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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901. Annie said:
I'm sure someone else has recommended these - if they haven't, you've got a bunch of .... oh, never mind.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Mannheim Steamroller. Not Christmas without them. Nearly all the rest is just hokey...hokem. Sorry, I'm tired....
902. Joanna said:
I can't believe nobody seems to have recommended "Jingle All The Way" by Crash Test Dummies.
And, I must chime in with the chorus regarding "Merry Christmas From The Family" by Robert Earl Keen. It's not really the kind of thing Leta will really appreciate now but it's fun.
903. jennifer said:
'john denver christmas with the muppets'
it was a staple of our family's christmas to listen to this album. and back then it was an album. now it comes on these shiny dics called cd's. :)
i highly recommend it.
904. Sara said:
I'll admit, I did not read all 900 suggestions, but I did a quick scan and holy crap, why did I not see Nat King Cole? You're asking for ONE Christmas album right, that I can't live without? Well, The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole is IT. His voice is Christmas to me, period. As far as I am concerned, it's him and everyone else.
...but, "everyone else" for me includes:
Ella Fitzgerald Wishes You A Swinging Christmas
The McGarrigle Christmas Hour
-Bonus! It includes Rufus and Martha Wainwright, Teddy Thompson, Beth Orton and Emmylou Harris
Bruce Cockburn's Christmas
Sufjan Stevens' Songs for Christmas
905. Souther' Mother said:
Damn, I forgot, for the adults in the household--Robert Earl Keen's song "Merry Christmas From the Family" and the sequel: "Happy Holidays Y'all." I gurantee there are no better songs to sing along to when you're drunk.
Sample lyrics, Merry Christmas:
Carve the turkey, turn the ballgame on
Mix margaritas when the eggnog's gone
Send somebody to the Quick Pack store
We need some ice and an extension cord
A can of bean dip and some Diet Rites
A box of tampons, some Malboro Lights
Sample Lyrics, Happy Holidays:
Last night we all sang Jingle Bells
And opened up our hearts
This morning our house looks like hell
Or possibly Wal-Mart
906. mim said:
My favorite favorite Christmas song is Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Judy Garland (no one does it as well as she does).
Album wise, I have the Time-Life Treasury of Christmas (something like that) and it's fine, but I dunno, with iTunes now, you can put together your own album.
Wayne's This and That (the personal website of a retired engineer type, it's awesome:) ) has his recommendations for best versions of songs:
http://waynesthisandthat.com/christmassongs.htm
907. Anonymous said:
So, there's no way I can read through nearly 900 comments and I'm sure it has already been suggested, but the soundtrack to Elf is pretty awesome...
908. Stacy said:
you need to get yourself some sirus radio - tune into their holiday channel and NEVER THINK ABOUT IT AGAIN!
909. Carolyn said:
The Coats - not nutty, but a good, mostly A Capella group....as for nutty...I always did love the Chipmunks, or that really annoying tape that had dogs and cats "singing" Christmas songs
910. mim said:
Oooh I forgot Santa Baby by Eartha Kitt!
It's Catwoman singing to Santa! :)
911. Lori said:
Ok, so I am your age Heather and my parents listened to The Beach Boys and Andy Williams every year at Christmas time when I was growing up. While those are old classics that make me smile whenever I hear them, they are not on my iPod. The Barenaked Ladies album is the house favorite around here(especially for my 5 year old). I also love Sarah McLachlin, Rockapella (The Grinch is a classic), Harry Connick, and Trans Siberian Orchestra.
912. Cindy said:
Heidi Klum's Christmas carol "Wonderland"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uq4IAw85sOM
913. Molly said:
I'm currently enjoying Barenaked for the Holidays, but I've got to say, you can't go wrong with the Osmonds. My mom still hasn't entirely gotten over her adolescent infatuation with Donny, so Osmonds were (and still are) a regular at our house.
914. Jen @ amazingtrips said:
Gary Hoey's "Ho, Ho, Hoey" is a must have in any Christmas collection. Right next to Bing Crosby, The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Boston Pops (Christmas Collection, Arthur Fiedler, conductor).
But my all-time favorite Christmas song would have to be "Good King Wenceslas" by the Skydiggers. I listen to that song year round. Sometimes, we'll put it on repeat and let it play 10 times. No song touches my soul quite like that one...
915. Nancy R said:
Barenaked Ladies Christmas Album, particularly Elves' Lament and Deck the Stills.
Jimmy Buffett's Christmas album has Yo Ho Ho and a Bottle of Rhum...Santa's run off to the Carribbean!
Now That's What I Call Christmas...number 3, I think...whichever one has Bob Seger singing Little Drummer Boy.
I just heard an interview with the acapella group Straight No Chaser this morning and have been watching them on youtube all day. They've got a new Christmas album out that's on my list from the fat man.
Good Luck! Please share your playlist when you're done.
916. Kristi said:
I can't believe you dissed A Charlie Brown Christmas album. I'll forgive you this once though, because I do love your website so, and I usually agree with you on everything. That being said, we have every damn Christmas album known to man. My husband is a little nutty about this holiday himself. Some of our favorites to share with our kids-Muppets(one of my favs), Sesame Street, Partridge Family, and definitely Alvin and The CHipmunks. Another good one you and Jon would probably like is called Christmas Cocktails. I think there are 3 CDs in the set, but those have all kinds of fun and some jazzy Christmas music. Enjoy!
-Kristi
917. C-Dawg said:
When I was little, my Mom had "John Denver & The Muppets Christmas Album" on vinyl. A few years ago, a friend saw it in a drugstore on CD for $2.99 and bought it for me. I listen to it every year. Rowlf's "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" still makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, and the whole cast singing "The 12 Days Of Christmas" still makes me laugh out loud.
918. M. said:
SUFJAN STEVENS' CHRISTMAS ALBUM! Sorry to capitalize it, but it is so beautiful it breaks my heart every season. But not in the same sad way as Charlie Brown.
919. Kim said:
Last year I found "Now, That's What I call Christmas" at Best Buy. It's a two disc CD set. I bought three of them, there might be a fourth this year. IT'S AWESOME!! You get traditional music, goofy music, modern (1980s classics). I think you can get it on Amazon, too. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!!
Also, on a side note, I recommend Barbara Streisand's A Christmas Album. It is SO GOOD. I grew up listening to it at Christmas time and never once realized the irony that was that she was Jewish singing Christmas songs until I got older. :):)
920. Ashleigh said:
I love Frank Sinatra for the classics. My favorite non-traditional Christmas tune is Last Christmas by Wham! I also always look forward to any Christmas song by Elvis and Little Saint Nick by the Beach Boys.
921. Nancy R said:
Now that I've read a couple of comments, I think Bob Seger singing Little Drummer Boy is on the third A Very Special Christmas album.
Carry on...
922. Kim said:
I forgot to add...that my dad made a mix "tape" (reel-to-reel) christmas tape that we listened to every year. When I was an infant, he taped my older sister who was 3 at the time singing "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" while the original song was playing. This song was a part of the tape and we still listen to the mix every year, 34 years later. It's a family tradition.
You should consider taping Leta singing a Christmas song and adding it to the mix. :):):)
923. Michelle said:
One word: Muppets.
Oh, and the Very Special Christmas albums are generally good.
924. Keri said:
The Muppets Christmas - It's not a favorite of mine really, but my mom loves it and she is fairly nutty herself, so I'm thinking you can't go wrong with that one. Hearing Miss Piggy belt out "FIIIIVE GOLLLLD RINNNNGS!!!" *is* fairly classic, I must admit - in a creepy sort of way.
925. Brook said:
John Denver & the Muppets - you must get this one
The Jackson 5 Christmas has some nutty songs, plus it brings back a simpler time.
Merry Christmas!
926. connie said:
Not so 'nutty', but I just bought Hotel Cafe and it is excellent in a slightly offbeat way --- and Kenny Loggins "Celebrate Me Home" just hits a chord with me.
927. labyrinthos said:
OK, I'm going to fourth? fifth? those who have said Gene Autry. I will never be able to think of Christmas without "Santa Coming in a Whirlybird" Why have reindeer when you could have a helicopter? I rather hated it on a certain level, but it's one of those love/hate things...
928. Jessica Rose said:
Christmas with Peggy Lee! It is the first album I put on when my mother and I decorate the tree every year!
929. allison said:
Not necessarily nutty, but fun and really damn good = Ella Fitzgerald's Christmas album.
http://www.vervemusicgroup.com/artist/releases/default.aspx?pid=10741&ai...
(and... ha! my two words that check if I'm a human when I'm leaving a comment are 'cuss' and 'belong')
930. heather said:
I saw it mentioned a couple of times already but it's worthy of another: I LOVE the Boney M Christmas album! It rocks. And brings back great memories for me of Christmas in the late '70s as a young child :) When I moved to the US, no one had ever even heard of Boney M. I thought THAT was nutty.
Merry Christmas to all my fellow Boney M fans out there!
931. Betsy said:
A Nutcracker Christmas by Duke Ellington.
Seriously. This ranks up there with David Sedaris's "Santaland Diaries" - anti-establishment, entertaining, awesome. If you don't dig it, that's ok. I live in NYC. You're in Utah.
932. Matt P said:
I say stay with the chipmunks!
933. Cherie said:
I don't own any Christmas tunes either but even without listening to it I think you've hit gold with John Denver and The Muppets.
934. Nicole said:
Any decent jazz musician playing Christmas music. There are certain cd's available down here in the South that would not make Christmas what it is today for me.
935. Tracye said:
Mahilia Jackson and Mariah Carey. This is all.
936. GEORGE! said:
Mabes always plays Mariah Carey's Christmas album, I know it's Christmas time whenever I hear MC belting "All I Want For Christmas is You" at the top of her lungs... and I will transfer that memory on to George Lawrence Boone the 2nd whenever he is born.
937. bleachusd said:
I'm adding a vote for Bob Rivers' Twisted Christmas albums. Hilarious. My earliest memories of Christmas "carols" include "There's Something Stuck Up in the Chimney."
