Baby, it's cold outside
This weekend we finally carved out several hours to set up Christmas decorations, and I am not at all exaggerating when I refer to that time in hours. I don't know why I thought it would be a good idea to buy 25 boxes of round ornaments, or why I thought the tree would have enough branches to hold that many, but we hadn't been hanging ornaments for thirty minutes before Leta announced she was bored. There were still 17 or 18 boxes of ornaments waiting patiently for a place on the tree, 17 or 18 boxes that I did not have the heart to send back up into that freezing attic space, and I suddenly remembered having this exact conversation with my own mother. I always got tired of helping her hang ornaments and would wander off to play with a box of Barbies, leaving her to do the bulk of the work. And since my mother was too generous to say what she was thinking, I went ahead told Leta what my mother should have said to me all those years: SUCK IT, KID.
You're welcome, Mom.
We'd been watching episode after episode of Spongebob all morning, and as Jon twisted a section of the artificial tree into place (he's allergic to real ones) he suggested I turn on some festive holiday music. And as I walked back to my computer to sift through our music collection I realized we don't have much to choose from. In fact, in the years that Jon and I have been together we've purchased only one album of Christmas music, A Charlie Brown Christmas, which has to be the most depressing Christmas music of all time. If you weren't on Prozac before you listened to that album, you'll be begging your therapist for a prescription by song two. That little bald kid cannot catch a break, and the whole album sounds like someone just beat him up and stole his lunch money. If the album were a Christmas card it would say, "I wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas despite my raging insecurities and social awkwardness." Basically, a sentence out of my diary in college.
After doing a quick search on iTunes, I realized I had no idea what I was looking for. Because whatever we play during this season is going to form lasting memories for Leta. I can appreciate the classics by Nat King Cole and Dean Martin, but my most fond memories of Christmas are always to the soundtrack of a kooky Osmond Family holiday album, or Alvin and the Chipmunks. I want to find something as equally nutty because, come on. THIS HOLIDAY IS NUTTY. Think about it. We're telling our four and five-year-olds that a fat man breaks into the house by sliding down the chimney. AND WE DON'T SHOOT HIM. We're asking them to believe that deer can fly. Seriously. This is not much different than telling them that once a year millions of people across the world strip naked and hop into a bathtub full of mustard. Why? Because Christ was born!
Noel!
The one album I did find that looked interesting is called Merry Mixmas
So I'm looking for suggestions, even though the answer may be to stick with The Chipmunks. Do you know of a Christmas album we should not live without?
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Heather talks about public tantrums (from kids) on today's Momversation.
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301. Jen said:
I really like the Muppet Christmas Carol soundtrack for the holidays!
302. gingela5 said:
Everyone has all of these different ones. The one I always stick to is Time Life's Christmas Album (I guarantee you that's not the name of it but you get my drift) It's full of classics!
303. Audrey said:
Bela Fleck has a fantastic album with Victor Wooten - my two year old is in love with it. It's just called Jingle All the Way
304. Krysta said:
I know someone already suggested it but I think you would really like Rosie Thomas' Christmas album. You can listen to a few of the song on her website.
305. Nancy said:
It's not 'catchy' or fun... but if you want a beautiful rendition of classic Christmas caroles, Beegie Adair (pianist) has about the best music out there. I'm afraid I really like the classic Christmas music, and am always looking for new versions of it that I can enjoy... but her's is almost always the best!
Merry Christmas, Heather, to you and your family (including the little one to come).
306. charis anne said:
twisted christmas by bob rivers comedy corp. songs like "the restroom door said gentlemen" (god rest ye merry...) and "i'm dressing up like santa when i get out on parole"
definitely a novelty album but funny just the same.
307. nearsister said:
Muppets and John Denver number one Christmas album of all time as many have mentioned.
But second best, and you may not want to hear this, is the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Album my Lutheran grandmother gave me when I was 4. Their version of "Do you hear what I hear" moved my four year old heart to tears and made me want to speak truth to kings. But I was probably a weird kid.
308. Mel said:
Not what you're going for, but I like the Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith Christmas cds. His first one, 'Christmas' has some pretty cool arrangements.
309. Anonymous said:
As a Canadian I'm obligated to also suggest Bob & Doug McKenzie's rendition of the 12 Days of Christmas:
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=6WCXnlFWaIY
310. Ben said:
I'll second the nods to Aimee Mann's One More Drifter in the Snow. A few of the songs are on the depressing side of things, but it's certainly untraditional, while still having a nice selection of traditional songs featured.
More traditional is Diana Krall's Christmas Songs, which I think is wholly pretty good. If jazzy is your thing.
311. Clair said:
John Denver and the Muppets. The CD is great, but watch the movie too.
312. Lisa Braithwaite said:
Putting in another vote for the "Maybe This Christmas" series. Nice mix of traditional, contemporary and silly.
313. BettyCrockerAss said:
Sufjan Steven's Christmas is the only one I'll listen to..I was in retail for 15 years and can't seem to stomach anything else.
Enjoy.
314. theslickmom said:
Barbara Streisand's Christmas Album. She's Jewish and sings Christmas carols. And I actually like it!
315. Anonymous said:
As a child of the 80's I grew up listening to Raffi's Christmas album and A Cabbage Patch Christmas. Still my favorites to this day.
316. Bean said:
I have to second the Bela Fleck and the Flecktones album, Jingle All the Way. To give you an idea of why it is worth having: Their version of Jingle Bells features a lot of banjo and a Tuvan throat singer. A throat singer! It is fairly nutty, but in a completely unexpected way, and overall quite awesome.
317. Karen Conrardy said:
Bare Naked Ladies Christmas Album - Nutty, catchy and fun.
318. Erin said:
Can't go wrong with the Muppets. My mom still has a Muppet Christmas record -- like, a real record. :) Totally awesome.
319. LizP said:
Your mom will love this one ... Grandma got runover by a reindeer (and other favorites) by Elmo and Patsy
http://www.amazon.com/Grandma-Got-Run-Over-Reindeer/dp/B0002S94NO/ref=sr...
If you want to feel good about the music you buy try A Very Special Chrismas (I think there volumes 1- 5 plus live and acoustic editions ). They're done by modern artists and part of the money goes to charity (Special Olympics?)
http://www.amazon.com/Very-Special-Christmas-Pretenders/dp/B000002GFJ/re...
Or just buy the Chipmonks. You can't go wrong with Alvin!
320. ekp said:
Straight No Chaser is a men's acappella group orginially started while they were all students at Indiana University and they've recently regrouped and just put out a Christmas Album "Holiday Spirits" and it's fabulous. You can check them out here: http://www.sncmusic.com/ Perhaps you saw their "12 Days of Christmas" rendition on YouTube at some point...it was a hit last year and it's on this album. I'm currently obsessed.
On another note, I love Windham Hill's "The Carols of Christmas" http://www.amazon.com/Carols-Christmas-Windham-Hill-Collection/dp/B00000...
Enjoy the holiday season!
321. Caitlin said:
Merry Christmas by Mariah Carey.
Home for Christmas by N'Sync. (seriously!)
The Andy Williams Christmas Album --ridiculous but worth it.
322. Amy said:
Growing up in NC, my mom always played the old Alabama Christmas record every year- the only catch was that when we were little she had to skip one of the songs which identified the singer, a father, as Santa... This would involve my mother at times RUNNING to the record player to catch it in time- if we were listening, which was always difficult to tell, it may have dawned on my brother and I that our parents weren't entirely truthful about the fat man in the chimney...
Two years ago at 23 I spent my first Christmas away from home, stuck working in San Francisco- and about two weeks before Christmas my mother send me the Alabama album. Greatest gift ever.
323. Em said:
You already have tons of good suggestions, but Sufjan Stevens' Songs For Christmas 4-disc set is really worth it.
And for cheap, the Target compilations always measure up to their value.
324. pennifer said:
http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Together-John-Denver-Muppets/dp/B000001VD4
Christmas Together - John Denver and the Muppets. My favorite xmas album ever. Kid-friendly and fun.
325. Erin said:
Growing up my parents had this Christmas album with the most hilarious, nutty, dance around like a fool Christmas polka song on it. It's not the Jim Reeves one, though, and I can't remember who sang it. All I remember is the lyrics that went "Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year" over and over again followed by "the Christmas polka SONG". And it was vital that you scream the word SONG at the top of your lungs.
Man, I wonder what happened to that CD....
326. M Free said:
Without questions Low's Christmas album. It can but a smile on any scrooge's face!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-rvWoVX3t0
"On our way from Stockholm it started to snow, and you said it was like Christmas...but you were wrong."
327. Emma said:
A Christmas Together: John Denver & the Muppets
Muppet Christmas Carole.
Home Alone soundtrack!
I swear I'm not 5.
328. Malita said:
Ok it's not an album but I got it off ITunes last year and it's now one of my fave holiday songs - The Bird & The Bee, Carol of the Bells, it's catchy fun and all around awesome! Also hit the genius bar on Itunes it will give great recommendations.
329. Tam said:
I am a huge fan of the Harry Connick, Jr. Holiday album. The classics with the mellowness of Dean and Frankie (which is much needed during this time of year) and a bit of a twist on them.
330. Jana said:
Another vote for James Brown Christmas! You'll love it.
331. gina said:
I have no suggestions about the music but I'm just curious if you've thought of NOT perpetuating the global santa claus lie? You sound like me when it comes to the silliness of it all and I'm pretty convinced that, if we ever have kids, they will NOT be sold the bullshit about santa. BUT, what if THAT scars them for life?
Has anybody ever done this? I mean NOT tell your kids that? Do other parents want to kill you because your kid is ruining xmas for everybody by spilling the beans?
332. H dub said:
Definitely the Beach Boys Christmas album. Fun songs and makes good memories.
333. Katya said:
Christmas Cocktails 1 & 2, Christmas re-mixed 1 & 2 and an awesome mix put together by my dear friend Michael, which I will gladly email if you are interested.
334. Caitlin said:
Colbert Christmas is sort of annoying, but irreverently funny.
Christmas Bluegrass is authentic (The Clarke Family one) and they sing about Christmas Shine (moon shine), yes please.
A very special christmas (1-3) is essential...I bet someone already mentioned that though.
Ella Wishes You a Swingin' Christmas is great (Ella Fitzgerald). So is Canadian Brass (mostly instrumental).
Merry Christmas!
335. katie said:
Frank Sinatra's Christmas album will always be my very, very favorite. It was my childhood Christmas soundtrack and my sister and I had it on vinyl and used to play it year round on our Fisher Price record player.
That being said, I really like the Ultra-Lounge Christmas Cocktails ... there are at least 3 discs of remixes of classics in a kitschy loungey style that makes me oh-so-happy.
336. Groovebag said:
Feliz Navidad by El Vez. Or Sno-Way Jose also by El Vez.
I don't even celebrate Christmas because I'm Jewish but these albums always seems to make it onto the stereo sometime in December....
