I Really, Really Hate This Song

Seriously. This song makes me mad I hate it so much. I hope I never hear it again. Here you go. Don't enjoy this! Bah! PC

Newsong: Christmas Shoes

Sweet Brenda Lee

I’ll follow up PC’s excellent country post tomorrow with some classic country from the 60s—be on the lookout for some Buck Owens and Roger Miller, among others. In the meantime, here’s my promised Brenda Lee post. Lee, under five feet tall, was nicknamed “Little Miss Dynamite” after one of her songs, “Dynamite.” She began recording at 11 and was one of the first teen pop sensations. Her most well-known Christmas song, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” was released in 1958. However, she recorded several Christmas songs, including the other two songs posted here. In 2006, Lee celebrated 50 years as a recording artist. I love all the songs here, but the final one is my favorite.

Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree

Papa Noel

I’m Gonna Lasso Santa Claus

Jingle Bell Rock

Christmas Will Be Just Another Lonely Day

***

Here are a few other bonus songs from that era.

Sleigh Ride – The Ventures

It starts out as “Walk, Don’t Run” and then nicely segues into a nice, if somewhat straight-forward rendition of the song.

The Bell That Couldn’t Jingle – Burt Bacharach

Burt doesn’t sing on this, but his sound is unmistakable. It’s a great, breezy tune with some nice pop arrangements.

A Christmas Wish – Bobby Goldsboro

I love Bobby Goldsboro. “Little Things” is a fantastic song. This is a little softer but it’s a lovely, sad little song.

This Time of Year – Brook Benton

This is just beautiful.

Gee Whiz, It’s Christmas – Carla Thomas

I tried to find something bad about this song. It’s got that great girl group sound. It’s about Christmas. Yep, that makes it a classic in my book.

Late coming to 77 Santas? Something you’d like to hear again? Or for the first time? Drop a comment and we'll do our best. Keep checking. If you like us thus far, wait until next week; you ain't seen nothing yet.

Country Christmas (Part One)

I was never the biggest fan of country music--I tolerated it when I heard it and I was fully aware that most of what I listened to (then and now) owed its existence to country music (which is my blanket term for bluegrass, gospel, etc.). Still, I just never got into it. That was until I met Jake, a dear buddy of both JV and myself. Jake is the epitome of country music--he's the food, the tears, the laughs, the stories... As time went by, Jake, JV, our other good friend Chris and I would spend many, many nights on the porch listening to this great music, downing beers, sharing laughs, and, deep in the backs of ourselves, wallowing in whatever sadness any of us was dealing with at the time (like anyone else, only we're stoic, old, crochety men). And now, thanks to a few shopping sprees and some excellent mix cds from my boys, I'm a (still developing)country music buff. I should make it clear that artists like Brad Paisley and Gretchen Wilson aren't really our bag. So, this is for Jake, and my boys, and all the great times. Who knew so much excellent Christmas music was out there!? JV will follow this up with even more. Enjoy. Here's the songs. Ladies first, of course. PC

Loretta Lynn:

Country Christmas

It Won't Seem Like Christmas

Dolly Parton:

Winter Wonderland

Hard Candy Christmas

Reba McIntire: Away in a Manger

Merle Haggard: If We Make it Through December

Johnny Cash: The Little Drummer Boy

Willie Nelson: Pretty Paper

Dwight Yoakam: Santa Claus is Back in Town

Elvis: I'll Be Home for Christmas

Bill Monroe & his Bluegrass Boys: Christmas Time's a-Comin'

Christmas Novelty

Little bit of everything in our first post today. We’ve had lots of novelty posts thus far. Heck, our title comes from a novelty song.

I had a special request for Billy Squire. I really love this song. Is it the best song you’ll find on 77 Santas this season? No, but it might be the most fun. I love hearing this song on the all-Christmas radio station. That bluesy beat and loose style make me want to just crank up the volume.

Christmas Is the Time to Say I Love – Billy Squire

Michigan comedy troupe Da Yoopers have been around for a long time—I remember hearing their classic song (at least in December, on WMRF radio in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania) “The Second Week of Deer Camp.” Some of their humor is rather juvenile, some of it stupid, but I sure have a soft spot for this song. Something about it just reminds me of rural Pennsylvania—maybe it’s the swampers, the IGA, or the chicken wire.

