Stuff I'm Listening To - Post Christmas Advent Edition - New Year's Eve

Artist: Die Toten Hosen
Lyrics by: Robbie Burns

Title: Auld Lang Syne

Lyrics(all):

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my jo,
for auld lang syne,
we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp!
and surely I'll be mine!
And we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

We twa hae run about the braes,
and pu'd the gowans fine;
But we've wander'd mony a weary foot,
sin auld lang syne.

We twa hae paidl'd i' the burn,
frae morning sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
sin auld lang syne.

And there's a hand, my trusty fiere!
and gie's a hand o' thine!
And we'll tak a right gude-willy waught,
for auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my jo,
for auld lang syne,
we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp!
and surely I'll be mine!
And we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

Why?: So what the heck is an 'Auld Lang Syne' means "Old Long Since". Other than that, I can't tell you much more about this song that nobody seems to know the words to. So for you, posted above, full Scottish lyrics. 

As I said before, Christmas lacks decent punk songs. So let's end/start off the year right, shall we because nothing says new year's like a German punk band belting out a Scottish song, right? 

Happy New Year's everyone! Thanks for sticking with me this long. Here's to the roaring 20's!

Stuff I'm Listening to - Post Christmas Advent - December 30th

Artist: King Curtis

Title: What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?

Why?: Sometimes that soulful voice comes not so much from someone's voice, but purely from the instruments alone. This song sits quite nicely between Vince Guaraldi and Otis Redding on my seasonal playlist. I really have nothing more to add save that I only recently discovered this song and have immediately plunked it onto my playlist. Just sit back and enjoy. :)

Stuff I'm Listening To - Post Christmas Advent - December 26th

Artist: Blink 182

Title: Boxing Day

Favourite Lyrics: 
I'm empty like the day after Christmas

Why?: I actually had no idea there was any Boxing Day music until just now. So naturally, I'm sharing it with you. 

All I really remember about Boxing Day is how many stores have Boxing Day sales and the sheer volume of people and retailers who don't know what Boxing Day is about, hence the pair of boxing gloves you will often see paired with advertising in Canada and I assume other countries that still celebrate it. 

For the record, it has to do with gratuities for service people.

Stuff I'm Listening To - The Christmas Advent Edition - December 25th

Artist: Band Aid

Title: Do They Know It's Christmas?

Lyrics:
And the Christmas bells that ring there are the clanging chimes of doom
Well tonight thank God it's them instead of you

Why?: I'm not here to debate this song with anyone. For me, this list was about putting up songs that captured the spirit of Christmas, or were at least uplifting and/or hilarious. Something to make one happy, smile, laugh. This song immediately puts me firmly in the middle of the 80s, a time that was the summer of my life. I was young, innocent and having a blast. And then Bob Geldof comes along and makes us take note that not everyone is happy, and we should pay attention. People need help in the world. 

I know Bob has a general dislike of this song afterwards. But the main reason I love this song today is because it really did come from the heart. Bob saw a documentary about the famine in Ethiopia and was so moved, he did everything in his power to raise awareness and money to help.  

If you followed me out this far, I humbly thank you. It's been weird and wonderful putting this list together. I've discovered more than 25 songs and have tucked them away for next time. If there was anything I excluded that you thought should have come in, let me know. Perhaps I wasn't aware of it.  

I want to wish everyone who reads this a very Merry Christmas, happy holiday season, whatever it is you may celebrate (let me know if you want, what holidays you celebrate! I'm always interested in learning new things!). Best wishes for the new year.

Stuff That I'm Listening To - Christmas Advent Edition - December 24th

Artist: The Pogues

Title: Fairytale of New York

Lyrics:
I could have been someone
Well so could anyone
You took my dreams from me
When I first found you
 
I kept them with me babe
I put them with my own
Can't make it all alone
I've built my dreams around you

Why?: 
I think some of the best stories are told through songs.

This song has been a regular on my Christmas playlist since I first heard it many years ago. I admit, I didn't like the song at first. My tastes at the time were geared towards top 40 pop. This most certainly did not fit that criteria. But the song got it's fair share of airplay on MuchMusic and it grew on me. And I started to listen to the lyrics.

The great thing about this song is that it grabs you by the Christmas feels. It's sentimental and joyful and sad, but hopeful and full of love. Not the fairy tale happily ever after love either. The dirty, nitty gritty, feisty love. We fight, we make up. We love each other even when we hate each other. I fully admit I get a bit weepy at the above lyrics. 

