While Newsbunny has been locked in a room, watching The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, 24/7 until her heart grows two sizes larger, I will counter her list of the worst Christmas songs with the best of Christmas cheer.
I would be remiss if I did not clear up the blasphemy that was written by Ms. Newsbunny. “This Christmas”, by Donny Hathaway, is the best Christmas song of ALL TIME. Seriously, she will be getting coal in her stocking this year. Santa is not pleased.
Additionally, “All I want for Christmas”, is the frothy, shiny perfection of a song that only Mariah in her butterfly laden aura could bring. It clearly is a throwback to the “wall of sound” productions of Phil Spector. Crazy meets crazy and produces a Christmas classic.
In that vein, let me introduce you to Ms. Darlene Love and Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home). Rolling Stone ranked it first on it’s list of Greatest Rock & Roll Christmas songs. Performing on the Letterman show, her voice is still as strong and true as when this song was first recorded in 1963. I get chills every time I hear her sing it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUCjOpcK_LE
The Waitresses “Christmas Wrapping” makes me so happy, I could listen to it all year round.
I first heard this updated version of “I Got My Love to Keep Me Warm”, on a TV commercial (Target? Kohls?). Sometimes songs are looped and remixed until they are a mess, but whoever did this one, got it right. They made an old classic feel new and still appropriately festive.
This is the FUNKIEST Christmas song you will ever hear. Alexander O’Neal was one of several artists that came out of Minneapolis with Prince. Sleigh Ride was included on his Christmas album, “My Gift to You”, which, while little known, is a soul classic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yQw4lQsY1s
There are two Stevie Wonder songs that I could have included on this list, and it was hard, but I went with “What Christmas Means to Me”, cuz it just brings the joy.
“God Rest You Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings”, is another classic that is re-imagined beautifully by Bare Naked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan. Their voices are perfect and I love the folk styling.
“River” is a Joni Mitchell song, but I think Dianne Reeves may have stolen it away from her. Another beautiful voice, I could listen to Dianne sing the yellow pages.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGAfPng9l1U
What’s Christmas without the Godfather of Soul!!! Me and my brothers loved this song and I can remember playing the 45 on our record player.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryKRcVqsph8
My favorite Christmas song is “Carol of the Bells”. I could listen to any rendition, choral or instrumental, but I especially like choir versions. Here is a snippet of a children’s choir soaring on the song.
Please list your favorites!
Feliz Navidad, Joyeux Noel, Fröhliche Weihnachten, Sung Tan Chuk Ha Buone, Feste Natalizie, heri la Krismasi!