(by 2 people)
Favorite Christmas Songs
It's supposed to be a short list. I had a very hard time narrowing it down to ten. There's still plenty of time for me to explode this list to overwhelming proportions. I'm not that big on decorating. I can take or leave that part of the season. But the music is what I love the most about this time of year.
Please note, the songs aren't listed in any real order. Just as they came to mind. I don't think I can single one out as my absolute favorite.
New Favorite Song! A Pirate's 12 Days of Christmas
This just in . . . you can clck the link to listen.
Yes, I've discovered Sonific and I found this wonderful new 12 Days of Christmas Song that gives the Mackenzie Brothers a run for their money. One of the better new Christmas songs out there, and capitalizing on the revival of the Pirate craze. Here is the song for you to enjoy yourselves. Have fun!
Sonific SongSpot: A Pirate's 12 Days Of Christmas
Sonific SongSpot: A Pirate's 12 Days Of Christmas
Song #1 : Do They Know It's Christmas? (Feed the World)
by Band Aid (1984)
The 1984 edition. I can not and will not offer and opinion on the newer version (2004). I just won't listen to it. So there.
This song is a legend in its own time. Sadly, some of the participants are no longer with us. Some have fallen to relative obscurity. Others, such as U2's Bono, and Sting, continue to thrive on their respective paths. Through it all this song continues in its purpose to remind us of our blessings and to bless others in return.
This song is a legend in its own time. Sadly, some of the participants are no longer with us. Some have fallen to relative obscurity. Others, such as U2's Bono, and Sting, continue to thrive on their respective paths. Through it all this song continues in its purpose to remind us of our blessings and to bless others in return.
Song # 2 : Peace On Earth
by Lee Aaron
Canadian female rocker, Lee Aaron, gives listeners a poignant, sad, yet hopeful song. Written by Lee Aaron and J. Albani in 1991, Powerline: The Best of Lee Aaron liner notes, Peace on Earth : Inspired by the Beijing incident, this tune clings to the hope that God still watches over us in these turbulent times.
Though it was not intented as a Christmas song, it was featured in the Christmas line-ups of some of Southern Ontario's rock radio stations in the late 1990s. Perhaps the song's title, Peace on Earth, the angels's refrain to the shepherds, inspired its inclusion on stations's Christmas playlists. That's when I first heard this song. I had to have a copy of it, so I found a copy at Columbia House and ordered it towards my agreement. It was definitely worth it to have a copy of this song.
Though it was not intented as a Christmas song, it was featured in the Christmas line-ups of some of Southern Ontario's rock radio stations in the late 1990s. Perhaps the song's title, Peace on Earth, the angels's refrain to the shepherds, inspired its inclusion on stations's Christmas playlists. That's when I first heard this song. I had to have a copy of it, so I found a copy at Columbia House and ordered it towards my agreement. It was definitely worth it to have a copy of this song.
Song #3 : Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy
by David Bowie and Bing Crosby
Pretty thing, isn't it? Yes, Mr. Crosby, I think that sums it up quite nicely.
I'm at a loss to describe my love of this song. The Little Drummer Boy was always one of my favorites. My world was turned on its ear when I first heard these two musical wonders collaborating to create this piece. It just seems so much like magic, how the two voices weave the words of the song around each other. Wow. Still. Wow.
I'm at a loss to describe my love of this song. The Little Drummer Boy was always one of my favorites. My world was turned on its ear when I first heard these two musical wonders collaborating to create this piece. It just seems so much like magic, how the two voices weave the words of the song around each other. Wow. Still. Wow.
Song #4 : Hands (Christmas Version)
by Jewel
I heart the bells. I liked this song when it was first played on the radio. I loved this song when Jewel tweaked it with the bells for her Christmas album. Bells are very much a Christmas thing. Winter solstice and all that. Another reason why I like this time of year. That reminds me of another song I forgot to list . . .
Song #5 : Sweet Little Jesus Boy
performed by Wayne Watson
The simplistic and honest words of this song struck something in me:
Excerpt 1:
Oh, but the world, the world treat You mean Lord
Sometimes it treat me mean too
But that's how it is down here You know
Excerpt 2:
Just seems like we can't do what's right
Look how we treated You
words and music by Robert MacGimsey 1934
Wayne Watson pours himself into this song. It's a very honest and humble Christmas song that seems to have been lost in the shuffle. I'm grateful to Mr. Watson for selecting this for his album, One Christmas Eve, else I may never have heard this moving song.