938. Lissa said:
I don't know if this has been mentioned by anyone (too many replies to wade through), but if you seriously want nutty silly fun sing-along Christmas music, search iTunes for "Christmas Novelty Hits." You'll turn up an iTunes Essentials compilation album (left column). It has some of my all-time favorite Christmas songs. I have most of them on a variety of CDs, and have taken them all to family gatherings at some point or other. They've been a hit with nearly everyone, young and old (although a warning: some are naughty, but since one of my personal life goals is to be a bad influence on impressionable kids, I don't care). Some of the songs include:
"Christmas With The Devil" - Spinal Tap
"I Farted On Santa's Lap" - The Little Stinkers
"Holy Shit, It's Christmas" - Red Peters
"Chipmunks Roasting On An Open Fire" - Bob Rivers
"I Want An Alien For Christmas" - Fountains of Wayne
"Christmas In Las Vegas" - Richard Cheese
"Leroy the Redneck Reindeer" - Joe Diffie
etc, etc.
Lots of fun!
939. Anna M said:
Winter's Dance by Golden Bough
http://www.goldenboughmusic.com/music/winterdance/winterdance.htm
Definitely not nutty, but all the songs are beautiful and festive.
I believe you can preview them here:
http://www.amazon.com/s/qid=1228806313/ref=sr_nr_i_2?ie=UTF8&rs=&keyword...
940. Evan said:
That's easy. I've written the best Christmas song ever! It's called Christmas Heart and Soul.
You can download it here.
http://thetrailerpark.org/Music/christmasheartandsoul.mp3
941. Gry said:
I second the Cyndi Lauper Christmas album! :)
942. Shannon said:
I know it's not nutty or crazy, but I sure do love the Trans Siberian Orchestra! :) Just a thought.
943. Devon said:
There's a Muppets Christmas album with John Denver. I don't know what it's called, but I remember it being a lot of fun to listen to.
944. Anonymous said:
I'm not going to read all 1000 or so comments, but after browsing the first 300, I noticed no one had mentioned NSYNC, 98 Degrees or Jessica Simpson. LMAO.
945. Lynn said:
I cannot tolerate "regular" Christmas music.... goes back to my days in retail when I was in college.
An absolute must is Bob Rivers "Twisted Christmas" some might be not suitable for Leta... but Mommy and Daddy will find it rather catchy!
Listen to some samples on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Twisted-Christmas-Bob-Rivers/dp/B000002JLV
946. Stephanie said:
probably won't see this one anywhere else in the comments, but Hanson's christmas CD is awesome - upbeat, fun, with catchy covers and lovely original songs.
also, rosie thomas' 'why can't it be christmastime all year' is so fun and will have all of yall dancing around the house while you (finish) decorating.
947. Anonymous said:
the best christmas music i think i have ever heard is the glorious " Veggie Tales: A Very Veggie Christmas." that's right...all the songs are sung by vegetables. how much kookier can you get?!? (might I add that not only do you get to enjoy 13 songs--there is also talking vegetable dialogue too.) i'm not gonna lie...christmas just isn't the same without "vegetables talking to a polish caterer" <---only one fine example of the quality of this selection. seriously though, it is a cute CD that little kids, and sometimes adults, seem to find hilarious.
948. Leah said:
Has anyone mentioned Bing Crosby yet? Start with "Mele Kalikimaka" on repeat at least three times.
949. Krista said:
Thousands of comments about Christmas music. Wow you are brave. :) I grew up with Mannheim Steamroller Christmas albums. It's mostly instrumental though. But funky at times. Not your traditional take on the same old songs.
950. KellyE said:
While I adore Christmas music and listen to a wide spectrum ... Jimmy Buffet's Christmas Island is always played first (and usually last ... I want his versions stuck in my head)
951. wheezer345 said:
When I was growing up and decorating a "fake" tree (thanks to my mom who is allergic to real trees) we listened to "Ray Conniff and the Ray Conniff Singers/We Wish You A Merry Christmas". It has the usual Christmas songs you can sing with but has some funny interludes. They segway from one song to another by someone saying "Look who's standing under the mistltoe!!!!" and the singers start laughing! Who can't have fun decorating a tree with that playing in the background???!!!!!
952. Kate said:
The only album that jumps to mind is South Park Christmas. Camman, you can let her listen to Kyle sing about being a lonely Jew and Cartman chiming in. It'll be good timey in the principal's office next week when she starts repeating it!
Then there's a smattering of onsey-twosey songs: the classic Band Aid "Do They Know it's Christmas," No Doubt's "Oi to the World," and a personal preference-- New Kids on the Block's Christmas Album (HAHAHAHAHA)
953. wheezer345 said:
When I was growing up and decorating a "fake" tree (thanks to my mom who is allergic to real trees) we listened to "Ray Conniff and the Ray Conniff Singers/We Wish You A Merry Christmas". It has the usual Christmas songs you can sing with but has some funny interludes. They segway from one song to another by someone saying "Look who's standing under the mistltoe!!!!" and the singers start laughing! Who can't have fun decorating a tree with that playing in the background???!!!!!
954. wheezer345 said:
When I was growing up and decorating a "fake" tree (thanks to my mom who is allergic to real trees) we listened to "Ray Conniff and the Ray Conniff Singers/We Wish You A Merry Christmas". It has the usual Christmas songs you can sing with but has some funny interludes. They segway from one song to another by someone saying "Look who's standing under the mistltoe!!!!" and the singers start laughing! Who can't have fun decorating a tree with that playing in the background???!!!!!
955. riskanti said:
Since both have already been mentioned several times, I'll just agree with and put in votes for the Christmas music albums of re-mixed mammalian cries for "food!", "potty!", and "70% commission!"
The best part is you don't need to know all of the words to the songs, either.
956. leah said:
we only own one xmas album too and it's the elf soundtrack. we love it!!! although my friend swears by james brown's xmas album.
957. cheryl said:
Check out Twisted Christmas by Bob Rivers. It'd be a good balance for the Mormon Tab!
Songs include:
The 12 Pains of Christmas
The Chimney Song ("Somethings stuck up in the chimney and we don't know what it is..." still makes me laugh!)
The Restroom door said Gentlemen
958. Todd Bigelow said:
I was going to suggest Merry Mixmas! I have been playing it nonstop since Dec. 1st. I would also highly recommend Christmas Remix 1 and 2 (both available on iTunes) and The Reindeer Room.
959. joey mayes said:
harlan t. bobo did some christmas music a few years back. you can prolly find it online somewhere. also the ventures did a christmas record. heard it blows tho
960. Trine said:
You should try "It's snowing on my piano" by fabulous Norwegian pianist Bugge Wesseltoft. Fab!
961. Jett said:
Aimee Mann-One more drifter in the snow-great classic and a fun version of Mr Grinch!
A Winter's Tale-various artists-from The Barenaked Ladies to The Weepies.
Enjoy
962. LibrarysCat said:
Good grief Charlie Brown, how in the world do you read all of these comments? A friend gave me a Christmas CD one year and I thought it was a gag gift because it was by The Roches...I love it. In fact, I lost it and had to special order a new one. To get the full effect of the whimsy and beautiful, preview the My Three Kings cd.
Merry Christmas!
963. Michelle said:
Bonanza Orig TV Cast: Christmas on Ponderosa is a family tradition. It's so cheesy, but it doesn't feel like Christmas without it. Lorne Greene, Michael Landon...what's not to love? I don't think I've ever even seen an episode of Bonanza, but my parents played this every Christmas.
http://www.amazon.com/Bonanza-Orig-Cast-Christmas-Ponderosa/dp/B00004OCRS
964. Kathryn Bloom said:
Hey! Been reading your blog for years but my first post!
You seem to like the same music as me, and I've had the same problem with Christmas music. Though it's not nutty, it is most certainly AWESOME, so go download Sufjan Stevens' Christmas album - it's so pretty!
Much love this Christmas,
Kate
www.kathrynbloom.etsy.com
965. Kelley O said:
Anything by Bob Rivers. He's got 6 CDs of Twisted Christmas music. Maybe more appropriate for AFTER Leta goes to bed, but you'll enjoy them.
966. Josh said:
Sigh. I'm comment number 301, apparently, and no one yet has mentioned what seems to me far and away the greatest Christmas record: Smokey Robinson and the Miracles' "Christmas Collection."
If you haven't heard it, you are in for a welcome surprise:
http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Collection-20th-Century-Masters/dp/B0000...
967. Marie said:
I love the classics. A few years ago i bought the Time Life double christimas CD.
http://www.amazon.com/Time-Life-Music-Treasury-Christmas-Memories/dp/B00...
However, this year we got my new favorite!. It is a collection of brushfire recording artists like jack johnson and g love:
http://www.amazon.com/This-Warm-December-Brushfire-Holidays/dp/B001H5HWSA
968. Ally said:
I like the Bright Eyes Christmas Album. Though some tracks get a bit trippy at times, overall, it's gorgeous.
The Sufjan Stevens Christmas album(s) are also some of my favorites.
969. Traci said:
It's not Christmas for me without my trusty Partridge Family Christmas album.
970. Barbara said:
KENNY ROGERs christmas. agh. I even sang with him at a concert as a kiddo! nice guy, not such a great musician.
971. raeanne said:
A Christmas With Roger Whittaker is one of my favorite albums ever - exactly what you said about Leta, that the music you play now will have lasting memories for her - this album has lasting memories for me. You should at least download "Darcy the Dragon", one of the best Christmas songs ever. :) If you're looking for nutty, this is it! It's the story of a dragon who can't buy Christmas presents for his forest animal friends, because any time he tries to talk he sets the shop he's in on fire.
Here are a few more of my favorites, courtesy of my parents. I'm listing the cheaper options, though most/all are available on both CD and MP3 download from Amazon (which imports into iTunes):
Harry Belafonte, To Wish You A Merry Christmas
John Denver and the Muppets, A Christmas Together
Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, Once Upon A Christmas
972. amanda said:
Despite the fact that neither of my parents were big country music fans, the Oak Ridge Boys Christmas Album is my childhood soundtrack to Christmas tree decorating. It makes me all teary just looking at that album cover (and not because of the disastrous facial hair and early 80s outfits of the Boys.)
http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/1104847/a/Christmas.htm
973. Moya said:
A classic for anyone from our generation, and I loved introducing it to Sophia (almost 5): John Denver & the Muppets Christmas Album...