Rusty Chevrolet – Da Yoopers

Where do I start with Ray Stevens? I remember that for my eighth birthday, I received a cassette tape of Ray Stevens Greatest Hits. It had, of course, “The Streak” and “Everything Is Beautiful.” When Christmas time came around, I loved “Santa Claus Is Watching You.” When that chorus comes—my cousin Travis and I used to sing this. Actually, we still sing that deep baritone: “Cause Santa Claus is Watching You.”

Now, there are at least three versions of this song that I know about. A short single version, a longer version, and also a version that includes references to the CIA, wiretapping, and surveillance (it was 1962 when this came out—glad we don’t have to worry about that kind of thing anymore, right? Right?!). I don’t have that version but if anyone out there does, please post it in a comment—I can’t find it anymore.

As for the long and short versions, I have to recommend the long. It’s obvious in the short versions where the tape splices occurred and I can’t imagine why it was trimmed to begin with.

Santa Claus Is Watching You – Ray Stevens (short)

Santa Claus Is Watching You – Ray Stevens (long)

Now, some more adult-themed Christmas tunes. We cater to all audiences here and certainly hope you won’t let the young-uns download these songs—we wouldn’t want to contribute their developing cynicism. These involve sex or diss Christmas. But don’t worry, they’re pretty much PG-13, except “The Read Slim Shady” parody.

Christmas Spirit?? – The Wailers

Horny Christmas – Loo and Placid

Santa on the Roof – Rev. Horton Heat

The Real Slim Santa – Japetv.com

I’ll be back later today with Brenda Lee (finally!) and some country Christmas songs.

Frajeelay!

Check this out!!! I want one!
PC (More tunes soon. Super busy. Enough good stuff here now to keep you busy, though!)

"Eddie: The Christmas Episode"

During college, some friends came up with a television sitcom called “Eddie” about the life of Eddie Veddar. Each week, Eddie would struggle to keep the rest of the band in line. We imagined it in the vein of 80s sitcom--right around 8:23 p.m., the special music would play as Eddie or another character learns the lesson of the week, just like in "Full House." And you know, as I think back on it, I’m still smiling about it all. Those were fun times—and we didn’t even do drugs…that much. Thank God we still don’t make up fake names or television shows or movies that go by the name of “Mountain Motherf*ckers” (long story, don’t ask)--wait, we still do this. Maybe one day we’ll get around to filming the pilot of “Eddie” for network.

In the meantime, you’ll have to make do with a trio of Pearl Jam Christmas song. I won’t go into how obsessed I am with this band or how much I love them. I’ll just say that I love them a lot. If you join the Ten Club, you get Christmas singles every year (on vinyl, which PC should love!). Sometimes the songs are about Christmas, sometimes not. But they’re always worth listening to. In fact, Heather, who runs a freaking awesome blog, posted all the Christmas singles. A few of them appear on Pearl Jam’s Lost Dogs compilation. Since SeveredHands hasn’t posted anything on 77 Santas yet, I’ll say that this post is for him. I’ll see him in two weeks and we will, no doubt, listen to Pearl Jam at full blast.

What? You want me to direct you toward just one? The Sonics cover, “Don’t Believe In Christmas” is fantastic. DL it, crank it, rock to it around the Christmas tree (don’t worry Brenda Lee, I’m getting to your post!).

Don’t Believe In Christmas – Pearl Jam

Let Me Sleep – Pearl Jam

Someday at Christmas – Pearl Jam

Christmas Fingers

Here's a few selections from guitar playing, record collection virtuoso, author, and genius, John Fahey.

He has a few albums of Christmas music only. I want them all. I want all his records. In time.
I hate the phrase timeless, but I can't help but think of it when I listen to this guy.

Medley: The Holly and the Ivy/The Cherry Tree Carol

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen Fantasy

Good Wenceslas

Oh Come, Oh Come, Emanuel

PC

Stocking Stuffers

The big day is coming. I can’t imagine the wall of depression that I’ll hit face first on December 26. As a famous philosopher once said (paraphrasing, of course), in kid-dom, the entire year revolves around Christmas. Yes, I’m 25 and I just bought a Nintendo Wii and I love Christmas music—what’s your point? Tomorrow, I hope to get a Brenda Lee post up. PC and I (well, mainly me) were talking about her great voice today. In the meantime, maybe these tunes will jingle your bells.

