Friday, December 17, 2010

Nine By Design 14



Today will be the sing-a-long portion for our weekly list.  We'll be focusing on Holiday Songs and like most of the things I like, non-traditional.  Although, I think I'm actually pretty traditional most of the time.  I just like creativity.  The classics are fantastic.  There's a reason why they are classics, but I do like good variations on themes or even new original songs.  So, without much further ado about nothing...our songs.

Holiday Songs:

The Snow Miser/Heat Miser Song is probably my wife's favorite Christmasy song.  She actually checked to make sure it was on my list when I was making it.  She generally doesn't read my blog (she's heard it all before), but still wanted to make sure her song made it.  You can see where her priorities are.

Reggae Christmas took place in the Golden Age of MTV, when they didn't take themselves too seriously, had actual personalities hosting and played music.  Plus, Pee Wee Herman is in the video and he's had a good comeback year.  So it felt appropriate.

Snoopy vs The Red Baron is by The Royal Guardsmen.  It's just one of those songs that you might not remember right away, but once you hear it again...you love it.  They are still around and playing.

I Wish It Was Christmas Today is one of my favorite SNL moments.  It's a strangely catchy song that will be stuck in your head for a while.  I apologize, but it's also one of the few times when Horatio Sanz and Chris Kattan were funny.  Tracey Morgan is hilarious just for his dancing.  

Bob and Doug Sing 12 Days of Christmas is a classic around my parts.  The entire album is genius.  Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas before they were stars.  Were they ever stars?  Well, kinda I suppose...they do make a living out of playing other people.

Little St. Nick definitely has the best singing of any of the songs on the list.  The sweet harmonies of the Beach Boys.  It's basically "Little Deuce Coupe" with Christmas lyrics, but don't tell anyone.  It's a secret.  For as crazy as Brian Wilson is supposed to be, take a look at a Mike Love interview.  You tell me who the crazy one is.  Have you figured out that I don't care for Mike Love?

Christmas At Ground Zero by the genius that is "Weird Al" Yankovic.  He's made parodying songs famous, most bands don't feel like they have really made it until, "Weird Al" parodies one of their songs.  His originals are quite clever as well.  The best selling comedy musician of all-time.

Misty Mountain Winter Wonderland is by Fleming and John and a great take on two classics.  I really love Fleming's voice.  Her voice works well in the song.  I wish they would do more Christmas mash-ups.  this is extremely clever.

Fairytale of New York is quite possibly in the top 25 of personal favorite songs.  Not just Christmas songs either, it's that good.  Not that I keep a list of these things or anything.  The list changes far too much, but The Pogues and the late, Kristy MacColl just work and will always be there, somewhere.  It really is the Holidays when you hear this on the radio.

I'll be back next week, Same Bat Time, Same Bat Channel, with the last Holiday Nine of the year.  Happy Weekend...Cheers!

2 comments:

  1. Derek - what a great list! I forgot about these! My favorite is Bob & Doug!! Love those guys :) But Snoopy vs The Red Baron . . . Ack!

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  2. The most important thing to remember about these lists is they aren't the best or favorite...whatever subject. Snoopy vs Red Baron is a song my dad always played. So its just one of those Christmas memories. I could easily do another list of 9 completely different songs.

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