974. catherine said:
The Ultralounge Christmas Cocktails albums for sure!! I end up singing "jingle bells a jingle a cha cha cha" all Christmas...
975. Lena said:
anything with frank, bing and dean. the swinging christmas songs that always make me smile. "happy holidays" and "most wonderful time of the year" by andy williams are all time favourites for me. and no, i am not over 60!
do you know "mele kalikimaka" (bing and andrews' sisters) and "chritsmas island"? those are two kooky and catchy tunes.
976. Jaemie said:
"Music From the O.C. Mix 3: Have a Very Merry Chrismukkah." Yes, I know it's from that show that is/was probably really cheesy and for teenagers, but it's actually a good album. Even if you don't want the whole album, you at least need The Christmas Song by the Raveonettes. I could listen to that song on repeat all day, every day.
977. Tanya said:
Hey Heather, I know you live all the way over in SLC and I live way over in Boston, but you could put your computer on streaming holiday stations such as http://www.oldies1033.com/ and click on listen live. They play ONLY Holiday/Christmas music from ta few days after Thanksgiving to the day after Christmas (yeah, with a few Boston commercials in between). But, the music is classic and wonderful and Oldies 103.3 is a very reputable station in Boston. Happy Holidays to you and your family :)
978. Rochelle said:
It's not nutty but we love the Harry Connick Jr. Christmas Albums. The older has a version of Frosty the Snowman my kids love and the newest has two, Winter Wonderland with his young daughter and a song called Santariffic, the lyrics are hilarious! Good Luck with your search.
979. Kim said:
I didn't read through all 4 billion comments to see if someone already said this, but I have wonderful memories of the John Denver Christmas album with the Muppets. Goofy, yet traditional.
980. Jinx said:
I was sure you would play "I want a Hippopotamous for Christmas". I swear that song was stuck in my head until June after seeing it on your blog.
981. Rob Hirst said:
Hi Heather, I've picked up a few Christmas albums over the years and my favourites are:
The Jethro Tull Christmas Album
Phil Spector - A Christmas Gift for You
December - The Moody Blues
Jars Of Clay - Christmas Songs
Beach Boys Christmas Album
BUT, the absolute best ever christmas album for me is the Carol Symphony by Hely-Hutchinson - I first heard it on an old BBC tv series called "The Box Of Delights" and it is an absolutely magical piece of music.
Rob.
982. Shannon said:
Ditto on "Rat Pack Christmas" - it's a great version of the classics. I also love the Barenaked Ladies' "Barenaked for the Holidays" - it's witty and fun. And you simply must have "Dominic the Donkey." It's a can't-live-without.
983. Samantha said:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_C_G3tS234
Dominic the Donkey (the Italian Christmas Donkey) by Lou Monte has my children (19 and 14) in stitches every damn time they hear it. Still.
984. Julie said:
Straight No Chaser....Holiday Spirits. Wonderful 10-Men A cappella group.
Definitely different...and the 12 Days of Xmas version is AWESOME! Leta would love it.
Also, Auld Lang Syne is my favorite on the CD!
985. Kevin said:
Richard Cheese - Jingle Bells or Christmastime is here.
He does lounge versions of songs (primary rap), but those Christmas songs are pretty amazing - especially if you're familiar with the original songs.
986. Jackie said:
Loads of great suggestions - and I will add a few I haven't seen
The Chieftains - The Bells of Dublin - especially St Stephen's Day Murders with Elvis Costello
Not nutty: Aled Jones - that pure Welsh voice will stop you dead in your tracks
Luciana Pavarotti - O Holy Night - in front of the fire with red wine and tree twinkling
Mahalia Jackson - Christmas with Mahalia. No explanation needed.
987. Danielle Marcus said:
I have Merry Mixmas and it's pretty good. I'd suggest any of the Christmas Cocktails cds
http://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Lounge-Christmas-Cocktails-Part-One/dp/B0000...
They are fun and lounge-y.
988. Danielle said:
Also, the nuttiest song I can think of, and my new favorite, is the Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Mambo by Billy May. There is a mp3 link at the Amazon link below. I can't stop listening to it, it cracks me up every time.
Here's a better link to the best-of the Christmas Cocktails cds:
http://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Lounge-Christmas-Cocktails-Various-Artists/d...
989. Karen Wade said:
My favorite Christmas album of all time is the John Denver and the Muppets Christmas album. You can't beat Miss Piggy singing, "Five goooooooolden rings!" at the top of her lungs.
990. Lisa said:
I grew up in an Italian home so we always listened to Lou Monte's "Dominick the Christmas Donkey" and Louie Prima.
Don't forget about Adam Sandlers
"Eight Crazy Nights" cd for a little nutty.
For traditional Christmas songs you can't go wrong with anything by Harry Connick Jr.
991. Cathy said:
Barenaked for the Holidays by the Barenaked Ladies.
992. erin said:
bare naked christmas by the barenaked ladies = pure christmas joy.
993. wflooter480 said:
A Twisted Christmas by Twisted Sister. It's the only Christmas album my husband will listen to. For now....muhahaha...
It's definitely nutty and super awesome!
994. anneb said:
I just went to a Rosie Thomas concert the other night, her latest album is "A Very Rosie Christmas", she's hilarious and very talented. The CD is chock full of Christmas spirit.
995. Anonymous said:
Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers ...
996. MeL said:
My kids are being raised on a steady diet of "A Time Life Christmas" (which I grew up with. Staid and traditional, but still a goodie).
Our zany addition is that classic, Elvis Christmas. You've never had a true blue Christmas until you've had an Elvis Blue Christmas. :)
997. Caroline said:
actually in some irony, in my house growing up my dad declared that the best traditional christmas music was by the mormon tabernacle choir...except he would purposely mess up the pronunciation of mormon tabernacle choir and I would laugh and laugh...key to this story is that while my family went all out for christmas my dad who grew up protestant had a loss of faith at 17 over darwinism and my mom is jewish.
998. Shan said:
I don't have an entire album but one I think you might enjoy is: Guster - Donde Esta Santa Claus?
Seems like something you might get into and it's not your typical Christmas song.
999. Anonymous said:
Boney M Christmas! It is the perfect mix of wacky and classy.
1000. Kristin said:
Over The Rhine is the band, and I like Snow Angels better than The Darkest Night of the Year. Kind of jazzy without being too cool for Christmas.
1001. Tania said:
I am actually a huge fan of Charlie Brown Christmas, but that´s probably because I grew up listening to it. Other favorites:
-Handel´s Messiah
-Jimmy Buffet - Christmas Island
-The Kingston Trio Christmas Album
aaand I can´t think of any more right now because my CD collection is 6000 miles away.
1002. dgm said:
Totally agree about the necessity of making xmas nutty and fun. I had two quintessential xmas albums growing up: Alvin & the Chipmunks and "Christmas from Hawaii" by The Surfers. The latter is just out on iTunes this year (I have searched for many years, finally found the album on eBay last year). It's a mix of some fun songs like "Here Comes Santa in a Red Canoe," "Hawaiian Santa" and "Mele Kalikimaka" and the more traditional favorites. The voices are harmonic, the album has an overall Hawaiian feel (if you're into that kind of thing. Which I am.) Plus, the album cover has tanned and shirtless guys paddling a red canoe. I always found that to be a bonus.
1003. Molly said:
I agree wholeheartedly that what you need for appropriate nuttiness is The Muppets and John Denver Christmas album. It's the Muppets! AND JOHN DENVER. There has never been a better Christmas album pairing, and I am right now kicking myself that I left the album at my parents' house.
1004. vbd93 said:
Duke Ellington and His Orchestra's "Three Suites" is a cool jazz twist on the Nutracker Suite. example: Dance of the Sugar Rum Cherry. love it. Merry Christmas!
1005. ChristineQ said:
My favorite as a kid was the Muppets Christmas album featuring John Denver. Makes me want to see if I can find it on iTunes now.
It was THE BEST CHRISTMAS ALBUM EVER!
1006. Anonymous said:
Dustin Kensrue
The Good Night Is Still Everywhere
Kensrue is the lead singer of Thrice... The Alchemy Index breaks my heart- in a good way. His solo stuff, including The Good Night Is Still Everywhere mends it.
1007. Amy said:
Burl Ives Christmas. It's the best. I'm 30 and still go to my parents house with my husband and join my parents and brother to decorate the family tree at my parents house and going back as far as I can remember... all the way back to the 8-track tape which we retired about 6 years ago for a CD, it plays when we decorate the tree. It's not Christmas without Burl Ives. :o) Someday when my parents are gone and I hopefully have my family still coming over to decorate my tree, there's only one album I'll reach for.
1008. Dana said:
I know you'll forgive me for not wading through the hundreds of comments -- I'm a big fan of the Very Special Christmas series. (1-3 anyway). O Holy Night is a favorite (Tevin Campbell), Randy Travis belting the crap out of Jingle Bells (and I'm not a RT kind of girl) and Run DMC doing Christmas in Hollis. Big fun. Also -- Pearl Jam's Let Me Sleep it's Christmas is sweet, although I don't know if it's readily available.
1009. Lori said:
I don't know about "nutty" but I really like Trans Siberian Orchestra. They're first album anyway, I don't have any of the others.
1010. Another Heather said:
You need wacky and cheesy. Wacky is the South Park Christmas album called Mr, Hankey's Christmas Classics. This one makes us laugh every time. We play it after the kids are in bed 'cause it is just filthy.
Then you need an Elvis Christmas album to bring the schmaltz.
We also really like the muppets with John Denver, so I add my vote for that one.
1011. Celeste said:
It's been said but definitely Sufjan Stevens - perfect for taking the crazy out of this holiday season...
