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Favorite & Least favorite Christmas songs.

post #1 of 92
Thread Starter 
Tis the season to have a smile brought to your face by your favorite xmas songs and be driven up a freakin' wall by the one's you can't stand, my question to all of you is which are they?

Personaly I don't have many in either category so here's mine...

Favorites:

The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole
Believe by Josh Grobin (need to pick up his xmas CD, it's very good from what i've heard on the radio, the guy has a voice built for xmas songs)
It's Christmas (All Over The World) by Sheena Easton
Hey, Santa! by Wilson Philips
Have a Holly Jolly Christmas by Burl Ives (he'll always be 'Snowman' to me from the Rudolph christmas special)
Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow! by Vaughn Monroe (because it makes me think of Die Hard )
Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helms (because it makes me think of Lethal Weapon )


One's that are like nails on a chalk board and makes me think that the Grinch was perhaps onto something:

Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time by Paul McCartney (that wierd outer space music in it disturbs me)
I want a Hippoponimus for Christmas by Gayla Peevey (her voice is irritating)
Those Christmas Bells by the Royal Guardsmen's (sounds too, I don't know, war-ish to me, dog fights and explosions don't make me feel warm inside. Plus the Red Barron has always frightened me a little)
Anything christmas by Willie Nelson (the guy could at least TRY to sound like he gives a rats ass about christmas)
Anything christmas by Michael Bolton (he sounds like he's gonna blow out his O ring)
Anything christmas by Bruce Springsteen (see above reason)
Anything christmas by The Beach Boys (their voices make me think of surfing and the beach and doesn't really inspire christmas feelings in me)

On second though I think my least favorite list is a little more extensive than I thought lol.
post #2 of 92

Re: Favorite & Least favorite Christmas songs.

Favorites
"What Christmas Means to Me" Paul Young
anything by Darlene Love (who has a new Christmas album out)
anything by Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton
"Holly Jolly Christmas" Burl Ives
"Step Into Christmas" Elton John
"Mary Did You Know" Kristine W
"The Secret of Giving" Reba McEntire
"A New York Christmas" Rob Thomas
"Santa I'm Right Here" Toby Keith
anything by Brenda Lee (though "Rockin' Around..." is played so much it's kind of tired)
anything by Johnny Mathis

Least Favorite
"Feliz Navidad" (anyone)
"Happy Xmas (War is Over)" (anyone)
"Wonderful Christmas Time" Paul McCartney (or anyone)
"Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" Dean Martin
"Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer" Elmo & Patsy
anything by The Chipmunks
any of those crappy electronic instrumentals by TransSiberian Orchestra or similar groups
post #3 of 92

Re: Favorite & Least favorite Christmas songs.

Great lists. (Although I have to confess to a fondness for the original Chipmunks. It's a nostaligia thing. )

Of course any list of pop Christmas tunes (as opposed to classical music, traditional songs and hymns) has to start with "The Christmas Song" and "White Christmas" (tied in my book) by the original artists. But I'll also take most versions by other people because the songs are so good and the original peformances so perfect that they are hard to screw up and make other singers reluctant to stray too far in making the songs "their own". They seem to know that these tunes aren't and never will be "their own" and they should concentrate on not disgracing themselves.

Anyway - I have a couple of bargain bin Sinatra and Dean Martin CDs, and one Christmas disc each from Bing and Nat "King" Cole. For the past couple of days my background music at work has been a full-to-the-brim compilation CD of tracks taken from the Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack (always thought Vince Guaraldi's work on that wasn't appreciated as much as it should have been), and Christmas CDs from Diana Krall and Michael Buble.

Between them they cover most of the basics (sometimes two or three different versions of the same tune) and then some.

"Jingle Bells"
"Sleigh Ride"
"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"
"I'll be Home for Christmas"
"Let is Snow"
"Santa Claus is Coming to Town"
"O Tannenbaum"
"Christmas Time is Here" (the CB vocal version and a short musical reprise, plus Diana Krall's rendition)
"Count Your Blessing" (Krall again, with another tune from Holiday Inn, the film that gave us "White Christmas")
"Winter Wonderland" from Harry Connick's When Harry Met Sally soundtrack for variety and finally
"What Are You Doing for New Year's Eve" (Krall) as a holiday season capper.