Merry Christmas Eve! And Merry Christmas to future peeples on the other side of the planet.

Stuff I'm Listening To - The Christmas Advent Edition - December 23rd (Tibb's Eve)

Artist: Simani

Title: The Mummer's Song (Any Mummers Allowed In?)

Favourite Lyrics: 
Ah, be careful the lamp! Now hold on to the stove.
Don't you swing Granny hard, 'cause you know that she's old.
And never you mind how you buckles the floor
'Cause the mummers have danced here before.

Why?:
In Newfoundland, Tibb's eve is apparently the first day in the advent where you're allowed to have a drink. So naturally, the evening has been designated as a great excuse to get together and have a drink, or two, with friends, before settling in with family for Christmas.

Then there's mummers. Newfoundland is the only place in Canada that has mummers. Mummering, from my limited knowledge of my husband's motherland, is like Hallowe'en for adults. You get dressed in disguises and go to people's houses. You go in if the homeowners are ok with it, there's singing and dancing involved and free booze. It's basically a Kitchen Party. 

Happy Tibb's Eve to all my Newfie friends and family. Have a great fun and safe evening!
 

Stuff I'm Listening to Christmas Advent Edition - December 22nd

Artist: Sting

Title: Gabriel's Message

Favourite Lyrics:

Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head
"To me be as it pleaseth God, " she said,
"My soul shall laud and magnify His holy name."
Most highly favored lady, Gloria, Gloria

Why?: I think Sting has a lovely voice and is just perfect for Christmas carols. Apologies for the lateness of this post. I'm still in Christmas crunch time. Such is my life. This song is beautiful and a good slow, reflective counterpoint to the last minute frantic-ness that is the Christmas season for me.

Stuff I'm Listening To - The Christmas Advent Edition - Yule - December 21st

Artist: the Eurythmics

Title: Winter Wonderland

Lyrics:

Later on we'll conspire
As we dream by the fire
To face unafraid, the plans that we've made
Walking in a winter wonderland

Why?: 
Annie Lennox has an amazing voice. I wasn't aware of this version until about ten years ago when I made it a mission to fill my mp3 player with Christmas songs I liked for the season instead of having to listen to the drivel that top 40 radio deemed appropriate holiday music. In my travels, this came up. Between this and "Put A Little Love In Your Heart" I'm generally happy to hear it. Unlike Paul McCartney and David Bowie/Bing Crosby's songs that get overplayed starting in October. 

The Eurythmics made this their song. It's not super jangly and grating. If you didn't know it for a Christmas carol, it could easily have become part of their regular set list so far as I'm concerned. Like Last Christmas by Wham!, this song sometimes sneaks into my regular playlist because Annie Lennox is such an amazing singer.

It's been a lovely blustery winter in Toronto in the last few days. Feels utterly Christmassy! I think it's a great song and a great way to celebrate the Winter Solstice. That being said... They're forecasting 10ºC on Monday. The chances of us having a white Christmas are quickly dwindling. You may hear me weeping and blasting Otis' version of White Christmas come Monday if all the snow is gone.

And for my dear friends on the other side of the planet, happy Summer Solstice!

Stuff I'm Listening To - The Christmas Advent Edition - December 20th

Artist: Dropkick Murphys

Title: The Season's Upon Us

Lyrics:

The season's upon us, it's that time of year
Brandy and eggnog, there's plenty of cheer
There's lights on the trees and there's wreaths to be hung
There's mischief and mayhem and songs to be sung

Why?:
Christmas crunch time approaches! Finished all your shopping? (me: Hell nope!) Ready to face the family? (Me: Actually, sure. I like my family. But feels for anyone who doesn't. I've heard horror stories. Take heart. It's only one day!) Why the short post? Because it's crunch time. How much do you want to bet I'm not last minute gas station shopping for gifts?



In the meantime, enjoy this great tune.

Stuff I'm Listening To - Christmas Advent Edition - December 19th

Trigger Warning: Mariah Carey ahead. 

Artist: Mariah Carey

Title: All I Want For Christmas is You

Favourite Lyrics: 
'Cause I just want you here tonight
Holding on to me so tight
What more can I do?
Cause baby all I want for Christmas is you

Why?: DON'T JUDGE ME! This is a guilty pleasure for me. 