And Relient K's "Let it Snow Baby...Let it Reindeer" - fun and quirky take on traditional carols ( I especially love #14 'I Hate Christmas Parties')
1012. Imanitsud said:
Roger Whittaker -- I forget which one, but get the one that has "Darcy the Dragon" on it. My husband's family hates this album, but I grew up listening to it. It has a Burl Ives-like quality to some of it, but also some great songs, like Darcy, about a dragon who wants to buy Christmas presents for his friends, but keeps setting the village on fire when he goes to buy something, and then a snowstorm comes and... well, you'll just have to listen to it to find out what happens. (Okay, in case you don't, here it is: the snow puts the fire out!) Also, Momma Mary, Christmas in the Country, etc. etc. It takes corny to a whole new level, and I'll bet you'll dig it.
1013. amanda said:
"We Three Kings" Album by Rev. Horton Heat. Its a great Rockabilly Christmas Album
1014. Deb said:
Hope this pastes right; since you LOVE Kathie Lee, here you go! Hip HOP Kathi Lee!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_XPOqdIxGg
1015. chiquita said:
When Harry Met Sally soundtrack (Harry Connick, Jr.)
1016. Danielle said:
That was a great post! As I sit at work cracking up, while staring at my computer, people probably think I'm a nut job.
Don't laugh, but it isnt Christmas to me without my favorite Johnny Mathis Christmas CD, an no Im not 70 I'm 30.
I think Im the only one in my family that feels like I do but I wouldnt give it up!!
Give it a try :)
1017. Jennnnnah said:
1) Mariah Carey - All I want for Christmas is You
2) Taylor Swift's Christmas CD (her cover of "Last Christmas" is better than the original)
3) Any boybander Christmas cd (Hanson/Nsync)
1018. Marisa said:
I strongly recommend my favorite - "Have a Nice Christmas: Holiday Hits of the 70's" which includes Martin Mull singing "Santa Doesn't Cop out on Dope" and Cheech and Chong's "Santa Claus and His Old Lady" (kids love this one too - so funny) as well as Edward Seago's uber fun "Another Rock N' Roll Christmas" it can be found on Amazon here:
http://www.amazon.com/Have-Nice-Christmas-Holiday-Hits/dp/B0000033DP
1019. Jen said:
Yet another vote for John Denver and the Muppets. The figgy pudding/piggy pudding line alone is worth the price of the album.
Enjoy!
1020. aimstarr said:
My favorite nutty thing to do at Christmas is to play the Beach Boys. It reminds me of warmer days, but is nonetheless festive. Yes, they recorded some Christmas music, but I find the regular stuff fills me with much more glee.
1021. Dana said:
I can't believe I didn't think of this before... It's one of my favorites and it's free. (And yes, he may be insane.)
http://www.poltz.com/blognews/santa%201.mp3
fa la la la la la
1022. Julie said:
Dude, I don't know how you ever find time to read all these comments, but if you make it this far I suggest John Denver & The Muppets "A Christmas Together." My mom and I have been listening to that since I was a kid and I have very fond memories of it. We still listen to it every year.
1023. Anonymous said:
Two words: Jingle Cats.
My Dad used to play it around Christmas time when I was a kid and it sure did form nutty memories. Basically, it's cat singing Christmas Carols what more could you ask for?
If you're looking for something a little less annoying...Santabear's First Christmas is pretty awesome. It's a story, but has music tracks my Michael Hedges, who is pretty awesome. When I think of Christmas time, that's the music that pops into my head.
1024. Jackie said:
The Muppets Christmas album is the best ever...and very nutty.
1025. chris in RI said:
Jackson 5 Christmas Album (yes, Album)
Up on the Rooftop is my fav... with the 5 singing
"pitta patta..pitta patta...PIT-Tah patta patta" and Michael asking Jermaine what he wants for Christmas.
Oh, and get Dominic the Donkey (a single)
chinga de ching eehaw eehaw eehaw it's Dominic the Donkey chinga de ching eehaw eehaw the Italian Christmas donkey!
1026. Em said:
I don't *think* anyone's mentioned it yet, but 'How To Make Gravy' by Paul Kelly literally has me in tears when I inevitably hear it on the radio at this time of year. It's amazing (more in the vein of the Pogues than Dean Martin...), but probably not for Leta, and you do have to get past the fact that it's *very* Aussie. Merry Christmas!
1027. Marisa said:
My favorite - which is completely insane but truly infectious - is "Have a Nice Christmas: Holiday Hits of the 70's" which includes Martin Mull singing "Santa Doesn't Cop out on Dope" and Cheech and Chong's "Santa Claus and His Old Lady" (kids love this one too - so funny) as well as Edward Seago's uber fun "Another Rock N' Roll Christmas" it can be found on Amazon here:
http://www.amazon.com/Have-Nice-Christmas-Holiday-Hits/dp/B0000033DP
In fact, Here's the playlist:
1. Yesterday's Christmas - Sherman, Bobby
2. Merry Christmas - Safka, Melanie
3. The Christmas Song - Torme, Mel
4. Pine Cones and Holly Berries/It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Xmas - Willson, Meredith
5. Santa Doesn't Cop Out on Dope - Mull, Martin
6. It Doesn't Have to Be That Way - Croce, Jim
7. Christmas Medley: White Christmas/Jingle Bells/O Come, All Ye Faithful - Berlin, Irving
8. Jingle Bell Hustle - Newton, Wayne
9. Santa Claus and His Old Lady - Marin, Richard Chee
10. I Believe in Christmas - Hamilton, Ted
11. All I Want to Ask Santa Claus - Segall, Rick
12. Winter Wonderland - Bernard, Felix
13. Jingle Bell Rock - Beal, Joe
14. Santafly - Mull, Martin
15. Another Rock 'N' Roll Christmas - Seago, Edward
16. Grandpa's Christmas Wish - Hamner, Ed
It's AWESOME and freaky and everything Christmas SHOULD BE.
1028. gorky said:
Well, my favorites have already been listed here. The Roches "We Three Kings" and Dr Demento are must haves. You can also visit the other side with "Bummed Out Christmas" which includes such classics as "Christmas In Jail", "Christmas in Vietnam" and a song called "Christmas Eve Can Kill You" by the Everly Brothers(!).
Name an artist and they did a Christmas album. From Ice-T to Vanilla Ice.
But you must seek out a version of "The Little Drummer Boy" performed by Bing Crosby and David Bowie.
1029. Marisa said:
My favorite - which is completely insane but truly infectious - is "Have a Nice Christmas: Holiday Hits of the 70's" which includes Martin Mull singing "Santa Doesn't Cop out on Dope" and Cheech and Chong's "Santa Claus and His Old Lady" (kids love this one too - so funny) as well as Edward Seago's uber fun "Another Rock N' Roll Christmas" it can be found on Amazon here:
http://www.amazon.com/Have-Nice-Christmas-Holiday-Hits/dp/B0000033DP
In fact, Here's the playlist:
1. Yesterday's Christmas - Sherman, Bobby
2. Merry Christmas - Safka, Melanie
3. The Christmas Song - Torme, Mel
4. Pine Cones and Holly Berries/It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Xmas - Willson, Meredith
5. Santa Doesn't Cop Out on Dope - Mull, Martin
6. It Doesn't Have to Be That Way - Croce, Jim
7. Christmas Medley: White Christmas/Jingle Bells/O Come, All Ye Faithful - Berlin, Irving
8. Jingle Bell Hustle - Newton, Wayne
9. Santa Claus and His Old Lady - Marin, Richard Chee
10. I Believe in Christmas - Hamilton, Ted
11. All I Want to Ask Santa Claus - Segall, Rick
12. Winter Wonderland - Bernard, Felix
13. Jingle Bell Rock - Beal, Joe
14. Santafly - Mull, Martin
15. Another Rock 'N' Roll Christmas - Seago, Edward
16. Grandpa's Christmas Wish - Hamner, Ed
It's AWESOME and freaky and everything Christmas SHOULD BE.
1030. Laura said:
The Roger Whittaker Christmas Album. He has a nice voice, some nice songs. Not really "nutty," but what other Christmas Album has a song called, "Darcy the Dragon"?
1031. Anonymous said:
I always go with Bing Crosby, Harry Connick Jr and of course the Chipmunks. Nothing says Christmas better than those three! I have successfully put most military members who walk in my office in the holiday mood!
1032. Shauna said:
John Denver / The Muppets
A Christmas Together
The perfect mix of classic songs and nuttyness!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4j1paMC5SM - a small sampling of songs you will hear. This is on repeat in our house on Christmas!
1033. Marg said:
http://www.amazon.com/Holiday-Eclection-Global-Sharing-Giving/dp/B000K676QK
I have had this for 12 years. It has some magic and sweetness, which is what the flying fat guy is all about.
1034. Ben said:
In addition to Monster Ballads Christmas, for your 80's Metal Christmas fix try Merry Axemas: A Guitar Christmas and Merry Axemas, Vol. 2: More Guitars for Christmas
I also like the Jack Johnson version of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.
Also Mel Blanc's “The Hat I Got for Christmas is Too Beeg.” (sung in the style of Speedy Gonzales) It's out of print, but pretty easy to find online.
1035. Julie said:
Have you tried pandora.com? Type in the kind of music you're looking for (e.g. "Alvin and the Chipmunks") and the site will start playing music it thinks you'll like. It's free, and the sound quality is great!
1036. mosprott said:
Can't believe no one's mentioned "A Tejano Country Christmas" - darned peppy!!
Also, I *love* The Roches "We Three Kings" and Bruce Cockburn's "Christmas." (And Sufjan Stevens) (And Shawn Colvin)
1037. becoming-mommy said:
My favorite Christmas album is "Christmas Caravan" by the Squirrel Nut Zippers. It's a UNC Ska band that had a brief and limited stint of popularity and is a bit kooky. The songs are goofy and fun and they remake some serious oldies...but have songs with lyrics like "we're chillin' in our underwear" (because its presumably that hot in Chapel Hill).
1038. Sk8rAl said:
John Denver and the Muppets - A Chirstmas Together!!
This is my all-time favorite. Make sure to get the track "Little St. Nick" - Animal gets kind of nutty. "The 12 days of Christmas" is pretty fun too.
1039. Jenny OH said:
Even if you never read this, the world needs to know about the awesomeness that is Tommy Ramirez. We have two of his xmas albums, on which every song starts with a synthesizer explosion and goes on to sound like an unholy combination of an oompa band and a mariachi band. The cover art may be the best part; I think his mother did it for him by cutting and pasting pictures of ol' Tommy onto photos of ornaments and drawing some squiggles around them.
