Christmas Jams, annotated

It's December, which means that I can finally listen to my Christmas music loud and proud (I'd been sneaking around since before Thanksgiving).  I'm about as secular as they come, but some of my favorite music is holiday-themed.  I've been working on this playlist for a couple of years now, and it's close to perfect.  I'm always looking to add to it, though, so if you know a great song that I don't, please share. Here are some of my favorites.




"O Holy Night," American Boychoir
No hyperbole: this is the most beautiful song I've ever heard.  It wouldn't sound at all out of place on the Edward Scissorhands soundtrack, which is probably why I love it so much.  The entire Carol album is wonderful, but this is the pinnacle.  It will give you goosebumps and may induce weeping.

"In the Bleak Midwinter," Julie Andrews
This song is lovely. Julie Andrews is a goddess.

"Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming," Frederica Von Stade

"The Holly and the Ivy," Choir of King's College

"This Little Babe," from Britten's Ceremony of Carols
We sang this in Women's Choir at UNCG, and I adore it. The legendary Dr. Richard Cox's direction made it even better.  He was really feeling it.

"Happy Holidays," Andy Williams
I should be embarrassed by how much I love this song, but I'm not. So whoop-de-doo and dickory dock.

"Christmas Bride," Ray Conniff Singers
This song is unarguably dumb (what the hell is reindeer dust?) and old-fashioned as hell, but what can I say?  I love it unironically.

"Sleigh Ride," The Ronettes

"Winter Wonderland," Darlene Love

"Marshmallow World," Darlene Love

"Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)," Darlene Love
If I could only have one Christmas album, it would be A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector. Never mind the fact that Phil Spector is one terrifying, permed, murdering dude: this music is the best.  The wall of sound is legit.

Merry Christmas!

"White Christmas," Otis Redding
SOB.

"Silent Night," The Temptations
Cheesy yet awesome.

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," Ella Fitzgerald
Ella's version is the best.  She uses the sad lyrics ("Until then, we'll have to muddle through somehow"), but it's jazzy and warm. An all-time classic. Here's an interesting article about the song; the original lyrics were grim indeed.

"Silver Bells," Bing Crosby and Carol Richards
When I hear this, I imagine that I'm shopping in New York City, carrying hatboxes while dressed like this:

"Twinkle (Little Christmas Lights)", JD McPherson

I heard this on the erstwhile Last Motel and added it to the playlist immediately.  I really miss Last Motel.

"God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen/We Three Kings," Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan
I first heard this on the radio when I was driving to my Christmas caroling gig at the Pinehurst Resort in 1996 (or was it 1997?).  That is still and will likely always be the best job I ever had.

"Fairytale of New York," The Pogues
This is just barely a Christmas song, but who cares? "Can't make it all alone/I've built my dreams around you." Sigh.

"Somewhere Only We Know," Lily Allen
Not a Christmas song at all, but it was featured in a Christmas ad last year and has a twinkly wintertime sound. I don't always love Lily Allen's voice, but it's perfect here.

"Sugar Rum Cherry," Duke Ellington
Smooth.

"Happy Xmas (War is Over)," John Lennon
I love this song so much that I can overlook the fact that war is most certainly not over if you want it.

 "All I Want for Christmas is You," Mariah Carey
Hail to the queen.