Excerpt 1:
Oh, but the world, the world treat You mean Lord
Sometimes it treat me mean too
But that's how it is down here You know
Excerpt 2:
Just seems like we can't do what's right
Look how we treated You
words and music by Robert MacGimsey 1934
Wayne Watson pours himself into this song. It's a very honest and humble Christmas song that seems to have been lost in the shuffle. I'm grateful to Mr. Watson for selecting this for his album, One Christmas Eve, else I may never have heard this moving song.
Song #6 : Winter Wonderland
by The Eurythmics
And only by The Eurythmics! Actually, that's not true. Rockapella does a pretty good job on this song, too. *Dang! Another bunch of songs I forgot about are on their first Christmas album!*
I drop everything to listen when the Eurythmic's version of this song is played on the radio. This song, by its very nature, is happy, playful and upbeat. It seems even more so when performed by The Eurythmics. They way they open it, as though you are watching snow flakes whirl around on the winter wind. They way they wind the song down, "slipping and sliding". Definitely not my favorite part of the season, but I always smile hearing that part as the song fades away. They make it seem fun somehow, even though it's not really.
I drop everything to listen when the Eurythmic's version of this song is played on the radio. This song, by its very nature, is happy, playful and upbeat. It seems even more so when performed by The Eurythmics. They way they open it, as though you are watching snow flakes whirl around on the winter wind. They way they wind the song down, "slipping and sliding". Definitely not my favorite part of the season, but I always smile hearing that part as the song fades away. They make it seem fun somehow, even though it's not really.
Song #7 : The Twelve Days of Christmas
by Bob and Doug Mackenzie
On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me
A Beer
I think there should be more there.
Where?
Ah, a Canadian Christmas song if there ever was one. Brought to you by the Mackenzie brothers, played by Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas. They most recently returned to their roles as Rutt and Tuke Moose in Brother Bear 2 which are very similar to their Mackenzie brother characters.
This is a great light-hearted Christmas song. I've entertained many friends trying to perform this song solo. They always wind up helping me in the end. It's quite fun, actually. You try and figure out where anyone gets Twelve days of Christmas without it deteriorating into a "Who's on First?" routine and laughing your heads off at each other.
Next year I'm getting me a chainsaw.
*Sigh* Only in Canada.
A Beer
I think there should be more there.
Where?
Ah, a Canadian Christmas song if there ever was one. Brought to you by the Mackenzie brothers, played by Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas. They most recently returned to their roles as Rutt and Tuke Moose in Brother Bear 2 which are very similar to their Mackenzie brother characters.
This is a great light-hearted Christmas song. I've entertained many friends trying to perform this song solo. They always wind up helping me in the end. It's quite fun, actually. You try and figure out where anyone gets Twelve days of Christmas without it deteriorating into a "Who's on First?" routine and laughing your heads off at each other.
Next year I'm getting me a chainsaw.
*Sigh* Only in Canada.
Song # 8 : Happy Christmas (War is Over)
by The Alarm
I have absolutely nothing against John Lennon's original Happy Christmas. It's a wonderful song and a very good song that many people like. Especially considering how many people have covered it.
I like The Alarm's version because I'm partial to songs with a more epic feel. But now that I'm thinking about this song and its covers, I recall that Sensefield did this song not that long ago and I enjoyed that version, too.
I like The Alarm's version because I'm partial to songs with a more epic feel. But now that I'm thinking about this song and its covers, I recall that Sensefield did this song not that long ago and I enjoyed that version, too.
Song #9 : Gabriel's Message
by Sting
A very beautiful medieval carol, depicting the angel Gabriel delivering to Mary the message that she would bear the Savior of the world, is sung masterfully by Sting. The song is another with that epic feel I favor so much. Sting's vocals are ethereal and the piece transports you in mind to the Middle Ages.
Song #10 : Santa Baby
by Madonna
I had a hard time believing the radio announcer when they said that it was Madonna singing this song. It didn't sound like her at all. Having since been made a believer, I can only deduce that she had a lot of fun while recording this song. It sure sounds like it.