1040. Audra said:
Straight No Chaser has a great holiday album. Especially The 12 Days of Christmas! Give it a listen to.
1041. nathan vandenbroek said:
Over the Rhine!!! (yes 3 !)
I read comment 1 and heartily agree.
"The Darkest Night of the Year" is phenomenal!
Actually any Over the Rhine is good. And if you can see them live you will *not* be disappointed.
Merry Christmas!
1042. Jen said:
My family is all about John Denver and the Muppets!
1043. Sharon said:
Heather, go to Pandora Radio, enter THE SONG - you know, the one about the hippo - and you'll get plenty of nutty, fun Christmas music.
Some of which will begin to bounce around in your brain. And never die.
1044. Holly said:
I am a Christmas song expert--my name IS Holly after all.
I have a 3CD set from the 80s that has all the classics and is the best I've seen: The Time Life Treasury of Christmas-Christmas Through the Years (I think is the title). I can't seem to find the 3CD set online, but it looks like they have a newer version with 2CDs: http://tinyurl.com/5vfndo
Modern Favorites:
"Barenaked for the Holiday", Barenaked Ladies. Especially "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen", with Sarah McLachlan.
http://tinyurl.com/5opjjj
"Chris Isaak Christmas"
http://tinyurl.com/5tj88a
"Wintersong", Sarah McLachlan
http://tinyurl.com/6ffuqj
"Twelve Days of Christmas" by Bob and Doug McKenzie (my favorite paraody)
http://tinyurl.com/2bbb4e
"The Hanukkah Song" by Adam Sandler
1045. Anonymous said:
Cyndi Lauper's 'Merry Christmas...Have a Nice Life' is unexpected.
And I always enjoyed the Home Alone soundtracks.
1046. Kristy said:
Grandma got run over by a reindeer.... (I didn't make that up)
1047. Pearle said:
Twisted Christmas - for you and Jon
John Denver and the Muppets Christmas - for Leta
1048. Susan said:
Favorite cheesy Christmas album is the Elvis one. Favorite cheesy Christmas song is 'Christmas is the Time To Say I Love You' by Billy Squier.
Favorite new non-cheesy Christmas album is the Raveonettes Christmas EP.
1049. Valerie said:
We grew up listening to old comedy records year-round. Tom Lehrer, Stan Freberg and Spike Jones all stand out in my memory, and you can find Christmas music in all of their discographies.
Dr. Demento, as many have mentioned, is the go-to for all of them in one place.
"Dr. Demento Presents: The Greatest Christmas Novelty CD of All Time" is a good starter.
After Christmas, I reccommend finding an old Bill Cosby record. "Bill Cosby: Himself" served as an effective pacifier for me when I was young, and parts of it are now old family jokes.
1050. jgrib said:
South Park (not for Leta)
Neil Diamond
:)
1051. becky said:
It's probably already been said, but The Blind Boys of Alabama holiday album "Go Tell It on the Mountain". Their voices are amazing, and some great guest musicians - Tom Waits and Chrissie Hynde to name a few. Good luck with your quest.
1052. Jessica said:
I am, in general, anti-Christmas music. But we did have this one CD growing up, that I'm pretty sure came from the dollar bin, which has become required listening.
http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Album-Various-Artists/dp/B0000024XJ/ref=...
It includes a good mix of high and low classics. Johnny Cash's somewhat-drunk-sounding Little Drummer Boy complete with perky backup singers, Barbra Streisand's hopped-up Jingle Bells, etc. But you've also got Tony Bennett, Sinatra, even the folksiest of the folksy: Burl Ives. We put this on repeat while we open presents.
1053. eddiewojo said:
I Am Santa Claus by Bob Rivers
It's just what you're looking for.
1054. Susan said:
As above - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlement by the Barenaked Ladies and Sarah Maclachlan is probably my all time favourite song (Xmas or not);
also Lynerd Skynerd's Xmas album is the best!
1055. Anonymous said:
A John Waters Christmas - essentially a mix cd by John Waters of the weirdest and slightly depraved christmas songs ever. Your daughter probably shouldn't listen to allllll the songs but the one by Tiny Tim has to count as nutty. Happy Holidays!
1056. Allison said:
Fountains of Wayne - "I Want An Alien for Christmas"... it's not an album, but it sure is a great song, and definitely nutty. "I want a little green guy about three feet high with seventeen eyes who knows how to fly.." Oh yeah.
Also, "John Denver and the Muppets - A Christmas Together" is not only my favorite Christmas Album, but it's my favorite album of all time. So I'll add my voice to the chorus of recommendations for that one.
1057. Leslie said:
I don't know if anyone has suggested this, but my FAVORITE song as a kid was by Gene Autry - there was an entire album of classic tunes - if you can find it it is well worth it - but the best track was "I wish my mom would marry Santa Claus". To this day, that idea drives me wild!
http://www.amazon.com/Would-Marry-Santa-Claus-Version/dp/B001386YW6/
1058. Kathy said:
Alvin & the Chipmunks is THE BEST CHRITSMAS ALBUM EVER.
and yes, I remember it on an album, playing it over and over and over... hands down best ever!
( I will now hang my 33 year old head in shame for having typed that!!)
Trans Siberian Orchestra is amazing!!
In my teens my mother busted out the Beach Boys Chritsmas, a Country Chritsmas , Alabama Christams so they all are embeded into my brain.
BUT --- you wanna hear a wacky-do holiday song check out Dolly Partons HARD CANDY CHRISTMAS .. that one is a peach!
1059. Erika said:
Up here in the great white north, this is a classic song by the McKenzie brothers (Bob and Doug), the twelve days of Christmas:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_and_Doug_McKenzie#Discography
Worth looking up for a laugh!
1060. adriel said:
I agree with #246 - Emmy Lou Harris' The Light of the Stable is a total memory from my childhood. It is blue grassy and country for sure, but she sounds like an angel. I also agree with Love Actually.
Also, I LOATHE Barenaked Ladies, but I do love what they did with God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. Maybe the rest of the cd doesn't suck also.
1061. Krista said:
A song called "Dominic the Christmas Donkey." A must-have nuttyness.
1062. robinv said:
#2 Hollie said it best and almost first....Sufjan Stevens Songs for Christmas.
I am a horrible grinch. No decorations, no lights, no tree. I am pulled kicking and screaming to my in-laws house every year for the festival of joy....Christmas. When I play this box set, a small part of my frozen holiday heart warms up. That is a good thing!
1063. Kevin said:
Damien Rice sings Silent Night on his debut album, O. It's the second hidden track on "Eskimo."
1064. Tiffany D said:
I'm sure a lot of people have already suggested Sufjan Stevens' Christmas album, but I'll echo their opinion and say it's great.
Also, Over the Rhine's Christmas albums are great too.
1065. Sassy Molassy said:
Rosemary Clooney's Christmas album is awesome. Her melancholy version of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is the best Christmas song ever.
1066. Jen E @ mommablogsalot said:
Barenaked Ladies' Barenaked for the Holidays is a favorite in our family - the music is excellent and silly :)
1067. Caitlin Krauss said:
Definitely anything by Mannheim Steamroller! Merry Christmas!
1068. Cara said:
I have to go with Johnny Mathis and Harry Connick Jr...old and new but all classics, IMO.
1069. The Brooklyn Sea Hag said:
I am very partial to Judy Garland around the holidays. Yes it's corny, but it totally hits the spot.
This American Life also does a wonderful christmas special!
1070. Anonymous said:
Trust me:
Max BYGRAVES Singalongamaxmas
1071. Hart said:
Absolutely ESQUIVEL! Merry Xmas From the Space-Age Bachelor Pad
A partial review from Amazon (because I'm too lazy to write my own).
"What holiday cocktail party would be complete without some zooma-zoom-zoom and doo-doo-doo to add to all of the ho-ho-hos? Take some Christmas classics, add a little retro sci-fi, hand it off to Señor Juan Esquivel and let him shake. (Or stir.) The result is still the same, as Merry Christmas from the Space Age Bachelor Pad turns every lounge into a swingin' Santa joint."
1072. Lebo said:
that dude HUNG from american idol did a christmas album, it's called HUNG FOR THE HOLIDAYS. it is terrible and fantastic. Also, Merry Methane gets played at least once a year, so my brother and my boyfriend can get a laugh. you can almost smell it through the speakers. ew. british humor. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._Methane
1073. Tina said:
I always loved the album with "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer."
But it sounds like in your family, that might be wishful thinking ;)
1074. Anonymous said:
I can't believe no one mentioned Dominick the Italian Christmas Donkey - it's not a Christmas until I have heard this song at least 5 times!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQrdxtWgHbE
1075. Kate said:
Another vote for the Muppets and John Denver. I simply cannot hang up the tree without this. And we still play the record, every year.
And Sufjan Stevens.
And the "A Very Special Christmas" series.
1076. Caren said:
Johnny Mathis - White Christmas
Any Christmas songs by Bing Crosby or Perry Como.
1077. Kelly said:
I love the classics, but I also have the Barenaked Ladies Christmas album and its quite fun.
1078. Janie said:
Oh this is a FABULOUS question!!!! I am going to read each and every answer because I have been searching for the perfect Christmas tape/CD for 25 years!! I have collected a lot of lovely ones, many I enjoy, many are thrown in a box in the attic.
My problem is, I bought a cheap, generic, just a 'bunch of people singing' sing-a-long casette tape in 1984 and it is PERFECT...and worn out. It had the classics...I mean KID classics I guess, but who isn't a kid at Christmas? It had Up On The Housetop, 2 Front Teeth, Jingle Bells, Rudolph, 12 days of Christmas, Silent Night, Frosty...all the fun ones that anyone can sing. Well, I have a million now--generics, sing-a-longs, famous entertainers, orchestra only, country, on and on and on but I have never been able to find another that has all the perfect ones...for me, anyway. I've made a mixed CD and that's helped but I've never again found such pure versions as that old casette...with just a group of people singing them in there classic form the way we'd all sing them.
