These Are a Few of My Favorite (Festive) Songs...
Merry Christmas, Everyone!
Here's hoping you're enjoying this festive season, or at least the time off!
Peter Griffin put it best when he postulated:
"As we all know, Christmas is that mystical time of year when the ghost of Jesus rises from the grave to feed on the flesh of the living. So we all sing Christmas carols to lull him back to sleep."
Here are a few of my personal favorite ditties to soothe the Original Zombie back into submission:
"I Believe in Father Christmas" - Greg Lake
Blistering ode to the commercialism of Christmas or sweet remembrance of childhood, this song became an instant hit when it was released in 1975. Hey, when you have the voice of an angel and the face of an Adonis, sometimes your meaning gets misconstrued. Although attributed to Greg Lake alone, the song was essentially recorded by Lake, Keith Emerson, and Carl Palmer, better known as Emerson, Lake, and Palmer. If you haven't heard their music, you must. A staple of the "prog rock" genre, ELP still sometimes put their egos aside and go on the odd tour. For me, the brilliant lyric in this song, "...eyes full of tinsel and fire" totally makes up for the horrifically throwaway, "Everyday a little sadder, a little madder, someone get me a ladder," in Lake's otherwise beautiful ballad, "Still...You Turn Me On."
"Gabriel's Message" - Sting
Recorded in 1987, this is one of the most hauntingly beautiful songs I've ever heard. Based on a Basque Christmas carol, the lyrics tell of the archangel Gabriel telling the Virgin Mary of her upcoming event that may alter her life plans a little bit. Having been a fan of Sting since I was a mere tween, this song has been on my Christmas playlist for over twenty years.
"Christmas Wrapping" - The Waitresses
Best loved for knowing what boys like, singer Patty Donahue instead lamented in 1981 about missed opportunity in this adorably catchy ditty. As with any good Christmas song, it all comes to a happy ending with one of the best lyrics in a Christmas song, "A&P has provided me with the world's smallest turkey." The song has been butchered by everyone from The Donnas to Glee afterwards, but thankfully, the original is still the most played version.
A Christmas Wish by Smaragd
"A Christmas Wish" - Smaragd (Dave Ward)
Since I first heard this song back way back in my early twenties, I've considered it an instant classic. Recorded in 1995, the melody is a riff on Elvis Presley's classic "Blue Christmas," but with a bit of a lyrical twist. Fair warning - this song is so catchy, you'll find yourself singing this politically incorrect ditty in the most unlikely (and potentially embarrassing) places!
"White Christmas" - Bing Crosby
Written by Irving Berlin, this classic tune was made famous by the irreplaceable Bing Crosby in 1942. Originally appearing in the film, Holiday Inn, amongst numerous other places, Crosby subsequently sang it in one of my favorite Christmas films, White Christmas in 1954. Much like The Rocky Horror Picture Show, I adore every single song from this film, and can sing the soundtrack from start to finish. It is postulated Berlin wrote the song in Southern California, and one of the original verses (subsequently dropped) reads like the story of my life:
The sun is shining, the grass is green,
The orange and palm trees sway.
There's never been such a day
in Beverly Hills, L.A.
But it's December the twenty-fourth,-
And I am longing to be up North-
While we're on the subject of Bing, his duet with David Bowie of "Little Drummer Boy" comes in as another favorite (although the song itself is one of my least favorite Christmas songs), but I prefer it sung by...
Monarch and Dr. Mrs. Monarch art by the brilliant and wonderful SpookyChan (Chandra Free)
Various Holiday Singles - The Venture Bros.
Since 2004, the good folks at AstroBase GO! have been providing fans with a valuable service - a special annual recording of various characters from the brilliant animated TV series The Venture Bros. singing their lungs out to notable Christmas tunes. In past years, we have been subjected to/delighted by several duets by two of my faves, The Monarch and his good lady Dr. Mrs. Monarch, a special "VentureAid" version of "Do They Know It's Christmas?", as well as everybody's favorite henchmen, 21 and 24 doing their rendition of "Wonderful Christmastime." I can't listen to Paul McCartney's original song without hearing 21's infamous, "Shim, shim, shim, wham, wham, WHAM!", which always produces a semi-embarrassing public snortgiggle.
Even if you aren't familiar with the characters, the songs are still hilarious. Here are a few of my very favorites:
"Little Drummer Boy" - The Monarch and Dr. Mrs. Monarch (née Dr. Girlfriend)
"Wonderful Christmastime" - Henchmen 21 and 24
Listen to the rest here
"Fairytale of New York" - Shane MacGowan & Kirstie MacColl
Although The Monarch and his fair bride produced their own solid rendition, this original is still my favorite. Recorded in 1987 by Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan and the irreplaceable Kirstie MacColl, this is one of the most well-loved and beautifully tragic modern holiday songs around. Possessing some of the most memorable lyrics, the song reached the top of the charts and has remained a staple of the holidays. Obviously, this won't be piped through your local mall, but if you're lucky, you may hear it a time or two on a liberal radio station.