It's pretty nutty and fun!
337. Gina said:
My old college roommate had a pretty rockin' Jackson 5 Christmas album. It was cheesy in a cool way, and I'm not opposed to the idea of a child growing up to it.
Hope this helps!
338. Nora said:
I second (fifth?) the Sufjan Stevens suggestion. I also love, love, love Low's Christmas album, but you'll definitely want to stock up on Prozac beforehand.
339. Alison said:
Definitely the Ray Charles album - The Spirit of Christmas
and the Muppet Christmas album. heh. It isn't Christmas until you hear Miss Piggy belt out "5 Golden Rings"
340. anise said:
jason zada's mix is nice - http://blog.jasonzada.com/post/62675086/the-2008-holiday-mix
341. Linda said:
Burl Ives and Johnny Mathis are the nutty dudes whose albums I always associate with Christmas, and David Bowie and Bing Crosby's duet on Little Drummer Boy is soooo good.
I suppose for nutty -- Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.
Enjoy! =)
342. Megan said:
Oo! I recommend the Ella Fitzgerald Christmas CD "Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas." It's great!
343. Carolyn said:
Josh Groban's album Noel, and the Straight No Chaser Christmas album are the two I can't turn off this year. Nutty- no. Classic- yes.
Both albums are fantastic, and I love the Straight No Chaser story!
344. Tiffany said:
Elvis Christmas..try it you might like it.
345. Chelsie said:
Holy crap! I had an idea immediately. My mother listened to all these horrible records growing up. And I mean that in the best way possible. She had them made into tapes back in the day and I recently had those tapes converted to digital.
I was wondering how to share it with you, did a little research and lo! some of them are actually on iTunes!
To compare, I would say this is like the original Willy Wonka movie or Labrynth. If you weren't exposed as a child, you may just hate it. My husband does, and while I readily admit that they're terrible, I love them.
Whew, so here goes: The Caroleer Singers. They don't really sing too many traditional Christmas songs. They have titles like Santa Claus' Birthday and Christmas Mountain. We have 2 albums. One is listed on iTunes under the artist Vaughn Monroe Singers. "Children's Christmas Favorites". Some of the songs weren't included on our records, but you'll get the idea. If you google Caroleer Singers you'll find out more.
Seriously, at least check it out on iTunes, you've got to listen to the samples.
346. tmharada said:
josh ritter is awesome.
(end of post.)
347. Catatonic said:
Christmas Island by Jimmy Buffett.
Ho! Ho! Hoey!, Vol. 2. by Gary Hoey.
Okay, okay, not typical genres or artists for the Armstrong household, but there's some fun stuff on both of those CDs.
Happy Christian Domination of the Ancient Pagan Calendar Day!
348. Scarlett said:
The O.C. Mix 3: Have a Very Merry Chrismukkah. A few interesting, indie holiday songs.
349. chere said:
Rockin Little Christmas _ theeeeeee BEST!
also Pandora.com and make a station using Brenda Lee's Rocking Around the
Christmas Tree. That worked great!
350. Gena said:
Hi Heather!
Don't have time to read all the comments so you may have already gotten this suggestion, but Nettwerk's compilation called "Christmas Songs" is beyong fabulous. I love this album so much I play it all year.
-Gena
351. Scott said:
I'm going to second (third? fourth? seventy-fifth?) the recommendations of Ella Fitzgerald's fantastic "Ella Wishes You a Swingin' Christmas" album. Classic, wonderful, and won't drive you batty.
352. Anonymous said:
I don't know if it's still available...because the last time I saw this it was a cassette tape...but "Wee Sing for Christmas" has some instant kid classics. You and Jon might want to scrape your eyeballs out with spoons after round 2, but those are the songs childhood memories are made of!
353. Stephanie said:
John Denver and the Muppets - this is absolutely my favorite album from Christmas when I was a kid and I still have wonderful memories of the Muppets singing 12 Days of Christmas! My mom and sister and I will easily burst into horrible renditions of Miss Piggy singing "Fiiiiiiiveeeee Goooooldeeeeen Riiiingggss... Ba-da-bum-bum" when we're together for Christmas
354. rebecca said:
I'm Jewish and therefore, I have no recommendations for for entire ALBUMS, but I do have to recommend a song -- Dominic the Italian Christmas Donkey by Lou Monte. It's best with a dance that, sadly, I can't show you over the internet, but I'm sure Leta can come up with her own. If it's not on iTunes and you'd like me to send it to you... well, you have my email from this comment. :)
355. Katie said:
Ditto John Denver and the Muppets. My parents had it on vinyl. I also like Bare Naked Ladies Christmas album. The dreidel song rocks.
356. Stacy said:
I feel very nerdy for saying it, but Martha Stewart has this great collection of really fun jazzy Christmas songs, like "'Zat you, Santa Claus?" by Louis Armstrong. It's on iTunes.
357. Cat said:
I agree with whoever said The Carpenters Christmas Portrait album (way too many comments to scroll back up)...they might have several, but I think the link below is what you're looking for. I grew up on this album, and it always makes me feel like home - pretty upbeat too :)
Merry Christmas!
http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Portrait-Carpenters/dp/B000002GHQ/ref=sr...
358. Noelle said:
I like the Starbucks mixed Christmas CDs, but after working there, I wanted to throw them out the window. BUT, I also like them more now.
Virgin Megastore has some great Christmas collections - not sure if they're available elsewhere, but they're fun. And I think that's all I'd call good Christmas music. Also, the XM/Sirius channel Holly has a great mix of music. I get it on Directv.
359. JD said:
Relient K
"Let it snow baby...let it reindeer"
It's an awesome album! You'll find no better 12 Days of Christmas.
360. Christie said:
To answer your question, The Carpenters' "Christmas Portrait" is fantastic. I listened to it on vinyl as a child growing up and now I have my own LP copy, as well as a digital copy that I purchased on iTunes. It is a great album and I listen to it year round.
Just a side note/personal comment---The daily chuck photo today is MARVELOUS. It is the cutest, sweetest picture. I love it.
Hope you are having a great day! Love the holiday posts--keep 'em comin'!
361. Kate2478 said:
The album I *must* have for it to truly be Christmas is Calypso Christmas by the de Paur Chorus. It's an old record from 1956 that I finally found on CD this year. You can listen here, though: http://learning2share.blogspot.com/2007/12/de-paur-chorus-calypso-christ...
362. Anonymous said:
Definitely John Denver and the Muppets. This was a record we had as kids and now my kids love listening to the cd. It's completely nutty.
363. rychelle said:
john denver and the muppets.
364. Anonymous said:
John Denver. Muppets. Christmas.
http://www.amazon.com/A-Christmas-Together/dp/B000QZZA72/ref=pd_bbs_sr_4...
365. Janna said:
I second whoever else has said Mariah Carey Christmas. "All I Want for Christmas is You" definitely = nutty and awesome.
Feliz Navidad if that hasn't already been mentioned.
And it's not an album, but the movie "A Muppet Christmas Carol" is straight up magic. It's hysterical, especially for adults with a dry sense of humor.
366. Nellie said:
"The Singing Saw at Christmastime" by Julian Koster of Music Tapes (an affiliate of Neutral Milk Hotel).
It just came out this past October, and is, quite simply, incredible.
367. houndrat said:
Um, can we borrow some of your leftover ornaments? Because somebody's hubby, who shall remain nameless, decided to buy the largest Christmas tree in all of San Diego. Which would be perfectly lovely, if we also had the largest house in the county to go along with it, rather than one in which both a train and dining room table can't comfortably coexist.
http://www.houndrat.com/2008/12/08/oh-christmas-tree/
And perhaps you could add mustard to your Santa stories and come up with a new twist on a holiday classic. Like, maybe it's the lubricant Mr. Claus uses to haul his hefty bum down the chimney, which the reindeer promptly lick off once he re-emerges.
On second thought, there's probably a good reason nobody invites me to write any Christmas tales.
368. Athenae said:
The older the better. I'd go with the classics. Bing Crosby, for example, and there was some kind of martini-bar-ish holiday thing put out a couple of years ago featuring Eartha Kitt singing Santa Baby, a song that my husband swears is positively pornographic.
Anuna's Winter Songs is also beautiful. Lately I've been mainlining Sarah McLachlan's Wintersong, too.
A.
369. Sarah M said:
All of the "A Very Special Christmas" albums are my favorites.
370. Manda said:
I don't have anything nutty, but Bing Crosby is a Christmas staple. It reminds me of Christmas shopping with my dad, he died when I was 12, so I have a huge emotional attachment to it. Fairytale of New York is an awesome Christmas song, but I'm sure Leta wouldn't like it!
371. WNC said:
One more vote for the Aimee Mann album!
Btw, have you ever listened to They Might Be Giants' children's album? Classic.
372. Shana said:
I just picked it up myself from Itunes... Its called.. " The Nightmare Revisited " It has all the songs from " The Nightmare Before Christmas " sung by some pretty interesting artists. I really like " Kidnap the Sandy Claus " by Korn, and " The Oogie Boogie Song " by Tiger Army. Its good times.
Also how can you forget Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and good old Elvis Presly Christmas albums?
373. Anonymous said:
Another vote for woxy.com's holiday mixer. It has EVERYTHING.
374. Jeff said:
Most of my christmas music tends to be pretty over the top - lots of random big band songs and tracks off of various lounge christmas collections. Go big or go home, I figure.
By far the best advice I can give, regardless of what you end up with in terms of christmas songs, is to create a playlist that combines your christmas songs with a bunch of other music that you DO NOT HATE and don't mind actually hearing over and over. The key is to dilute your christmas music or you will definitely start to hate it after an hour and a half of listening.
375. Me said:
Also recommending Barenaked Ladies, the Muppets and John Denver, Love Actually soundtrack, and The Grinch soundtrack.
While it's not a Christmas album, and would not be approved for Leta by the World Avon Leader (or me, for that matter), Everclear has a great track called "Hating you for Christmas" tucked as a hidden track in one of their albums. It's great!
376. Theresa said:
Christmas is *NOT* Christmas without Boney M.
A timeless classic.
It would be fab if you could summarize the most recommended albums for us and post the list!
377. Jessica said:
Mr. Hankey's Christmas Classics! I think a few of the songs are ok for kids.
378. Amanda said:
Barenaked Ladies, of course.
Also, Sufjan Stevens is always good and it's definitely quirky.
379. Shana said:
I disagree Jeff. You have to have lots of Christmas songs, in a variety of genre so you can get into the Christmas Spirit.. its just the way it is. You can listen to the other crap after New Years eve ahahaha
380. Lori said:
I doubt you'll read this far and it's not kooky, well there is a remake of You're a Mean One Mr Grinch, but my favorite Christmas album is Aimee Mann, One More Drifter in the Snow.