A couple of things to note here: 
     a) I never worked retail so this song doesn't assault me as it does for some people. 
     b) If you hate this song, as I noted yesterday, you can change the channel, or in this case, don't hit play. 
     c) Yes, it's hokey drivel but then, what catchy Christmas song isn't?

Besides, there's some real truth behind the sappy sentiment in those quoted lyrics above. One day Paul may one day realise, I don't need anything else for Christmas. Okay! Everyone all together now... "Awwwww". 😍

Stuff I'm Listening To - Christmas Advent Edition - December 18th - Tom Jones and Cerys Matthews

Artist: Tom Jones and Cerys Matthews

Title: Baby It's Cold Outside

Favourite Lyrics:

There's bound to be talk tomorrow (think of my lifelong sorrow)
At least there will be plenty implied (if you got pnuemonia and died)

Why?:
While I know the original version, this Tom Jones version was the first I'd ever heard. 

Of course, in recent context, even I was "Wow. Dude clearly can't take no for an answer". But it's a narrative. Most songs, books, movies, TV shows, etc. are works of fiction or commentary. This song is a story! A dialogue between two adults! Not all stories have a moral ending. Sometimes they're just there for the sake of being. 

The song is dated. But after a few listens, I was on the "this is just cute and hilarious couple banter" team. The lyrics are funny. Kudos to Frank Loesser for this lovely bit: 'Think of my lifelong sorrow if you got pneumonia and died'. To toss in the word 'pneumonia' into a song deserves some credit! 

Last year people (read: the media) took the issue of this song and blew it out of proportion. Some people took the lyrics out of context and were offended. It got pulled off the air. I inwardly cringed at the fiasco. I had bad stuff going on in my life last year so the pettiness made me hate everyone. Honestly. There's a point where you have to stop and remember not everything from the past is going to fit nicely in the present by our standards. Better to understand that this song was written in 1949. And there are more serious things in this world to worry about than dated song lyrics.

Many things we like are dated. Try watching "A Christmas Story" or "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and not cringe on the cultural and societal incorrect moments. (Need help? The scene at the end of a Christmas Story where Chinese waiters are making an attempt to sing "Deck the Halls". Or the line in 'Rudolph' where his dad tells the women reindeer to stay at home because searching for his lost son was "Man's work." and the whole bullying undertone running through the whole story).

Christmas is about the nostalgia. It brings you back to the times you perceived as happier.

Enjoy the song for what it is, playful, risque banter between two adults and let's move along, shall we?

Stuff I'm Listening To - The Christmas Advent Edition - December 17th

Artist: Tim Pope

Title: I Want To Be A Tree


Lyrics:
From the very beginnings, of history
Man's not seen the wood for the trees
Now they're all busy planning World War Three
We are all invited, so can't you see why

Why?: 
So you might be thinking, she's a Talk Talk fan. They never put out a holiday album. How's she going to sneak them into this list? Ok. You might not have been thinking it, but I certainly was. And then I discovered this ditty at the beginning of this year. 

I present this weird and wonderful piece by the legendary Tim Pope, which from what I recall was to be a commentary on how video directors were starting to get more attention than the musicians themselves. His self-depreciating joke of a video, which features cameo appearances from his friends from Paul Young, Soft Cell, Style Council, Siouxsie and the Banshees, the Cure and of course, Mark Hollis from Talk Talk (video linked below). He scored a record deal after this video was played. Seems the joke went over the companies heads.

And how is this a Christmas song? Pfffffft.. My list, my rules. He's singing about wanting to be a tree. That's why.

Stuff I'm Listening To - The Christmas Advent Edition - December 16th

Artist: Nigel Kennedy

Composer: Antonio Vivaldi

Title: Concerto No. 4 in F minor, Op. 8, RV 297, "Winter" (L'inverno)

Why?: 
I remember when Nigel Kennedy started to become 'famous'. Suddenly, there were people who never had any interest in classical music watching him perform. He dressed like a rock star, acted like a rock star, had stage presence like a rock star and made his violin do things that left your mouth open in a wordless 'o'. 

I also recall reading the story of how Talk Talk made him tape his fingers together when he guested on their album Sprit of Eden because he played too many notes. When you watch him play this statement makes complete sense. 

While this isn't specifically a "Christmas" song, it's certainly a seasonal one. If Winter needed theme music, this is it. The whole concerto is worth a listen. It's something to hear live, so I highly recommend if your local city's symphony orchestra is set to perform it, go. It's always a delight to hear. I'm sure it was amazing if you got to see Nigel live. I have not, but will certainly try one day. 

