December 23, 2009

They're Singing Deck the Halls, But It's Not Like Christmas At All.


Let’s end the Santa drawings with a rendition of PC and yours truly. What a great season. I think we debuted some new songs and touched upon some favorites. It’s always a treat to see readers from across the world enjoying this music, this season, and this site.

The song was written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane. Judy Garland made the song famous in her 1944 film Meet Me in St. Louis. Garland found the original lyrics too sad for a Christmas song. There is a fatalistic view on the world—there is talk of everyone being together, of muddling through, friends once gone who will come back. There is a tender delicateness to this version—that quiet, music box-like introduction that draws the listener into the word. And her voice is heartbreaking and beautiful.


Where would we be without 77 Santas? I hope you enjoyed this year’s drawings. We’re now done with 77 different versions of Santa. Next year, perhaps we’ll start a new list—probably not drawings, since those are tough! Any ideas? I love the childlike awe of this song—it captures that innocent excitement at Christmas. And there’s never enough of that.

The best Christmas song ever recorded. She starts our season. She ends our season. And she is on my iTunes playlist all year long. Tune in tonight, Dec. 23, to see Darlene’s annual performance on The Late Show with David Letterman, one of the absolute treats of the holiday season. It isn’t Christmas without the one and only Darlene Love.

Have a happy holiday season and a great new year. We'll see you again in July!

4 comments:

Billy Blagg said...

Missing you already Guys!

Billy Blagg said...

Oh sorry Merry Christmas, by the way

Unknown said...

thanks for all of the great music!

Anonymous said...

thank you so much for your efforts it means so much to me! have a belter and raise a glass or two with me.

oddbins dave