381. Kella said:
Currently on repeat in my apartment:
- Trans Siberian Orchestra
- MercyMe - The Christmas Sessions
- Relient K - Let It Snow Baby... Let It Reindeer - awesome if you're interested in Christmas having a Punk feel (and really, who isn't?)
- And of course my childhood faves: John Denver + the Muppets, I Want A Hippo..., Snoopy and the Red Baron (which is defining song in all my childhood Christmas memories... weird).
382. Megan said:
My three favorite nutty Xmas songs are: "Slick Nick, You Devil You," by Fishbone, "Santa Clause is Smoking Reefer" by the Squirrel Nut Zippers, and of course the Ramones doing "Merry Christmas (I Don't Want to Fight Tonight)".
383. Lesley said:
I have no suggestions but it occurs to me that it would be fantastic - or I should say, fanfuckingtastic, if such a thing as a Deadwood Christmas Album existed. Of course, kids wouldn't be able to listen to it so I am doubly of no help to you whatsoever.
384. Liz Harvatine said:
My traditional favorite is Johnny Mathis but my two (slightly) nutty standards are the Muppet Christmas album (with John Denver, not the movie) and the soundtrack from Elf. Both great.
385. Jana said:
Dr. Demento and DUH...Mr. Hankey(the chrimstmas poo, brown and small he comes from you)!
386. kimca said:
I haven't read all the comments and wonder if anyone has mentioned the chorus of dogs barking jingle bells?
A true classic.
387. Kelly W. said:
I didn't have time to check all 8 million pages of comments, but just in case, "Barenaked for the Holidays" is my favorite. Some quirky, some serious and all quite festive.
388. Rio Gringa said:
Hey Heather!
I'm Jewish, but I love Christmas music for some reason--the songs are just so catchy! My favorite Christmas album is this slightly obscure CD I bought from a newsstand in Rio (where I currently live), which has choro remixes of classic Christmas songs (and a few random American songs, like "What a Wonderful World"). Choro is a traditional kind of Brazilian music that sometimes sounds like samba and sometimes like bossa nova. For the life of me, I can't find the CD online, but I'd be happy to send you some of the songs from my iTunes if you're interested!
389. M Free said:
From a friend of mine:
for songs with sleighbells/that sound decent for xmas i recommend:
pipettes - a winter's sky
frightened rabbit - it's christmas so we'll stop (new 2008 version)
au revoir simone - fallen snow
{{{ sunset }}} - new york love
page france - chariot
the national - wasp nest
the aisler set - catherine says
miracle fortress - little trees
390. WNC said:
Oh! and for nutty: try "Merry Christmas from the Family" by Robert Earl Keen.
So. Good.
391. Ariel said:
I apologize for not reading the 381 comments ahead to see if it was mentioned, but "Ella Fitzgerald wishes you a swinging Christmas" is one of the best albums EVER. I'm not even talking about best xmas album, just best album!
392. Karen said:
Can't get any nuttier than "A John Water's Christmas" although with young kids in the house you'll have to skip the "here comes fatty with his sack of shit" song. All the others, though are g-rated!
393. Baldy said:
I have to second The Ventures' Christmas Album - good surf rock alternative to the "standards". Also, I think somebody else mentioned it, but the Christmas Cocktails series is definitely fun. The Chipmunks are the only music I remember from my childhood, besides all of the Christian crap my mom would play.
394. laura said:
nutty it's not, and maybe too depressing as well, but my favorite is Low's Christmas album -
http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Low/dp/B00003G1P3
395. DP said:
Also going to recommend Sufjan Stevens, but for a NEW suggestion:
http://hardtofindafriend.blogspot.com/2008/11/peace-on-earth-vol-ii-now-...
Peace on Earth Christmas charity album, put together by Hard to Find a Friend. Proceeds go to the Children of Uganda Fund. There are some awesome artists on it.
396. kristy said:
Definitely Sufjan's album, Sufjan Stevens Presents Songs for Christmas (Singalong). I love it: http://www.asthmatickitty.com/music.php?releaseID=63
397. Kate said:
John Denver and the Muppets. Big favs in our family also included Bing Crosby, Elvis, and The Beach Boys. But definitely get John Denver and the Muppets.
398. salemdemeter said:
I agree with The New Kids' Merry, Merry Christmas and add The Beach Boys' Christmas album and, seriously, Alabama's. Trust me, these three bring back crazy warm memories for me.
399. Cortney said:
I DEFINITELY think you should get Relient K's christmas CD
"Let it snow baby, let it reindeer"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nUBHRN_3sM
(12 Days of Christmas)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXgoeHeVorE&feature=related
(Angels We Have Heard On High)
This cd has both traditional Christmas songs, as well as a few original songs. :]
Happy Holidays!
400. Jezebella said:
Hon, you are SOUTHERN, and therefore required by law to listen to Elvis Christmas music, and maybe a little Brenda Lee. Leta's Southern heritage must not be forgotten! She needs to think of Elvis Presley's "Blue Christmas" when December comes around. It's essential.
401. Raishawn said:
This probably sounds strange but for fun non-traditional songs The OC Christmas album is actually pretty good. Although they left off the Carol of the Meows track by Guster and that one's the best.
There's also this series that has a nice mix of original songs and covered classics:
http://www.amazon.com/Maybe-This-Christmas-Various-Artists/dp/B00006L9NX...
http://www.amazon.com/Maybe-This-Christmas-Various-Artists/dp/B0000AM6O3...
http://www.amazon.com/Maybe-This-Christmas-Various-Artists/dp/B0002S94XY...
402. molly said:
John Denver and the Muppets' "A Christmas Together" is great! It was my favorite growing up, and to this day it's the only Christmas music I can tolerate. I still insist upon listening to it at least once during the course of the few days I spend with my parents over Christmas. I'm almost 30, and I still find it hilarious to listen to Miss Piggy sing. It's good stuff!
403. DP said:
ALSO, the Stephen Colbert Christmas special thing.
404. LauraH said:
The ONLY Christmas music you may ever need... Trans Siberian Orchestra.
405. Pretty Good Day said:
Cocteau Twins! You can find their nicely animated stuff on YouTube, or check out the one I have here.
406. Anonymous said:
Sufjan Stevens, as said in another post. Also Jackson 5 christmas is fantastic.
407. Dooalot said:
The Roches album, "We Three Kings," is my all around absolute favorite Christmas album. And I like a LOT of different stuff. I think you can get it on iTunes and you can most definitely find it on Amazon or eBay. It has a mix of traditional with some "nutty." You may appreciate (or not) their "jersey girl" rendition of Winter Wonderland. :)
408. andrea said:
Elvis Presley's Blue Christmas always make me think of decorating the house with my mom. It's a classic.
409. Margot said:
I grew up with a vinyl recording of "Merry Christmas from Sesame Street" (1975) and each of my parents now claims the other one took it in their divorce so it is lost. Stupid divorce. I was distraught that my 1-year old daughter would not have this tradition for her childhood. But eureka: I just found a website that has the original album available for free download:
http://www.stef.net/sesamestreetchristmas/
It has original cast members (no Elmo!) and when I heard Mr Hooper's voice, I totally got teary-eyed. Also, the album's version of O. Henry's 'Gift of the Magi' story starring Bert & Ernie is just magical. So glad I found it. Hope you and Dooce readers might enjoy it too.
410. Nancy said:
If you have Sirius, channel 35 "Holly" should cover all. But nothing says Christmas, like a late night, eggnog couch coma with Zamfir - the Romainian exiled king of the Pan Flute.
411. Emily said:
As far as Christmas goes, anything other than Sufjan Stevens then YOUR'RE DOING IT WRONG!
412. Kimberly said:
A John Waters Christmas, which includes such gems as "Here Comes Fatty Claus" and "Santa Claus is a Black Man."
http://www.amazon.com/John-Waters-Christmas-Various-Artists/dp/B00065GHW...
413. Jennifer said:
Boy, did you ask the RIGHT person!
I love Christmas music...most favorite ANYTHING by Josh Groban.
But in order to leave a lasting impression on Leta, I'm going to HAVE to suggest those cat and dog albums, where they either meow or bark out famous jingles like...Deck the Halls....Jingle Bells....or any of the other classics.
It's my favorite when I'm drunk...wait, you can't drink.
Well, in 8 months or so...try it. :)
414. Sara said:
I love the song Merry Christmas From the Family...I think the version I have is by the Dixie Chicks. Lyrics include such gems as:
Fred and Rita drove from Harlingen
I can't remember how I'm kin to them
But when they tried to plug their motor home in
They blew our Christmas lights
Cousin David knew just what went wrong
So we all waited out on our front lawn
He threw a breaker and the lights came on
And we sang Silent Night, Oh Silent Night, Oh Holy Night
415. rb said:
Ella (Fitzgerald) Wishes You a Swinging Christmas is not to be missed.
416. Laurie said:
This one has already been said: Sufjan Stevens Christmas (You can enter "sufjan stevens holiday" on Pandora! Awesome!).
We also LOVE Barenaked Ladies' Barenaked for the Holidays. Genius album!
417. Jess said:
John Denver & The Muppets - A Christmas Together. It's a classic and always makes me happy.
418. Tanya said:
Dunno if anyone's mentioned it yet: Twisted Christmas by Bob Rivers. And the sequels. More along the lines of Christmas music satire. Ex: "Walking 'Round in Women's Underwear" and "There's a Santa Who Looks a Lot Like Elvis" and "O Little Town of Bethlehem" set to the music of "House of the Rising Sun". Twisted and marvelous. But it WILL TOTALLY SCREW with your brain and how it processes holiday tunes. It's a risk exposing kids to this because they WILL sing it around people who won't like it, but the kids generally love it and mine grew into someone that I actually like being around, a LOT, so no regrets here.
For more "traditional" musical stylings my most favorite is Pavarotti's "Cantique de Noel" (O Holy Night in French) and Big Band sound for stuff with vocals, otherwise I'm more into instrumental versions--particular strings and Celtic.
419. Shelby said:
Hm, well, I don't know about *albums* per say, but there's a lot of great Christmas songs out there!
The Brian Setzer band does a GREAT one... can't remember what. Yeah, I'm a lot of help.
Ooh! Boney M is a good album. I love Mary's Boy Child, Feliz Navidad, Little Drummer Boy... THAT'S some happy Christmas music!
420. Callie said:
I echo the comments on Sufjan Stevens and Over the Rhine...
But I will forever love and favor the 4 record set of Lawrence Welk Christmas. Maybe nutty only because the show itself was nutty (I grew up being forced to watch reruns with my parents... no, we didn't have cable).
If you do indeed check it out, please pay special attention to Christmas in Kilarney.
421. Kristin said:
I love, love, love my New Kids On The Block "Merry, Merry Christmas" album from back in the day. I still listen to it every year, and get snarky comments from friends and family. I don't care, true love last forever, and I am truly in love with the "speaker cheese" that blows forth from this album.