I love winter and it's pretty clear to me that Vivaldi did too. 

Stuff I'm Listening To - The Christmas Advent Edition - December 15th

Artist: Erasure

Title: She Won't Be Home

Lyrics:

And I wanted to say to you
How much I want to be with you
I wanted to say to you
How much I need to be with you

Christmas time comes once a year
She knows this time he won't be near

 
Why?:
Erasure laid the teary sentiments on super thick with this song. Remember how I said that a sad story song will just be that much more emotional if you use Christmas as a backdrop? Yeah. 

I get a bit annoyed by the lyrics of this song though. I mean... all the lovely wonderful sentiments are there, but why put so much pressure on Christmas? If I'm going to visit friends and family, any time of the year should be ok and should be just as meaningful. A lot of the memories associated with my Christmas tree ornaments have more to do with my friends and family than the holiday itself. If Christmas is going to be a time for family and friends, and those family and friends can't be with you, then it should be a time of quiet reflection and remembrance of fun times of long ago and fun times to come.

Honestly, this song is three and a half minutes of great synth-pop and it makes it's way onto my regular playlist often. Instrumentally, it's a nice pop piece. And then Andy Bell's beautiful voice... he's definitely a choir boy all grown up. I've always loved his voice and I think it lends itself wonderfully to Christmas songs. They did a beautiful rendition of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" on their Crackers International Part 2 album (linked below). And actually put out a Christmas album which I was today years old when I discovered this (hangs head in shame).

Stuff I'm Listening To - Christmas Advent Edition - December 14th

Artist: Tom Waits

Title: Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis

Lyrics: 

And hey Charley I think about you
Everytime I pass a fillin' station
On account of all the grease
You used to wear in your hair
And I still have that record
Of little Anthony & the Imperials

But someone stole my record player
How do you like that?

Why?:
I really enjoy songs that have a story to tell. There are some pretty great songs that use Christmas time as a place to tell you a story that's going to stick to your feels. Even George Michael knew that. His is a typical story of heartbreak, but toss in that it happened on Christmas and suddenly a run of the mill breakup story comes with that much more "Aww".

Tom Waits is one of those phenomenal song writers that are great story tellers too. And honestly, he could have pulled off this song without adding Christmas to it. There is one song writer on Instagram I follow that I think falls into that category of great song writer, great story teller. A quick browse through his (*cough* @rustinmanofficial *cough*) Instagram and you wonder why for is he not writing a book? Read through the comments on any of his posts. I'm not the only one that thinks so.


While 'Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis' is most certainly NOT a Christmas carol, it's definitely got something to say. I love Tom's husky raspy voice. I love the way he can just sit there at a piano and belt out this song like he's making it up on the spot. I feel like I'm in some dive bar and he's the musician on for the night. I could easily sit there nursing that beer in a questionably clean glass for hours, and go through a pack of cigarettes (when I used to smoke) listening to the stories he wanted to tell that night.
 
And I would come back the next night, just to see if he's got more stories to tell.
Such is the power of Tom Waits voice and story telling. 

Special thanks to Instabuddy @Alla who posted a list of some pretty great songs that had me revising this Advent list last minute. I'd forgotten about this song.

Stuff I'm Listening To - Christmas Advent Edition - December 13th

Artist: the Ramones

Title: Merry Christmas (I Don't Want To Fight Tonight)

Lyrics:

I love you and you love me
And that's the way it's got to be
I knew it from the start
'Cause Christmas ain't the time for breaking each other's heart

Why?:
I would be a liar to tell you Christmas is all sparkles and joy. It isn't, as most of you should know. The holiday has some downright depressing facts attached to it. Depressing things that happen around the holidays seem so much more painful. I won't get into it here.

I like contrast because it provides much needed perspective for me. It's easy to get caught up in the commercialism of the holiday. I watch people get stressed and being the way I am, I tend to absorb all that negativity and I'll have anxiety for most of December and now you know why a lot of songs on my Advent are comedic ones. After a while though, the fake plastic snow, fake smiles, fake holiday sentiment gets under your skin. Yup. That's me, yelling "Bah! Humbug!" from my car, or grumbling it in the extra long liquor store line.

This is around the time I'll toss in some of the more poignant and real songs between the funnier or sentimental ones that I usually play. This is one of the songs and videos that transitions between being able to laugh about the holiday, a little bit of sentiment and some real commentary about couples fighting around Christmas, but ultimately, you get over it. Plus, as I've said before, Christmas needs more punk music.

