashed a despicable evil onto mankind with "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer," and it seems to get a lot less play the last couple of years.

Come to think of it, I didn't hear this song at all this year. Almost everytime I turned the radio on I got Josh Groban's Believe or O Holy Night.

[Darth Jax]

i'd think mariah carey's christmas album (o holy nite and all i want for christmas is you) can go the distance, and possibly brian setzer's contributions. all the rest of the people's releasing seasonal albums now will be long gone and forgotten within a couple seasons.

[Mad Slanted Powers]

Flavor of the months like Christina, Beyonce and others will disappear into obscurity a few years from now, no doubt. While I'm not fans of them either, I would hardly call them flavors of the month. They've both been doing well for quite a while. Whether they record any Christmas classics is another matter. It seems that most Christmas albums these days are just remakes of classic songs, and many of the new songs seem to be love songs as much as Christmas songs.

[Lowly Bantha Cleaner]

While I'm not fans of them either, I would hardly call them flavors of the month. They've both been doing well for quite a while. Whether they record any Christmas classics is another matter. It seems that most Christmas albums these days are just remakes of classic songs, and many of the new songs seem to be love songs as much as Christmas songs.

Sorry MSP, I should have clarified that their Christmas recordings won't become classics. Flavors of the month? We'll see. If they are still around cranking out hits 10 years from now then I will recant.

Anyway, today is the day that the local radio has gone balls out for Christmas! Too early, IMO but each station didn't want to be outdone by the other, so as a result, we'll get over a month of Christmas music.

[Mad Slanted Powers]

After last Christmas, I went through iTunes and selected a bunch of songs to make my own Christmas compilation. I didn't buy them then, but probably will sometime soon. Now that Paul McCartney songs are on iTunes, I've added "Wonderful Christmastime" to that list as well.

[El Chuxter]

Good call, MSP. I hadn't even thought about looking for that one yet!

[2-1B]

Heather Mills won't likely be listening to that one this year.

[OC47150]

I saw a big band Christmas album at WM that I plan on purchasing. A friend also is going to burn Michael Buble's Christmas CD for me. There's only 5 - 6 songs on it but still worth a listen, I'm told.

[plasticfetish]

Here's my new favorite Christmas song. (http://www.plasticfetish.net/songs/c-3po_xmas.mp3)

[Bel-Cam Jos]

I found* this little thing recently:


Class Action Lawsuit Filed in "The Christmas Song"

Washington, D.C., 2007ish
A class action lawsuit was filed this week claiming discrimination in the warm holiday wishes expressed in the well-known holiday tune "The Christmas Song," also known by its common opening lyrics, "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire."

Attorney Gary Gnu gave a news conference yesterday explaining the terms of the suit. "We feel that this supposedly friendly carol is extremely discriminatory towards our very young and very old listeners," he stated. Any kid who is under the age of two, and senior citizens, some of whom have served our nation in times of need, over the age of 92 are excempt from the "Merry Christmas" greetings presented in the song. This is unaccetable."

Several toddlers and seniors expressed similar frustrations. Samuel Twain recently celebrated his 100th birthday and said, "how am I supposed to enjoy the holidays, when I can't even get a good wish from a public domain song. It's sad really."

And 18-month old Jeremy spoke in class today, "Igg bok duh wama wama bot." Clearly stated and obvious in its verocity and verve.

Gnu continued. "We are asking the song writers to reconsider when they try to block citizens' rights at any times of the year, especially the retail seasons when our economy needs the financial stimulation that time-honored songs provide. We have offered a simple replacement verse for the discriminatory one."

The lines are printed below:
And so I'm offering this simple phrase,
To kids from inside the womb to just before the tomb;
Although its been said and signed for those with hearing difficulties,
Many times many ways
Merry Christmas
To you.

* = created by myself today

[JimJamBonds]

Christmas with the Devil, Mistress for Christmas, Walking in Women's Underware

[Lowly Bantha Cleaner]

Here's my new favorite Christmas song. (http://www.plasticfetish.net/songs/c-3po_xmas.mp3)

I click on the link and all I get is a white screen that says "done" at the bottom of it. Unfortunately, my keen lack of computer skills won't tell me what I need to do in order to hear this song. Any suggestions?

And Bel-Cam, you win the cornyute post of the year award for that story on "The Christmas Song."

[Mad Slanted Powers]

One problem BCJ. The song says from 1 to 92, so that 18 month old has no right to complain. CASE DISMISSED!

[TeeEye7]

BCJ: Genius! :thumbsup:

(....this will probably inspire some knucklehead to really pursue this, though :rolleyes:)

[Bel-Cam Jos]

One problem BCJ. The song says from 1 to 92, so that 18 month old has no right to complain. CASE DISMISSED!Uh, if you had bothered to actually listen to what he said, you've have realized that he was simply lamenting how he couldn't experience what he has now, until 8 months ago. :statuteoflimitations: CASE STILL OPENED! :p

[El Chuxter]

A clever Mark Twain reference and a clever Pearl Jam reference. Well done, BCJ.

[2-1B]

I love this holiday classic by The King:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74w6vE9hqhE

[OC47150]

Listened to the Rat Pack Christmas CD, Holly Jolly Christmas by the Chairman and the Phil Spector Christmas CDs while doing some decorating this afternoon. Put me in better spirits.