422. Rachel said:
John Denver and the Muppets Sing Christmas--hands down the greatest Christmas album EVER. I had it on tape, and wore that thing out. so, so, so good...
Jolly Holidays,
Rachel
423. Geege said:
Soooo cheesy, but it's not Christmas without Kenny & Dolly :)
424. Patti said:
Christmas with Boney M.
The best wacky Christmas music, EVER! It was a staple in our house at Christmes time. It wasn't Christmas without them.
425. Katia said:
I doubt if you'll read this far, Dooce, but my all-time favorite christmas song is.......
FAIRYTALE OF NEW YORK!!!!!!!!!!!
(being a NYer, I am not biased at all).
It's by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl and whenever I hear it I have fond memories of working in a chavvy cafe in northern ireland making fry ups and being depressed.
But now through the haze of nostalgia I realize it was kind of fun :)
So yeah, Fairytale of New York is beautiful. Christmas isnt christmas without it.
426. Heather said:
Harry Connick Jr.!! He has tons of Christmas music out, but I prefer the older ones. They make you want to grab your children and dance around the house. :)
427. k. said:
It's never Christmas for me without the Beach Boys' Christmas album that I heard every year as a kid. It's pretty ridiculous, which makes it fabulous.
428. Cate said:
Barenaked for the Holidays - Barenaked Ladies
Chestnuts Roastin' - Nat King Cole
The ORIGINAL How The Grinch Stole Christmas, because "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" is only the most wonderfully descriptively disgusting and nutty song EVER.
429. Tess said:
Has anyone mentioned Jewel's Christmas CD yet? Not silly or funky, but beautiful.
430. Kristen said:
There have been a number of suggestions for the boney m christmas album. just reading these has today brought back the indelible memory of my mother dancing/shuffling around the living room to the boney m album blasting on the record player/giant TV console thing ("mary's boy child jesus christ was born on christmas day.."), kinda hammered, with our horrified miniature schnauzer in her arms. this was pretty much an annual event. just a warning.
or chuck might be into it, i dont know.
431. Paula said:
Ottmar Liebert - Christmas & Santa Fe. It's beautiful classical guitar Christmas music and when I get sick off all the standards it's the one thing I put on to restore us to sanity. It's calming yet energizing and whenever I put it on in mixed company people want to know the CD. Good luck!
432. Becka said:
We always listen to the John Denver/Muppets Christmas CD. Except we skip most of the John Denver songs and listen to the Muppet interpretations of Christmas classics like 'The 12 Days of Christmas' and some other ones I don't know the names of. The comments by the muppets throughout the songs are pretty darn funny. Slightly nutty, but still real Christmas songs.
I actually think that it is the soundtrack to some old Muppets Christmas Special, but I just have the CD.
433. Jodie said:
My all time favorite is The Christmas Cowboy by Gene Autry.
We have a collection of probably 50 Christmas CDs. My husband made mix CDs on the themes of Pop/Rock (3 vol), Instrumental, Classical, Country, Celtic... But the beloved childhood classic Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer sung by Gene Autry is my favorite.
Other favorites: Linus & Lucy (from the Charlie Brown album), The Christmas Song (Nat King Cole), George Winson's December album with Carol of the Bells on it, Holly Jolly Christmas by Burl Ives. Plus all the classic singers of my parent's generation: Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, ... plus Elvis's Christmas albums.
Wait until after Christmas and they are all available for super cheap prices! Best Buy usually has a good selection.
434. Anonymous said:
heather-you must download I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas. Gayla Peavey. DO. IT. NOW.
435. Missy said:
I second (third?) the nominations for Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. It is so fun and sweet and ridiculous. It came from a horrible early 80's Christmas special, and I still love it at the age of 27.
Also, New Kids on the Block "Funky, Funky Christmas" is a must. :)
436. Amy said:
I have to join the chorus of John Denver/Muppets. Who knew that hokey was so lasting. Truly wonderful mix of silly and serious.
It's not Christmas without it. Well, for me. My kids are all teenagers, and they think I'm crazy.
And the Peace Carol makes me cry every time.
437. Anonymous said:
The Light in the Stable by Emmylou Harris -- beautiful, traditional, but not cheesy!
438. Stephanie said:
OMG PLEASE BUY THIS ONE. Cyndi Lauper, Merry Christmas... Have a Nice Life. It is totally nutty and addictive. It's just weird and quirky enough, but still sounds like Christmas. You will NOT regret it. And when Leta dyes her hair pink and puts on three different pairs of earrings, well, you can send me the thank you note.
439. Jo said:
I've been there, done that with all of the standard/classics; yes they are beautiful, and they're good, but
THIS IS THE ONE THAT GETS ME IN THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT AND MAKES ME SMILE ....
You will LOVE IT! Jon will LOVE IT! Leta will LOVE IT!
C H R I S I S A A K C H R I S T M A S
C H R I S I S A A K C H R I S T M A S
C H R I S I S A A K C H R I S T M A S
A must have CD for the holidays. Can't wait for you to hear it.
440. Alda said:
Diana Krall's Christmas Songs is my favourite.
441. beyond said:
as a child we would get our tree on dec 24th. the christkind brought it. very european. literally christkind ist of course christ child, but it's more of a fairy child, at least that's how i always imagined it.
i just discovered 'a very special christmas', it's very 80s, fun and wacky; the pointer sisters, madonna, eurythmics, complete with a keith haring on the cover.
442. Stacy said:
"This is not much different than telling them that once a year millions of people across the world strip naked and hop into a bathtub full of mustard. Why? Because Christ was born! "
ROTFLMAO!
Nuts or no nuts, I always stick with the classics. I can only listen to Alvin and the Chipmunks so long before I feel like ripping my ears off.
443. Anna said:
Sufjan - Songs for Christmas. It's never gets turned off in our house this time of year.
444. Cheryl said:
Definitely the Barenaked Ladies holiday album. I downloaded it 4 years ago, and it's still my favorite. Elf's Lament is a hilarious song!
445. Holly said:
Christmas Cocktails
Very jazzy remix of an assortment of songs. Wonderful!
446. Amanda said:
You know, I normally can't stand Christmas music. Not sure why... but a was introduced to this album last night and it really isn't so bad!
http://www.amazon.com/This-Warm-December-Brushfire-Holidays/dp/B001H5HWSA
447. Mandy said:
Some of my favorites are the John Denver/Muppets Christmas album, the soundtrack to "Love, Actually" and any older jazz Christmas tunes, particularly Dave Brubeck's stuff.
There is no soundtrack, but if you've never seen "Emmet Otter's Jugband Christmas" (and as a child of the 70s/80s, I DON'T see how that would be possible), I would highly recommend ordering the DVD. It's my favorite Christmas show of all time and has some great music in it.
448. Liss said:
Already mentioned:
Sarah McLachlan's Wintersong album--SO worth it
Mannheim Steamroller
I can't stand the radio and everyone's overdone version of "O Holy Night" or whatever.
I do love the Narada Christmas albums 1 & 2 and Narada Nutcracker. It's not nutty, but it's the kind of instrumental Christmas music you can put in the background, or if you're really wanting to, turn on in July and no one screams at you. (Listened to almost the whole CD once in the spring before a roommate paid attention to what the melodies were.)
449. Kate said:
I thought I would be the only one promoting Phil Spector's _A Christmas Gift For You_ but I'm not. My parents played this while we trimmed the tree, and now as an adult I'm doing the same. And trust me, it is one kooky album. Apparently it's Brian Wilson's favorite Christmas album of all time, according to Wikipedia! If that (and Spector's hair) doesn't prove its nuttiness, I don't know what will.
450. Annalise said:
I love Sufjan Steven's "Songs for Christmas" because it doesn't sound too unlike the music I listen to the rest of the year. And it's beautiful!
If you're looking for something kooky, I grew up with "Carpenter's Christmas" and still enjoy listening to it on repeat every Christmas.
451. Anonymous said:
I loved Conway Twitty's Christmas tape. It was Conway Twitty and the Twittybird. And it was this story about him and this bird go visit Santa in the North Pole. I LOVED IT when I was little~ I still do :)
452. Jo said:
Dr. Demento's Christmas Album! The Christmas Hippo song is on there!
453. ChrisV said:
April Winchell's guide to Holiday MP3s:
http://www.aprilwinchell.com/holiday-mp3s/
454. Julie B said:
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE....
Someone did NOT suggest Band Aid "Do they know it's Christmas". I cannot listen to the lyrics of that song without wanting to slit my wrists.
"There won't be snow in Africa this christmas time"
OF COURSE NOT. If there WAS snow in Africa this Christmas time we wouldn't worry about starving children because they would all be FROZEN to death!
Jewel has a great Christmas Album, avoid Gloria Estevan's like the plaugue.
455. DesignGirl said:
The Coolest Christmas
It's a quirky compilation, including:
David Bowie & Bing Crosby
The Alarm
Roy Orbison
Clancy Brothers
The Ventures
Geo Thorogood & the Destroyers
Eartha Kitt
Brenda Lee
The Beach Boys
Cocteau Twins
The Temptations
Dean Martin
Elmo N Patsy (ugh ...Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer) pls don't judge this cd by this one silly song!)
and ... Guy Lombardo
Not sure where to find, but it's under the OGLIO ENTERTAINMENT GROUP Label Sony Music Special Products/Mfg by Columbia Records.
Oh yeah, and my absolute favorite to BLARE in the car while we drive around looking at lights is Manheim Steamroller.
Happy Holidays!!!!
456. Megan said:
Definitely Boney M!
457. jill said:
At the risk of sounding like a complete loser, I will say that I love the Ally McBeal Christmas CD! It has a nice mix of boogy around the house with the kids tunes and nostalgia.
458. Sarah said:
I'll suggest (like many others) the Sufjan Stevens collection. it's absolutely fabulous!
459. chan said:
Barenaked Ladies has a really fun Holiday CD
460. Anonymous said:
If you want really nutty, A John Waters Christmas is it. It has some explicit lyrics, but you should give it a listen. It includes such songs as "Here Comes Fatty Claus," "Little Mary Christmas," and "Santa Claus is a Black Man." Listen to his Fresh Air interview with Terry Gross about putting the album together.
461. Renee said:
Although her future husband will hate you for it, I think it is cruel to deprive a child of a Chipmunk Christmas. My father bought it for me when I was about 10, and I listened to it on loop for months. I still do--nothing can get me in the Christmas spirit like the chipmunks.
Amy Grant (although I'm otherwise not a fan) has a great Christmas CD too.
462. Rebi said:
It's not Christmas in my house until we've played the Boney M Christmas album, the original Grinch soundtrack and the Raffi Christmas album. All of them bring back holiday memories, plenty of them centering around sitting in the back seat of the car as my parents drove us home from my Grandma's house, trying not to fall asleep and watching the Christmas lights go by outside the car.