Mistress for Christmas – AC/DC

I can see the scene now: all the members of AC/DC are sitting in a room, discussing possible titles for a Christmas song. Someone suggests “Jingle My Bells.” Initially, they’re a little excited but remember “Big Balls” and decide to pass. After the room quiets a bit, the band members deep in thought, someone says, “What about ‘Mistress for Christmas’?” I don’t know if that’s how it went down. No matter what happened, I think that I’m glad that it did.

That Was the Worst Christmas Ever! – Sufjan Stevens

Sufjan loves Christmas. He has continually proven himself as one of today’s most distinct and interesting artists. This year, he released a set of Christmas songs. While it might seem a bit excessive, I’m willing to bet that most sound as great like this.

Silent Night – Tom Waits

Another artist with a new box set out just in time for a holiday gift. Waits singing silent night… well, it isn’t exactly silent. But it’s Tom Waits, what did you expect? PC dedicated his last post to our friend Eric, who is also the biggest Waits fan I know.

O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum – Will Glahe and His Orchestra

A German choral version of the classic. Love the weeping fiddles toward the end.

Pee Wee’s Christmas Theme

I thought my cousin Travis might like this one. He’ll certainly remember my childhood adoration for Pee Wee Herman and Pee Wee’s Playhouse. Listening to this again, I can only imagine how my parents must have been driven nuts for a half hour every Saturday morning.

Twinkle Toes – The Crew Cuts with David Carroll and His Orchestra

Merry Christmas Polka – The Three Suns

These were originally posted over at Ernie (Not Bert). I checked this blog this morning—when I just checked again, there is a plethora more of Christmas tunes to listen to. It’s all amazing stuff, be sure to check it out. The story behind this song is listed there. And if you enjoy The Three Suns, check out the site—there is lots more there.

Are You Happy, Eric?

Our friend Eric, intitials EV, not related to JV, and neither of them own an RV, commented last night, at a party I was 900 miles away from, about the lack of Vince Guaraldi on 77 Santas. Because I want all the children to be happy this Christmas, here are a few tracks from the classic "A Charlie Brown Christmas". Sadly, it aired on November 28th and I totally missed it. The tunes, though, are great. Here's a few. Some of these sentences are nightmares.

Christmas Time is Here (Vocal Version)

O Tannenbaum

Now I want to go watch The Royal Tenenebaums.

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Glory to the King of Jingaling.

Skating

There's this skating rink, right here in my hand...
PC

Soulful Bowl Full

JV turned me on to "What do the Lonely Do at Christmas" and it is rapidly becoming one of my favorites. It's sad, it grooves, it's all soul. I'll add a few more in the same blue-tinged vein. Might get a double post today. Have you been naughty or nice? I had some trouble posting this last night, so if it appears twice in slightly different forms I apologize. PC

The Emotions: What do the Lonely Do at Christmas

Ray Charles: The Spirit of Christmas

I came to this song through "Christmas Vacation". I love the choir at the end...

Boys II Men: Let it Snow

Who doesn't love this group? These boys can sing!

The Temptations: Silent Night

It's the Temptations. They sing for themselves

The O'Jays: Christmas Just Ain't Christmas (Without the one you love)

What a jam! This makes me want to dance. I'm a terrible dancer.

Stevie Wonder: Silver Bells

What a version by one of the greatest ever!

25 Days...

It’s Friday, time for another entry in our “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” series. Darlene Love’s original and U2’s cover are somewhat similar—both pull out all the stops and go jingle-bells to the wall in sound, especially Love. Death Cab for Cutie’s version of the song is softer. It starts out stripped down—only lead singer Ben Gibbard and a guitar. Slowly, the song builds itself—crisp piano chimes in, the leisurely drums. Suddenly, the sadness of the song comes to the forefront. In the both of the prior versions we’ve posted here, that underlying melancholy of the song was perhaps difficult to recognize at first. Death Cab delivers a cover that does transform the song. It’s certainly not better than Darlene, but it’s definitely worth listening to.

Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) – Death Cab for Cutie

***


I’ve been taking weekends off the past few weeks. Since we’re in December finally, there is no slacking. Do you think Santa Claus is slacking? Do you think the elves are taking a cigarette break in the workshop? Hardly. I’ve been checking some other blogs courtesy Hype Machine and Elbo.ws—it seems that many people have a strong dislike for Christmas tunes, especially what’s considered the old standards.

