Jay Varner's Merrymaking Mix: 2012

In the mood for holiday mixes? Check us out over at Talus,Or Scree. We love 77 Santas but we can only do it one month out of the year. At Talus, Or Scree, we’re around all year.

The 2012 Merrymaking Mixes are up! Click here to check them out. We were featured in this Financial Times article about alternative Christmas music.

You can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes. Our latest episode is all about holiday music.

Jay Varner's Holiday Mix 2011

Did we need another holiday mix? No. However, that never deters us from going totally overboard! Our final holiday mix of 2011 is now available at Talus, Or Scree (that's our new home; if you haven't visited yet, we're there all year round!). A little background here: this is the holiday mix Jay will give a select group of family and friends. Now, given that it’s December 18, he will most likely never actually get this in the mail. I mean, let’s be honest about it. Still, his heart is in the right place and he certainly has the best of intentions. If you downloaded the earlier mixes, there might be a few repeats here but most of the songs are making their debut on 77 Santas. If you download all five mixes, you’ve got over six and a half hours of music. That should get you to your destinations this week and then some. We hope you’ve enjoyed these mixes and already look forward to 77 Santas’ 2012 season!


Head on over to the new 77 Santas to check it out.

The Hits

You want the hits?  You got em.  Two hours of them.  Over at www.jayvarner.com, I’ve been running a podcast for a few months now called VarnerCast!.  This is the second podcast we’ve run this holiday season at 77 Santas.  Download it, crank it up, and enjoy while eating some cookies and sipping eggnog.  Throughout, you’ll hear some clips from our favorite Christmas movies.

And don’t forget the drawing contest!  The deadline is technically today, but we’re feeling generous.  Get them in my Monday, December 13 and you’ll still be set.

 

VarnerCast!: The Christmas Hits

Santa Claus Is Back In Town – Elvis Presley

Little Saint Nick – The Beach Boys

Jingle Bell Rock – Bobby Helms

Christmas Time Is Here – Vince Gauraldi Trio

Christmas Is the Time To Say I Love You – Billy Squier

X-Mas Curtain – My Morning Jacket

Christmas All Over Again – Tom Petty

Santa Looked A Lot Like Daddy – Buck Owens

Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee

I Want A Hippopotamus for Christmas – Gayla Peevey

Dominick the Christmas Donkey – Lou Monte

Holly Jolly Christmas – Burl Ives

Little Drummer Boy – David Bowie and Bing Crosby

I’ll Be Home for Christmas – Frank Sinatra

This Time of the Year – Brook Benton

Calling On Mary – Aimee Mann

Purple Snowflakes – Marvin Gaye

Sleigh Ride – The Boston Pops

Up On the House Top – Gene Autry

White Christmas – The Drifters

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

Baby, It’s Cold Outside – Dean Martin

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year – Andy Williams

Please Come Home for Christmas – Charles Brown

Christmas Must Be Tonight – The Band

Christmas Wrapping – The Waitresses

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – Judy Garland

Merry Christmas Baby – Otis Redding

Just Like Christmas – Low

Feliz Navidad – Jose Feliciano

Merry Christmas from the Family – Robert Earl Keen

Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis – Tom Waits

Mele Kalikimaka – Bing Crosby

Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) – Darlene Love

The Christmas Waltz – Peggy Lee

For Rich and for Poor

Thirty years ago tonight the world heard the news that John Lennon was murdered in New York City.  

There’s little else that I can add that hasn’t already been said.  Lennon was a complicated man, but his songs—as a Beatle and as a solo artist—endure.  And the message to the best of those songs are very simple: enjoy each day, spread love, and never take anything for granted.  Dismiss it as cheese, but it’s true.  If all of us lived by those principals, the world would be a better place.

Happy Christmas (War Is Over) – John Lennon

Santa was talkin’ with his missus, said let me help you with those dishes…

Santa was cracking the whip late last night at the other North Pole.  Yes, we can’t always be at 77 Santas all the time, though we’d love to be.  Anyway, by the time Santa grabbed some Five Guys, made it home, and kicked off his boots, he was bushed.  But we’ll make up for that little slip right now.

Christmas Eve Can Kill You – The Everly Brothers

But let’s hope not.  Seriously, for some, Christmas can be a lonely time of the year.  Just ask our friend The Depressive Weatherman about it.  I can’t imagine what that guy will go through this holiday season.

Xmas Present Blues – Jimmy Reed

Hey, it’s the holidays.  Ain’t no reason to have the blues!  And come on, you expect me to believe that a song that sounds this good is actually meant to keep me down?

Christmas Morning’ – Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks

Hey now, this is how we should all start out Christmas morning.  A jaunty little Americana beat, a catchy chorus, and some fun.