Regards,

Joe
post #4 of 92

Re: Favorite & Least favorite Christmas songs.

I second "The Christmas Song" by Nat King Cole. There his just something about his voice that makes me like him, personally. A wonderful song sung by a wonderful singer.

I think my favorite album is "The Christmas Album" by the Manhattan Transfer. They do it right, love 'em.
post #5 of 92

Re: Favorite & Least favorite Christmas songs.

Favorite is "Silver Bells"
Least favorite "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer"
post #6 of 92

Re: Favorite & Least favorite Christmas songs.

I have many favorite Christmas songs (very few by today's singers). The song I can't stand is "Santa Baby", which caters to every negative portrayal of the overwhelming avarice of a golddigging female.
post #7 of 92

Re: Favorite & Least favorite Christmas songs.

Quote:
The song I can't stand is "Santa Baby", which caters to every negative portrayal of the overwhelming avarice of a golddigging female.

Yeah, but the women who sing it are usually hot and wearing skimpy outfits, so I'm willing to forgive the obvious sexism of the song itself.

Joe
post #8 of 92

Re: Favorite & Least favorite Christmas songs.

I like all the old classics, too many to list, but two favorite parady songs I haven't heard in years are "Jingle Hells Bells" sung by a Bon Scott sound-a-like and "I'll have a blue Christmas" by Seymour Swine, the stuttering porky pig impressionist.

Oh, B.T.W. happy birthday Joseph!
post #9 of 92
Thread Starter 

Re: Favorite & Least favorite Christmas songs.

I like the Chipmunks, too, was a childhood favorite of mine lol.
post #10 of 92
Thread Starter 

Re: Favorite & Least favorite Christmas songs.

Today's your b-day, Joseph? Happy birthday!
post #11 of 92

Re: Favorite & Least favorite Christmas songs.

I've got 635 Christmas songs on my iPod, so I'm the last guy to ask about "least favorites." Favorites are a little hard to roundup as well, but I'll list a few I like:

"Good Christian Men Rejoice" and "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks", both by the Louvin Brothers. The rest of the album is great as well.

"The Little Drummer Boy" by Arthur Lyman. The entire thing is punctuated by a drum line that builds in intensity over the course of the song. One of the reasons the exotica guys existed was to sell the benefits of Hi-Fi stereo, so they knew what they were doing. This track really pops, even today in the compressed mp3 format. Another great one is his "Auld Lang Syne," which has a firework effect throughout.

Alabama's first Christmas album in its entirety.

"O Holy Night"/"O Little Town of Bethlehem" by Nat King Cole.

Haven't heard it this year, but I liked SHeDAISY's "Jingle Bells" when I heard it last year. They gave it a new sound, and they're hot.

I've listened to Jim Croce's "It Doesn't Have to Be That Way" for years, and it was something of a shock when local radio stations started playing it last year. They're continuing with it this year.

The first least favorite that comes to mind is "Last Christmas" by Wham!. I'm not terribly fond of "Do They Know It's Christmas?." "There won't be snow in Africa this Christmas." Isn't that actually good news for them?
post #12 of 92

Re: Favorite & Least favorite Christmas songs.

My favorites are "Merry Christmas (I Don't Want To Fight Tonight)" by the Ramones and "Christmas in Hollis" by Run DMC.
post #13 of 92

Re: Favorite & Least favorite Christmas songs.

Quote:
Yeah, but the women who sing it are usually hot and wearing skimpy outfits, so I'm willing to forgive the obvious sexism of the song itself.

Joe
Yes, but as the hooker said in the bar scene in Walking Tall, looking is free. Oh, and and I hate the dorky male chorus that begins the song, making them all sound like idiots who will pay whatever she demands for the "privilege".
post #14 of 92
Thread Starter 

Re: Favorite & Least favorite Christmas songs.

I don't like the WHAM song, either, it's a hateful, spiteful song IMO.

It's basic message is "I opened my heart to you last year and you stomped on it, so you know what, bitch, this year i'm giving my heart to someone else who matters, so there."
post #15 of 92

Re: Favorite & Least favorite Christmas songs.

The original Santa Baby:



Eartha Kitt

And a recent pretender:



Kylie Minogue
post #16 of 92

Re: Favorite & Least favorite Christmas songs.