Where I’m from in Pennsylvania, there is a truly terrible radio station, WMRF. They play about fifteen Christmas songs all year. One reason I think people dislike Christmas songs is because radio stations do play those same songs. With the advent of blogs and satellite radio, hopefully people will finally hear all of the other great Christmas music out there. It’s too bad that radio stations with limited playlists and crappy DJs (talking about you, WMRF) subject listeners to John Mellancamp and Jewell deliver less than stellar versions of Christmas songs. Alright, I’ll step off the soapbox. Sorry.

Winter Wonderland – Darlene Love

This one is for PC, who’s experiencing the first winter storm of the season in Chicago. This one comes off that classic Spector Christmas album.

I’m Dream of a White Christmas – The Drifters

The vocals and bass propel this song. It’s great fun. Every time it’s on the radio (we have a great Christmas station where I now live) I can’t resist signing along.

I Yuts Go Nuts At Christmas – Yogi Yorgesson

Dr. Demento introduced me to this song. When I was a kid, I listened to Dr. Demento every Sunday night on the radio. Each year, he’d devote two shows to Christmas music. This is even on the Christmas album he compiled. I always thought that Yogi Yorgesson wasn’t really Yogi Yogesson but rather an actor. When I looked him up in Google, I was directed to this great biography for Harry Stewart.

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – Ruth Brown

One version that I overlooked the other day. A soulful and jazzy take on the classic. It’s slow and, of course, depressing. But Brown’s full voice is beautiful throughout. It reminds me: I wonder if Nina Simone has any Christmas tunes? I honestly don’t know, but I’d love to hear one. I don’t know if you saw the comments from the “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” post, but one of our readers posted a link to a Tori Amos version which is also very nice.

Christmas in Hollis – Run DMC

Our first and (probably) only hip hop song. This comes from A Very Special Christmas—we’ve posted many from that album and it’s well worth finally buying if you haven’t already. I remember this song from Die Hard, which is always a surprising entry on my top ten list of my favorite Christmas movies. This song’s a classic—I only said that this would probably be the only hip hop song because, well, sadly, I don’t know many others worth posting. But if you’ve got a suggestion, let me know and I’ll try to find it.

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen – Aimee Mann

For my money, Mann and McLachlan have the best new Christmas albums out this year. This version is unlike any other you’ve heard—it rocks. The arrangements (unmistakable Michael Penn, Mann’s husband) are amazing. But I have heard of another great Christmas album…

Christmas Time – The dB’s

Entertainment Weekly praised this album in last week’s issue. It’s pretty great. Okay, so technically, it came out in 1986 and has been expanded over the years, but this time around, you can get 21 tracks well worth listening to. For those of you sick of the same ole, same ole at Christmas, check this out.

Jingle Bells – Booker T. and the M.G.’s

If you’ve heard Booker T. and the M.G.’s before, try to imagine how this song sounds. Got it? Well, it’s actually even better than that!

Frosty the Snowman – Fats Domino

Man, I love Fats. This has that great sound that the man is know for.

OOPS!

It was brought to my attention by Max C that my Burl Ives versions of Frosty was actually Perry Como. Sorry! I'm new to downloading music and I didn't listen to the tracks after I downloaded them. I just posted them. Careless. This will never happen again. Thanks Max.
More later from the snow globe that is Chicago.
PC

Dec. 1 and 78 Degrees

No ifs, ands, or buts about it—it should not be 78 degrees on the first day of December, even if I do live near the beach (which is overrated, but that’s just me). I’m from Pennsylvania—I take pride in the numbness a hard winter wind sears into my face, I revel in the aching back pain after a good day shoveling snow, and I love creating a great snowman. There’s a fine art to it.

I meant to post more song but it seems I’m having technical problems right now with iTunes—I can’t listen to any music. I’ll get that fixed. In the meantime, all of you folks currently getting walloped by a winter storm, know that I’m sending some warm thoughts your way.

Willie Nelson – Frosty the Snowman

Kiss Her Once For Me?

I woke up this morning with Burl Ives in my head, singing, "Oh ho the mistletoe/hung where you can see;/somebody waits for you;/kiss her once for me" and thought to myself, "Why would I kiss her for you, Burl? That's kind of creepy, really." And so, to honor the merry maker and wanter of kisses, here's a little post inspired by the great claymation spectacular "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer". These songs are really great, as is the movie. It airs this year on Friday, December 8th at 8 p.m est. on CBS. Don't miss it! It's about to be a winter wonderland here in Chicago. I can't wait, really. I was a polar bear in a past life, I think. PC

Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer

Silver and Gold

Frosty the Snowman
(I know this one is for that 'other' christmas special, but why not?)

