Love it or hate it, you’re going to hear some Christmas music this time of year. It’s everywhere. You can’t avoid it. It seems like there’s always a Kansas City radio station that starts playing it just a little bit earlier every year.
Since I spent most of the 90s in a radio studio, I’ve listened to more than my fair share of the holiday greats and not so greats. Now that I have my own newspaper column, I feel it’s my duty to force my all-time favorites on you. (You might see a pattern here. I’m a big fan of the classics.)
“Do You Hear What I Hear?” – Bing Crosby
I’ve always found it incredible that such a beautiful yet commanding voice came out of a tiny body like Bing’s. Plus, I really like the name “Bing.” If I could choose my own nickname…
“The Little Drummer Boy” – Harry Simeone Chorale
There is no other holiday song that bleeds the spirit of Christmas while at the same time raising the hairs on the back of your neck. I’m so weird I often find myself daydreaming about how cool it would’ve been to be in the studio during the making of the recording. As though my prayer was answered, I just did a quick search on YouTube and found a live version of the Harry Simeone Chorale performing “The Little Drummer Boy” on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1959. This is an absolutely gorgeous performance. It’s so quiet during the song that you can hear people in the audience coughing. Check it out.
“Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” – Brenda Lee
This one was written by Johnny Marks, the guy who also wrote “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “A Holly Jolly Christmas.” Brenda Lee was only 13 when she recorded her vocal. You can hear the smile on her face as she sings. The recording is an undeniable classic. Oh, and that saxophone solo!
“Santa Baby” – Eartha Kitt
Many have tried to duplicate it and when they do I just ask myself “why?” It’s not necessary. No one can top Kitt’s sexy love letter to Santa. So sexy in fact that it proved controversial and was temporarily banned in the southern U.S. in the 1950’s.
“Do They Know It’s Christmas?” – Band Aid
Before there was USA For Africa and the charitable “We Are The World” there was this instant holiday classic written by Bob Geldoff and performed by the supergroup Band-Aid to raise money for famine in Ethiopia. The song has been re-recorded and re-released over the years, continuing to raise money for causes. But none of the versions hold a candle to the original that includes the voices of Paul Young, George Michael, Bono, Boy George, Sting, Simon Le Bon, and the drumming of Phil Collins.
“Jingle Bell Rock” – Bobby Helms
Accept no substitutes. This is the only version you will ever need.
“I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” – Jimmy Boyd
John Mellencamp made a valiant effort at reimagining this one in the 80’s. I like his version just fine. But you can’t deny little Jimmy Boyd’s prepubescent voice on the original from 1952.
“Who’s That Up On The Roof?” – The Caroleers
This tune is from a 45 rpm Peter Pan record I had in the early 70s when I was little. Peter Pan records was an American record label specializing in children’s music that started in the 40s. I played this record death. The flip side was another cool song called “10,000 Santa Clauses,” but the nod goes to “Who’s That Up On The Roof?” It feels like a sequel to “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.”
Honorable Mention:
“Santa Claus Is Back In Town” – Elvis Presley
Elvis is my all-time favorite artist and I grew up listening to his versions of all the classics. This rocker has been used in numerous movies including Bad Santa 2, The Long Kiss Goodnight, and Fred Claus.
“The Christmas Song” – Nat King Cole
An undeniable gem that, like so many others, never needs to be re-recorded by anyone.
“Here Comes Santa Claus” – Gene Autry
I’m also a fan of Elvis’s version, but I’m partial to the way Autry sings “Sant-y Claus.”
Most Hated:
“All I Want For Christmas Is You” – Mariah Carey
To clarify, I actually like this song. It came out in 1994 and FM radio played it ad nauseam. But it seems to me I hear more and more people express their disdain for it every holiday season.
“Feliz Navidad” – Jose Feliciano
I still like this one, too. But it’s repetition drives some people crazy.
Which holiday songs are your favorite and not-so favorite?
(Email Landmark columnist Brad Carl at bradjcarl@gmail.com)