Remember so send in those Santa pictures!  Details on the contest are at the top right.

Christmas Is for Losers

Today, I was out in town at a doctor’s appointment.  Before I left, the doc asked if I was glad election day would soon be behind us.  Yes, I was—no more negative, pessimistic, fear-mongering ads.  He nodded and said, “Yeah, but you know what comes next?  Christmas songs on the radio.”

 

I didn’t say anything, but I thought, there’s your problem chief.  You’re listening to Christmas tunes on the radio!  There’s lots of great stuff out there, you just have to look for it.  Luckily, all of you know where to look: 77 Santas.

In the coming days, we’ll be hosting our first-ever contest on the site.  While it’s exciting and will take some work, we’re very excited.  Hopefully the official announcement will come this weekend.

Meanwhile, we have the first in our drawings today.  This year (and most likely next year as well), I’m going to do parodies of classic album covers.  If you don’t the know the originals, I’ll include the names and artists for your reference (and your universal acclaim, because I’m sure you’ll be impressed by my child-like artwork).  The first entry?  The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, reimagined with Santa and a young Mrs. Claus.

Okay, onto the songs.  Quick question for everyone: Mp3 or Mp4?  iTunes should be able to play everything but I understand that not everyone uses that program.  Let me know what you'd prefer and we'll try to stick with that in the future.

Christmas Trumpets/We Wish You A Merry Christmas – Ray Anthony

How about a swinging entry into the holiday season?  If this doesn’t make you want to switch on the turn table and seek out some mistletoe, check your pulse.

Christmas Is for Losers – Mike Nicolai

We know better!  But behind the initial message, there’s a great critique of consumer culture.  Despite the jaunty beat, it’s rather depressing.

What Christmas Means to Me – Stevie Wonder

This one is simple.  And of course, all of us have our own thoughts of what Christmas means to us.  For me, one of the biggest part is sharing these songs—the kind you won’t hear on the radio, doc—with my friends all over the world.

Christmas in July: 2010

Christmas In July—Volume One

Christmas Message from Dennis Wilson of The Beach Boys

Pat A Pan—John Halloran & Choir

Rudolf The Red-Nosed Reindeer Mambo—Alvin Stoller

What Child Is This—David Grisman

“Happy Christmas In July”—JV

It’s A Big Country—Davitt Sigerson

Christmas In The Trenches—John McCutcheon

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen—Kate and Anna McGarrigle

Hark the Herald Angels Sing—A.V. Bornand Collection

“Country Christmas Intro”—JV

The Holly & The Ivy/The Cherry Tree Carol—John Fahey with Terry Robb

A Shut-In At Christmas/Shut-in's Prayer—The Louvin Brothers

The Friendly Beasts—Johnson Mountain Boys

Long, Long Ago—Barry & Holly Tashian

Silent Night All Day Long—John Prine

No Christmas In Kentucky—Phil Ochs

Christmas In My Smokey Mountain Home—Bobby Bare

Goin' Home For Christmas—Merle Haggard

Call Collect On Christmas—Del McCoury

“Shameless Self-Promotion”—JV

Frosty the Snowman—The Ventures

Christmas Island—Bob Atcher & The Dinning Sisters

Jingle Bells—Johnny Mercer

Sorry to See You Go—June Christy

Christmas In July—Volume Two

Intro—“Six Months Before Christmas”—JV

Exotic Night—Martin Denny

77 Santas—Gayla Peevey

Christmas On the Beach—Irene

Christmas Must Be Tonight—The Band

My Favorite Things—Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass

Silent Night—Huey “Piano” Smith and the Clowns

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen—The Ventures

X-Mas Time (Sure Doesn’t Feel Like It)—The Dogmatics

It’s Christmas Time Again—Harley Poe

Merry Christmas Baby—Ike and Tina Turner

The Christmas Song—The Raveonettes

Xmas Curtain—My Morning Jacket

Christmas All Over Again—Tom Petty

“Christmas In July”—JV

Carol of the Bells—Vienna Boys Choir

Oh Holy Night—Irma Thomas

Little Saint Night—The Beach Boys

Snoopy’s Christmas—The Royal Guardsmen

“Goodbye”—JV

Please Come Home for Christmas—Charles Brown

Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)—Darlene Love

Bells Are Ringing, Old Folks Singing—Happy Holiday!

We’re ten days out from the big day. Wow. PC is currently covering his entire neighborhood with fake snow. That’s why you haven’t heard from him lately. But I think he’s got one or two posts left. Enjoy the songs today. And here’s a brand new drawing for you kids!

Merry Christmas Baby – Ike and Tina Turner

Something tells me these two didn’t have the hap, hap, happiest of holidays.