463. Dani said:
I know others have said this but Dr. Demeotos Chritstmas. It has both the Chipmunks classis & the I want a Hippopotomus for christmas as well as many other fun family friendly christmas songs.
I also like the Very Special Christmas (I think it's #3) with U2 sining it's christmas baby please come home.
464. Florida Jen said:
A friend of the family had us listen to these last year, and we immediately had to burn them and keep them for ourselves! So much fun for your ears! I'm not sure how many volumes have been produced. To anyone who picks these up, enjoy! My recommendation: Ultra-Lounge: Christmas Cocktails
465. Theresa said:
For sure, Sufjan Stevens. Even go out on a limb and listen to everything that has ever come out of that man. Really.
Oh, and if you can stomach it, Hanson had a Christmas album (Snowed In). Maybe I can only still tolerate it because I was twelve when it came out. But I remember being okay with listening to it more than once and not wanting to repeatedly bang my head against the wall. Maybe I should retract this comment.
There's always the stand-by of Adam Sandler's Hanukkah songs.
466. nelking said:
Jingle Dogs - When my boys were Leta's age, this was played right after we said prayers at the Thanksgiving meal. It will drive Chuck and Coco nuts. (Yeah, dogs barking out the tune)
Very Special Christmas Vol 1-5 (I only owned 1) Cool singers and bands stretching back to 1987 cover Christmas classics. Madonna, doing Santa Babyin 1987 to 2001 Wyclef Jean doing Drummer Boy.
467. amy j. said:
Oh, SO glad you asked (I actually sent you one I love...Jill Sobule's version of "Merry Xmas to the Family").
There are probably repeats in my list that you've gotten before:
1. Sufjan Stevens Christmas
2.Brushfire Records Christmas (new this year)
3. John Denver Rocky Mountain Christmas
4. John Prine Christmas (it's really good)
5. Mindy Smith Holiday album
6. Ella Fitzgerald - Christmas
7. Jethro Tull Christmas Album
8. Emmylou Harris - Light of the Stable
A few individual songs (I've been listing many of these in daily videos for a Daily Christmas countdown on my own blog)
Winter Song -Eisley
All that I Want - Weepies
Just like Christmas - Low
Christmas Song -Raveonettes
Valley Winter Song - Fountains of Wayne
All I Ever Get for Christmas is Blue - Over the Rhine
Darlin (Christmas is Coming ) - Over the Rhine
Christmas Time (Don't Let the Bells End ) - Darkness
Ok, I got more but I'd have to go look them up (Jon, drop me a line if you want more of a list...we started compiling these YEARS ago and gave out cds of Christmas music for a long time...I'd say we have a couple hundred really good/out of the norm...some cool old blues stuff etc.)
468. sarah said:
b/c i grew up under a heavy religious rock in south dakota, i only learned christ-focused christmas songs. but alas, i heard a song this year that i've never heard before...and it is fantastic:
The Italian Christmas Donkey
http://www.members.shaw.ca/cybernana/funpage/dominick/dominick.htm
I swear Leta will love it.
469. Rbelle said:
I second (third? fourth? 49th?) John Denver and the Muppets. Pure awesome.
470. Lindsay Erwin said:
This may be a repeat but I don't have time to read all 400 something posts ... but ALFRED BURT FAMILY CAROLS!! It's a little bit hard to find but it's SO worth it!! There is an amazing song called "Some Children See Him" and it's the best religious Christmas song I've ever heard and I'm not religious at all :) It's about how religion is all about perspective, and how you "see" spirituality. The whole cd is wonderful. It isn't Christmas without it at our house. I hope you can find it!
471. Barb said:
My husband used to be a DJ and we both share a love of music. If not for MP3 we would have to soon build another house for all our CDs. Here are our a few of our favorites that I didn't see listed:
Narada - The Christmas Collection (Instrumental)
George Winston - December (Beautiful Piano - if you're into that).
Christmas Songs (Various Artists including Sarah McLachlan, Mediaeval Babes, Dido, etc.)
Sounds of the Season - The NBC Holiday Collection (Coldplay, Josh Groban, Sarah Brightman, etc.)
472. Katya said:
If you try pandora radio online, you can make your own mix of holiday songs from the classic ones to n'sync's holiday album (if you're feeling crazy). If you don't like a song you get to click on a thumbs down. this is very gratifying.
473. Kathryn Johnson said:
I'm not sure if it's already been mentioned, but I have one that I remember from my childhood...John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together...AWESOMENESS!!!
474. Katya said:
oh, someone already mentioned pandora. sorry. It's a really good site.
475. Leah said:
I am enjoying Bela Fleck's new Jingle Bells album - it combines Tuvan throat singing with banjo and other strange sounds. Great stuff!
476. Emily T said:
"A Classic Cartoon Christmas"
Got all the good ones- and the bad ones.
If you want really freaky - try Esquivel's "Merry Xmas from the Space Age Bachelor Pad"
477. Jeremy said:
It's not nutty, however, I've been listening to Enya's winter themed album "And Winter Came" which I highly recommend. At least listen to the clips on iTunes. :-)
478. Kermit said:
"Ella [Fitzgerald] Wishes You A Swingin' Christmas" is our family favorite. We also love "John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together."
479. Heather C said:
The Raffi Christmas album was always a favorite in our house when we were kids. In fact we still listen to it when decorating my parent's tree even though my sister and I are in our 20s now. The recent Sufjan Stevens Christmas album is also fantastic. "Come on! Let’s Boogey to the Elf Dance" is the best track!
480. Kristine said:
You have to listen to the group Straight No Chaser. When they play this on the radio there are inundated with questions. They're hilarious. It's this crazy version of the Twelve Days of Christmas. My favorite part is when they break into the Dreidel song in the middle.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Fe11OlMiz8
481. Kari said:
#83 (La Gitana) - that is a fantastic recommendation. I now absolutely love Robert Downey Jr.'s version of The River. That Ally McBeal soundtrack is so much better than expected.
Thanks!
482. Jackie said:
I'm sure that you have all the recommendations a woman could want by this point, but if you're not all holidayed out yet, my favorite Christmas album has to be Relient K's "Let it Snow Baby...Let it Reindeer" It's not necessarily kooky, but it does have a couple good ones I think you'd thoroughly enjoy ("I'm getting nuttin' for Christmas" and "Santa Claus is thumbin' to town"), along with some of the normal ones. This CD contains the only version of the 12 days of christmas using all the normal gifts that I can tolerate.
Check it out if you get the chance. If not the whole CD, at least do the two songs I mentioned.
483. Heather9 said:
Not sure it was mentioned... But Old Navy (in the stores AFAIK) usually puts out a pretty good Christmas album. I've got one from a few years back.. has a ton of cool old x-mas songs that have been jazzed up with techno beats.. etc. Ebay even has a copy. This is it: http://tinyurl.com/5p7vkv
I love all the old timey songs.. Nat, Ella, Bing, Elvis, Beachboys.. but I second the BareNaked lady guys too. Swell stuff from them!
Feliz Navidad! --Heather :)
484. Tay said:
I am making, as a homemade christmas gift this year, a mixed CD of all of my favorite non-traditional Christmas music. Most of it is funny, some of it is just really excellently done, almost none are classics (the ones that are, are done so differently than the norm that it doesn't count). It still manages to be festive and sound christmasy, which took some work.
I will burn and send you a copy when I finally finish compiling it and designing the insert :)
485. Molly said:
the soundtrack from the movie ELF is delightful!
486. Laurie said:
We LOVE the Squirrel Nut Zippers' Christmas Caravan album. It's quirky and festive. Merry Christmas!
487. Monique said:
Elvis Christmas is great! But honestly my favorite Christmas memories are the Chipmunks :-) Or if you got to Pandora radio and type in "Chipmunks Christmas" you get a pretty good playlist.
488. Carrie said:
I have to 2nd, or 3rd or 800th the John Denver and the Muppets Christmas album vote. As well as Sufjan Stevens. My Dad's tradition was Stan Boreson. Talk about wacky. . . Scandinavian Humorist sings Christmas tunes?! Seriously weird.
I put the Star Wars Christmas Album and a mix of other Christmas stuff I like on my mix-wit profile for easy streaming. Happy Holidays!
489. Lynnette said:
You can't beat the classics -- Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby.
490. Nikki said:
Oh, NO WAY! I never stop talking about the fact that A Charlie Brown Christmas is the BEST. CHRISTMAS. ALBUM. EVER. When it comes to Christmas music, I'm all about the nostalgia. And all the old "A Very Special Christmas" albums (http://www.amazon.com/Very-Special-Christmas-Vol-2/dp/B000002G0M) Run DMC, Maddona (Santa Baby!), U2... If you want something more modern, I just downloaded Verve Remixed Christmas (http://www.amazon.com/Verve-Remixed-Christmas-Various/dp/B001EOQTRY) and I STILL love the old Squirrel Nut Zippers Christmas cd...
491. CAntony said:
I didn't go through all the 475 posts here, so I apologize if there are repeats from others.
And thank you for reading my comment. =)
1. "The Wassail Song/All Through the Night"-Yo-Yo Ma and Friends
2. "Jingle Bells (Greetings from Esquivel!)"-Esquivel!
3. "(Everybody's Waitin' for) The Man With the Bag"-Kay Starr
4. "Another Christms Song"-Stephen Colbert
5. "I Still Believe in Christmas"-Fleshtones
6. "Blue Christmas"-Elvis Presley
7. "White Christmas"-Jimmy McGriff
8. "Christmas Treat, Peppermint"-The Sisterhood
9. "Christmas is Coming"-Vince Guaraldi Trio
10. Bob Dylan talks about figgy pudding (no, really, he does...)
11. "Christ Was Born on Christmas Morn"-Frankie "Half-Pint" Jaxon
12. "Jingle Jangle Jump"-Dexter Gordon
13. "Mele Kalikimaka"-Bing Crosby w/the Andrews Sisters
14. "Last Christmas"-Rubber Band
15. "'Zat You, Santa Claus?"-Louis Armstrong
16. "Jinge Bells"-Glenn Miller & His Orchestra
17. "Thanks for Christmas"-XTC
18. "Christmas in Vegas"-Dale Watson
19. "Christmas in Las Vegas"-Los Straitjackets
20. "Christmas in Washington Square"-Wayne Newton
21. "Soulful Christmas"-James Brown
22. "When Was Jesus Born"-The Sons of Heaven
23. "Christmas Time's A-Coming-Bill Monroe
24. "Home for the Holidays"-The dBs
25. "Rocket Ship Santa"-The BellRays
26. "There Are Much Worse Things to Believe In"-Elvis Costello & Stephen Colbert
27. "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?"-Ella Fitzgerald
492. Suzy said:
It's a Cow Christmas for nutty. And Sufjan Steven's albums are amazing, but not nutty.
