Christmas, Christmas, and More Christmas!

Christmas lovers, I’ve got some sad news. My days at 77 Santas are numbered. On Sunday, I’ll return to a land that knows not of cable Internet or digital cable or any other necessity in this life. Unfortunately, the dial-up Internet of Central Pennsylvania just won’t work for 77 Santas—it’d take me four hours just to upload a song. But don’t worry—before then, I’m going out with a bag of Christmas cheer that will ensure you’ll have the hap, Hap, HAPPIEST Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny eff-ing Kaye! We’ve got a special feature that will run Friday and Saturday. Plus, PC will still bring the holiday cheer for a few more days after my departure. We’ve had some technical issues tonight. If you can’t download songs, let us know. I think it’s fixed but maybe not.

But before that, we’ve got some Christmas song. A whole lot of Christmas songs!

Christmas Card from A Hooker in Minneapolis – Neko Case

I know that we’ve already posted Tom Waits’ live version of this track. Honestly, I just wanted this as an excuse to post a picture of Neko Case and to listen to her voice which, to me, is one of the greatest contemporary voices in music. Sometimes her vocals give me chills.

Carol of the Bells – John Williams

No, the acclaimed composer doesn’t sing on this track, but he did produce it for Home Alone. This really is one of my favorite holiday songs and this is a brief but beautiful rendition.

Carol of the Bells – Trans Siberian Orchestra with Metallica

This searing version comes from their collaborative Christmas album. It earns a lot of airplay on radio stations during the season—I heard it today in the car. Never ceases to make me pound my foot along or nod my head to the beat. Actually, it’s probably best no one tries to imagine my convulsing body during this song.

O Little Town of Bethlehem – Frank Sinatra

Ole Blue Eyes does this song justice, naturally.

Silent Night – Martina McBride

McBride has one of the most beautiful voices in country music today. Her tender vocals on this song showcase her talent—anyone who heard her hit “Independence Day,” a somewhat groundbreaking song about spousal abuse, knows that her vocals can also soar.

Sleigh Ride – The Ronettes

Yeah, we love us some Phil Specter production at 77 Santas.

Sleigh Ride – The Boston Pops

And yet another version. Complete with whip snaps. Nothing like a whip to bring in the holidays.