Stuff I'm Listening To - The Christmas Advent Edition - December 12th

Artist: Bob and Doug McKenzie (Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas)

TItle: The Twelve Days of Christmas

Favourite Line: Boy, that song was a beauty. It moved me...

Why?: Good day, eh? True to their Canadian roots, Bob and Doug McKenzie added this Christmas song on their album in order to help advise struggling shoppers on what to get their loved ones for Christmas. The result, classic Canadian comedy gold. 

This song only seems to get less than average airplay on the radio these last few Christmas seaons which is a shame. It's part of my Canadian heritage anyway. For those not in the know, Bob and Doug started as a filler spot on the show SCTV, which birthed the careers of many famous faces. John Candy, Catherine O'Hara, Martin Short... all SCTV alumni. The network needed two minutes of Canadian content to fill the Canadian version of the show (the American version cut back to allow for more ad space). Bob and Doug were born of this need. The first sketches were completely ad-libbed by Rick and Dave, utilizing of all the Canadian stereotypes they could think of.

Before you dismiss their greatness, please bear in mind, they got Geddy Lee of Rush to play and sing on the Great White North album where this song is from. If ever there was a doubt on the greatness of Bob and Doug, having Geddy Lee was their version of a mic drop right there. Below, the song on the album that features the most amazing Geddy Lee, "Take Off".

Because "Ten bucks is ten bucks".

Stuff I'm Listening To - The Christmas Advent Edition - December 11th

Artist: the Barenaked Ladies

Title: Jingle Bells

Favourite Lyrics: 
Jingle bells
Batman smells
Robin laid an egg 
Batmobile lost it's wheel and the Joker got away

Why?:
I mentioned a while ago that I love acapella bands because they always seem to look like they're having fun. That also goes for these guys. Watch any of their live shows. They're having a blast. They hail from the same part of Toronto that I'm from and they will always have a soft spot in my heart. 

Kudos to my fellow Scarberians for adding the coveted Batman lyrics to their recording of the song. Yeah... it's a terrible song, but it's so much fun to sing. And the additional Batman lyrics, no matter how old you are, are funny. Don't believe me? Be the first person to teach a kid those lyrics. You won't be able to suppress your own laughter watching the kids giggle when they sing those lyrics for the first time. Especially fun when there's a school pageant involved. Christmas is supposed to be fun for the children. And being innocently naughty is always fun.

I fully admit I was partially responsible for belting out the forbidden Batman lyrics when I was in junior school. It happened so many times in my youth. It is always a fun memory. And each memory is the same, by the time it was in full swing, the teachers had lost control and everyone was laughing, even some of the teachers though they'll never admit it to their students. Good holiday fun.

Stuff I'm Listening To - The Christmas Advent Edition - December 10th

Artist: Celine Dion

Title: Petit Papa Noel

Lyrics: 

C'est la belle nuit de Noël
La neige étend son manteau blanc
Et les yeux levés vers le ciel

Why?: 

When I was in grade 7, our French teacher decided we needed some culture and made us listen to Celine Dion before Celine Dion made it big and started singing in English. In true hipster fashion, I can tell you thanks to Mr. Harris, I knew about Celine before Titanic. 

For the record, I don't recall if this was one of the songs he made us listen to by her, but he did play a version of this song. It stuck in my head and I actually quite like the song. It's cute and is mean to be super sentimental.

A lot of things happened to me when I was in grade 7 (read: I discovered boys!). So this song is exceptionally good at laying on the nostalgia super thick for me. 

I remember this really nice, cute blond guy who I had a crush on since grade 4 and he knew it. He ended up going out with my best friend at the time. I wasn't really mad. He made it clear he wasn't into me, but he liked me fine as a friend. In fact, most of the boys I liked in school made it pretty clear they weren't into me. I remember one boy told me it was because I was so weird. I shrugged it off outwardly at the time (inside, it hurt, but I'm not here to make anyone go, 'Awww' and feel sorry for me today. I'll save my tearjerkers for later). But if you couldn't handle me at my subtle weirdness, you certainly weren't going to handle me at all with the weirdness cranked to eleven.

Ultimately, of all the guys I wanted to date, he was the one who let me down gently, by staying my friend and treating me no differently than he did before. We stayed friends up until he passed away two years ago. He was a super sweet guy and a great father. I see updates about his kids on his Facebook page occasionally and I know he'd be happy and proud of them. He was only a year older than me. 