Lotsa good stuff here and I generally agree with all of you ! amazing, since musical tastes can be fickle amongst a group. Totally agree with the statement of the Charlie Brown music.

But I'll add Ed Ames' version of "Do You Hear What I Hear ?" (perfect arrangement in my book)

But the Christmas Season does not begin until I hear Christmas Wrapping by The Waitresses. A kooky gem.

Also, Christmas culminates for me with The Boston Pops Sleigh Ride all versions.

Plus, one song that I love to hate...so I listen to it each year and laugh my ass off is Bing Crosby's The White World of Winter
Must be heard to be appreciated. You can hear 30 seconds of it here:
Bing Crosby The white world of winter - Song - MP3 Stream on IMEEM Music
post #17 of 92

Re: Favorite & Least favorite Christmas songs.

Probably my favorite Christmas song is, "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas". There are especially four versions I enjoy the most: by Tori Amos, The Pretenders, Christina Aguilera, Carnie & Wendy Wilson.

My guilty pleasure Christmas song is the Muppets "Twelve Days of Christmas".
post #18 of 92
post #19 of 92

Re: Favorite & Least favorite Christmas songs.

I've always liked Father Christmas by the Kinks....

I have the Charlie Brown christmas special CD too from Guaraldi, a classic!

I also like Happy Christmas by John Lennon

...and I hate that Wham! song too...

Jay
post #20 of 92

Re: Favorite & Least favorite Christmas songs.

Another pretender to the "Santa Baby" throne - Heidi Klum:



And a short video clip:

YouTube - Heidi Klum Victoria's Secret Commercial - Christm


I tell you - that song's starting to grow on me.

And thanks everyone for the birthday greetings.

Regards,

Joe
post #21 of 92

Re: Favorite & Least favorite Christmas songs.

My favorite Christmas songs are:

-"Christmas In Hollis" by Run-DMC

-"Christmas Wrapping" by The Waitresses

-The version of "The 12 Days Of Christmas" that was performed by Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas as Bob And Doug McKenzie

-"Jingle Bell Rock" by Bobby Helms (I'm a major "Lethal Weapon" fan also).

-I don't know if it could be considered a Christmas song, but since it came from the 1988 movie "Scrooged", I'm going to mention Annie Lennox and Al Green's version of "Put A Little Love In Your Heart".

-"The Little Drummer Boy/Peace On Earth" by Bing Crosby and David Bowie

-Any version of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas". I enjoy it, but at the same time, it really gets me weeping. Even the version that was performed on the "South Park" episode "Mr. Hankey's Christmas Classics" was sad, if only because of the images of Mary Kay Bergman's characters (She had killed herself shortly before the end of 1999 and this was Trey Parker and Matt Stone's way of paying tribute to her).

-On a lighter "South Park" note, I love the song "Merry Fucking Christmas". At the end of the song, I love it when Mr. Garrison (voiced by Trey Parker) enters this half-singing/half-ranting attack on Japanese Christmas practices (or the lack thereof).

My least favorite Christmas song would have to be "Merry Xmas (War Is Over)" by John Lennon. It's so overbearing that I'm half-expecting Keenan Ivory Wayans to enter the song and yell out "MESSAGE!".

Sincerely,

John Kilduff...

Entering the home stretch for this season.
post #22 of 92

Re: Favorite & Least favorite Christmas songs.

Anyone else know John Prine's Christmas in Prison?

It was Christmas in prison
and the food was real good
we had turkey and pistols
carved out of wood...
post #23 of 92

Re: Favorite & Least favorite Christmas songs.

Favorite:
O Holy Night

Least favorite:
Jingle Bell Rock
post #24 of 92

Re: Favorite & Least favorite Christmas songs.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Joseph DeMartino
Another pretender to the "Santa Baby" throne - Heidi Klum:

Nicely done, Joseph...and with video proof to boot!

Oh...and Happy Birthday! Was it lousy, as a kid, having your birthday so close to Christmas?
post #25 of 92

Re: Favorite & Least favorite Christmas songs.

Its hard to pick just one favorite but my least favorite is Bruce Springsteen growling and croaking his way through 'Santa Claus is Coming to Town.'
post #26 of 92

Re: Favorite & Least favorite Christmas songs.

