“Wonderful Christmastime,” Paul McCartney, 1979
Paul McCartney has been accused of writing ‘Silly Love Songs’ by some folks. John Lennon supposedly chastised him for writing ‘granny music’ before the Beatles’ breakup. I unabashedly enjoy pop music myself, including this Christmas tune, and as Paul once sung: “What’s wrong with that?”
“Feliz Navidad,” Jose Feliciano, 1970
While most (including myself) only know of Jose Feliciano through this Christmas staple, he has enjoyed international success for many years and was the first person to publicly perform “The Star Spangled Banner” in a non-traditional manner before Game 5 of the 1968 World Series. I will confess to getting just a small kick out of hearing non-Spanish speakers attempt to sing it. 😉
“There’s Always Tomorrow,” Janice Orenstein, 1964
Featured in the classic Rankin-Bass stop motion version of ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” this song holds a special place in my heart. I often say that some songs ‘make my eyes misty’ but to this day this one still brings a tear or two to my eye, especially if I am watching the show.
“Santa Claus and His Old Lady,” Cheech and Chong, 1971
Our two favorite high guys present a more, shall I say, ‘urban’ take on Santa’s origin as Cheech tries to explain him to Chong with hilarious results. One of the comedy duo’s best routines, and one of the few you will actually hear on the radio, even in these overly PC times. Come on, Beto!
“Do They Know It’s Christmas?” Band Aid, 1984
Recorded to raise money for Ethiopia famine relief, this song began the ‘charity single’ wave of the 1980s that reached its nadir (in the US, at least) with the release of “We Are The World” the following year. Primarily featuring artists from Britain and Ireland, the song’s lyrics, driving bass line, and Phil Collins’ drum work make it a good listen despite the somber subject matter.
“White Christmas,” The Drifters, 1954
Penned by Irving Berlin, this Bing Crosby standard is credited with being the #1 selling single of all-time at 50 million copies. There’s nothing wrong with the original, but I have an affinity for The Drifters’ doo-wop version.
“What Child is This,” Liona Boyd, 1981
There are many wonderful instrumentals based on Christmas songs. Liona’s rendition of “What Child of This” (which itself is set to the tune of ‘Greensleeves’) is a pleasure to listen to even outside of the Christmas season.
“Christmas Vacation,” Mavis Staples, 1989
Featured in the opening credits of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” this song captures the spirit of today’s Christmas by delving into the preparations we all go through in preparing for the holiday: hanging up lights, putting up the tree, shopping for gifts, and even cleaning up the house.
“Baby Its Cold Outside,” Dean Martin, 1959
For all the cock and bull about this classic being (to borrow a friend’s term) ‘rapey,’ this duet was written by Frank Loesser in 1944 and originally performed by he and his wife, Lynn Garland. Lynn was furious when Frank sold the rights to MGM; she considered it to be ‘their’ song. Curiously enough, the ‘mouse’ part is sung by a chorus in Dean’s rendition.
It bears mentioning that the part sung by Dean is marked as the ‘wolf’ in the sheet music. /shrug
“If It Doesn’t Snow on Christmas,” Gene Autry, 1949
Singing cowboy Gene Autry is very well known for Christmas music, in addition to recording several standards, he wrote “Here Comes Santa Claus.” A B-side for the more well-known “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “If It Doesn’t Snow on Christmas” is interesting because for whatever reason, it seems to ignore the fact that Santa’s reindeer can fly.
Eduardo Soliz 