"Walking in the Air" - Aled Jones/Peter Auty
Another favorite song from childhood, this incredibly haunting and beautiful song written by Howard Blake was featured in the full-length animated film, "The Snowman" based on author Raymond Briggs' utterly charming and beloved book of the same name. Popularized by Welsh treble (and early crush!) Aled Jones, the song zoomed up the British charts in 1985. In 2007, Jones re-recorded the song as a duet with his younger self and his now-baritone adult voice.
Although Jones walks away with the majority of the credit, Peter Auty was the original singer of this ballad and is featured in this clip from the film. Personally, I can't decide which version I like better - both are equally beautiful.
"Donde Esta Santa Claus?" - Augie Rios
Although this is the first year I've encountered this song, it's become an instant favorite. The feelgood lyrics are absolutely adorable and Rios's voice is so innocently charming. Guster's cover introduced me to the song itself, but this 1958 original is far superior. I'm astonished I've never heard this song previously, but having chain-listened to it this year, I'm making up for it.
"What Sweeter Music" - John Rutter
Although I'm not religious in any real "organized" sense, this hauntingly beautiful ballad almost makes me want to believe in the J-man. The lyrics express such love and devotion to a single person/being that truly show the near-creepy, unflappable love Christians seem to possess. Having had the pleasure of singing several of Rutter's other songs in high school choirs, I never did have the opportunity to lend my voice (at least professionally) to this lovely song. (Did anyone else notice all the typos on the sheet music? No? Guess that's why I'm a proofreader. XD)
"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" - Traditional
Speaking of haunting Christmas songs, this one has been my very favorite since I was a small child. I think it's all those fifths that give it that extra-eerie quality. Isn't it essentially saying, "Hey everyone, cheer down and remember that dude who died so you could live...um...to serve him or something?" Fellow Canucks The Barenaked Ladies recorded a decent rendition of the song for their holiday album in 2004.
Mr. Hankey's Christmas Classics
Get More: SOUTH
PARKmore...
"Christmas Medley" - Santa and Jesus
Although every song on South Park's "Mr. Hankey's Christmas Classics" is well...classic, this is my personal favorite. You know you have a memorable hit when you hear "Let It Snow" and can't help but sing, "We've got some corn for poopity-poppin'!" The lounge aspect, the fact that it's the two icons of Christmas duetting, the animated version of Marc Shaiman tickling the ivories, and the near-inexplicable addition of Duran Duran's "Rio" at the end all serve to make this an instant holiday hit.
Now that I've shared a few of mine, what are your favorite Christmas/festive songs?
Here's hoping you're enjoying this festive season, or at least the time off!
Peter Griffin put it best when he postulated:
"As we all know, Christmas is that mystical time of year when the ghost of Jesus rises from the grave to feed on the flesh of the living. So we all sing Christmas carols to lull him back to sleep."
Here are a few of my personal favorite ditties to soothe the Original Zombie back into submission:
Click to view"I Believe in Father Christmas" - Greg Lake
Blistering ode to the commercialism of Christmas or sweet remembrance of childhood, this song became an instant hit when it was released in 1975. Hey, when you have the voice of an angel and the face of an Adonis, sometimes your meaning gets misconstrued. Although attributed to Greg Lake alone, the song was essentially recorded by Lake, Keith Emerson, and Carl Palmer, better known as Emerson, Lake, and Palmer. If you haven't heard their music, you must. A staple of the "prog rock" genre, ELP still sometimes put their egos aside and go on the odd tour. For me, the brilliant lyric in this song, "...eyes full of tinsel and fire" totally makes up for the horrifically throwaway, "Everyday a little sadder, a little madder, someone get me a ladder," in Lake's otherwise beautiful ballad, "Still...You Turn Me On."
"Gabriel's Message" - Sting
Recorded in 1987, this is one of the most hauntingly beautiful songs I've ever heard. Based on a Basque Christmas carol, the lyrics tell of the archangel Gabriel telling the Virgin Mary of her upcoming event that may alter her life plans a little bit. Having been a fan of Sting since I was a mere tween, this song has been on my Christmas playlist for over twenty years.
"Christmas Wrapping" - The Waitresses
Best loved for knowing what boys like, singer Patty Donahue instead lamented in 1981 about missed opportunity in this adorably catchy ditty. As with any good Christmas song, it all comes to a happy ending with one of the best lyrics in a Christmas song, "A&P has provided me with the world's smallest turkey." The song has been butchered by everyone from The Donnas to Glee afterwards, but thankfully, the original is still the most played version.
A Christmas Wish by Smaragd
"A Christmas Wish" - Smaragd (Dave Ward)
Since I first heard this song back way back in my early twenties, I've considered it an instant classic. Recorded in 1995, the melody is a riff on Elvis Presley's classic "Blue Christmas," but with a bit of a lyrical twist. Fair warning - this song is so catchy, you'll find yourself singing this politically incorrect ditty in the most unlikely (and potentially embarrassing) places!