Good call on that one. Almost worse than Wham!, if not worse.
post #27 of 92

Re: Favorite & Least favorite Christmas songs.

Fave:

"O Come All Ye Faithful", by Twisted Sister. (High praise from an atheist.)

Least fave:

"Santa Claus is Comin' to Town", by the Pointer Sisters. Sassy 'til you gag. Please...just stop...
post #28 of 92

Re: Favorite & Least favorite Christmas songs.

Bare with me, I have my station's entire xmas music libary at my disposal. It's all oldies. And I have way too much time to waste today....

FAVs:

All the Gene Autrey tunes. I used to play that album all year round on my Mickey Mouse record player. I wish I still had both the album and the record player.

The entire Elvis Christmas album. Should be required for every Christmas fan. I'm not religious, but his version of Oh Little Town of Bethlehem is sufficiently nailed.

All the music from the Rankin/Bass specials. God, I love them all!! Espeical Frosty the snowman by Jimmy Durante. Escuse me while I cry my eyes out just thinking about that one.

My Favorite Things, the Supremes. Ross is a little rough around the edges on this, but the backing and amazing orchestration can't be beat.
The Bell that couldn't jingle, Herb Alpert. Wonderful 60s sounds on both of these.

The Twelve Pains at Christmas, Twisted Christmas. ONe of the funniest songs ever.
Santa Claus is watching you, Ray Stevens. The original version, not the redo from the 80s. The one with Claude the camel. Ray was a lunatic on this.

Do You Hear What I Hear, Ed Ames/Johnny Mathis
. Can't decide on the version. Along with Little Drummer Boy, this really takes you back to biblical times. Again, I'm not religious, but these tunes are so filled with emotion I can't help but be effected by them.

Jingle Bell Rock, Bobby Helms
. Rockin Around the Xmas Tree, Brenda Lee. The Chipmunks Song, Dave & the 'munks. It's Christmas, Marvin & Johnny. Just ain't christmas without these.

This Christmas, Donny Hathaway. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Tempations. <= best covers ever? => White Christmas, Drifters. Otis Redding, Merry xmas baby. Soulful Xmas.

All Nat King Cole's stuff.

Beatles Christmas message. Hard Day's Night + Christmas = this.

Sleigh Ride. Boston Pops.

Santa Baby, Eartha Kitt. Awesomely steamy. Makes you realize Santa gets laid sometimes too.

Least:
Put me down for that Springsteen tune as well. I hate that thing!! Espeically all the talking bits. The boss is overrated by a long shot!

Grandma got run over by a reindeer. Okay, so it was funny in 1980. But after that it induces vomiting.

Happy Christmas, John & Yoko. I'm sorry but this song is just too damn depressing. I don't like it around Christmas. Don't get me wrong, I like the song but not around christmas itself.

Frosty the snowman, Jan & Dean. I just want them to shut up.

Feliz Navidad, Jose Feliciano
. Sorry. It's just been played too much and I can't stand it. I make fun of it and call it "Fleas in the Yard."
post #29 of 92

Re: Favorite & Least favorite Christmas songs.

Add me for another Christmas Wrapping as on of my favorites - love that bass line.

2000 miles by The Pretenders
post #30 of 92

Re: Favorite & Least favorite Christmas songs.

Quote:
Was it lousy, as a kid, having your birthday so close to Christmas?

It sucked big time. Everybody would pony up an extra five bucks for a gift and then tell me it was for both. This was especially annoying when my mother put out the word that I needed "practical" gifts, like clothes. Nothing like opening two sweaters and no toys from Uncle Al and Aunt Gloria.

Actually we got some nice little traditions out of it, like decorating the Christmas tree and lighting it for the first time on my birthday.

My two nieces have it almost as bad. Angela was born on the December 26th, so her birthday gets squeezed into the margins of Christmas Eve or day, and her sister Kristy was born on January 25th when everybody is burned out (and spent out) from the holiday season and all the out-of-state family has long since come and gone. (So she tends to get one slightly bigger gift "for both" a month before her big day.)

When there girls were little and they lived close to me, I used to make it a point to go to their house on the actual birthdays with the presents. (Always a toy or game. I gave them clothes for Christmas.)

Regards,

Joe
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