One of the many positive aspects of this season is the popular holiday music genre. In this spirit, I'm submitting my playlist, with the songs in no particular order. This playlist varies greatly over time since every recording 'artist' or group seems to follow an informal norm of releasing a set of holiday songs for their third or fourth major release. (Look for the recently announced candidates for the best new artist in the Grammy awards to make their releases for the 2015 holiday season.) This list does not include classical music, such as Handel’s Messiah or Silent Night:
White Christmas - A no brainer. I go with the classic Bing Crosby version. Most versions omit the first verse, which puts a different temper on the song. The verse is:
“The sun is shining, the grass is green,
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The orange and palm trees sway.
There's never been such a day in Beverly Hills, L.A.
But it's December the twenty-fourth,
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And I am longing to be up North”
Note how this places a different meaning to the song, longing to be in a safe place. White Christmas was released in the dark days of World War II in 1942 stressing the importance of this first verse.
Have Yourself a Little Christmas - Judy Garland, from 'Meet Me in Saint Louis'. A very depressing song if you listen to the lyrics, especially the line “Let your heart be light / Next year all our troubles will be out of sight”, and realize this song came out in late 1944. Picture yourself in a fox hole in France in 1944 or being shot at in the Pacific. Fortunately 'next year' was 1945.
Blue Christmas - The past king, Elvis. “I'll have a blue Christmas without you”. The only thing that could make this better if it was recorded at the time of the 1968/1969 comeback.
All I Want for Christmas is You - Mariah Carey at her best with pop at its best. Christmas as love for your 'significant other'. A modern day classic which will bring smiles to our grandchildren when they have their own celebrations at Christmas time.
Little Saint Nick - Beach Boys. Two minutes of innocent bliss. Not the future sophistication of 'Pet Sounds' or 'Smile' but fun and great harmonies. Mythical Southern California of the early 60s for the holidays.
Santa Claus is Comin' to Town - Bruce Springsteen. Will Santa bring Clarence a new saxophone? I'm not a very big Bruce fan, but this version is the penultimate Bruce. Wakes the dead.
My last entry is an entire album, 'A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector' from the master of the "Wall of Sound", Phil Spector. Arguably the best rock and roll holiday album of all time. As reviewed at Amazon, 'this is another timeless record that is unlikely ever to be surpassed as the greatest Christmas compilation of all time'. My favorites are: Winter Wonderland by Darlene Love, Santa Claus is Coming to Town by The Crystals, Frosty The Snowman and Sleigh Ride by the Ronettes and Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer by The Crystals.
I'm interested in hearing what's on your playlist. Season's Greeting but especially Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year to all.