"White Christmas" - Bing Crosby
Written by Irving Berlin, this classic tune was made famous by the irreplaceable Bing Crosby in 1942. Originally appearing in the film, Holiday Inn, amongst numerous other places, Crosby subsequently sang it in one of my favorite Christmas films, White Christmas in 1954. Much like The Rocky Horror Picture Show, I adore every single song from this film, and can sing the soundtrack from start to finish. It is postulated Berlin wrote the song in Southern California, and one of the original verses (subsequently dropped) reads like the story of my life:
The sun is shining, the grass is green,
The orange and palm trees sway.
There's never been such a day
in Beverly Hills, L.A.
But it's December the twenty-fourth,-
And I am longing to be up North-
While we're on the subject of Bing, his duet with David Bowie of "Little Drummer Boy" comes in as another favorite (although the song itself is one of my least favorite Christmas songs), but I prefer it sung by...
Monarch and Dr. Mrs. Monarch art by the brilliant and wonderful SpookyChan (Chandra Free)
Various Holiday Singles - The Venture Bros.
Since 2004, the good folks at AstroBase GO! have been providing fans with a valuable service - a special annual recording of various characters from the brilliant animated TV series The Venture Bros. singing their lungs out to notable Christmas tunes. In past years, we have been subjected to/delighted by several duets by two of my faves, The Monarch and his good lady Dr. Mrs. Monarch, a special "VentureAid" version of "Do They Know It's Christmas?", as well as everybody's favorite henchmen, 21 and 24 doing their rendition of "Wonderful Christmastime." I can't listen to Paul McCartney's original song without hearing 21's infamous, "Shim, shim, shim, wham, wham, WHAM!", which always produces a semi-embarrassing public snortgiggle.
Even if you aren't familiar with the characters, the songs are still hilarious. Here are a few of my very favorites:
"Little Drummer Boy" - The Monarch and Dr. Mrs. Monarch (née Dr. Girlfriend)
"Wonderful Christmastime" - Henchmen 21 and 24
Listen to the rest here
"Fairytale of New York" - Shane MacGowan & Kirstie MacColl
Although The Monarch and his fair bride produced their own solid rendition, this original is still my favorite. Recorded in 1987 by Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan and the irreplaceable Kirstie MacColl, this is one of the most well-loved and beautifully tragic modern holiday songs around. Possessing some of the most memorable lyrics, the song reached the top of the charts and has remained a staple of the holidays. Obviously, this won't be piped through your local mall, but if you're lucky, you may hear it a time or two on a liberal radio station.
"Walking in the Air" - Aled Jones/Peter Auty
Another favorite song from childhood, this incredibly haunting and beautiful song written by Howard Blake was featured in the full-length animated film, "The Snowman" based on author Raymond Briggs' utterly charming and beloved book of the same name. Popularized by Welsh treble (and early crush!) Aled Jones, the song zoomed up the British charts in 1985. In 2007, Jones re-recorded the song as a duet with his younger self and his now-baritone adult voice.
Although Jones walks away with the majority of the credit, Peter Auty was the original singer of this ballad and is featured in this clip from the film. Personally, I can't decide which version I like better - both are equally beautiful.
"Donde Esta Santa Claus?" - Augie Rios
Although this is the first year I've encountered this song, it's become an instant favorite. The feelgood lyrics are absolutely adorable and Rios's voice is so innocently charming. Guster's cover introduced me to the song itself, but this 1958 original is far superior. I'm astonished I've never heard this song previously, but having chain-listened to it this year, I'm making up for it.
"What Sweeter Music" - John Rutter
Although I'm not religious in any real "organized" sense, this hauntingly beautiful ballad almost makes me want to believe in the J-man. The lyrics express such love and devotion to a single person/being that truly show the near-creepy, unflappable love Christians seem to possess. Having had the pleasure of singing several of Rutter's other songs in high school choirs, I never did have the opportunity to lend my voice (at least professionally) to this lovely song. (Did anyone else notice all the typos on the sheet music? No? Guess that's why I'm a proofreader. XD)
"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" - Traditional
Speaking of haunting Christmas songs, this one has been my very favorite since I was a small child. I think it's all those fifths that give it that extra-eerie quality. Isn't it essentially saying, "Hey everyone, cheer down and remember that dude who died so you could live...um...to serve him or something?" Fellow Canucks The Barenaked Ladies recorded a decent rendition of the song for their holiday album in 2004.
Mr. Hankey's Christmas Classics
Get More: SOUTH
PARKmore...
"Christmas Medley" - Santa and Jesus
Although every song on South Park's "Mr. Hankey's Christmas Classics" is well...classic, this is my personal favorite. You know you have a memorable hit when you hear "Let It Snow" and can't help but sing, "We've got some corn for poopity-poppin'!" The lounge aspect, the fact that it's the two icons of Christmas duetting, the animated version of Marc Shaiman tickling the ivories, and the near-inexplicable addition of Duran Duran's "Rio" at the end all serve to make this an instant holiday hit.
Now that I've shared a few of mine, what are your favorite Christmas/festive songs?