Hopefully there will be all kinds of great suggestions on here because I'm tired of looking LOL!
1079. Carrie said:
John Denver and the Muppets "A Muppet christmas" I think and there is a bugs bunny christmas album too. If you like swing/big band music, Big Bad Voodoo Daddies has a christmas album that is a lot of fun,
1080. Crawforn said:
I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas is a Christmas novelty song written by John Rox and performed by Gayla Peevey (10 years old at the time) in 1953. It's a great song & I think Leta would love it!
1081. Lang said:
Funny, my friend Kristy over at She Just Walks Around With It just asked the same question! But your tastes in music are very different. So I won't give you the same suggestions I gave her (which included A Charlie Brown Christmas).
The best suggestion I can make is an album called "Dr. Demento Presents the Greatest Christmas Album of All Time". It's got The Chipmunks, it's got The Makenzie Brothers, it's got "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas"... it's fabulous. I also like the Dolly Parton and Kenny Loggins Christmas album, which we listened to every Christmas morning when I was a kid and I still love it for its kitsch and for it's silly sentiment.
Good Luck!
1082. Anonymous said:
James Taylor's Christmas Album is not nutty but is truly beautiful music. It sets a relaxing & sometimes fun tone.
Another suggestion: Cinemagic Holiday Station on Sirius Satellite Radio offers a nice mix of the classics & new tunes.
1083. Catherine said:
I personally cannot stand Christmas anymore as my father passed away on Christmas Day when I was 15. But to this day, the one album that I love and enjoy is "A Christmas Together": John Denver & the Muppets. I'm 27, but still crack up when Piggy things Gonzo is singing about "piggy" pudding.
1084. Anonymous said:
Off topic (sorry, but it's urgent!): do you have Piggie Pie?
If not you must get it!!!
http://www.amazon.com/Piggie-Pie-Margie-Palatini/dp/0395866189
1085. Alexis said:
Funny - my daughter is almost 4 and I was just thinking we needed some more xmas music other than the one Xmas remix album I own.
Elvis' Blue Christmas was a classic in our house when I was kid. We always decorated the tree to it.
The Bare Naked Ladies and Sarah McLaughlin are also great choices.
1086. niki said:
when i was growing up we always listened to this wacky caribbean christmas cd. it's hilarious and fun. we now play it for our kids to pass on the silliness. it looks like itunes has a ton of choices when it comes to the steel drum and the xmas classics!
1087. Kate said:
Classics in my house are:
Willie Nelson - Pretty Paper
George Winston - December (Piano solos)
John Denver and the Muppets - A Christmas Together
Emmylou Harris - Light of the Stable
A Sinatra Christmas
1088. badwhitetrashmemories said:
I had a Muppets Christmas album when I was a kid that was awesome. Basically, it's the muppets signing classic Christmas songs. Ms. Piggy's "5 Golden Riiiiiiiiings" is priceless.
1089. Gina said:
I would suggest the Barenaked Ladies Christmas CD as well as any of the Bing Crosby Christmas CDs out there.
1090. Elizabeth C said:
A Classic Cartoon Christmas
and
The Soundtrack From ELF
Maybe they have been mentioned but I have been indoctrinating my kids with these two for four/two years
1091. EMY said:
Sufjan Stevens has a great Christmas cd called "Songs for Christmas". It contains 5 volumes of all the favorites.
Check it.
1092. Anonymous said:
Leon Redbone's "Christmas Island". Guest appearance by Dr. John. Check it out. Also, the Drifters singing White Christmas is amazing. No man should be able to hit some of these notes.
1093. Kimberly said:
The Carpenters and any Ray Conniff
1094. Jennifer said:
John Denver and the Muppets--A Christmas Together
1095. Jessica said:
My family and I love this local acapella group, The Blenders. They are on iTunes and have several amazing Christmas albums. My favorite is "Most Wonderful Time". They do kind of a new take on classics.
1096. Kristen said:
I totally agree with another poster: pandora.com. I only wish I could still stream at work (sigh)
And the best album EVER for a kid is John Denver and the Muppets... hells ya!
1097. Jenny M. said:
You need to check out the "It's a Cow Christmas." It is truely the most bizarre, hysterical Christmas music ever. They have remade all of the classic holidays songs to follow the cow theme.
1098. Patrice said:
She Daisy has a great Christmas album
1099. Jen said:
I second, third, whatever the song "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" on Dr. Demento's The Greatest Novelty Records of All Time Vol. 6: Christmas.
1100. Amy said:
Rudolph the rednose Reindeer by Jars of Clay (sung to the tune of smells like teen spirit)
I Yust go Nuts at Christmas by Yogi Yorgesson (sp?)
FANTASTIC...
My brother and I grew up on "Christmas Through The Years" - and old reader's digest compelation. 20 years later we are still fighting over who should have the tapes (oh yes, tapes) and desperately trying to remake them into decent CD's (diffucult when we can't find the artists name!!).
1101. MelKilMD said:
I'm not reading your 1000+ comments to see if these have already been nominated (if they have, I second the motion)
The soundtrack for the movie, How the Grinch Stole Christmas
and
Rosie O'Donnell, A Rosie Christmas
There is also "Another Rosie Christmas" but I have no firsthand knowledge of that one...
Melinda
1102. Jackie said:
Not sure if anyone mentioned it yet (I'm not reading through 300 comments), but if you're looking for nutty, you've gotta go with "John Denver & The Muppets: A Christmas Together". Classic.
1103. Jennifer said:
(Sorry if these have already been posted, I don't have time to search what's listed so far.)
I'm a huge fan of Christmas spoof songs. There used to be albums called Twisted Christmas or something like that. Some are NOT appropriate for Leta (please listen before sharing), but are so fun, especially when you are so sick of all of the cheery God-bless-us-everyone standard fare by Dec 2nd. Some of my favorites:
12 Pains of Christmas
Wreak the Malls
Yellow Snow
The Restroom Door Said Gentlemen
Blue Christmas - sung by Porky Pig
I Came Upon a Roadkill Deer
Grandma Got Runover By a Reindeer (classic one)
Grandpa Got Runover By a Beertruck
Holy Sh!t, It's Christmas (definetally not for little ones, but a very catch tune)
1104. Leanne said:
Fairytale of New York by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl is without a doubt my favourtie ever christmas song.
Not quite suitable for Leta though!
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=NrAwK9juhhY
1105. Alice said:
We always listened to this crazy christmas album that had Charo singing jingle bells. It was INSANE but we loved it. Other "big" 70's names but Charo was the best. If I could find it I'd send it to you. But alas I think it's lost to the ages like some wonderful dream.
1106. Jody said:
The only Christmas album I can recommend is Boney M. I love it, and try to get everyone else addicted to it. We have listened to it since I was really little, so it has lots of memories for me.
1107. Angela said:
John Denver and the Muppets....it's the best. Had it in record form as a child, have it on iTunes now.
1108. Amanda said:
If it's nutty you want, than NUTTY you shall get. I didn't read through all the comments so I don't know if anyone has mentioned this one or not... A while back my family and I (and we are quite nutty) came across a Christmas CD that changed our world. And forced us to buy a cow costume. "It's a Cow Christmas" was the cd...it's very hard to find anymore b/c the company that made it folded awhile back...there are a few copies available on Ebay and I promise you it's WELL WORTH it!! Leta will have a blast with it! http://cgi.ebay.com/Its-A-Cow-Christmas-Music-CD-Factory-New-Rare-OOP_W0...
1109. melanie said:
i don't know if it's a whole album or just one song, but run d.m.c. has "christmas in hollis."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKTPVl6q7bU
1110. Kim said:
Hi, long time reader, first time commenter. I reviewed punk rock music for www.sandiegopunk.com for six years. You wouldn't think the pierced and mohawked do xmas carols but you'd be wrong. and sadly so because they put out some of the funniest, quirkiest songs and rendetions of the classics I've heard. Check out "A Santa Cause" and others at the link below.
http://www.amazon.com/Punk-Rock-Christmas-Various-Artists/dp/B0000033NG
Merry Christmas!
1111. Joey said:
The Roaches........ definately my favorite. I promise that you will love it. "For to us a Child is Born" will have you singing along all day long.
1112. FatChick said:
Oy To The World: A Klezmer Christmas
Its Christmas songs done by a Klezmer band - a celebration of Chrismukkah.
Enjoy.
1113. Meg said:
It's been suggested already, and I cannot express my level of support for John Denver and the Muppets. Played the record over and over as a kid, and the season still doesn't feel quite right until I've heard "Merry Christmas, Santa".
1114. Kim said:
No question, the Muppets Christmas album with John Denver. Also, the Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton Christmas album.
1115. lucesco said:
A Texas Classic:
Robert Earl Keen's "Merry Christmas from the Family"
Goofy,funny & weird. Just like a family.
1116. nitebyrd said:
Barenaked Ladies ~ Barenaked for the Holidays
Twisted Sister ~ Twisted Christmas
1117. Aimee said:
I LOVE the song "Dominick the Donkey (The Italian Christmas Donkey) by Lou Monte. My son, who is 5, LOVES this song too, it's cookey and fun. I have no idea if it's on any album, but I put it on my playlist.com Christmas music playlist, you can find it there to listen to if you've never heard it before.
1118. miss lila said:
i'm no help at all for actual albums, but i'll be surprised if no one has mentioned internet radio yet. Soma FM (somafm.com) is my favorite station hub and every year they broadcast two holiday stations -- "christmas lounge" is the family-friendly one, "xmas in frisko" is the deliciously nutty one. bonus: they're basically community radio on the internet, so no commercials beyond the occasional plug for donations.
1119. Valerie said:
I have to throw my votes in favor of Mannheim Steamroller, though if you can't decide, you do know that Pandora.com makes AMAZING Christmas stations, right?
1120. m said:
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewIMix?id=299486698
This is a pretty cute mix from http://www.insidetheloopblog.com/
xx
1121. beth said:
"The Merrymen: Merry Christmas"
It is my all time favorite christmas album. Though good luck finding it. It's late 70s calypso. It includes such treats as "Santa's got a Sunburn" and "Mary's Boy Child" and just about every song has steel drums.