[Lowly Bantha Cleaner]

Listened to the Rat Pack Christmas CD, Holly Jolly Christmas by the Chairman and the Phil Spector Christmas CDs while doing some decorating this afternoon. Put me in better spirits.

The Phil Spector is the next Christmas CD on my hitlist. His patented "wall of sound" make his music unique, Christmas or not, for any artist.

I did finally purchase the Vince Guraldi Charlie Brown Christmas CD this year. Last year I kinda looked too late and couldn't find one. I searched online hoping to find one for a steal, but with shipping cost, that option wasn't going to be worth it.

[plasticfetish]

I click on the link and all I get is a white screen that says "done" at the bottom of it. Unfortunately, my keen lack of computer skills won't tell me what I need to do in order to hear this song. Any suggestions?Hmmm. If your browser isn't set to play mp3 files, you could right-click, save it to your desktop (or wherever) and then open it with whatever music player you might use.

[JON9000]

I did finally purchase the Vince Guraldi Charlie Brown Christmas CD this year.

The only Christmas CD I have, and the only one I ever want. Just chills you out. Really good background music.

As far as traditional Christmas songs, even though I am an agnostic, I like the Jesusy ones best. O Holy Night, Silent Night and such.

[Bel-Cam Jos]

A clever Mark Twain reference and a clever Pearl Jam reference. Well done, BCJ.Thanks; was wonderin' if anybody'd notice. Was the Great Space Coaster one too obvious?

[Lowly Bantha Cleaner]

Hmmm. If your browser isn't set to play mp3 files, you could right-click, save it to your desktop (or wherever) and then open it with whatever music player you might use.


I right-clicked and clicked on "save target as." I went to save it to my desktop but there was one problem. The file wouldn't download for me. It was stuck at 0%. Perhaps I do not have the appropriate plug-in or whatever.

[plasticfetish]

Perhaps I do not have the appropriate plug-in or whatever.After all the hassle, you're gonna kill me when you hear how bad that song is. :D

My Mac browser (Safari) just opens the file and plays it, but on my Windows PC (using IE) it downloads the file (like yours) and then opens it using Quicktime as the player. So yeah, you probably need to make sure you have a player (plug-in) that can handle mp3 files.

[JimJamBonds]

I love this holiday classic by The King:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74w6vE9hqhE

Very nice!

[El Chuxter]

Riddle me this:

Who is more iconic as far as Christmas music goes, Charlie Brown or Charles Brown?

(If you don't know, Charles is the blues pianist who first performed the classic "Merry Christmas, Baby.")

[Lowly Bantha Cleaner]

After all the hassle, you're gonna kill me when you hear how bad that song is. :D

My Mac browser (Safari) just opens the file and plays it, but on my Windows PC (using IE) it downloads the file (like yours) and then opens it using Quicktime as the player. So yeah, you probably need to make sure you have a player (plug-in) that can handle mp3 files.


Thanks for all your help PF, I finally got the song working, and you are right, I do want to kill you now! :)




All kidding aside, my first reaction was that I didn't know George Lucas talents extended to songwriting. The song was grating on the ears and reminded me of the "Dear Mr. Jesus" Holiday song from the 1980's. Definitely a song that is worth forgetting. Good find though. :thumbsup:

[plasticfetish]

No problem. I have the entire Star Wars Christmas album... and if you're not careful, I just might upload all of the files. (Amazingly bad.)

[OC47150]

Riddle me this:

Who is more iconic as far as Christmas music goes, Charlie Brown or Charles Brown?

(If you don't know, Charles is the blues pianist who first performed the classic "Merry Christmas, Baby.")


That's easy: Charlie Brown. Great music for a classic cartoon.

[Mad Slanted Powers]

I recently bought the Lightnin' Hopkins version of "Merry Christmas Baby" from iTunes. I got the Charlie Brown Christmas CD last year.

[Bel-Cam Jos]

No problem. I have the entire Star Wars Christmas album... and if you're not careful, I just might upload all of the files. (Amazingly bad.)Remember, it was MECO would did this one, too. I wouldn't call it amazingly bad, but it is dated.

I can imagine Mr. M saying "c'mon disco, hear me baby, hold together."
Then, when he realized the enormity of bringing back an at-that-time despised musical genre: "I can't. It's too big."
And much of the listening public: "That, is why you fail..."

[Slicker]

I've found myself listening to Soldier's Silent Night (http://www.tankmastergunner.com/images/silent_night.mp3)of late. It almost perfectly mirrors what this Christmas'll be like for me this year...

[El Chuxter]

iTunes has a bunch of cool one-offs, like the aforementioned Darkness song, as well as an awesome tune by The Killers called "Don't Shoot Me Santa" and a rather good cover of "Backdoor Santa" by Jet.

There's also a Christmas EP by Becky Barksdale on there. Back when there was such a thing as House of Blues Records, they put the same song by her on just about every sampler and said her album was forthcoming. It never happened, though there are a few albums worth on iTunes. (I guess they ended up being released locally.) She's Texas blues, and her Christmas songs are wicked, aside from a way-too-slow "Amazing Grace."

[Lowly Bantha Cleaner]

No problem. I have the entire Star Wars Christmas album... and if you're not careful, I just might upload all of the files. (Amazingly bad.)


Go ahead an upload them. Lately, I have been looking for new discipline techniques to utilize in my classroom. :D