493. Kayla said:
The Singing Saw at Christmastime by Julian Koster. He was in Neutral Milk Hotel and is now in The Music Tapes. This album though, is all him playing Christmas carols on the saw. It's super weird but fascinating at the same time. Also, in keeping with tool theme, (I swear I listen to normal music too) as a child my parents thought it was really funny to subject me to something called "A Toolbox Christmas" which was Christmas carols played using the pitches created by power tools.
494. Lindsey said:
try "maybe this christmas" by ron sexsmith, and, of course, "so this is christmas (war is over)" by john lennon.
please be careful in your selection- my mom wasn't, and now "all i want for christmas is you" by mariah carey is my song of the season.
495. Lolo said:
No Christmas is complete without a little Esquivel Christmas. Seriously.
496. Catherine McP said:
My personal fave is Elvis's Blue Xmas, maybe it was mentioned, and its not kooky, but got some damn good beats for a Xmas album..tape..CD..8 track. My kids now in their 20's think its the only Xmas album to be associated with Xmas and we arent even Elvis fans!
497. Pocket said:
Seriously? I'm number 492? There's NO way you're reading all of these! It would take all DAY!
But, for what it's worth, my Mom always played "Light of the Stable" by Emmylou Harris. Her version of "Christmas Time's A'Comin'" is pretty nutty in that backwoods, bluegrassy kind of way. I can't get through the season without it!
498. stephanie said:
SUFJAN STEVENS - Songs for Christmas
(I love the box and the cd sleeves, with the simple art and vintage motifs as much as the songs!)
499. jill said:
Growing up we always listened to The Partridge Family Christmas album.
"Santa Clause is Coming to Town" ("He's coming, coming. He's coming, coming!!") was always my parent's favorite and I never knew why... They'd just giggle and giggle!
I still have the LP.
500. JenA said:
I also love the Sufjan Stevens stuff - a friend of mine gave me the 5-CD boxed set of all his Christmas CDs, and I love it. My one absolutely CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT Christmas CD, though, is A John Waters Christmas. It is hands-down the most insane and slightly creepy collection of Christmas music on the planet. And I ADORE it. It is just not Christmas without "Santa Claus is a Black Man" and Tiny Tim singing "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer". Seriously. It is MUST HAVE.
501. Beth said:
Night Heron Consort: A Celtic Celebration Vol 1, is my current favorite CD. It has some snappy arrangements of Christmas Classics. The "12 Days of Christmas" is particularly good... and a little goofy.
http://www.nightheron.com/celtic1.html
502. Molly said:
Sarah MacLachlan's album Wintersong is great. Not annoying - very pretty. If you're a fan, you'll love this CD.
503. Natalie said:
I absolutely loved the Raffi Christmas tape growing up. It had the right blend of silly songs and beautiful songs.
504. chubbacoo said:
Boney M
My husband loves it, but it's a little wacky for me. Jamaican Christmas music? weird.
505. cj4 said:
I don't have an album, but here is my Christmas iPod playlist (minus the usuals):
Do They Know Its Christmas - Band Aid
Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy - Bing Crosby and David Bowie
I Believe in Father Christmas - ELP
A Spaceman Came Traveling - Chris de Burgh
Fairytale of New York - The Pogues
Christmas Rapping - The Waitresses
Christmas in Kings Cross - Eurogliders
Mr. Hanky the Christmas Poo - South Park
You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch - Boris Karloff
A Holly Jolly Christmas - Burl Ives
Feliz Navidad - Jose Feliciano
Please to enjoy.
506. Murray said:
Nthing the Phil Spector Christmas album. It's currently out of print, but you can find used copies on Amazon. Amazon also has a digital version for $8.
I'd also suggest The Original Soul Christmas - tons of awesome soul/R&B Christmas tunes by the likes of Otis Redding, Solomon Burke, and other Atlantic Records/Stax artists. OF COURSE it's out of print, too, but I'd be happy to make you a copy if you ask nicely.
Lastly, Blue Yule: Christmas Blues and R&B Classics for those Prozac moments without the cloying children's chorus.
507. Nancy said:
The Chieftains - The Bells of Dublin. When the album incldues a song "The St. Stephen's Day Murders," with guest Elvis Costello, how can you miss? One review describes the song as "an amusing song about the family ties that bind and gag. Surely most people who have gone through large family gatherings at holiday time have fantasized about murdering some of the guests, and this song (written by Costello and the Chieftains' Paddy Moloney) offers a little vicarious fun in that vein. The Chieftains perform with gusto, sometimes providing sound effects, as when they imitate the ghost of the Christmas turkey." attribution to Rambles.net
508. ishkadebble said:
Verve Presents: The Very Best of Christmas Jazz
I had folks from 3 to 83 underfoot during last years holidaze. This collection worked for every one of my guests. Familiar songs the lil ones know, but sung beautifully and orchestrated in grown up accessible yet jammin' fashion. Basie, Ella, Ramsey Lewis, Ken Burrell, Billy Eckstine, Mel Torme, Coltrane, Louis Armstrong, Oscar Peterson, Shirley Horn, Dinah Shore and more... Winter Wonderland, Rudolph, Silent Knight, Merry Christmas Baby, Jingle Bells, SC is coming to Town,etc.
(Christmas w/ the Rat Pack is fun too.)
509. Laura said:
This one's got all the classics, nutty and not. Its from an Oldies radio station in NYC. I love it:
http://www.amazon.com/WCBS-FM-101-1-Ultimate-Christmas-Album/dp/B0000008...
Also, the Now That's what I Call Christmas! albums has got some good modern ones on it. Mix those two albums and you've got yourself a party!
510. April said:
Harp 46 : Angels With Us.
It's harp, bass and drums.
I'm biased, being in the band and all, but it's very different and very nice to listen to. And we recorded it in the same studio that Soundgarden recorded one of their albums in... how cool is that? A harp band and Soundgarden, sharing space.
It's on itunes, but if you decide you want a copy, I'll mail you one for free. :) Just let me know!
511. katie said:
Snow Angels by Over the Rhine.
512. BrotherHalo said:
Dear god, I can't read through that many comments to see if my suggestions were already posted (although I did see Jingle Dogs and Jingle Cats already were mentioned).
Nothing says Christmas like The Nightmare Before Christmas. Whether you go the Danny Elfman route, the string tribute version or the new Nightmare Revisited road, Leta should fall in love with it.
513. Tanis said:
Diana Krall, Holly Cole and the Bare Naked Ladies all have fabulous Christmas albums.
514. Anonymous said:
My fav christmas songs are:
Please come home for Christmas - Eagles
Santa Claus is Back in Town - Jonny Lang
Happy Xmax (War is Over) - John Lennon
Santa Claus is Comin' to Town - Bruce Springsteen
Santa's Messin' with the Kid - Lynyrd Skynyrd
Christmas Blues - Eric Clapton and John Popper
Jingle Bell Rock - Gary Hoey
Most are pretty bluesy (not necessarily nutty) but some of my best Christmas memories are dancing around the living room with my dad to these.
515. Lisa said:
Oh...you GOT to try the John Denver and the Mupppets. Absolute Favorite!!!
With a close second of The Muppets Christmas Carol.
They are both so fun.
516. Bonnie said:
My husband just downloaded the chipmunks Christmas album, and I made fun of him, but he said something about childhood memories...isn't it fun that you get to pick whatever crazy music Leta will always associate with Christmas?
I guess I vote for Mannheim Steamroller and the Carpenters.
517. Sara Lacey said:
It's not a Christmas album, and it's not really nutty (always had a problem following instructions) but for some reason I always love Dave Brubeck's Time Out for the holidays at my house. I think it's what Christmas in Manhattan would sound like.
Oh, and Harry Belafonte's To Wish You A Merry Christmas is marvelous.
518. Digital photography said:
Harry Connick Jr. I didn't know there were any other Christmas albums
519. Vivienne said:
I spin "Christmas with Johnny Cash" repeatedly during the holidays. I'm not what you might call an authentic country fan, but there's something so moving about the man in black's deep voice, especially "Silent Night". And only mildly depressing.
520. HouseofJules said:
Harry Connick, Jr. as a rule is fantastic music to play year round, and I HIGHLY recommend his CD, "SHE". It's not holiday music but I've been playing that one when people come over for YEARS, and they always want to know exactly who it is and where they can buy it. My nephews loved it when they were little too. As for holiday tunes, Harry has several Christmas CDs, but I've stuck with the original, called "When My Heart Finds Christmas".
His other holiday music might be great, too, but you see I'm a nice Jewish girl and am only allowed by law to own 3 holiday CDs. The other 2 I spin constantly this time of year, along with Harry, is James Brown's Funky Christmas & a Starbucks holiday mixfrom 2006 called, "Santa Baby", which I bought off of Ebay because Pink Martini (one of my favorite groups of all time) is on there!
Let us know what you go with, I'm curious because I don't have the stamina to read the other 600 suggestions before me!
521. Betsy said:
I really like the Bare Naked Ladies Holiday Album. Their rendition of God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen with Sarah McLaughlin is my favorite
522. Anonymous said:
Muppet Christmas. You just can't get any better.
523. Shana said:
I'll add my vote for John Denver and the Muppets, A Christmas Together. Still my all time favorite Christmas album EVER.
There's also the two albums by Brave Combo. They can only be described as polka on acid...awesome stuff! They take traditional polka tunes and f*ck with them or take non-polka music and make it into a polka. Just fun. Really. "It's Christmas, Man" and "Holidays" are their two albums. So worth ordering them off the Brave Combo website.
524. Teresa said:
What I am planning to buy this Christmas is Kristen Chenowyth's album. She is so talented. My favourite Christmas Album is "These are Special Times" by Celine Dion. It is nice and she does not belt out the songs (not that there's anything wrong with that). I also enjoy Rosie O'Donnell's two Christmas albums. I think you will especially like "Merry Christmas From the Family" on "Another Rosie Christmas" where Rosie and the Dixie Chicks sing about a dysfunctional family :D
525. Laura said:
Scratch that "Now..." comment. What I was really thinking of was this:
http://www.amazon.com/Very-Special-Christmas-Pretenders/dp/B000002GFJ/re...
...The "Now.." album's got a lot of classics, too.
526. buy wii games said:
Stick with the chipmunks. doesn't get any better than that. except for maybe christina aguilera.
527. hallie said:
haha! how about mr hankey's xmas classics?? i wouldn't recommend all the songs on it, actually, but i really love 'dead, dead dead'. there's something about that song that just speaks to me. 'christmas time in hell' is awfully cheery too. it's the sort of thing you hope you have playing in the background when carolers show up, or your least-favorite relatives.
fwiw, i totally agree about the charlie brown album. but i somehow like it, anyway. i think my soul goes into a dark, dark place during the holidays.
also, if the 'what's it to ya chorus' from that terrible bob rivers album doesn't grab you, i don't know what will. it's the right mood to set when people start spamming you advice about your medication and pregnancy.
also from that album, 'walkin' round in women's underwear' is very festive. i've always liked that one. and 'the twelve pains of xmas' is good for a laugh. 'we wish you weren't living with us' and 'the restroom door said "gentlemen"' are also funny. (it probably doesn't help that i'm suggesting songs i've listened to since i was nineteen. i did not have a tremendously sophisticated sense of humor then. i did have a terrific tolerance for tequila, tho.)