And. It. Is. Awesome.
:)
1122. BlackEyedP said:
Ok, I dont even know how you read so may comments but my suggestion is Twisted Sister's - A Twisted Christmas. It's a MUST HAVE. You should hear them do I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus. RIOT. No, not Quiet Riot...Twisted Sister:)
1123. Amanda said:
Hi again...(from comment 1108) Also forgot to mention the Christmas CD by Four Shadow. They are an all male a capela group that are amazing...their Christmas CD is lots of fun! this is their myspace page... http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendI...
1124. anneglamore said:
Destiny's Child has an album where they sing about wanting "a pair of Chloe shades and a diamond belly ring" for Christmas. That about sums it up for me. Bare Naked Ladies is 2d. And as a Memphis girl, don't you think you need Alabama's album, with Christmas In Dixie? It might make you forget all the snow.
1125. normaj said:
We always loved "Holiday Sing-Along with Mitch Miller". The first thing I thought of when I read your post was the "Must be Santa" song that is on that album. The rest are pretty typical, but that song was always fun to sing as a kid.
I know we had another favorite album. The name is rattling around somewhere in the back of my brain. Maybe it will come to me.
...or maybe not. lol
1126. JVashus said:
Just go to Pandora.com and there are a few stations that continually play Christmas music! It's great!
1127. TwennyTwo said:
My Papa ( a fat black man) always told us that if some fat white man was in his house near the Christmas presents that he was going to shoot him. Santa Claus was play-play. And that furthermore we needed to say thank you to our parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles for our nice presents.
LOL I still think it's funny to tell that story in a room full of people trying to convince their children for one. more. year. that Santa Claus is real. I never believed it.
peace
1128. TwennyTwo again said:
Oooh! Ooh!
No, no holiday music. But! But for relaxing sitting-by-the-tree-sick-of-holiday music, I recommend Esperanza Spalding's CD. EXCELLENT, some upbeat, some watch the snow fall and talk music. Great stuff.
peace
1129. Jordan said:
Straight No Chaser has a christmas album out. Here is a link to their "12 Days of Christmas" mix-up (or spoof?). Their story is awesome. Maybe you saw them on World News Tonight?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Fe11OlMiz8
I also love the Barenaked Ladies Christmas album.
1130. Tara said:
so while I should be studying for finals...
Um.....Elvis Presley!
1131. Robin said:
I'm going to agree with some others...The New Kids on the Block album is one of my favorites. And originally being from Kentucky, we grew up listening to the Oak Ridge Boys Christmas album. It must have been popular in Tennessee too...???
1132. Garret said:
My son is especially fond of Rusty Chevrolet and the Redneck 12 Days of Christmas. He's only 3 and does not know Rudolph or Frosty but he can sing every note of Rusty Chevrolet, we're so proud!
1133. Rebekah Cooksey said:
I have a 3 yr old and an 18 month old (and am pregnant, too, but doubt the baby cares what we're listening to).
The CD they like the best - don't laugh - is the Fisher Price Little People Christmas Sing-a-long (http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Christmas-Sing-Along-Little-People/dp...).
I could suggest lots of beautiful Christmas CD's that I personally like, but, hey, it's all about the kids right now, right?!?
By the way, I just went through the same experience....although my 25 boxes were 25 big Rubbermaid totes carried down from the attic by my wonderful husband (and there were actually 26)! :-)
1134. Randi said:
Twisted Sister's Christmas Album. It rocks hard.
1135. InfamousQBert said:
referencing your title, the "Elf" soundtrack is GREAT. also, my all time favorite is harry connick jr.'s album from, like, 1999 or something. the jazzy style really updates some of those old classics, but not TOO much, you know?
1136. Patti K. said:
I don't have it in me to pick through the comments, but just in case (HA!) no one mentioned it, the BEST Christmas album evah is:
Bing Crosby's White Christmas.
Makes me smile just thinking about it. I grew up listening to the record, and decorating the tree. Some of my fondest memories as a child (& adult!).
1137. Rebecca said:
Chris Isaak's Christmas Album is fun, frolicky and fantastic.. especially... Mele Kalikimaka
1138. alisa said:
You haven't heard a nutty christmas song until you've heard "Dominic the Donkey" ... the "italian christmas donkey". yes, i weep for my heritage, but thankfully we make up for it with cultural contributions like cannolies and meatballs. Here is a fun you-tube version set to lights...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_C_G3tS234
woohoo !
1139. Annie said:
I think Dean Martin's the best! Who doesn't love a drunk man singing about Christmas!
Oh! And a suggestion for another pottery source is this amazing place called Pewabic Pottery here in Detroit. Beautiful tile, vessels, dinnerware, ornaments & so on. Worth checking it out...http://www.pewabic.com/
1140. Em said:
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy's Christmas album is the best! It's upbeat, quirky, and funny.
1141. Molly said:
Alligator Records Christmas Collection is a fantastic collection of Bluesy Christmas tunes--but not depressing like Charlie Brown.
http://tinyurl.com/6jh6la
Fave tracks:
Silent Night (on Harmonica)
Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin'
Also, WOXY is streaming Christmas music from cool artists:
http://woxy.lala.com/holiday.php
1142. Danielle said:
Excelsis has some great compilation albums:
~ A Dark Noel (Vol. 1)
~ A Winters Song (Vol. 2)
There's a third that's only available in the box set with 1 and 2.
You might be tempted to dismiss this because most of the bands are "goth"... but really, give it a shot. These are some seriously beautiful takes on both classic (Silent Night, Little Drummer Boy) and less common (Gaudete, Gaudete, A Winter Wassail) songs.
1143. Stephanie said:
I recommend _Christmas_ by the band, Low. It is really a pretty fantastic album. Here's a link to Amazon's listing for it. I think you can preview the songs there. http://preview.tinyurl.com/6rmdnk
1144. Joy said:
I didn't make it through all the comments and someone has probably suggested this already. But the song that holds the most Christmas memories for me is Six White Boomers by Rolf Harris. My family has a contest every year to see who hears it on the radio first!
1145. Kylee said:
OMG! I read through half a page of comments and I couldn't continue, so if this is a repeat (and I hope it is!!) sorry. But, BING CROSBY! That is hands down, the best Christmas album, EVER. Ok and I am not even trying to lie, I heart NSYNC Christmas too : ) Wow, I better go listen to some indie music and get back some of my indie cred ; )
1146. J Train said:
Sufjan Steven's Songs for Christmas is a must!
http://www.amazon.com/Songs-For-Christmas/dp/B000WB2E60/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?...
Some classics with a fresh sound mixed in with some of his original.
Why so many "discs", you ask? I guess he made a holiday album each year exclusively for his friends until all his friends convinced him to release it.
Thanks for the Merry Mixmas suggestion. I'm going to check it out ... and now
1147. Dawn said:
I'm not a fan of instrumental crap, but "Merry Axemas" is pretty cool- all electric guitar christmas stuff. Silent Night is pretty sweet.
As for my 4 year old son, he LOVES Muppets Christmas and Little People Christmas. And Chipmunks are always a favorite!
1148. Geo said:
Robert Earl Keen - "Merry Christmas From The Family"
Album: The Party Never Ends
Carve the Turkey
Turn the ball game on
Mix margaritas when the eggnog's gone
Send somebody to the Quickpak Store
We need some ice and an extension chord
A can of bean dip and some Diet Rites
A box of tampons, some Marlboro Lights
Halleluja everybody say Cheese
Merry Christmas from the family
Rober Earl Keen
http://www.stlyrics.com/songs/r/robertearlkeen8332/merrychristmasfromthe...
1149. Kim's Korner said:
There's no way I can read through all eleven hundred comments, so I apologize if you've gotten this one already, but a favourite with my boys is: "I farted on Santa's Lap" by The Little Stinkers. (yes, you can download it)
Then again ... maybe it's just appealing to boys ... or just MY boys ;-)
1150. Jill said:
Not nutty and not a fan but I love Mariah Carey's Merry Christmas CD. It's my favorite!
1151. Pam said:
Dominic the Italian Christmas Donkey by Lou Monte. It is the craziest christmas song I have ever heard. But I love it dearly.
1152. Pam said:
Dominic the Italian Christmas Donkey by Lou Monte. It is the craziest christmas song I have ever heard. But I love it dearly.
1153. Jessica said:
Wow have you asked the right question, except for my husband not for me. He's gone out of his way to find kooky (sometimes disturbing...but in a good way) Christmas tunes. He finds MP3 mixes on obscure blogs around Christmas time. Google these: "Andy Cirzan" and "DJ Lo-Fi" and "Reverend Tom Frost" for some good playlists you can download for free.
Bonus: The Reverend Tom Frost has some kickass Halloween mixes too. Very good/weird/great stuff! Good luck :)
1154. Miss Mussel said:
Hello! Holy loads of comments Batman. I was going to suggest Sufjan Stevens but I see others have beat me to it.
My Christmas song tastes tend to run along the lines of Anglican Cathedral choirs. On the surface this may not appear to be nutty but if look at it more closely, you'll discover 18 boys in dresses singing like they are girls supported by 10 grown men in dresses, 2 or three of which will also be singing like girls.
Crazy times, I tell you.
I'm doing an Aural Advent Calendar on my site this year if you are after more suggestions. I'm billing it as 'chocolate for your ears'
1155. Nicole said:
Maybe this Christmas is a good one. Ron Sexsmith, Ben Folds...we always have it, or Barenaked for the Holidays on.
Merry Christmas!
1156. Danielle said:
Not much cheerier than the Charlie Brown Christmas, but I just bought two CDs from Over the Rhine, a band based out of Cincinnati. If you buy both of their albums, they send you the MP3s for free. The have some tracks playing here now.
Can't say I really have a favorite Christmas album. Most of mine are compilations that I hesitate to expand on lest the DRM police haul me off and leave me to rot.
Merry Christmas!
1157. blissed said:
Esquivel: Merry Xmas from the Space Age Bachelor Pad. Best enjoyed with a cocktail or four.
1158. Traylor said:
No lie - one of my favorite Christmas memories is listening to John Denver's "Rocky Mountain Christmas." How can you not LOVE an album with a song called, "Please Daddy Don't Get Drunk this Christmas."
