Nobody’s Been Naughty. Everybody’s Been Nice.

Apologies for the day off Sunday—Santa needed the day to rest and recoup after getting home at about 3 a.m. on Sunday morning. But I’m making up for the neglect with two great posts today.

It Won’t Be the Same This Year – Vince Gill
I’ve always been a fan of Gill’s music—he has a beautiful voice. However, mainstream country radio now ignores him, like so many other great artists from the early to mid 1990s. But at least 77 Santas hasn’t forgotten about this heartbreaker. Gill wrote this song after the premature death of his brother.

The Shelter – The Tractors
Speaking of forgotten 1990s country music, The Tractors scored a modest hit in 1994 with “Baby Likes to Rock It (Like a Boogie Woogie Choo Choo Train).” I posted a track or two by The Tractors a few weeks back—outside of the novelty of their biggest hit, they were also a good band who penned some socially and politically conscious songs. Rather than record a proper follow-up, The Tractors released a long-forgotten Christmas album. I’ll post a few more tracks throughout the season. “The Shelter” is a retelling of the nativity story.

Christmas Time – The dB’s
This power pop group of the 70s and 80s doesn’t get enough respect. Think Marshall Crenshaw meets R.E.M. This comes off their 2006 re-release of Christmastime.

Little Saint Nick – The Beach Boys
We had a comment about this one a few days back. With each passing year, this song grows higher on my list of favorite Christmas songs.

Don’t Believe In Christmas – The Sonics
Of course we believe at 77 Santas. But when “Fat Boy don’t show,” it’d be hard for anyone to believe.

Be back in a bit with three little dwarfs.