Happy Holiday – The Shells

Is it a Christmas song? I don’t know. But it’s great.

I Hear Bells Jingle – Freddie King

Some dirty blues for your holiday.

Horny Christmas – Loo and Placido

Dig the Dandy Warhols sample. Lyrically, well, it’s basically being horny on Christmas. Probably not one for the office Christmas mix.

Sleigh Ride – The Late Greats

Here’s a little plug for a superb blog The Late Greats. This is from the 2007 mix—each year is stellar.

Only Three Days Left!

I’ll be closing up shop here on Tuesday evening. Until then, I’ll try to get requests and reposts up, but I’m also going to be posting some of my favorites.

Thanks for all the great comments on the post yesterday—it means a lot that so many people follow this site. And thanks for the requests. I hope I hit on all of them, or at least tried. I hate to be that Santa who delivers something that’s kind of like what you wanted, but in some cases, that’s what you’re getting. Some of the songs I have, some I don’t—and with PC away in cold, cold Cleveland, I’m on my own these days. But hey, it’s the thought that counts, right?

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year – Andy Williams
Indeed, no matter else happens, it is the most wonderful time of the year. As Stephen Colbert said, there are a lot worse things to believe in.

77 Santas – Gayla Peevey
Oh, Gayla. I believe I’m on Santa Number 39—and I think that’s just about half-way and a good cliff-hanger for next season.

The Christmas Waltz – Peggy Lee
Smokey and sexy.

The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late) – Alvin and the Chipmunks
For the record, I never once received a hula-hoop for Christmas.

Lonely Christmas – Ferlin Husky
He sure delivers on this one.

There’s Trouble Brewin’ – Jack Scott
Makes me want to drink lots of coffee and read beatniks.

Please Daddy, Don’t Get Drunk This Christmas – Kelly Willis and Bruce Robinson
This is one of the saddest out there—and I prefer it to John Denver’s.

(Christmas Is) The Saddest Day of the Year – Jill Sobule
I picked this up from The Late Greats, a very good blog you can find on our links list.

Mama’s Twistin’ with Santa Claus – Mark Anthony
This one is great fun.

Carol of the Bells – John Fahey
This one is for PC—we both love us some Fahey. He was a master.

Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home) – Darlene Love
I know—nobody requested this song but me. Well, this is just to serve as a reminder that you to watch The Late Show with David Letterman on Tuesday night. Dave will welcome Jay Thomas and he’ll tell his always entertaining Lone Ranger story—and of course they’ll try to knock the meatball off the tree. But the highlight of the night (and honestly, as silly as this sounds, one of the highlights of my entire year) is the performance by Darlene Love. Last year, the writer’s strike sent The Late Show into hiatus. But prior to that, I hadn’t missed a performance for well over a decade. I love this song so much it hurts. And there is something about seeing Darlene perform this live that just warms me inside and brings a tear to my eye. When I die, it doesn’t matter to me what anyone says or who carries my casket, but I want this song played. I don’t care if I kick in the dead heat of July—play this song for me.

My mom and I always watch Dave together that night. It’s one of those traditions (like going to see Penn State basketball with my friend Rud) that I’ve done for years. To some people, the stuff might seem silly, but it means the world to me, and it’s something I look forward all year long. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it home to see Penn State win by 28-points this afternoon. And sadly, I will not be sitting living room with my mom to watch Dave together—the first time ever. I guess she can tape it. Not quite the same, but at least we can see it together, which is certainly better than not at all.

Christmas Bells, Those Christmas Bells!

Apologies for the silence on our end. It’s the holidays and sometimes things get busy. Hopefully this will be a weekend full of some fantastic posts. So to hell with talking, let’s start the rocking.

Merry Christmas Baby – Ike and Tina Turner

Let’s kick off today with a rocker. Tina—belt it out for us.

Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee

Originally, this song’s lyrics were about rockin’ around the old oak tree. It primarily involved acorns and squirrels at a box social. But a producer suggested some changes. No matter what the lyrics would have been, Brenda Lee would have made them sound beautiful.

Christmas On the Beach – Irene

Seems like a nice place. It’s 30 degrees here but I can smell that salt-water air.

The Christmas Song – The Raveonettes

Each year when I hear this one, it sounds just perfect. This is a highly underappreciated band. Check them out.

Snoopy’s Christmas – The Royal Guardsmen

Okay, a few weeks back, I said that I didn’t like hit songs that were altered a bit to fit with Christmas time. Well, I make an exception here. I hunted the radio dial for this song as a kid—it seemed like they rarely played it, and that made when they did all the more special.

Snoopy vs. The Red Baron – The Royal Guardsmen

Here’s the original. So it’s not about Christmas but it’s still great. 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or more...