Also - John Denver & The Muppets Christmas Carols, though that magic might be lost on Leta. Do kids these days even know who the muppets are?
1159. Amy said:
Chicago's Christmas album
David Foster's Christmas compilation
1160. Jessica said:
I have a mint condition copy of the Esquivel CD mentioned earlier if you're interested!
It's great.
1161. meg said:
put whatever you think of Elvis aside, because he makes a mean Christmas album.
1162. Jace said:
Steve Vai put together a kick-ass album called "Merry Axemas": Guitar gods from around the world playing xmas music. I doubt Leta would like it, but I'm sure Jon will. Leta would probably like the Kenny Wayne Sheppard and Brian Setzer songs.
1163. Michele said:
Something a little different: Kitka is a women's vocal ensemble specializing in music from Eastern Europe. Their album Wintersongs is wonderful.
http://www.kitka.org/
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=2...
1164. Paula said:
Ok, I'm coming to the party a little late, so I'm not reading all 300 comments to see if my selections are already listed.
I love anything Manheim Steamroller. Lots of upbeat music and beautiful arrangements.
Also, do you know accuradio.com? They have lots of different stations to fit whatever mood you are in - old classics, instrumental, new age, etc. You can stream them and not pay any money.
1165. Wendy in Cincinnati said:
"It's a Spike Jones Christmas" is awesome. My kids listened to that for hours and hours when they were young and its funny/wacky.
Best Christmas music ever!!
1166. Sean said:
First, no bad mouthing A Charlie Brown Christmas--it's the best Christmas album ever. You buy it for "Linus And Lucy" when you're in your 20s and you want to do the goofy shoulder-to-ears dance at parties, but as you age and appreciate Christmas more, you let the rest of the album wash over you daily from Thanksgiving until Christmas. (At least that's what I do--better than meditation.) But on the other end of the spectrum, you have to have "Ella Wishes You a Swingin' Christmas" and "Barenaked for the Holidays." And I'll add my vote for John Denver & the Muppets--the tracks featuring Miss Piggy (especially 12 Days of Christmas) kept our 20-month-old daughter quiet for the last 100 miles home after Thanksgiving.
1167. Jessica said:
The Sound of Music soundtrack always reminds me of Christmas because it was always on TV Christmas day. They're great songs to sing and goof off to as a family.
Wonderful Christmas Time by Paul McCartney always gets me in the spirit.
Can you post the Christmas play list you compile? I'm a little short on xmas songs myself.
1168. Melissa Sunday said:
This may be better for when Leta is a little older, but my parents started me young and it may be why I still love it so much.
Mannheim Steamroller. It's all very beautiful and some of the songs are exciting and some are very peaceful and relaxing. And it's mostly instrumental and complicated, so it might be good for the baby as well.
1169. Anonymous said:
Check out the Woxy Holiday Mixer at www.woxy.com
It's a selection of Christmas music from modern rockers like Yo La Tengo, Low, Sufjan Stevens, and others. It's a great change from the traditional stuff, but still festive!
1170. Amy said:
Yes I have the perfect one for you! There is a CD by VINCE, VANCE & THE VALIANTS that you must get. It is nutty and very festive. A mix of all. And I bet Leta would LOVE I wanna be a Christmas Tree. I know I do lol. Let me know if you get it and if you like it.
1171. shannon said:
Season's Greetings From moe.
1172. GracieLi said:
Raffi does a great kids song entitled "Must Be Santa" which is available on iTunes. Its fun, a singable and completely cute call and response tune. I also like his version of "Petit Papa Noel" which is, obviously, sung in French. And French is quirky, right?
1173. Laura said:
We have always loved the Time Life collection- you get all the traditional songs w/ some more modern ones mixed in. You can buy it from Amazon, it contains 2 discs, and I think they have probably changed it a bit from what my family purchased (15? years ago) but it's got the Bing Crosby traditional mixed in w/ The Beach Boys and newer artists like Eva Cassidy.
http://www.amazon.com/Time-Life-Music-Treasury-Christmas-Memories/dp/tra...
1174. Carl said:
I too have always liked the Time Life Collection (contains 2 discs)- all the classics w/ some modern stuff too.
1175. BOSSY said:
Lord have you come to the right place! Wait, Bossy came HERE. No matter: get thee to a CD-ery!
1. Frank Sinatra's Christmas Album
2. Rat Pack Christmas
3. Dean Martin Christmas
4. The Andrew Sisters Christmas
Hi. Bossy lives in 1943. It's better here.
1176. Pamela said:
"Oh my lord, you sent your son to save us" BONEY M!
Also...the salsoul orchestra has a great album. It's funky.
1177. zanne said:
AARON ESPE! absolutely GORGEOUS--amazing, in fact.
http://www.aaronespe.com
1178. Rebecca said:
John Denver and the Muppets Christmas CD. When I was a kid, that was the best. Or, you might want to try Pandora.com.
1179. Mands said:
Elf movie soundtrack. Love the first song..and its not even a Christmas Song. Good stuff.
1180. make art every day said:
def. barenaked for the holidays
the elf soundtrack is good
i love "surfin' christmas" by the wave benders
and for the love of all that's holy you need to play elvis for leta. i love his christmas stuff.
but please do not be tempted to listen to "christmas in memphis". worst. song. ever.
1181. Sunny said:
Alright, I can't believe I'm about to admit to this, but if you can handle some kitschy country classics: Kenny and Dolly's "Once Upon A Christmas". It's one of my favs, but maybe only because I grew up with it!
1182. Karen in AZ said:
I'm sure this has already been suggested, but my favs are Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer, I'm getting Nuttin for Christmas, I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus and one I would do just about anything to find. "Bridge of the Naughty Children" By Ric Swanson (or Rick Swanson.) It's off his Christmas in Other Places tape and I can't find the cord I had to convert cassette to CD nor can I find the song anywhere to download.
1183. We Tigers said:
I love you Heather but I'm not reading through over 1,000 comments to see if someone already recommended this:
Sufjan Steven's Christmas Box Set! Get it get it get it! If you are wary I will copy every one of them to mail to you.
1184. Chris said:
Dominick the Christmas Donkey is about as odd as it gets
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominick_the_Donkey
1185. We Tigers said:
GODDAMMIT the second person?!
1186. JWo said:
Back in the late 80's/early 90's, we bought A Very Special Christmas, which I thought was supposed to benefit AIDs charities or something. Anyway, wore that CD out, and they've made a bunch more since then (that I cannot speak to). Just modern artists doing their renditions of classic Christmas songs, as well as some newer ones. That particular CD had the Run DMC "Christmas in Hollis" which was cute.
Not soooo nutty, but definitely a fun listen.
1187. Nicole said:
Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers' Christmas album always puts me in the mood.
1188. Eliza said:
It's not an album, but somafm.com -- run by a fabulous dj out of San Francisco -- has two excellent Christmas internet radio stations. One is kid-friendly, the other is not.
1189. Scott in Philly said:
this is a great great remix of old music. it's like walking through a hip store, you might think you are in a target or gap commercial.
http://www.ververemixed.com/
1190. Marcy said:
Years ago when purchasing my very own christmas music I found a cd of John Denver and The Muppets singing christmas carols. Yes, really. I bought it b/c I love the muppets. I would say it is at least a bit nutty. I have no idea if you could still find it in stores, but I could burn a cd and send it your way.
1191. thenshewaslike said:
My absolute favorite Christmas album is the one on constant rotation at my parents' home, The Bells of Dublin by the Chieftains. It has an amazing list of contributors, a nice mix of traditional and not so traditional, and my two favorite non-traditional Christmas songs EVER. The first is "The Rebel Jesus" by Jackson Browne, and the second is an Elvis Costello song called "The St Stephen's Day Murders." Yes, one of my favorite holiday songs is about murdering family members. And what?
And now that I'm thinking about it, I have to find it on the internet and listen to the whole thing.
1192. Becki said:
SUFJAN STEVENS!!!
Any and all of his Christmas songs! I can't live with out him.
And I have a nostalgic soft spot in my heart for Mannheim Steamroller because that's what we always used to listen to when I was little while we would decorate the tree.
1193. Marcy said:
(wow, am reading through the comments, had no idea there were so many fellow John Denver and the muppets fans! lol)
1194. acm said:
well, if you want to conjure the Essence of Christmas without getting too commercial or making yourself crazy, I recommend two specific CDs (heh, I have them as tapes) -- the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing carols (probably the year doesn't matter) and Bing Crosby's White Christmas. they'll just sound like Christmas to you every time.
1195. Sara said:
I'm imagining you stopped checking comments past #1billion, but if not, I have 2 suggestions:
A John Waters Christmas - has the weirdest mix of soon to be classics like "Santa Claus Is A Black Man" and "Here Comes Fatty Claus" among others.
And "Hear the Holidays" (I have vol. 2) is a series put out by Virgin records, I think that has a good a quirky mix (Esquivel, El Vez, and James Brown).
Enjoy!!
1196. darcy said:
I did not read all the comments - I am a jerk but if no one has suggested: A Colbert Christmas - The Greatest Gift of All, then they really really really really really should have.
Order it on iTunes, you will love Christmas like never before- http://ax.itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/browserRedirect?url...
1197. Mary said:
#409 Margot - I had the vinyl of the Sesame Street Christmas when I was little, too! I always hated that it would end, so when the last track came on when they'd sing "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" together, I'd run over to the record player as fast as possible to re-start it!
1198. dani said:
My family always loved the Chipmunks, but also John Denver and the Muppets' Christmas album. The latter is still one of the first that I reach for when I want holiday music.
My new favorite? Mariah Carey's Christmas album. If nothing else you'll want her vocal chords.
1199. Harper's Mom said:
DOOCE!!! Don't let another year go by without including Tiny Tim's Christmas Album. Trust me, and I speak from experience, it's served best with Rum!
Also, if you use satelite TV, there's a Christmas music channel.
1200. Lisa W. said:
Anything by Elvis, Aaron Neville's Soulful Christmas, Bruce Cockburn, Nat King Cole and some version of Nutcracker Suite are requirements for our home.