This is the time of year that has my mind going back to things long forgotten (or put aside because I didn't want to deal with feelings at that time). My friend is not long forgotten by any means, but some of my intense feelings for him have become a distant memory. I hadn't thought about him as being the subject of my childhood crush in many years. When he passed away I didn't have a chance to attend his memorial, so I never really got to share any of my personal memories of him with anyone else. I'm not sure why this song reminded me of him the other day when I found this song again after many years. He wasn't very good at French. Perhaps it may have been because he was forced to play Santa Claus at school once because he was the biggest guy in class. Memory is a weird thing.

Stuff I'm Listening to - The Christmas Advent Edition - December 9th

Artist: Big Bird and the Swedish Chef

Title: The Christmas Song

Lyrics:

And so, I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it's been said, many times, many ways
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to you

Why?: As you may have already heard, Caroll Spinney passed away yesterday. He was the voice and puppeteer behind the giant canary on Sesame Street. It was necessary for me to make note of this. Sesame Street and the Muppets occupied a huge chunk of my childhood so it was a sad moment yesterday when I heard the news. 

I loved Big Bird because he was the voice for the children. He was a giant child that everyone in the community took care of and taught. He was innocent and caring. I had stopped watching Sesame Street when Mr. Hooper passed away and when they addressed the issue of Mr. Snuffleupagus being real versus imaginary. But what I loved about those points of the show was the fact that they didn't shy away from the difficult topics (Mr. Hooper's passing) and they were willing to admit they might have gotten something wrong and addressed it (Mr. Snuffleupagus finally sticking around long enough for the adults to meet him because parents were getting concerned that Big Bird was not being believed when it was clear to the audience of small children that Snuffy was real). 

As for this song, it's your typical cheesy holiday sentiments. I have no real attachment to it. I'm not saying it's a bad song by any means. All Christmas carols much be composed of at least 33% cheesy holiday sentiments or it doesn't quality as a carol, and must be noted on the packaging. I'm sure it's law somewhere. The same law that says it's champagne versus sparking wine.

Nat King Cole does a wonderful rendition of this song. The remake where his daughter Natalie was able to have a 'duet' with her father, also beautiful but then, sad all at once when you really start to think about it (don't... this post is already sad enough). But this Muppets clip is sentimental, funny and meaningful all at once. True to Big Bird's innocent nature, he's clueless on why the Swedish Chef wanted to speak with him. His only thought of this person, he'd apparently only met that day, was he was so far from home and gifted him some chocolate to brighten his Christmas. If that's not just perfect for what Christmas, Sesame Street and Big Bird is all about, I don't know what is.

Stuff I'm Listening to - The Christmas Advent Edition - December 8th

Artist: Otis Redding

Title: White Christmas

Favourite Lyrics: 

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know

Why?: Special thanks to Instabuddies @alla.pw who presented a list of holiday hits for me to go through and my vinyl sensei @threadpennyvinyl who verified just how great this version was before I had a chance to sit and have a listen. 

I must sadly admit before this year, I think I only knew two songs by Otis Redding ('Sitting on the Dock of the Bay' and 'These Arms of Mine'). So far as Christmas carols go, this is one of those lovely hit-you-in-the-feels carols that are full of sentiment with a dash of melancholy. When sung right, the song makes one feel a little blue and nostalgic. When Otis sings, you're floored. There's no snow, and this is completely devastating. I can relate. I'm a winter baby and I live for this season. 

In Canada, the definition for a white Christmas is determined by the amount of snow on the ground at 7:00 a.m. on Christmas day. 2 cm or more, and Otis and I aren't lamenting over it. For the record, for the past 61 years in Toronto, the score for white Christmases is 20. Not great odds. Back in the day, the odds for a White Christmas in Toronto was also 50%. in the last 30 years, it's dropped to a 45% chance. 

I'm still holding out.



 

Stuff I'm Listening To - The Christmas Advent Edition - December 7th

Artist: After Hours

Title: Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Favourite Lyrics:

He see you when you're sleeping
He knows when you're awake
He knows if you've been bad or good
So be good for goodness sake



Why?: You know what's really great about this a capella group? I know one of the founding members personally. (That's not actually the reason these guys are great, but I figure I owe him since we've been fighting about winter on Facey and the weather for Summer Boy has really been pretty ick. I love winter so I've been rubbing in it his face every chance I get, including now, because he's going to see this blog post). He's a really great guy. Went to college with him. I discovered he had this a capella group with a few of his high school friends. I went to see them in concert and they're really, really good. 

Remember what I said about the a capella groups and how they look like they're having so much fun? These guys, clearly singing because they love singing. And you hear it.

If you're in the Toronto area on December 14th and want to see some straight up awesome guys who are singing because they love it, drop by. I've posted the link for the event and on how to get tickets and stuff here - LINK

Failing that, they're preforming at the Toronto Pearson International Airport, Terminal 1 in the arrivals by door C and the Christmas Tree between 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. So if you're coming back to the YYZ or waiting for someone to arrive around that time, you'll have some sweet music to greet you.

Stuff I'm Listening To - The Christmas Advent Edition - December 6th

Artist: Straight No Chaser

Title: The Christmas Can-Can

Favourites Lyrics: 

Christmas, Christmas time is here, and Christmas songs you love to hear
thoughts of joy and hope and cheer, but mostly shopping, shopping, shopping
Christmas. Christmas time is here, the sleigh bells and red nosed deer
songs and songs we love to hear all played a thousand times each year

Why?: 

If you were going to explain to someone what Christmas was all about these days, this would be the song I'd pull up for reference. 

The lyrics fall into the category of "it's funny because it's true." And do you laugh or cry because of the validity of it? As I said before, I chose to laugh. These guys are good and their shows are funny.

I discovered many moons ago I was a big fan of a capella and doo-wop music. Something about harmonizing barbershop quartets, giant choirs and generally, the amazing range of the human voice, is tremendously fascinating to me, largely because I don't sing myself. I think I love a capella groups such as these guys because they look like they're having so much fun.

Straight No Chaser also do this lovely arrangement of "The Twelve Days of Christmas". It's perfect for the busy person. Need to get your Christmas fix on and a bit of 80s goodness for good measure but only have about three minutes and a half to spare for it? Look no further.... 

Stuff I’m listening to - Christmas Advent Edition - December 5th

 
Artist: No Doubt

Title: Oi to the World

Favourite Lyrics:

If God came down on Christmas Day
I know exactly what he'd say
He'd say "Oi to the punks and Oi to the skins
But Oi to the world and everybody wins!"

Why?: 
Because Christmas needs more punk music! So... I wish I could tell you what it is about No Doubt and their cover songs that attract me so. I have no answers. This catchy piece was actually written and originally recorded by some friends of theirs, a group called the Vandals. Their version is posted below. 

No Doubt were asked to contribute a song to the charity album "A Very Special Christmas - Vol. 3" and decided to cover this. And why not? It fits with the sentiment of Christmas. Peace on Earth. Goodwill towards men. Both versions of the song certainly spice up the holiday playlist for me. No Doubt made a cute and funny video to accompany this song with a rather simple tale of with the moral 'be nice to each other'. It's simple. It's feel good. Christmas should be a time to be happy, so all things comedy are going to be welcome. And don't over think it. Don't be bitching at me about how Punk was more political back in the day. Yeah, it was. New punk can be, but the pop-punk stuff, not so much. But I'll tell you one thing that hasn't quite gotten lost. Punk still has a sense of humour.  

Oi!
 

Stuff I’m listening to - The Christmas Advent Edition - December 4th

Artist: Wham!

Title: Last Christmas

Favourite Lyrics: 

Last Christmas I gave you my heart
But the very next day you gave it away

Why?:
Have I mentioned lately I never left the 80s? 

I think this song is great. It actually doesn't sound like a Christmas song until you hear the sleigh bells part way through. It's your typical 80s new wave synthpop. And it doubles as a Christmas song that's going to be overplayed at every single party you go do. Take heart. There are far worse offerings out there (looks at Mariah Carey). George Michael was a great singer and song writer and this song gets a bum rap because radio stations don't know what else to do in December. One can, after all, only play Band Aid so many times before Sir Bob Geldof himself calls in to complain.

Stuff I'm Listening To - The Christmas Advent Edition - December 3rd

Artist: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

Title: The Little Drummer Boy

Lyrics:

I played my drum for him
Pa rum pum pum pum
I played my best for him
Pa rum pum pum pum,
Rum pum pum pum,
Rum pum pum pum

Then he smiled at me
Pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum

 
Why?: Clearly nothing says Christmas like Joan Jett, right? I've always loved Joan Jett. She's an awesome musician, one of those few and far between strong female role models I had during the 80s. I honestly had no idea she'd recorded this song which was featured on a re-release of her classic 'I Love Rock and Roll' album. Of all the versions of this song, I'd have to say this is certainly my favourite. Also, what's not to love about the story that baby Jesus liked good drummers?

