Randolph Ain't Too Far Behind

It’s another bag of goodies, something for everybody. I can’t believe that the end of the season is closing in. I always remember that scene at the end of A Christmas Story when Ralphie is in bed, the snow falls outside, and it’s quiet. There’s something sad about Christmas night—maybe it’s just the realization that it’s over. And I’m not even a kid anymore but I still feel it!

Well, we won’t have to worry about the post-holiday blues for a little while yet. Let’s keep pulling out the music! We have lots of goodies planned for next week—I’m leaving 77 Santas (sniff, sniff) on December 17. I’m heading back to the dark ages where dial-up Internet, poor cable providers, devastating unemployment, and chronic xenophobia rule the land—of course I am talking about Central Pennsylvania! Don’t worry, PC will still be around for a bit. But don’t think I won’t go out with a big old bang of Christmas!

I’ve got a few follow-ups to the country and soul posts this week. First up, a trio of George Jones songs. I hope you’re checking out Big Rock Candy Mountain everyday—two of these are courtesy that blog. What else have you come to expect from the Opossum?

Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus (with Tammy Wynette)

My Mom and Santa Claus

Lonely Christmas Call

Lots more here today but geez, I don’t know if I can write up something for all of them. Enjoy the classics you might know already. Rock out to those that you don’t.

All I Want for Christmas – Santa’s Helpers

Two front teef!

Carol of the Drum – Jack Halloran Singers

One of the earliest versions of this song from the late 1950s. It’s great.

Santa’s Big Parade – The Louvin Brothers

See yesterday’s post about the fabulous Louvin Brothers.

Christmas Eve Can Kill You – The Everly Brothers

Not literally, right? Right?

Who Took the Merry Out of Christmas – The Staple Singers

Another soulful post. This is a great song that I hadn’t heard until this year.

Santa Claus is Back in Town – Elvis Presley

Dwight does a great version but no one does it like the King.

Run Rudolph Run – Chuck Berry

Okay. Who’s Randolph? I never understood that.

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! – Vaughn Monroe

My favorite version of this song. Played at the end of Die Hard 2: Die Harder.

Frosty the Snowman – Leon Redbone and Dr. John

This is for PC. I know that he absolutely loves Dr. John—in fact, I don’t think I’ve met anyone who adores the bearded, raspy voiced jazzman like PC. If you’re looking to get him something this Christmas, any Dr. John will do. Even if he already has it, chances are it’s already been worn out. Okay, so he actually hates Dr. John. What I love about this version is Leon Redbone.