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas

And what was in those ships, all three?

Every Christmas Eve I can remember has revolved around Nat King Cole's Christmas music. My mother is a bit obsessive about it, often playing only this album on repeat the entire night of our annual Christmas Eve Party. Seriously. Nothing Else. In a way, I understand. When JV and I discovered our shared love of Christmas music I wouldn't shut up about Nat King Cole, and while we've grown to discover many, many, many other great songs/performers, Cole will always be my favorite. Here are some of my favorites. There will be more, of course, sprinkled in with other songs, but this post is for Nat and Nat only. His Voice! Sorry this isn't longer. I'm a bit tired and have even more papers to grade. I just wanted to get some of these songs out there. They are long overdue here at 77 Santas (I know, I know, JV put up a few...but more is merrier).

I Saw Three Ships

O Little Town of Bethlehem

Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire

Christmas Comes This Time Each Year

Hope you liked the feature yesterday. I can give you a little tease of what’s coming up—we’re going to have an interview on, what some consider at least, an expert on all things Christmas. I can’t tell anymore than that. But keep checking out 77 Santas everyday, same Santa time, same Santa channel, er, website.


Here's four from what was one of my favorite bands as a kid--and today as well. Sorry, we didn’t have the time to write a tome today like yesterday!

The Man with all the Toys – The Beach Boys

Santa’s Beard – The Beach Boys

Santa Claus Is Coming to Town – The Beach Boys

Little St. Nick – The Beach Boys

This one is for my cousin Travis. When we were kids, this video used to play on CMT all the time (both of us loved country music back then). We just talked about this song a few weeks ago and tonight, I heard it on the all-day Christmas station. Check it out.

All I Want for Christmas Is You – Vince Vance and the Valiants

***

Some sites we just gotta mention:

Ernie (Not Bert) has some full album downloads worth checking into. The one below comes from an album of all organ music. Read the full details on Ernie’s site.

Ethel Smith – O Holy Night

Big Rock Candy Mountain is doing a daily download of Christmas tunes. This is one of my favorite blogs, featuring some great classic country sounds. Well worth checking out everyday. Here’s one of the rockabilly songs posted today. The song below is fantastic fun.

Mark Anthony – Mama’s Twistin’ with Santa Claus

Mistletunes is… well, trust me, just check it out.

A Christmas Yuleblog features some fantastic downloads as well.

Bongobells has a great design and also full album downloads worth checking out.

Troubles will be Out of Sight

A new feature on 77 Santas—different versions of the same song. We’ve done it a few times but today, we’re going all out! We’ll get a few more days like this before the holidays are over.

I’m going to call “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” the most depressing Christmas song. In fact, it was originally even more somber than the version that we know today.

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. It reminds me a hymn almost, that promises a great reward in Heaven, where all friends and family will one day meet each other again.

In fact, the original version, which Hugh Martin didn’t want to rewrite, did include religious undertones.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas
It may be your last
Next year we may all be living in the past
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Pop that champagne cork
Next year we may all be living in New York.
No good times like the olden days,
Happy golden days of yore,
Faithful friends who were dear to us
Will be near to us no more.
But at least we all will be together
If the Lord allows.
From now on we'll have to muddle through somehow.
So have yourself a merry little Christmas now.

Most versions that we hear today are a combination of these original lyrics. However, in 2001, Martin wrote a version called “Have Yourself A Blessed Little Christmas.” It is a much more sacred version. Also, it’s been noted that the chord progression to “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” is strikingly similar to “Blue Moon,” which had been written ten years earlier. The only difference, is additional chord progressions at the ending and bridge.

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – Judy Garland

Garland’s version, which we’ve posted before, probably has the most recognizable lyrics. There is a tender delicateness to this version—that quiet, music box-like introduction that draws the listener into the word. It’s beautiful.

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,
Let your heart be light
Next year,
All our troubles will be out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Make the yuletide gay
Next year all our troubles will be miles away
Once again as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who were dear to us
Will be near to us once more
Someday soon we all will be together
If the fates allow.
Until then, we'll have to muddle through somehow
So have yourself a merry little Christmas now

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – Frank Sinatra

Ah, but there are even more versions. Frank Sinatra recorded a lighter version. It’s a bit happier with updated lyrics. Unfortunately, I don’t have this version of the song! But I have another version by the Chairman. If Frank’s singing, it can’t be that bad, right? The violin at the beginning lightens into a warm, slightly jazz-like swing. Here are those lyrics that Sinatra tweaked a bit.

