Parking lots filled with families debating the merits of Balsam Firs vs. Scotch Pines , people pretending they like eggnog, Rutgers sports collapses, tacky sweaters, and awesome holiday parties. It's that time of year again. I love it, love it, love it. It's hard to explain, but there is something about December holiday cocktails, hanging out with friends, drinking alcohol, and wandering around from here to there, smoking Black and Milds, not even feeling the bitter cold because the laughter and alcohol are warming the air (ok, its mostly the alcohol). To me at least, the music is a vital, and often mocked part of the celebrations. Without further ado, here is a playlist, in no particular order with my TOP 12 HOLIDAY SONGS.
1. Dean Martin: Let it Snow! Starting off with the classic of classics. While I don't think I could listen to this song at any other time of the year, it's hard to beat Dino. The joy of relaxing in front of a fire, and watching the snow march through the sky; wanting to do anything but leave warmth and companionship. That's what this time of year is all about.
2. Robert Earl Keene: Merry Christmas From the Family Hick, slightly racist, promoting alcoholoism, and one of the most accurate representations of Christmas I've ever heard. Let's be real, everyone has faults, and this song does a pretty great job of describing how flawed yet fantastic many modern families are. "Carved the turkey, turned the ball game on, made Bloody Marrys, because we all wanted one!"
3. The Beach Boys: Little Saint Nick Everyone loves the Beach Boys. Their unbeatable harmonies are put too good use in this bad boy. Upbeat, happy, danceable classic that makes me want to make a Christmas decorating montage videos.
4. Weezer: O Holy Night Speaking of montages.... This song/ album will always bring me back to Junior year at Dickinson, in the Poon Palace, cleaning up after yet another delightful slopfest, just to prepare too tear it down again. Good fucking times. I think I listened to this on repeat for about 4 hours at one point. Memories like this make the aftermath of that house almost worthwhile. See photo at top, for why 379 West Louther was awesome.
5. Crudbump: Fuck You If You Don't Like Christmas Must watch. Hilarious Christmas video/ children's book reading about how if you don't like Christmas, well, "fuck you". I understand that Christmas is kinda silly when you really think about it, but damn is it fun. "Fuck you if you don't like reindeer dogs".
6: She and Him: Sleigh Ride Because what in the world could be better than going on a sleigh ride with Zooey Deschanel. Whole album is pretty damn awesome, but this one in particular is really well suited for her voice I think.
7: Jenny O: Get Down For The Holidays Great song that I could actually listen to at anytime throughout the year. Jenny O's voice is epic, and this song does an amazing job of making me remember how much I should be thankful for, and how great this time of years, not for any religious reason, but simply because how it brings people together. "You bring me ice cream, and i'll be apple pie" : )
8: Tim Minchin: White Wine in the Sun Everytime i listen to this song I almost tear up. This guy does such a perfect job of explaining how even to an atheist Christmas time is special. I'd rather break bread with Dawkins then Desmond Tutu, tu be honest." Also, the image of drinking White Wine in the sun with ones family on a midwinter day as perfect. "Some of the hymns they sing have nice chords, but the lyrics are dodgy."
9: Tom Petty: Christmas All Over Again Tom Petty is a boss, and this song is one of his finest works. It makes you realize how no matter where you are in life, come this time of year it is always "Christmas All Over Again". One of the true legends, but although Jake Rainwater and George Mazzoli may disagree, he's not quite on the same level as the next artist.....
10: Bruce Springsteen: Merry Christmas Baby The real Boss, doing what he does best, singing a true banger. "I feel like I'm living, living in paradise." Yup, that about sums up how I feel during this season.
11:Tom Waits: Christmas Card From A Hooker Sad, and I mean like tearjerker sad, if you really listen to the lyrics. In the mumble, grumble storytelling method that only Waits can pull off we remember that the little things are what make this time of year special.
12: Elvis Presley & Martina McBride: Blue Christmas I don't usually like Elvis much, but this song is perfect. Elvis and his southern drawl do a great job of conveying this plea to love lost.
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