528. Sara said:
I saw someone mentioned Relient K's Christmas album... While I really like it, the song that's SO AWESOME out of it is Sleigh Ride. It is just punky and rockin. I love it.
And I agree that Sesame Street rocks it. Our album is from like the 70s (it's a record srsly), so I don't know if they've done new ones yet but the original was pretty good.
No Elmo crap back in those days.
529. Holly said:
You will probably give up before you get to this comment, but I only got home from work just now, so this is the earliest I could respond, (breath), You must try "Pandora" radio. I don't know how you might get it if you do not have comcast as your service provider, but I'm sure if anyone can figure it out it is the Armstrongs. You put in a favorite song or two and it just keeps on giving! It is PERSONALIZED radio, and very worthy of each and every one of those capitals. Just try it, please, you will understand at that time. Merry Christmas!
530. Julie said:
I highly recommend the John Water's Christmas album (it has gems like "Here comes Fatty with a Sack of S$*t") and the Ultra Lounge Christmas Cocktails cd. Both awesome and nutty!
531. Robert Skipper said:
"A John Waters Christmas" trumps all.
532. Madeline said:
Fleming & John do a cover of Winter Wonderland to the tune of Led Zeppelin's "Misty Mountain Hop."
Since they never made a full Christmas album, it's not on iTunes.
BUT, you can hear the full thing on this YouTube link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8dUANIF1JU
Yah, that might be my family dancing around in our living room. Pretty nutty...
533. Carolee said:
Destiny's Child did a nice version of "12 Days of Christmas", though I think they called it "8 Days".
Trans-siberian Orchestra has some great versions of the classical music, with rock beats.
534. Lauren said:
Oh my gosh I know this sounds pathetic but... Mariah Carey "Merry Christmas" has to be my all-time favorite Christmas album! Even though I think she's annoying as hell and probably should be locked away somewhere in her pastel-and-platform-heel-wearing obnoxiousness- this album totally rocks! Circa 1994 perhaps?
And for someone a tad more "grown up"? Josh Groban's holiday album was the most-sold album of 2007. That many people can't be all wrong, right?
535. Bari said:
Muppets Christmas, like all those other people said. Its awesome awesome!
536. Ali said:
I ABSOLUTELY have to second the Hawksley Workman suggestion. You just may love him - not only his Christmas album!
In fact, if you can explain to me how to do it via iTunes, I'd gift it to you!
-Ali
537. Susan said:
It's not technically an album, but my family and I have been listening to Pandora's Christmas music stations. Pandora is an internet radio station, on which you can program your own radio stations organized by your preferences.
Have a wonderful holiday!
538. truth said:
I am a Christmas album collector, and while I like the VInce Garaldi Charlie Brown Christmas album, I hope you will enjoy some of my other favorites.
Mixed Nuts Soundtrack - best tracks, Fats Domino's "I'll Be Home for Christmas", Eartha Kitt's "Santa Baby"
The Alligator Records Christmas Collection - best track, Tinsley Ellis's "Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin'"
Bullseye Blues Christmas - best track, "Five Pound Box of Money" by Michelle "Evil Gal" Willson
The Platters - A Christmas Album
The Brian Setzer Orchestra - Boogie Woogie Christmas
539. J.uicebox said:
Jonathan Coulton has several Christmas themed songs that are fun including "Podsafe Christmas Song" and "Chiron Beta Prime". "Christmas is Interesting" is also ... interesting.
540. Brenda Kidman said:
Barenaked for the Holidays by Barenaked Ladies
http://www.amazon.com/Barenaked-Holidays-Ladies/dp/B0002XED3A
The whole thing is fabulous and there is something for everyone.
They are best live but CD's will get your temporary fix.
541. nikki said:
This is a mix I made that I luurve:
01.Santa Claus Is Coming To Town**The Crystals
02.Christmas Island**Depeche Mode
03.I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus**Ronettes
04.Christmas Is Now Drawing Near**Coil
05.Last Christmas**Wham
06.Christmas Time is Here**Ivy
07.Another Lonely Christmas**Prince & The Revolution
08.Christmas In Hollis**Run DMC
09.Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer**The Crystals
10.Merry Christmas (I Don't Want To Fight Tonight)**Ramones
11.December Will Be Magic Again**Kate Bush
12.Parade Of The Wooden Soldiers**The Crystals
13.Winter Wonderland**Cocteau Twins
14.Thank God It's Christmas**Queen
15.Silent Night**Klaus Nomi
16.Santa Doesn't Cop Out on Dope**Sonic Youth
17.Santa Claus Go Straight To The Getto**James Brown
18.Santa Baby**Eartha Kitt
19.Christmas Reindeer**The Knife
20.We Three Kings of Orient Are**Sufjan Stevens
21.White Christmas**Melt Banana
22.Welcome Christmas**Love Spirals Downward
23.Christmas Time (Don't Let The Bells End)**The Darkness
24.Father Christmas**Kinks
25.Christmas Wrapping**The Waitresses
26.Christmas at the Zoo**The Flaming Lips
27.I'll Be Home For Christmas**Connie Francis
28.Santa, Bring My Baby Back to Me**Belle and Sebastian
29.Don't believe in Christmas**The Sonics
30.Il Est Ne Le Devin Enfant**Siouxsie & the Banshees
31.I Wanna Spend Christmas with Elvis**Marlene Paul
32.Christmas Tree**Lady Gaga
542. ak said:
Only one person has said it so far...James Taylor. And just to drive the point home, John Denver and the Muppets. I'm only 22, and we've been listening to that CD for a good long while - I can't go a holiday season without it.
I'd also have to say that watching a movie while decorating does seem to keep me entertained more. Decorating the tree is NOT my favorite, but if you can stand and watch "White Christmas" for a few minutes to give you a break, it's totally worth it! "The Polar Express" is also a family favorite!
543. Amber said:
Echoing all the John Denver and the Muppets. Because it's the best. ever. unbeatable.
and nutty, fo sho.
544. HeatherB. said:
I am very picky about my Christmas music. I must be a bit off the wall since my favorite is "A Charlie Brown Christmas". My second favorite is Mahalia Jackson. I even own it on vinyl (I took my dad's). Her earthy gospel is just lovely. If you can find some of the songs from Rankin & Bass Christmas shows (Little Drummer Boy, etc..) those are great as well with several sung by Burl Ives and Bing Crosby.
545. J said:
Probably already suggested plenty, but: Dr. Demento's Greatest Novelty Records of All Time Vol. 6: Christmas
546. Anonymous said:
The album, "I Want a Hippopotamus For Christmas."
547. elissa said:
I'm always a fan of the "non-traditional" Christmas music. Not exactly nutty, but the Maybe This Christmas albums are my favorite.
Or A Santa Clause, that's a good one too... cause, you know, nothing says Christmas like Fall Out Boy! :P
Oh, and you think A Charlie Brown Christmas is depressing?? Go listening to The Cat Carol... and pay attention to the lyrics... and buy some stock in Kleenex while you're at it.
548. Jane said:
Nutty: A John Waters Christmas
Fun and zesty: The Roches--We Three Kings
Cowboy: Asleep at the Wheel--Merry Texas Christmas Y'All
Beautiful: Shawn Colvin--Holiday Songs and Lullabies
Trad (in a 50s kind of way): Santamental Journey: Pop Vocal Christmas Classics
Gospel: Blind Boys of Alabama--Go Tell It on the Mountain (w/ guests like Tom Waits and Chrissie Hynde)
My philosophy: sure, it's cheesy Christmas music but as least listen to some good musicians performing it. You might actually enjoy it ( as opposed to the Chipmunks!) and it will be better for Leta, too.
549. katarrrr said:
I have "Now That's What I Call Christmas!" It's a 2 disc set, and has newer stuff on it plus all the classics. This time of year, though, there's usually a radio station that plays Christmas music. Our cable provider has a station called "Sounds of the Season" that we put on too.
Good luck.
550. Dave said:
Barenaked for the Holidays. Period. Quirky, nutty, clever, a whole lot of fun.
551. Kara said:
Two of my favorites for holiday music are Lorena McKennitt (http://www.quinlanroad.com/homepage/index.asp?LangType=1033) and Manheim Steamroller (http://www.mannheimsteamroller.com/). Lots of good background type holiday/winter music w/out being overwhelming. And it's not the kind of stuff that gets stuck in your head and makes you insane at 3 in the morning. :)
552. Sonja said:
'Tis the Season for Los Straitjackets is on heavy rotation at our house. You can hear their version of Jingle Bell Rock at http://www.yeproc.com/media.php?id=144
553. Ann said:
Bob Rivers Twisted Christmas is my favorite album. Try Buttcracker Suite :)
554. charissa said:
my favorites to share with you:
the 5 volumes of sufjan stevens christmas (classic hipster christmas)
over the rhine has two christmas albums (the darkest night of the year; snow angels) - although they could probably be added to the "depressing" christmas songs list. beautiful, nonetheless.
a very rosie christmas - rosie thomas. she just came out with it last month. she is awesome. http://www.rosiethomas.com/
belle and sebastian have some fun versions of christmas songs: http://rawkblog.blogspot.com/2007/04/live-recordings-belle-sebastian.html
555. Audrey said:
Kill two birds with one stone: The Nightmare Before Christmas
556. the grumbles said:
one more vote for muppets christmas- though i also love run dmc's "christmas in hollis" and "christmas wrapping" by the waitresses... and "last christmas" by wham. yeah seriously.
557. C'mas said:
Brian Setzer Orchestra....
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5061337
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2-rhtOKvCc&feature=related
558. divrchk said:
I love the Barenaked Ladies holiday album.
559. Lindsey said:
Mariah Carey Christmas Cd from '94... basics that are great...
560. Christina said:
I'm glad several other people mentioned Johnny Mathis. I remember my mother playing the old LP on our stereo every year when I was growing up. If you're looking for a classic album that captures the Christmas spirit, this album is INDISPENSABLE. It wouldn't be Christmas without it!
You can preview it here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00138D0SM/ref=sr_f2_album_3?ie=UTF8&ch...
If you're interested, I'd be happy to post it online for you to download!
561. Jen said:
At our house we're always battling between DH's fave, John Denver's Rocky Mountain Christmas, and my family's, the Roger Whittaker album. I'm not sure how DH can so love an album that includes a song titled "Please Daddy, Don't Get Drunk This Christmas", but I must admit that RW's "Darcy the Dragon" is just as ridiculous.
(DH puts up with the RW album by amusing himself with the latent homosexual urges so *obviously* evident in the "I But Dream" song ["I Butt Dream"]...).