The stop motion cartoon by Rankin-Bass that came out back in the 70s did their best to recreate their success that they had with 'Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer'. It was their  dressed up tale of this Christmas carol. I can't say with much certainty that it was one I enjoyed watching and for the life of me, I honestly don't know why. It's quite possible I found it to be too slow and I couldn't relate to the mouthy brat that was the Little Drummer Boy.

Mediocre cartoon aside, I've always like this carol because it was one of the few I was able to remember the words to. Easy to sing, hard to screw up. As far as carols go, it too had this reminder that sometimes the best gifts aren't material ones. A gift from the heart, the gift of music is priceless. 

I found out in my internet travels that the Trapp Family Singers (Yeah, the von Trapps of 'Sound of Music' fame) recorded this song way back in 1951. Feel free to blow the dust of that one next trivia evening.

Also, because I've discovered tossing together little collages of photos in Instgram is fun, here is the initial layout of the photo, featuring some of my favourite drummers along with Joan. 
(Photo credits: The following photos are screen captures from the videos noted: Aron from 'The Little Drummer Boy' - produced by Rankin Bass, Joan Jett from 'I Love Rock and Roll', Lee Harris of Talk Talk from 'Live in Montreau', Roger Taylor of Duran Duran from 'The Reflex'. Photo of Neil Peart of Rush by Jesse Grant. Photo of Animal of Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem (the Muppets) (who's drumming was performed by Ronnie Verrell) from Drummerworld.com. Photo of Buddy Rich from the Michael Ochs Archive.)

Stuff I’m listening to - The Christmas Advent Edition - December 2nd

Artist: Vince Guaraldi

Title: Christmas Time Is Here

Favourite Lines from the Show: 
Lucy Van Pelt: I know how you feel about all this Christmas business, getting depressed and all that. It happens to me every year. I never get what I really want. I always get a lot of stupid toys or a bicycle or clothes or something like that.

Charlie Brown: What is it you want?
Lucy Van Pelt: Real estate.

Why?: Honestly. I think this is one of the best holiday soundtracks to have playing. It's pleasantly jazzy piano music that happens to be Christmassy. Ever be sitting there and wondering why you're suddenly warm and fuzzy and then you realise it's because Vince Guaraldi is playing? He has the power to give me warm fuzzies. 

Sad though that both Dr. Seuss and Charles Schultz were truly disenfranchised with how commercialized Christmas had become and this was over 40 years ago. These classic tales that have become part of our Christmas television watching traditions were desperately trying to remind us all what the true meaning of Christmas is. It's about time with family and loved ones. Presents should be secondary to the time you spend with family. Has it gotten better? I don't know. I know it has for me. I spend time with family. I spend time with my husband, even if he's stuck working (I'll actually head out and bring dinner to him and we sit in the office and have our time together). That's what matters.

Stuff I'm Listening To - The Christmas Advent Edition - December 1st

Artist: Thurl Ravenscroft

Title: You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch

Favourite Lyrics: 

You're a crooked dirty jockey and you drive a crooked hoss, Mr. Grinch You're a three decker sauerkraut and toadstool sandwich with arsenic sauce!

Why?:
It's so sad. Nobody writes lyrics like this anymore! 

What better way to start a great (heh!)* season of consumerism by reminding everyone that this isn't what Christmas is about? And yet... here we are again. I like Christmas. I really do. I'm just not into the intense commercialism of it. For me, it was always the day when mom and dad were both home. It used to be a quiet day when I was young. Nothing was open.  My mom even shut down our little corner store for the day to sit, relax, and watch whatever movies were on television that day. Mind you, we would occasionally get a phone call from a neighbour asking if we were open (or mind opening up) and if we had batteries, cranberry sauce, gravy and various other food items and gift wrap paper and tape. But it wasn't a big deal. The store was attached to the house. The neighbour would come by, it would be a quick transaction and mom was back inside, watching a movie with us. This was one of those movies. Mom would sometimes hum along to the music. 

*Thurl Ravenscroft's voice should sound familiar. He is, after all, the voice of Kellog's Tony the Tiger.