Apparently, a cover of Marilyn Monroe's original, Madonna puts her own spin on the song with great humor. This song is almost as fun as the Mackenzie Brother's 12 Days of Christmas.
Apparently, a cover of Marilyn Monroe's original, Madonna puts her own spin on the song with great humor. This song is almost as fun as the Mackenzie Brother's 12 Days of Christmas.
Song #11: You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch
because it's on TV this weekend! Yay!
I have enjoyed every version I have heard of this song. From the original Chuck Joneses animated classic by Boris Karloff to Diana Krall, it's a great song. Boris Karloff will always be king of this song, however Rockapella gives him a run for that title with their version featured on their first Christmas album, aptly called Christmas.
To me, it's not Christmas without the Grinch.
To me, it's not Christmas without the Grinch.
Song #12: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
by Corey Hart
Yes, the Corey Hart version. I've read some reviews flaming this song as just awful. I disagree, hence the inclusion here. Yes, it is corny. Given some of the other songs I've put on this list, corny works for me. Beautiful, harmonious and epic also work for me. It doesn't have to be the philharmonic orchestra to embody the spirit of the season. That's what I feel whenever I hear Corey's version of the song *which is not often enough* this time of year. It's the accordion and the electric guitar that make this song bouncy and joy-filled. Rock on Rudolph!
Song #13: Santa Claus is Coming to Town
by Bruce Springsteen
The atmosphere captured from the live performance is what makes this song memorable. That and special guest, Santa, playing the bells and laughing as only he can.
I have heard this song many, many times and the opening
Have you all been good. . .?
Ohh, not many, not many-you guys are in trouble out there. . .
never fails to bring a smile to my face.
I have heard this song many, many times and the opening
Have you all been good. . .?
Ohh, not many, not many-you guys are in trouble out there. . .
never fails to bring a smile to my face.
Song #14: Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24
by Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Trans-Siberian Orchestra released their album, which has this piece on it, Christmas Eve and Other Stories in 1996. I heard this music in the commercial advertising the album in 1996 and knew that I must have it. Unfortunately for me, at that time I did not have a CD player and it was only available on CD! Gah! Then once I got a CD player late 1997 I couldn't find the album and didn't remember the artist. Who remembers a name like Trans-Siberian Orchestra off the top of their head after almost a year? It took me until 2000 to track down the album and finally have this song to play over and over and over.
It's another epic piece of music. Purely instrumental. With electric guitar. This piece features two of my childhood favorite songs that I was introduced to in grade school. The traditional, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, and the beautiful, Carol of the Bells.
[Side note]Every year, students from higher grades would play the Carol of the Bells on, well, the bells. Hand-bells to be more precise. It made me want to be a bell-ringer, I thought it was so beautiful. Now I look back and wonder, why didn't I ever get to do that? I don't remember the reason. Oh, well. [End Side note]
Bells are always lovely and they are another part of what goes into making this one of my favorite Christmas songs.
It's another epic piece of music. Purely instrumental. With electric guitar. This piece features two of my childhood favorite songs that I was introduced to in grade school. The traditional, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, and the beautiful, Carol of the Bells.
[Side note]Every year, students from higher grades would play the Carol of the Bells on, well, the bells. Hand-bells to be more precise. It made me want to be a bell-ringer, I thought it was so beautiful. Now I look back and wonder, why didn't I ever get to do that? I don't remember the reason. Oh, well. [End Side note]
Bells are always lovely and they are another part of what goes into making this one of my favorite Christmas songs.
Song #15 : Good King Wenceslas
by Loreena McKennitt
This particular song doesn't seem to be very popular in radio-play, but one will not regret the time spent appreciating Loreena McKennitt's version of this traditional Christmas song. The renowned musician treats listeners to a carol that makes them feel like they are hearing it performed by a minstrel troupe of old. McKennitt's vocals are spectacular, making this legend of a king's kindness another part of what makes Christmastime magical.
Christmas Music at Amazon
Now That's What I Call Christmas!
Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 08/28/2008)
A Christmas Celebration
Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 08/28/2008)
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Amazon Price: (as of 08/28/2008)
A Very Special Christmas
Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 08/28/2008)
Let It Snow
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 08/28/2008)
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