562. Jess L said:
I have to weigh in with one more vote for John Denver & the Muppets' A Christmas Together.
Sweet without the saccharine, genuine good Xmas vibes and just a hint of nuttiness. What more could you want?
563. C'mas said:
Then it dawns on me, you're too young to know Brian Setzer is a Rockin' swing band!! "Dig That Crazy Santa Clause"...well, jon is old eough to know....lol
564. Meg said:
You need, NEED, John Denver and The Muppets Christmas Together. Best Christmas album EVER!
565. Emily said:
It's not Christmas in our house without John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together (listen for Beaker singing "nine ladies dancing"). Another good choice is the Putamayo Christmas CD...good for a global perspective...
566. Chelsie said:
Well folks already got to the Jingle Cats and the Muppets, but as a child I absolutely loved Gene Autry's Christmas Classics (with songs like "Merry Texas Christmas, You All" and "If It Doesn't Snow on Christmas") even though we're from Washington State. The other "quirky"-ish album we listened to a lot (and still do) was Wee Sing for Christmas, but I don't know if they ever put it on CD.
A good place for Christmas music (and music in general) is pandora.com. Put in a Christmas song or artist you like and it'll start making a playlist you can edit.
567. Megan said:
Barenaked for the Holidays. Fun bunch of songs by Barenaked Ladies & guests.
Dohn Denver & the Muppets: A Christmas Together and the Muppets A Green and Red Christmas
Harry Connick Jr. is okay
Jimi Hendrix does a version of Little Drummer Boy/Silent Night.
Guster does Donde esta Santa Clause and Carol of the Meows
a compilation called Wintersong
Dominick the Christmas Donkey (funniest Christmas song EVER)
568. Anonymous said:
I suggest "Kids' Christmas". it has the chipmunks, but also "i'm gettin' nuttin' for christmas" and "grandma got run over by a reindeer". best song ever.
569. LizD said:
A favorite in this house is the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus "Our Gay Apparel."
570. Lettie said:
Use Pandora - You get a great variety for free!
571. Kim said:
This one is from Cheech & Chong....The first time I heard it I loved it and I have to hear it every year...because of course it wouldn't be Christmas without a little "Holiday Greenery" to get us through the craziness of family togetherness and all that jazz....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSH9ryRzHQ4
572. Jill said:
If you're looking for something more upbeat than the norm, I highly recommend Reggae Christmas. Here's a link to Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/5mflss On this track list, it shows the last song from someone named Hylton but my version is by Eek-A-Mouse. Otherwise it looks like the same... The 12 Days of Christmas is a fantastic rendition with some traditional "rasta flavor" thrown in. I think you'll enjoy. You can't go wrong with steel drums.
573. Lindsey said:
I second (or third or fourth, whatever) the Christmas with the Rat Pack album. Nice and shmaltzy.
Elvis' White Christmas is also a classic.
Also, Tom Jones singing Baby It's Cold Outside made me rethink the whole song. It's basically a warm, fuzzy, holiday date rape song. Listen to the lyrics: it's pretty smarmy.
574. Anonymous said:
The Blue Hawaiians - Christmas on Big Island is very fun!
575. doug said:
I also vote for any Christmas album by Mannheim Steamroller on the more traditional side, and the Ultra-Lounge Christmas series on the contemporary.
576. Anonymous said:
Diana Ross and the Supremes Christmas album
Johnny Mathis
The Nutcracker Suite
Bing Crosby's Christmas album
Tony Bennett's as well
Elvis Presley's Blue Christmas album
just to name a few
577. Theresa Stone said:
"A John Waters Christmas" is, I suppose, nutty. Also twisted and VERY entertaining. Especially entertaining when Leta starts repeating lyrics such as "Santa Claus Is A Black Man" and "Here Comes Santa with a Sack of Sh**" at family gatherings.
Truly awesome.
TS
578. Carla said:
Dominic the Italian Christmas Donkey is my all time favorite Christmas song. And it's nutty, too!
579. Anonymous said:
Amy Grant
N'Sync
these are essential.
580. cj coats said:
Jingle Cats!!!!!!!!!!! I think there might be a Jingle Dogs, but there are a few woofs on Jingle Cats.
581. darcyam said:
A Merry Mancini Christmas was my favorite as a child. All my holiday memories come floating back when I listen to this album.
But I highly recommend Over the Rhine's Christmas Album "Snow Angels." Sufjan Stevens and Rosie Thomas both have Christmas albums that are great as well.
582. swankette said:
Given that you've specifically requested "nutty" Christmas albums and not "hip" or "retro" or "alternative" Chistmas albums I am a bit perplexed by some of the suggestions, an a bit appalled that no one has gotten around to mentioning Christmas Island by Jimmy Buffet yet. It seems to me Leta will embrace the Armstrong-version of Christmas a lot faster if she's got songs like "Ho Ho Ho and a Bottle of Rum" in her repertoire.
583. Loren said:
I didn't read all 570 comments, so I'm not sure if this is a repeat. But James Taylor has a great Christmas album (it's only been out a few years).
Also, if you've heard of pandora, they have a Christmas station that is actually great. And the best part is that you can thumbs down or thumbs up the songs.
Last, but definitely not least, KBCO, a radio station out of Boulder, CO (hence the BCO), has a Christmas channel this year. And it's of all the artists they play. So it's modern and fun and quirky...just what you were looking for! You can find it at kbco dot com then click on listen. it's in there...
584. Alan said:
Traditional--can't beat the Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Rock--Very Special Christmas--first three are the best, but all are good. Also, there is a nice Rhino Christmas classics--Run Run Rudolph, and many other rocking Christmas hits
Jazz--can't beat Ella Fitzgerald; a close second is Tony Bennett.
Folk/Gospel--Odetta's Christmas Spirituals; Blind Boys of Alabama--and for pure gospel, Mahalia Jackson
And of course, for kids, Burl Ives is traditional; Peter Paul and Mary is old style.
585. carabeth said:
My daughter is the same age as Leta, and her favourite album this year and last has been Ultra Lounge; christmas cocktails part one. In particular is 'rudolph the red nosed reindeer mambo' ( I just found out that someone has done a montage on you tube with this song and clips from the classic rudolph movie).
586. Brianne said:
I STILL listen to the Chipmunk Christmas album - original recording naturally.
I AM 27 YEARS OLD. But I love it to death. It's totally my fave. ;) And all because I listened to it when I was a kid.
587. juliekaye said:
Try Trans-Siberian Orchestra's "Christmas Eve and Other Stories" for some great original songs and rock-opera treatments of classics. A rousing, beautiful album from start to finish. I also like Melissa Etheridge's song "Christmas in America," a recent freebie on iTunes. I also have a lot of dreadful albums, but no doubt you'll have no trouble building your own collection there.
588. Michelle said:
Django Bells by The Gypsy Hombres. Oh and see if you can find F*ck Christmas by Eric Idle...for after Leta has gone to bed.
589. Ali Wilgus said:
Criminally unhip as it may be, my favorite Christmas album is still "A Christmas Together," featuring John Denver and the Muppets. This version specifically, which includes two tracks that were missing from earlier releases due to rights issues.
I have uploaded my very favorite track (it JUST beat out Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem singing "Little St. Nick") to give you an idea of what you'd be getting into.
When I was a little girl my mother, sister and I listened to this on loop for WEEKS. Though it's mercifully Dora-free, perhaps Leta might like it as well!
590. Lisa Kirker said:
John Denver and the Muppets - A Christmas Together. It totally brings back my childhood holidays!
591. LindzML said:
I cannot think back to Christmases growing up without remembering dancing around to John Denver and the Muppets. It's one of the best Christmas albums I've ever heard. It's nice not to remember John Denver for "you fill up my senses".
592. Miss Wisabus said:
I imagine someone already suggested this, but I'll say it anyway -- Wintersong by Sarah McLachlan
593. Brianne said:
OOOH! And although this is wholly inappropriate for Leta, you and Jon might enjoy I Wanna Rock You Hard This Christmas by the Dan Band (aka the band in Old School). So worth a listen.
594. Jennifer said:
I don't know of a whole album but my favorite kooky Christmas song is "I want a hippopotamus for Christmas" by Gayla Peevey.
595. Anonymous said:
Straight No Chaser: http://www.amazon.com/Holiday-Spirits-Straight-No-Chaser/dp/B001G0LBXS/r... You can listen before you buy.
596. SmilynStef said:
The two new albums I'm enjoying are:
The Hotel Cafe Presents Winter Songs
&
A Very Rosie Christmas by Rosie Thomas.
Lots of fun reading through the list for other holiday song ideas.
597. Sooze said:
I love the Boris Karloff recording of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." Listening to it is fun--you can picture the Chuck Jones version, or use your imagination.
Songs appear every 5 minutes or so, and of course the text is lyrical anyway.
Listening to the CD reminds me of the tape recordings my dad made of "Grinch" and other classics like "Frosty the Snowman." In the olden times, we didn't have the Internets or DVDs. Even Beta wasn't afforable! It was an act of love on his part to monitor the recording, taking care to press "pause" (yeah, we had pause buttons at least) during the commercials.
Thanks, Dad!
598. uncouthheathen said:
Stop the Cavalry by the Cory band is one song I have great, fond memories of. It's such a happy, fun song, but I am not sure if you can get it online. We had to buy it from an actual music store a few years back...but they also always play it on the radio. In addition, I'd like to say that I've been loving that Merry Mixmas compilation for several years, and there is another similar one called Christmas Remixed - and if you only get one of the songs from that album, you MUST download Baby, It's Cold Outside, even if it is a terrible date rape song. Also, Christmas Remixed 2 is pretty good - of which you might enjoy the The Nutcracker Suite remix. As for other individual songs, there is the ever-present Last Christmas by Wham, though I like the Jimmy Eat World version infinitely better. Here are other favorite Christmas/Winter/Holiday songs:
How Beautiful - Heart
Gaudete - Medieval Babes
Song for a Winter's Night - Sarah McLachlan
Christmas Piglet - President of the United States of America
Mistletoe - Colbie Caillat
You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch - Whirling Dervishes
Santa Claus Goes to the Ghetto - Nate Dogg & Snoop Dogg
For something pretty and quiet, I'd recommend the new holiday album by Sarah Brightman.
I know, this is a lot of commenting about Christmas music, but I have a lot of feelings when it comes to that sort of thing, even if I am a heathen.
599. LeFiffre said:
Ditto Samantha 203: Sarah MacLachlan's Wintersong.
I can't stop listening to River. I'll email it to ya if you don't tell the feds or RMA or Sarah. It's supposed to be melancholy but it puts me in SO SO good a mood for Christmas.
600. Ali Wilgus said:
Haha wow I love that my Muppet suggestion was IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWED by two others!
At least I'm not alone in John Denver Muppeting nostalgia?