Christmas future is far away
Christmas past is past
Christmas present is here today
Bringing joy that may last
Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Let your heart be light
From now on,
our troubles will be out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Make the Yule-tide gay,
From now on,
our troubles will be miles away.
Here we are as in olden days,
Happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more.
Through the years
We all will be together,
If the Fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.
And have yourself A merry little Christmas now.

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – Hem

Hem’s version was posted on The Late Greats the other (check them, for a great Christmas mix, plus some other great songs as well). Driven by a piano, it’s a straight forward and sad version.

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – The Carpenters

The Carpenters have a great Christmas album. Their version features a nice little introduction by Karen Carpenter which I don’t believe is in other versions, though I might be mistaken.

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – The Pretenders

This comes from the first volume of A Very Special Christmas.

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – Andre Gagnon

This is an artist that I know little about. Gagnon’s version is a surprisingly beautiful, all instrumental version of the song. Once again, a piano drives the song.

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – Nat King Cole

The King of Christmas songs in my book, Cole’s golden voice rises above the somewhat cheesy synthesizers here. Of all the versions, this one seems the most dated in terms of production values. But still, nothing compares with the man’s voice.

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – Sarah McLachlan

All that I’ve heard of McLachlan’s new album has stunned me. She seemed to have faded away in the past few years but her voice is as angelic as ever. This version is melancholy beyond compare. The little instrumental flairs between verses are beautiful and the piano is beautiful when mixed with bells, strings, and the quiet cymbals.

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – Mel Torme

This is my favorite version of the song, originally featured in Home Alone. Torme was called The Velvet Fog. Fans of the television show Night Court might remember that Harry Anderson’s character loved Mel Torme. For some reason, my father loved Nigh Court and Mel Torme. My mother and I saw Home Alone twice in December of 1990. My father had been dead for a few months by that point. It had been a hard year and we hadn’t laughed that hard in a long, long time. Even though I had heard the song plenty of times, when Torme’s song played at the end, I actually listened to the lyrics for the first time. The promise that next year would be better, that someday everyone would be together, and that troubles would be out of sight—it stuck with me. Composer John Williams produced this version and adds his unmistakable instrumentation behind Torme’s warm and endearing vocals. Every time I watch Home Alone, I am reminded of sitting in a dark theater and laughing with my mother.

Holiday Beer

Sorry about the typo on my last subject heading. And the first song didn't link correctly. Find it below. My editor is on vacation.
Try this beer if you can find it. Deeeelicious. If you're 21, of course.
PC

Chamber Singers: "Deck The Halls"

Little Know Treasures

Last year, while JV and I were still in grad school together, we took a job with the admissions office reading High School Applications. It was an easy and fun job that always put a little extra money in the bank. We read applications, listened to the non-stop Christmas music station and got completely slap happy every day. These were some of the most enjoyable weeks of my life. While the work drove us nuts, we had a blast doing it. I can't remember the last time I laughed so much and so often. One of the admissions office employees, Neal, who was, in a way, Santa Claus, gave JV this cd when he learned how obsessed we were with Christmas music. It's called "Merry Christmas from Belmont University". It's a compilation of Christmas music from various musical outfits at the university. When I first listened to it, it floored me. It's a collection of great classics (and some never before heard, by me at least! Check out "Christmas Antiphon". SO Good!) that span many, many diverse styles. This will always play in my house around this time of year, and the memories from that time will persist. Here's the cd in its entirety. Thanks JV. Here's to ya, and here's to the season! Enjoy! PC

Chamber Singers: "Deck the Halls"

Bluegrass Ensemble: "Christmas Time is Coming"

Woman's Choir: "Deo Gracias"

Company: "White Christmas"

Percussion Ensemble: "Christmas Antiphon"

Belmont Choral: "Glory Hallelujah to the New Born King"

Jazzmin: "O Holy Night"

Nashville Children's Choir & London Symphony Orchestra: "We Wish You a Merry Christmas"

Belmont University is in Nashville, so it comes as no surprise that their musical output is so tremendous. If any of our 8 readers live in the Nashville area, see if there are any Christmas shows going on there.
Belmont University: