The 2010 playlist:
1.) 2010 intro
Just a minute! Taking inspiration from Elliot Lawrence's amazing album (of which "Jingle Bells" is used), my family and I greet you at the door.
2.) The Aussie Singers - Merry Christmas Land
This was one of the first songs I listened to searching my Christmas music collection back in August. The tune has been stuck inside my head ever since. When my children overheard it, they began singing it around the house for months. So why should I suffer alone? Here it is - MERRY CHRISTMAS!
3.) The De John Singers - That's How Santa Claus Will Look This Year
Found this 45 single on eBay earlier this year. Another song the kids overheard and fell in love with so it was paired with their other favorite.
4.) Excerpt from "The Lemon Drop Kid" / Stuck In The Chimney Again
A quick snippet with Bob Hope & William "Fred Mertz" Frawley leads into Darius Holbert's short Christmas song.
5.) Linnzi Zaorski - Shimmy On Down My Chimney
My friend Stubby included this one on one of his amazing comps last year which prompted me to visit CDBaby to purchase the entire album. Isn't that what Christmas is all about?
6.) Johnny Long & His Orchestra - Jingle Bells (Vocal by Francey Lane and the Ensemble)
Purchased at a flea market many moons ago but unable to transfer since my old turntable didn't do 78s, this hip 1947 version of this song transferred easy on the new turntable.
7.) Jimmy Fallon & The Roots - Xmas Medley (Live at Macy's Thanksgiving Parade 2009)
You never know what you'll see at a Macy's Thanksgiving Parade (with the exception of Santa Claus at the end). So when a giant Gibson guitar drove down the street with Jimmy and the Roots, I knew we were in store for something cool.
8.) Aimee Mann - I'll Be Home For Christmas
This has quickly become my favorite version of this song. Partly because of Aimee, partly because of the song's intro that Aimee chose to sing that other artists delete.
9.) Pink Martini - Do You Hear What I Hear?
When I saw their amazing PBS special, I was hooked. Since then, I've been patiently waiting for a December when they would release a Christmas album. It happened this year - it's a fantastic album that you should go get for yourself.
10.) Thomas M. Lauderdale - Holiday Table Decoration Demonstration
Taken from a YouTube video. This guy definitely knows his stuff decking out a table! And I hear he plays a pretty good piano.
11.) Max Raabe & Palast Orchester - O Tannenbaum
My friend Mark Handy asked if I had heard about this band's Christmas album. I checked my master spreadsheet, found a single MP3, I listened, I was hooked, and the album was purchased the next day. Great suggestion Mark!
12.) Herman Apple Ses Carillons Et Ses Percussions - Le Bonhomme De Neige (Frosty The Snowman)
The perfect follow up to Max & Palast Orchester. And if you haven't listened to this Herman Apple album, click on the link and check it out!
13.) Excerpt from the "Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations" Holiday Special
In a single paragraph of text, Anthony encapsulates the essence of his Christmas episode. Simply brilliant.
14.) Vic Barrel - White Christmas
Found an old scratchy copy near the public turntable at Beverly Records in Chicago. The 45 held up long enough for me to listen (which convinced me to buy it). Thankfully, I found a DJ copy on eBay in exceptional condition for the transfer. One of my best finds of the year.
15.) The J's with Jamie - The Christmas Song
When this appeared on eBay earlier this year, I figured I had no chance. WFMU alerted everyone to the existence of The J's in 2008 and it immediately went to the top of many collector's lists. Somehow, I won this rather cheaply and their version of Nat's perennial favorite landed here.
16.) Excerpt from '' Miracle On 34th Street'' (1947)
The answer to a question that has puzzled the world for centuries. With John Payne and Edmund O'Brien.
17.) Little Cori - An Oscar To Santa
Found this at a record show here in Fort Wayne. Puzzling song since they already gave an Academy Award to Santa (see #16 above). Click on the link to see the baffling picture sleeve.
18.) Lynn Carroll & Jeff Palmer Orchestra - Piney, The Tiny Little Christmas Tree
While we're on the subject of baffling, this 45 discovery tells us the strange story of yet another fictional Christmas character featuring a great Chubby Checker twist beat!
19.) STS-116 Discovery wake-up call (12-22-06)
This might have been the final Christmas wake-up call from space (only three Space Shuttle missions left). However, the November 2010 mission was pushed back to a luanch date of December 17, 2010 - the final NASA Christmas for a long time.
20.) The Gus De Wert Trio (with Gay LaComb) - Space Age Santa Claus
A record I was excited to find at a record show in Ohio. This one has floated around cyberspace for a long time with Jeannie Jay listed as the singer. Jay was the credited singer on side two ("When Christmas Bells Are Ringing"). Hope this clears up any confusion.
21.) Lawrence Welk's Little Band - Outer Space Santa
Another great space-related song that has floated around the web. The perfect follow-up to Gus and Gay.
22.) Excerpt from '' Hot Rods To Hell''
This 1967 MGM film (a roadtripping family is hounded by hot-rodders) is one of the most unintentionally funny movies of all time thanks in large part to dependable Dana Andrews. So bad, it's a scream. For my friend Scott Marks out in SD.
23.) Prairie Oyster - Christmas In Jail
Originally recorded by The Youngsters in 1956. That version was scheduled to be here until I found this countrified Canadian version that adds its own charm to the song.
24.) Kelly Willis & Bruce Robison - Please Daddy Don't Get Drunk This Christmas
I was never a fan of this song when sung by John Denver. That changed when I heard this version. My kids captured this one for their own as well - I gotta keep them out of the room when I'm listening.
25.) The Wise Men - Grandma Wants Peace / Excerpt from ''The FPT Christmas Revue''
Another great quick Christmas tune from Suburban Sprawl tacked on the front of a moment from the revue I helped to stage last Christmas. You had to be there to understand.
26.) Joel Grey - I'm Gonna Put Some Glue Round The Christmas Tree
Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome - yeah, that Joel Grey! This song was included in the "FPT Revue" and I was planning on using the Peggy King / Mitch Miller version here until I found this 45 on eBay. Must be heard to be believed.
27.) Carole Harmon - Merry Christmas, My Love, To You
I found several copies of this 45 at a thrift store years ago. This simple, obscure song was cut from the "Revue" due to time (Korean War). Its message is meaningful this year because two special people moved to...
28.) Steve Goodman - Colorado Christmas
Goodman wrote "City of New Orleans" for Arlo Guthrie and this Christmas song for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. This song was released posthumously (Steve died of leukemia in 1984) and it's a fitting song for Sam and Maya. Soon Joel :(
29.) Excerpt from "Moonlighting"
David and Maddie in yet another debate - this one surrounding Christmas. I wish TVLand would rerun this show again.
30.) Rhoda Scott - Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow
The Barefoot Contessa spins out her great rendition of this Christmas classic. I reviewed her full Christmas album an eternity ago - take a read to learn more about Rhoda.
31.) Vic20 - A Marshmallow World
I love this song but I didn't want a typical version, hence Vic20. I figured if by chance someone had drifted off to sleep while listening to this, this song would be an appropriate wake-up call.
32.) Darius Holbert - Gonna Kick Santa's A@@ (Radio edit)
The third and last quick Christmas tune from Suburban Sprawl. Why use a sound clip when a song will do?
33.) Sunshine Ruby - I Wanna Do Something For Santa Claus
This lovely little song was slated to be on the Christmas CD in 2005, 2007, and 2008 but missed the final cut. It finally won a spot on the disc.
34.) Eddy Arnold - I'm Your Private Santa Claus
This rare single as well as Sunshine Ruby were rescued from obscurity by that online Christmas raconteur Ernie (not Bert). This guy never sleeps - thanks for the last two tracks Ern!
35.) Excerpt from ''The BRAT's Holiday Skank (BRAT Holiday Mix)''
I was determined not to use Christmas mash-ups this year. Nothing was said about using remixes. BRAT Productions has been doing great holiday mastermixes since 1994 - this is an excerpt from the 1998 mix.
36.) Alexkid & DJ Seep - Santa Baby (Remix)
A great remix from the "A Very Bootie Christmas 2" mash-up CD - remember, it's NOT a mash-up, merely a remix. Well within my parameters.
37.) BRAT Productions - The BRAT Sings Christmas Shadow (BRAT Holiday Mix)
I rediscovered BRAT's website where a long time ago, I was able to capture the audio from my sound card - not the greatest sound but it was better than installing QuickTunes on the computer. MP3s await...
38.) David Hill (with Ray Martin & His Orchestra) - Christmas In Your Heart
A record show find, this forgotten 45 perfectly encapsulates how I feel about the Christmas spirit. What a world this would be if we heed this song's advice.
39.) 1923 WurliTzer 146A Band Organ - Silent Night
Maybe not the most elegant, regal, or reverent version of "Silent Night". But the melody takes over and somewhere along the way, you're not minding listening to calliope music.
40.) 2010 outro
That's all folks...
Please leave your comments at the study guide page - please remember, none of these comps will be posted here in their entirety or made available online or off.
Wednesday, 30 July 2008
2010 Playlist
The 2010 playlist:
1.) 2010 intro
Just a minute! Taking inspiration from Elliot Lawrence's amazing album (of which "Jingle Bells" is used), my family and I greet you at the door.
2.) The Aussie Singers - Merry Christmas Land
This was one of the first songs I listened to searching my Christmas music collection back in August. The tune has been stuck inside my head ever since. When my children overheard it, they began singing it around the house for months. So why should I suffer alone? Here it is - MERRY CHRISTMAS!
3.) The De John Singers - That's How Santa Claus Will Look This Year
Found this 45 single on eBay earlier this year. Another song the kids overheard and fell in love with so it was paired with their other favorite.
4.) Excerpt from "The Lemon Drop Kid" / Stuck In The Chimney Again
A quick snippet with Bob Hope & William "Fred Mertz" Frawley leads into Darius Holbert's short Christmas song.
5.) Linnzi Zaorski - Shimmy On Down My Chimney
My friend Stubby included this one on one of his amazing comps last year which prompted me to visit CDBaby to purchase the entire album. Isn't that what Christmas is all about?
6.) Johnny Long & His Orchestra - Jingle Bells (Vocal by Francey Lane and the Ensemble)
Purchased at a flea market many moons ago but unable to transfer since my old turntable didn't do 78s, this hip 1947 version of this song transferred easy on the new turntable.
7.) Jimmy Fallon & The Roots - Xmas Medley (Live at Macy's Thanksgiving Parade 2009)
You never know what you'll see at a Macy's Thanksgiving Parade (with the exception of Santa Claus at the end). So when a giant Gibson guitar drove down the street with Jimmy and the Roots, I knew we were in store for something cool.
8.) Aimee Mann - I'll Be Home For Christmas
This has quickly become my favorite version of this song. Partly because of Aimee, partly because of the song's intro that Aimee chose to sing that other artists delete.
9.) Pink Martini - Do You Hear What I Hear?
When I saw their amazing PBS special, I was hooked. Since then, I've been patiently waiting for a December when they would release a Christmas album. It happened this year - it's a fantastic album that you should go get for yourself.
10.) Thomas M. Lauderdale - Holiday Table Decoration Demonstration
Taken from a YouTube video. This guy definitely knows his stuff decking out a table! And I hear he plays a pretty good piano.
11.) Max Raabe & Palast Orchester - O Tannenbaum
My friend Mark Handy asked if I had heard about this band's Christmas album. I checked my master spreadsheet, found a single MP3, I listened, I was hooked, and the album was purchased the next day. Great suggestion Mark!
12.) Herman Apple Ses Carillons Et Ses Percussions - Le Bonhomme De Neige (Frosty The Snowman)
The perfect follow up to Max & Palast Orchester. And if you haven't listened to this Herman Apple album, click on the link and check it out!
13.) Excerpt from the "Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations" Holiday Special
In a single paragraph of text, Anthony encapsulates the essence of his Christmas episode. Simply brilliant.
14.) Vic Barrel - White Christmas
Found an old scratchy copy near the public turntable at Beverly Records in Chicago. The 45 held up long enough for me to listen (which convinced me to buy it). Thankfully, I found a DJ copy on eBay in exceptional condition for the transfer. One of my best finds of the year.
15.) The J's with Jamie - The Christmas Song
When this appeared on eBay earlier this year, I figured I had no chance. WFMU alerted everyone to the existence of The J's in 2008 and it immediately went to the top of many collector's lists. Somehow, I won this rather cheaply and their version of Nat's perennial favorite landed here.
16.) Excerpt from '' Miracle On 34th Street'' (1947)
The answer to a question that has puzzled the world for centuries. With John Payne and Edmund O'Brien.
17.) Little Cori - An Oscar To Santa
Found this at a record show here in Fort Wayne. Puzzling song since they already gave an Academy Award to Santa (see #16 above). Click on the link to see the baffling picture sleeve.
18.) Lynn Carroll & Jeff Palmer Orchestra - Piney, The Tiny Little Christmas Tree
While we're on the subject of baffling, this 45 discovery tells us the strange story of yet another fictional Christmas character featuring a great Chubby Checker twist beat!
19.) STS-116 Discovery wake-up call (12-22-06)
This might have been the final Christmas wake-up call from space (only three Space Shuttle missions left). However, the November 2010 mission was pushed back to a luanch date of December 17, 2010 - the final NASA Christmas for a long time.
20.) The Gus De Wert Trio (with Gay LaComb) - Space Age Santa Claus
A record I was excited to find at a record show in Ohio. This one has floated around cyberspace for a long time with Jeannie Jay listed as the singer. Jay was the credited singer on side two ("When Christmas Bells Are Ringing"). Hope this clears up any confusion.
21.) Lawrence Welk's Little Band - Outer Space Santa
Another great space-related song that has floated around the web. The perfect follow-up to Gus and Gay.
22.) Excerpt from '' Hot Rods To Hell''
This 1967 MGM film (a roadtripping family is hounded by hot-rodders) is one of the most unintentionally funny movies of all time thanks in large part to dependable Dana Andrews. So bad, it's a scream. For my friend Scott Marks out in SD.
23.) Prairie Oyster - Christmas In Jail
Originally recorded by The Youngsters in 1956. That version was scheduled to be here until I found this countrified Canadian version that adds its own charm to the song.
24.) Kelly Willis & Bruce Robison - Please Daddy Don't Get Drunk This Christmas
I was never a fan of this song when sung by John Denver. That changed when I heard this version. My kids captured this one for their own as well - I gotta keep them out of the room when I'm listening.
25.) The Wise Men - Grandma Wants Peace / Excerpt from ''The FPT Christmas Revue''
Another great quick Christmas tune from Suburban Sprawl tacked on the front of a moment from the revue I helped to stage last Christmas. You had to be there to understand.
26.) Joel Grey - I'm Gonna Put Some Glue Round The Christmas Tree
Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome - yeah, that Joel Grey! This song was included in the "FPT Revue" and I was planning on using the Peggy King / Mitch Miller version here until I found this 45 on eBay. Must be heard to be believed.
27.) Carole Harmon - Merry Christmas, My Love, To You
I found several copies of this 45 at a thrift store years ago. This simple, obscure song was cut from the "Revue" due to time (Korean War). Its message is meaningful this year because two special people moved to...
28.) Steve Goodman - Colorado Christmas
Goodman wrote "City of New Orleans" for Arlo Guthrie and this Christmas song for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. This song was released posthumously (Steve died of leukemia in 1984) and it's a fitting song for Sam and Maya. Soon Joel :(
29.) Excerpt from "Moonlighting"
David and Maddie in yet another debate - this one surrounding Christmas. I wish TVLand would rerun this show again.
30.) Rhoda Scott - Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow
The Barefoot Contessa spins out her great rendition of this Christmas classic. I reviewed her full Christmas album an eternity ago - take a read to learn more about Rhoda.
31.) Vic20 - A Marshmallow World
I love this song but I didn't want a typical version, hence Vic20. I figured if by chance someone had drifted off to sleep while listening to this, this song would be an appropriate wake-up call.
32.) Darius Holbert - Gonna Kick Santa's A@@ (Radio edit)
The third and last quick Christmas tune from Suburban Sprawl. Why use a sound clip when a song will do?
33.) Sunshine Ruby - I Wanna Do Something For Santa Claus
This lovely little song was slated to be on the Christmas CD in 2005, 2007, and 2008 but missed the final cut. It finally won a spot on the disc.
34.) Eddy Arnold - I'm Your Private Santa Claus
This rare single as well as Sunshine Ruby were rescued from obscurity by that online Christmas raconteur Ernie (not Bert). This guy never sleeps - thanks for the last two tracks Ern!
35.) Excerpt from ''The BRAT's Holiday Skank (BRAT Holiday Mix)''
I was determined not to use Christmas mash-ups this year. Nothing was said about using remixes. BRAT Productions has been doing great holiday mastermixes since 1994 - this is an excerpt from the 1998 mix.
36.) Alexkid & DJ Seep - Santa Baby (Remix)
A great remix from the "A Very Bootie Christmas 2" mash-up CD - remember, it's NOT a mash-up, merely a remix. Well within my parameters.
37.) BRAT Productions - The BRAT Sings Christmas Shadow (BRAT Holiday Mix)
I rediscovered BRAT's website where a long time ago, I was able to capture the audio from my sound card - not the greatest sound but it was better than installing QuickTunes on the computer. MP3s await...
38.) David Hill (with Ray Martin & His Orchestra) - Christmas In Your Heart
A record show find, this forgotten 45 perfectly encapsulates how I feel about the Christmas spirit. What a world this would be if we heed this song's advice.
39.) 1923 WurliTzer 146A Band Organ - Silent Night
Maybe not the most elegant, regal, or reverent version of "Silent Night". But the melody takes over and somewhere along the way, you're not minding listening to calliope music.
40.) 2010 outro
That's all folks...
Please leave your comments at the study guide page - please remember, none of these comps will be posted here in their entirety or made available online or off.
1.) 2010 intro
Just a minute! Taking inspiration from Elliot Lawrence's amazing album (of which "Jingle Bells" is used), my family and I greet you at the door.
2.) The Aussie Singers - Merry Christmas Land
This was one of the first songs I listened to searching my Christmas music collection back in August. The tune has been stuck inside my head ever since. When my children overheard it, they began singing it around the house for months. So why should I suffer alone? Here it is - MERRY CHRISTMAS!
3.) The De John Singers - That's How Santa Claus Will Look This Year
Found this 45 single on eBay earlier this year. Another song the kids overheard and fell in love with so it was paired with their other favorite.
4.) Excerpt from "The Lemon Drop Kid" / Stuck In The Chimney Again
A quick snippet with Bob Hope & William "Fred Mertz" Frawley leads into Darius Holbert's short Christmas song.
5.) Linnzi Zaorski - Shimmy On Down My Chimney
My friend Stubby included this one on one of his amazing comps last year which prompted me to visit CDBaby to purchase the entire album. Isn't that what Christmas is all about?
6.) Johnny Long & His Orchestra - Jingle Bells (Vocal by Francey Lane and the Ensemble)
Purchased at a flea market many moons ago but unable to transfer since my old turntable didn't do 78s, this hip 1947 version of this song transferred easy on the new turntable.
7.) Jimmy Fallon & The Roots - Xmas Medley (Live at Macy's Thanksgiving Parade 2009)
You never know what you'll see at a Macy's Thanksgiving Parade (with the exception of Santa Claus at the end). So when a giant Gibson guitar drove down the street with Jimmy and the Roots, I knew we were in store for something cool.
8.) Aimee Mann - I'll Be Home For Christmas
This has quickly become my favorite version of this song. Partly because of Aimee, partly because of the song's intro that Aimee chose to sing that other artists delete.
9.) Pink Martini - Do You Hear What I Hear?
When I saw their amazing PBS special, I was hooked. Since then, I've been patiently waiting for a December when they would release a Christmas album. It happened this year - it's a fantastic album that you should go get for yourself.
10.) Thomas M. Lauderdale - Holiday Table Decoration Demonstration
Taken from a YouTube video. This guy definitely knows his stuff decking out a table! And I hear he plays a pretty good piano.
11.) Max Raabe & Palast Orchester - O Tannenbaum
My friend Mark Handy asked if I had heard about this band's Christmas album. I checked my master spreadsheet, found a single MP3, I listened, I was hooked, and the album was purchased the next day. Great suggestion Mark!
12.) Herman Apple Ses Carillons Et Ses Percussions - Le Bonhomme De Neige (Frosty The Snowman)
The perfect follow up to Max & Palast Orchester. And if you haven't listened to this Herman Apple album, click on the link and check it out!
13.) Excerpt from the "Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations" Holiday Special
In a single paragraph of text, Anthony encapsulates the essence of his Christmas episode. Simply brilliant.
14.) Vic Barrel - White Christmas
Found an old scratchy copy near the public turntable at Beverly Records in Chicago. The 45 held up long enough for me to listen (which convinced me to buy it). Thankfully, I found a DJ copy on eBay in exceptional condition for the transfer. One of my best finds of the year.
15.) The J's with Jamie - The Christmas Song
When this appeared on eBay earlier this year, I figured I had no chance. WFMU alerted everyone to the existence of The J's in 2008 and it immediately went to the top of many collector's lists. Somehow, I won this rather cheaply and their version of Nat's perennial favorite landed here.
16.) Excerpt from '' Miracle On 34th Street'' (1947)
The answer to a question that has puzzled the world for centuries. With John Payne and Edmund O'Brien.
17.) Little Cori - An Oscar To Santa
Found this at a record show here in Fort Wayne. Puzzling song since they already gave an Academy Award to Santa (see #16 above). Click on the link to see the baffling picture sleeve.
18.) Lynn Carroll & Jeff Palmer Orchestra - Piney, The Tiny Little Christmas Tree
While we're on the subject of baffling, this 45 discovery tells us the strange story of yet another fictional Christmas character featuring a great Chubby Checker twist beat!
19.) STS-116 Discovery wake-up call (12-22-06)
This might have been the final Christmas wake-up call from space (only three Space Shuttle missions left). However, the November 2010 mission was pushed back to a luanch date of December 17, 2010 - the final NASA Christmas for a long time.
20.) The Gus De Wert Trio (with Gay LaComb) - Space Age Santa Claus
A record I was excited to find at a record show in Ohio. This one has floated around cyberspace for a long time with Jeannie Jay listed as the singer. Jay was the credited singer on side two ("When Christmas Bells Are Ringing"). Hope this clears up any confusion.
21.) Lawrence Welk's Little Band - Outer Space Santa
Another great space-related song that has floated around the web. The perfect follow-up to Gus and Gay.
22.) Excerpt from '' Hot Rods To Hell''
This 1967 MGM film (a roadtripping family is hounded by hot-rodders) is one of the most unintentionally funny movies of all time thanks in large part to dependable Dana Andrews. So bad, it's a scream. For my friend Scott Marks out in SD.
23.) Prairie Oyster - Christmas In Jail
Originally recorded by The Youngsters in 1956. That version was scheduled to be here until I found this countrified Canadian version that adds its own charm to the song.
24.) Kelly Willis & Bruce Robison - Please Daddy Don't Get Drunk This Christmas
I was never a fan of this song when sung by John Denver. That changed when I heard this version. My kids captured this one for their own as well - I gotta keep them out of the room when I'm listening.
25.) The Wise Men - Grandma Wants Peace / Excerpt from ''The FPT Christmas Revue''
Another great quick Christmas tune from Suburban Sprawl tacked on the front of a moment from the revue I helped to stage last Christmas. You had to be there to understand.
26.) Joel Grey - I'm Gonna Put Some Glue Round The Christmas Tree
Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome - yeah, that Joel Grey! This song was included in the "FPT Revue" and I was planning on using the Peggy King / Mitch Miller version here until I found this 45 on eBay. Must be heard to be believed.
27.) Carole Harmon - Merry Christmas, My Love, To You
I found several copies of this 45 at a thrift store years ago. This simple, obscure song was cut from the "Revue" due to time (Korean War). Its message is meaningful this year because two special people moved to...
28.) Steve Goodman - Colorado Christmas
Goodman wrote "City of New Orleans" for Arlo Guthrie and this Christmas song for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. This song was released posthumously (Steve died of leukemia in 1984) and it's a fitting song for Sam and Maya. Soon Joel :(
29.) Excerpt from "Moonlighting"
David and Maddie in yet another debate - this one surrounding Christmas. I wish TVLand would rerun this show again.
30.) Rhoda Scott - Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow
The Barefoot Contessa spins out her great rendition of this Christmas classic. I reviewed her full Christmas album an eternity ago - take a read to learn more about Rhoda.
31.) Vic20 - A Marshmallow World
I love this song but I didn't want a typical version, hence Vic20. I figured if by chance someone had drifted off to sleep while listening to this, this song would be an appropriate wake-up call.
32.) Darius Holbert - Gonna Kick Santa's A@@ (Radio edit)
The third and last quick Christmas tune from Suburban Sprawl. Why use a sound clip when a song will do?
33.) Sunshine Ruby - I Wanna Do Something For Santa Claus
This lovely little song was slated to be on the Christmas CD in 2005, 2007, and 2008 but missed the final cut. It finally won a spot on the disc.
34.) Eddy Arnold - I'm Your Private Santa Claus
This rare single as well as Sunshine Ruby were rescued from obscurity by that online Christmas raconteur Ernie (not Bert). This guy never sleeps - thanks for the last two tracks Ern!
35.) Excerpt from ''The BRAT's Holiday Skank (BRAT Holiday Mix)''
I was determined not to use Christmas mash-ups this year. Nothing was said about using remixes. BRAT Productions has been doing great holiday mastermixes since 1994 - this is an excerpt from the 1998 mix.
36.) Alexkid & DJ Seep - Santa Baby (Remix)
A great remix from the "A Very Bootie Christmas 2" mash-up CD - remember, it's NOT a mash-up, merely a remix. Well within my parameters.
37.) BRAT Productions - The BRAT Sings Christmas Shadow (BRAT Holiday Mix)
I rediscovered BRAT's website where a long time ago, I was able to capture the audio from my sound card - not the greatest sound but it was better than installing QuickTunes on the computer. MP3s await...
38.) David Hill (with Ray Martin & His Orchestra) - Christmas In Your Heart
A record show find, this forgotten 45 perfectly encapsulates how I feel about the Christmas spirit. What a world this would be if we heed this song's advice.
39.) 1923 WurliTzer 146A Band Organ - Silent Night
Maybe not the most elegant, regal, or reverent version of "Silent Night". But the melody takes over and somewhere along the way, you're not minding listening to calliope music.
40.) 2010 outro
That's all folks...
Please leave your comments at the study guide page - please remember, none of these comps will be posted here in their entirety or made available online or off.
Tuesday, 29 July 2008
2009 Playlist
The 2009 playlist:
1.) 2009 Intro
I took clips from Christmas tapes past to form a special anniversary introduction (with a little help from Barney Rubble on the piano and a trio of singing cops).
2.) Mr. Fab - Little Saint Nick (intro) / DJ BC - You Shook Me All Noel
Splicing two different mash-ups into one, it leads off this year's CD with a 1-2 punch.
3.) No Lights On The Xmas Tree Mother / Mojochronic - Whoville (Won't Get Yuled Again)
Two clips compose "No Lights": the first is from the movie "The Girl Can't Help It" and The Sensational Alex Harvey Band (who used the clip as inspiration for their song).
4.) MARS Production Library - H-906 - Special announcement
From a set of five Christmas production albums I purchased on eBay several years ago.
5.) Substance W - Good King Wenceslas
Starts off techno... then goes baroque... slides into country banjo... repeat and mix up those styles until the end. I'm getting a contact high just listening to what they were smoking!
6.) Billy Rancher & The Unreal Gods - Happy Santa Claus
Portland band that was on the cusp of going big until lead singer Rancher loses a longtime battle with lymphoma. My favorite 1980s Christmas song of all time. This was last heard on the 2004 Christmas CD.
7.) MJ & BJ Morning Show - Holiday Copyright Warning
A quick funny track that I found floating around cyberspace from a one-time duo of morning DJs.
8.) Anonymous - It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
Sent to me at my P.O. Box earlier this year. Click on the link to read the whole story and to download this track as well as another by the same mystery "singer".
9.) P.S. Tail, Esq. - Jingle Rock Bell
One man's attempt to sing "Jingle Bell Rock" - a funny, FUNNY version of this song. Click on the link to download the track!
10.) Stephen Fry & Jo Brand - Excerpt from "QI"
While surfing the YouTube waves one day, I came across hundreds of clips from the BBC comedy quiz show called "QI". It's an extremely witty and intelligent show - which is why it's not on American television. Click on the link to find some clips of your own!
11.) The Singing Saw - Frosty The Snowman
From the great album of Christmas favorites played by the Singing Saw and his friends with Julian Koster supervising.
12.) The Continentals - The Inexcelsis Polka
Probably the best track from this compilation, this melds "Angels We Have Heard On High" into a swinging polka! And uh-one, and uh-two... Last heard on the 2002 Christmas CD.
13.) The Three Stooges - Excerpt from "Blunder Boys"
From the last original short Moe & Larry did with Shemp - a clever spoof of Jack Webb's "Dragnet". One quick edit and presto!
14.) Tommy Edwards - It's Christmas Once Again
A wonderful smooth song from 1953 - I wanted to use this song in the Christmas Revue but couldn't find the sheet music in time.
15.) Jo Stafford - Christmas Is The Season
This song got bumped from the 2006 Christmas CD. I rediscovered it this year - it's a fantastic song! Click here to read my review of this album!
16.) Lorne Greene - Christmas Mail Early PSA
From a 1969 album of PSAs sent to radio stations courtesy of the United States Postal Service.
17.) Son of Svengoolie - Return To Santa
To those unfamiliar with Chicago TV, Svengoolie has been hosting horror movies off and on for the better part of 30 years. I grew up watching this guy - which explains a lot. Click on the link to see some of his handiwork. BERWYN???
18.) Steve Ivings - The Twelve Days Of Christmas
First heard in 1981 on the Dr. Demento Show, I was thrilled to find a MP3! Even wondered what this song would have sounded if Foster Brooks, John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart, Walter Cronkite, Richard Burton, Liberace, Brando as Vito Corleone, Peter Falk as Lt. Columbo, Horshack from "Welcome Back, Kotter", James Cagney, Alfred Hitchcock, and Paul Lynde recorded it? Now you know!
19.) The Beatles - Christmas Fan Club Message Montage (Mixed by Rob Martinez)
From 1994 to 2003, I had featured the seven Beatles Fan Club Christmas messages on my tapes. For this version originally created for the 2003 Christmas CD, I decided to edit each message down to around one minute in length and string them all together in one montage.
20.) The Fab Four - Jingle Bells
A cut-above-the-rest tribute band performs "Jingle Bells" in the style of the Beatles' "Tomorrow Never Knows".
21.) Sammy Davis Jr. & Jerry Lewis - Christmas song intro???
From a 1988 HBO special, Sammy & Jerry try to get a song off the ground...
22.) Steve Taylor - Winter Wonderland
Taylor fuses "Winter Wonderland" and mariachi music to dynamic results! Believe or not, it was recorded for a Christian Christmas comp! My second all time favorite version of this song!
23.) Raul Malo - Silver Bells
A tango tempo to start (TANGO?) and alternate some swingin' Louis Prima breaks in the middle, and you get one incredible Christmas song from the mind of Malo.
24.) Bob Hope & John Wayne - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas / "Mr. Sun Time" radio jingle
The duet between the Duke and Ol' Ski Nose was from a 1970s Christmas special - one of thousands. The radio jingle was a tack on.
25.) The Three Suns - Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow
The Suns' rip it up in their own inimitable style. Chosen from their 1959 Christmas album - still one of the five best Christmas albums of all time.
26.) Los Straitjackets - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Surf guitar instrumental from these guys who originally formed in Nashville, TN and wear Mexican wrestling gear at their live shows. Yep! Roc!
27.) Mel Blanc - 1972 Christmas Seals PSA
A selection from a 1972 Christmas Seals album that I acquired earlier this year, bringing my total to eleven Christmas Seals albums in my collection.
28.) Seymour Swine - Blue Christmas
This Porky Pig soundalike (voiced by Denny Brownlee on the John Boy & Billy radio show in 1980) remains one of the funniest Christmas novelty tunes ever. My daughters heard this on the radio last year and died laughing - why it's here.
29.) Substance W - A Visit From St. Nicholas
A retelling of "The Night Before Christmas" with great background music and Hanna-Barbera sound FX. My son just rolls on the ground with laughter with this one - why it's here!
30.) Generic 1956 Merry Christmas Theater Spot (featuring Thurl Ravenscroft)
From a collection of intermission spots and trailers from the good folks at Something Weird Video.
31.) Ambrose Haley & His Ozark Ramblers - Old Timey Christmas
This is a great old-school Christmas country song whose melody will get trapped in your skull after hearing it. Given to me by my best friend Joel - what a find! Available on the 2008 Christmas Yuleblog Sampler (click link).
32.) Wilf Carter - Christmas Time In Canada
I've tried three times in the last seven years to find a spot on my annual CD for this little ditty. And after my Canadian friend Jeff Fox created this year's artwork, there was no question that this would make the cut. Hope you liked it Jeff!
33.) Christmas messages from Mayor Tommy Shanks and Frank Sinatra
Solemnity in its purest forms... The Sinatra intro came from a 1976 U.S. Army Reserve album.
34.) DJ Schmolli - Back Door Santa Getting It On
One of the first Christmas mash-ups I ever heard. Take "Bang A Gong (Get It On)" by T Rex, "Back Door Santa" by Clarence Carter, and "KLF" snatches of "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" by Whitney Houston and mix vigorously!
35.) Voicedude - It's The Little Things
The only recorded output by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra that I can tolerate is their rework of Pachabel - "Christmas Canon". Voicedude takes the vocal from Blink 182's "All The Small Things", adds it to the mix, and it works brilliantly.
36.) Cary can paint, Deborah can walk, and Rob can talk...
While the final music from the final scene of "An Affair To Remember" plays, I say a few words to end and commemorate my 25th annual Christmas CD.
37.) Excerpts from "Dear America: Letters Home From Vietnam"
In the second act of the Christmas revue I compiled, we chose four Christmas letters home written by soldiers from the Civil War, WW I, WWII, and Vietnam to be read by actors. This is the source of the Vietnam letter we used.
38.) Outro - short version
I edited down the long version of the outro (see 2000-2002) to 47 seconds.
Please leave your comments at the study guide page - please remember, none of these comps will be posted here in their entirety or made available online or off.
1.) 2009 Intro
I took clips from Christmas tapes past to form a special anniversary introduction (with a little help from Barney Rubble on the piano and a trio of singing cops).
2.) Mr. Fab - Little Saint Nick (intro) / DJ BC - You Shook Me All Noel
Splicing two different mash-ups into one, it leads off this year's CD with a 1-2 punch.
3.) No Lights On The Xmas Tree Mother / Mojochronic - Whoville (Won't Get Yuled Again)
Two clips compose "No Lights": the first is from the movie "The Girl Can't Help It" and The Sensational Alex Harvey Band (who used the clip as inspiration for their song).
4.) MARS Production Library - H-906 - Special announcement
From a set of five Christmas production albums I purchased on eBay several years ago.
5.) Substance W - Good King Wenceslas
Starts off techno... then goes baroque... slides into country banjo... repeat and mix up those styles until the end. I'm getting a contact high just listening to what they were smoking!
6.) Billy Rancher & The Unreal Gods - Happy Santa Claus
Portland band that was on the cusp of going big until lead singer Rancher loses a longtime battle with lymphoma. My favorite 1980s Christmas song of all time. This was last heard on the 2004 Christmas CD.
7.) MJ & BJ Morning Show - Holiday Copyright Warning
A quick funny track that I found floating around cyberspace from a one-time duo of morning DJs.
8.) Anonymous - It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
Sent to me at my P.O. Box earlier this year. Click on the link to read the whole story and to download this track as well as another by the same mystery "singer".
9.) P.S. Tail, Esq. - Jingle Rock Bell
One man's attempt to sing "Jingle Bell Rock" - a funny, FUNNY version of this song. Click on the link to download the track!
10.) Stephen Fry & Jo Brand - Excerpt from "QI"
While surfing the YouTube waves one day, I came across hundreds of clips from the BBC comedy quiz show called "QI". It's an extremely witty and intelligent show - which is why it's not on American television. Click on the link to find some clips of your own!
11.) The Singing Saw - Frosty The Snowman
From the great album of Christmas favorites played by the Singing Saw and his friends with Julian Koster supervising.
12.) The Continentals - The Inexcelsis Polka
Probably the best track from this compilation, this melds "Angels We Have Heard On High" into a swinging polka! And uh-one, and uh-two... Last heard on the 2002 Christmas CD.
13.) The Three Stooges - Excerpt from "Blunder Boys"
From the last original short Moe & Larry did with Shemp - a clever spoof of Jack Webb's "Dragnet". One quick edit and presto!
14.) Tommy Edwards - It's Christmas Once Again
A wonderful smooth song from 1953 - I wanted to use this song in the Christmas Revue but couldn't find the sheet music in time.
15.) Jo Stafford - Christmas Is The Season
This song got bumped from the 2006 Christmas CD. I rediscovered it this year - it's a fantastic song! Click here to read my review of this album!
16.) Lorne Greene - Christmas Mail Early PSA
From a 1969 album of PSAs sent to radio stations courtesy of the United States Postal Service.
17.) Son of Svengoolie - Return To Santa
To those unfamiliar with Chicago TV, Svengoolie has been hosting horror movies off and on for the better part of 30 years. I grew up watching this guy - which explains a lot. Click on the link to see some of his handiwork. BERWYN???
18.) Steve Ivings - The Twelve Days Of Christmas
First heard in 1981 on the Dr. Demento Show, I was thrilled to find a MP3! Even wondered what this song would have sounded if Foster Brooks, John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart, Walter Cronkite, Richard Burton, Liberace, Brando as Vito Corleone, Peter Falk as Lt. Columbo, Horshack from "Welcome Back, Kotter", James Cagney, Alfred Hitchcock, and Paul Lynde recorded it? Now you know!
19.) The Beatles - Christmas Fan Club Message Montage (Mixed by Rob Martinez)
From 1994 to 2003, I had featured the seven Beatles Fan Club Christmas messages on my tapes. For this version originally created for the 2003 Christmas CD, I decided to edit each message down to around one minute in length and string them all together in one montage.
20.) The Fab Four - Jingle Bells
A cut-above-the-rest tribute band performs "Jingle Bells" in the style of the Beatles' "Tomorrow Never Knows".
21.) Sammy Davis Jr. & Jerry Lewis - Christmas song intro???
From a 1988 HBO special, Sammy & Jerry try to get a song off the ground...
22.) Steve Taylor - Winter Wonderland
Taylor fuses "Winter Wonderland" and mariachi music to dynamic results! Believe or not, it was recorded for a Christian Christmas comp! My second all time favorite version of this song!
23.) Raul Malo - Silver Bells
A tango tempo to start (TANGO?) and alternate some swingin' Louis Prima breaks in the middle, and you get one incredible Christmas song from the mind of Malo.
24.) Bob Hope & John Wayne - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas / "Mr. Sun Time" radio jingle
The duet between the Duke and Ol' Ski Nose was from a 1970s Christmas special - one of thousands. The radio jingle was a tack on.
25.) The Three Suns - Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow
The Suns' rip it up in their own inimitable style. Chosen from their 1959 Christmas album - still one of the five best Christmas albums of all time.
26.) Los Straitjackets - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Surf guitar instrumental from these guys who originally formed in Nashville, TN and wear Mexican wrestling gear at their live shows. Yep! Roc!
27.) Mel Blanc - 1972 Christmas Seals PSA
A selection from a 1972 Christmas Seals album that I acquired earlier this year, bringing my total to eleven Christmas Seals albums in my collection.
28.) Seymour Swine - Blue Christmas
This Porky Pig soundalike (voiced by Denny Brownlee on the John Boy & Billy radio show in 1980) remains one of the funniest Christmas novelty tunes ever. My daughters heard this on the radio last year and died laughing - why it's here.
29.) Substance W - A Visit From St. Nicholas
A retelling of "The Night Before Christmas" with great background music and Hanna-Barbera sound FX. My son just rolls on the ground with laughter with this one - why it's here!
30.) Generic 1956 Merry Christmas Theater Spot (featuring Thurl Ravenscroft)
From a collection of intermission spots and trailers from the good folks at Something Weird Video.
31.) Ambrose Haley & His Ozark Ramblers - Old Timey Christmas
This is a great old-school Christmas country song whose melody will get trapped in your skull after hearing it. Given to me by my best friend Joel - what a find! Available on the 2008 Christmas Yuleblog Sampler (click link).
32.) Wilf Carter - Christmas Time In Canada
I've tried three times in the last seven years to find a spot on my annual CD for this little ditty. And after my Canadian friend Jeff Fox created this year's artwork, there was no question that this would make the cut. Hope you liked it Jeff!
33.) Christmas messages from Mayor Tommy Shanks and Frank Sinatra
Solemnity in its purest forms... The Sinatra intro came from a 1976 U.S. Army Reserve album.
34.) DJ Schmolli - Back Door Santa Getting It On
One of the first Christmas mash-ups I ever heard. Take "Bang A Gong (Get It On)" by T Rex, "Back Door Santa" by Clarence Carter, and "KLF" snatches of "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" by Whitney Houston and mix vigorously!
35.) Voicedude - It's The Little Things
The only recorded output by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra that I can tolerate is their rework of Pachabel - "Christmas Canon". Voicedude takes the vocal from Blink 182's "All The Small Things", adds it to the mix, and it works brilliantly.
36.) Cary can paint, Deborah can walk, and Rob can talk...
While the final music from the final scene of "An Affair To Remember" plays, I say a few words to end and commemorate my 25th annual Christmas CD.
37.) Excerpts from "Dear America: Letters Home From Vietnam"
In the second act of the Christmas revue I compiled, we chose four Christmas letters home written by soldiers from the Civil War, WW I, WWII, and Vietnam to be read by actors. This is the source of the Vietnam letter we used.
38.) Outro - short version
I edited down the long version of the outro (see 2000-2002) to 47 seconds.
Please leave your comments at the study guide page - please remember, none of these comps will be posted here in their entirety or made available online or off.
2009 Playlist
The 2009 playlist:
1.) 2009 Intro
I took clips from Christmas tapes past to form a special anniversary introduction (with a little help from Barney Rubble on the piano and a trio of singing cops).
2.) Mr. Fab - Little Saint Nick (intro) / DJ BC - You Shook Me All Noel
Splicing two different mash-ups into one, it leads off this year's CD with a 1-2 punch.
3.) No Lights On The Xmas Tree Mother / Mojochronic - Whoville (Won't Get Yuled Again)
Two clips compose "No Lights": the first is from the movie "The Girl Can't Help It" and The Sensational Alex Harvey Band (who used the clip as inspiration for their song).
4.) MARS Production Library - H-906 - Special announcement
From a set of five Christmas production albums I purchased on eBay several years ago.
5.) Substance W - Good King Wenceslas
Starts off techno... then goes baroque... slides into country banjo... repeat and mix up those styles until the end. I'm getting a contact high just listening to what they were smoking!
6.) Billy Rancher & The Unreal Gods - Happy Santa Claus
Portland band that was on the cusp of going big until lead singer Rancher loses a longtime battle with lymphoma. My favorite 1980s Christmas song of all time. This was last heard on the 2004 Christmas CD.
7.) MJ & BJ Morning Show - Holiday Copyright Warning
A quick funny track that I found floating around cyberspace from a one-time duo of morning DJs.
8.) Anonymous - It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
Sent to me at my P.O. Box earlier this year. Click on the link to read the whole story and to download this track as well as another by the same mystery "singer".
9.) P.S. Tail, Esq. - Jingle Rock Bell
One man's attempt to sing "Jingle Bell Rock" - a funny, FUNNY version of this song. Click on the link to download the track!
10.) Stephen Fry & Jo Brand - Excerpt from "QI"
While surfing the YouTube waves one day, I came across hundreds of clips from the BBC comedy quiz show called "QI". It's an extremely witty and intelligent show - which is why it's not on American television. Click on the link to find some clips of your own!
11.) The Singing Saw - Frosty The Snowman
From the great album of Christmas favorites played by the Singing Saw and his friends with Julian Koster supervising.
12.) The Continentals - The Inexcelsis Polka
Probably the best track from this compilation, this melds "Angels We Have Heard On High" into a swinging polka! And uh-one, and uh-two... Last heard on the 2002 Christmas CD.
13.) The Three Stooges - Excerpt from "Blunder Boys"
From the last original short Moe & Larry did with Shemp - a clever spoof of Jack Webb's "Dragnet". One quick edit and presto!
14.) Tommy Edwards - It's Christmas Once Again
A wonderful smooth song from 1953 - I wanted to use this song in the Christmas Revue but couldn't find the sheet music in time.
15.) Jo Stafford - Christmas Is The Season
This song got bumped from the 2006 Christmas CD. I rediscovered it this year - it's a fantastic song! Click here to read my review of this album!
16.) Lorne Greene - Christmas Mail Early PSA
From a 1969 album of PSAs sent to radio stations courtesy of the United States Postal Service.
17.) Son of Svengoolie - Return To Santa
To those unfamiliar with Chicago TV, Svengoolie has been hosting horror movies off and on for the better part of 30 years. I grew up watching this guy - which explains a lot. Click on the link to see some of his handiwork. BERWYN???
18.) Steve Ivings - The Twelve Days Of Christmas
First heard in 1981 on the Dr. Demento Show, I was thrilled to find a MP3! Even wondered what this song would have sounded if Foster Brooks, John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart, Walter Cronkite, Richard Burton, Liberace, Brando as Vito Corleone, Peter Falk as Lt. Columbo, Horshack from "Welcome Back, Kotter", James Cagney, Alfred Hitchcock, and Paul Lynde recorded it? Now you know!
19.) The Beatles - Christmas Fan Club Message Montage (Mixed by Rob Martinez)
From 1994 to 2003, I had featured the seven Beatles Fan Club Christmas messages on my tapes. For this version originally created for the 2003 Christmas CD, I decided to edit each message down to around one minute in length and string them all together in one montage.
20.) The Fab Four - Jingle Bells
A cut-above-the-rest tribute band performs "Jingle Bells" in the style of the Beatles' "Tomorrow Never Knows".
21.) Sammy Davis Jr. & Jerry Lewis - Christmas song intro???
From a 1988 HBO special, Sammy & Jerry try to get a song off the ground...
22.) Steve Taylor - Winter Wonderland
Taylor fuses "Winter Wonderland" and mariachi music to dynamic results! Believe or not, it was recorded for a Christian Christmas comp! My second all time favorite version of this song!
23.) Raul Malo - Silver Bells
A tango tempo to start (TANGO?) and alternate some swingin' Louis Prima breaks in the middle, and you get one incredible Christmas song from the mind of Malo.
24.) Bob Hope & John Wayne - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas / "Mr. Sun Time" radio jingle
The duet between the Duke and Ol' Ski Nose was from a 1970s Christmas special - one of thousands. The radio jingle was a tack on.
25.) The Three Suns - Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow
The Suns' rip it up in their own inimitable style. Chosen from their 1959 Christmas album - still one of the five best Christmas albums of all time.
26.) Los Straitjackets - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Surf guitar instrumental from these guys who originally formed in Nashville, TN and wear Mexican wrestling gear at their live shows. Yep! Roc!
27.) Mel Blanc - 1972 Christmas Seals PSA
A selection from a 1972 Christmas Seals album that I acquired earlier this year, bringing my total to eleven Christmas Seals albums in my collection.
28.) Seymour Swine - Blue Christmas
This Porky Pig soundalike (voiced by Denny Brownlee on the John Boy & Billy radio show in 1980) remains one of the funniest Christmas novelty tunes ever. My daughters heard this on the radio last year and died laughing - why it's here.
29.) Substance W - A Visit From St. Nicholas
A retelling of "The Night Before Christmas" with great background music and Hanna-Barbera sound FX. My son just rolls on the ground with laughter with this one - why it's here!
30.) Generic 1956 Merry Christmas Theater Spot (featuring Thurl Ravenscroft)
From a collection of intermission spots and trailers from the good folks at Something Weird Video.
31.) Ambrose Haley & His Ozark Ramblers - Old Timey Christmas
This is a great old-school Christmas country song whose melody will get trapped in your skull after hearing it. Given to me by my best friend Joel - what a find! Available on the 2008 Christmas Yuleblog Sampler (click link).
32.) Wilf Carter - Christmas Time In Canada
I've tried three times in the last seven years to find a spot on my annual CD for this little ditty. And after my Canadian friend Jeff Fox created this year's artwork, there was no question that this would make the cut. Hope you liked it Jeff!
33.) Christmas messages from Mayor Tommy Shanks and Frank Sinatra
Solemnity in its purest forms... The Sinatra intro came from a 1976 U.S. Army Reserve album.
34.) DJ Schmolli - Back Door Santa Getting It On
One of the first Christmas mash-ups I ever heard. Take "Bang A Gong (Get It On)" by T Rex, "Back Door Santa" by Clarence Carter, and "KLF" snatches of "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" by Whitney Houston and mix vigorously!
35.) Voicedude - It's The Little Things
The only recorded output by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra that I can tolerate is their rework of Pachabel - "Christmas Canon". Voicedude takes the vocal from Blink 182's "All The Small Things", adds it to the mix, and it works brilliantly.
36.) Cary can paint, Deborah can walk, and Rob can talk...
While the final music from the final scene of "An Affair To Remember" plays, I say a few words to end and commemorate my 25th annual Christmas CD.
37.) Excerpts from "Dear America: Letters Home From Vietnam"
In the second act of the Christmas revue I compiled, we chose four Christmas letters home written by soldiers from the Civil War, WW I, WWII, and Vietnam to be read by actors. This is the source of the Vietnam letter we used.
38.) Outro - short version
I edited down the long version of the outro (see 2000-2002) to 47 seconds.
Please leave your comments at the study guide page - please remember, none of these comps will be posted here in their entirety or made available online or off.
1.) 2009 Intro
I took clips from Christmas tapes past to form a special anniversary introduction (with a little help from Barney Rubble on the piano and a trio of singing cops).
2.) Mr. Fab - Little Saint Nick (intro) / DJ BC - You Shook Me All Noel
Splicing two different mash-ups into one, it leads off this year's CD with a 1-2 punch.
3.) No Lights On The Xmas Tree Mother / Mojochronic - Whoville (Won't Get Yuled Again)
Two clips compose "No Lights": the first is from the movie "The Girl Can't Help It" and The Sensational Alex Harvey Band (who used the clip as inspiration for their song).
4.) MARS Production Library - H-906 - Special announcement
From a set of five Christmas production albums I purchased on eBay several years ago.
5.) Substance W - Good King Wenceslas
Starts off techno... then goes baroque... slides into country banjo... repeat and mix up those styles until the end. I'm getting a contact high just listening to what they were smoking!
6.) Billy Rancher & The Unreal Gods - Happy Santa Claus
Portland band that was on the cusp of going big until lead singer Rancher loses a longtime battle with lymphoma. My favorite 1980s Christmas song of all time. This was last heard on the 2004 Christmas CD.
7.) MJ & BJ Morning Show - Holiday Copyright Warning
A quick funny track that I found floating around cyberspace from a one-time duo of morning DJs.
8.) Anonymous - It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
Sent to me at my P.O. Box earlier this year. Click on the link to read the whole story and to download this track as well as another by the same mystery "singer".
9.) P.S. Tail, Esq. - Jingle Rock Bell
One man's attempt to sing "Jingle Bell Rock" - a funny, FUNNY version of this song. Click on the link to download the track!
10.) Stephen Fry & Jo Brand - Excerpt from "QI"
While surfing the YouTube waves one day, I came across hundreds of clips from the BBC comedy quiz show called "QI". It's an extremely witty and intelligent show - which is why it's not on American television. Click on the link to find some clips of your own!
11.) The Singing Saw - Frosty The Snowman
From the great album of Christmas favorites played by the Singing Saw and his friends with Julian Koster supervising.
12.) The Continentals - The Inexcelsis Polka
Probably the best track from this compilation, this melds "Angels We Have Heard On High" into a swinging polka! And uh-one, and uh-two... Last heard on the 2002 Christmas CD.
13.) The Three Stooges - Excerpt from "Blunder Boys"
From the last original short Moe & Larry did with Shemp - a clever spoof of Jack Webb's "Dragnet". One quick edit and presto!
14.) Tommy Edwards - It's Christmas Once Again
A wonderful smooth song from 1953 - I wanted to use this song in the Christmas Revue but couldn't find the sheet music in time.
15.) Jo Stafford - Christmas Is The Season
This song got bumped from the 2006 Christmas CD. I rediscovered it this year - it's a fantastic song! Click here to read my review of this album!
16.) Lorne Greene - Christmas Mail Early PSA
From a 1969 album of PSAs sent to radio stations courtesy of the United States Postal Service.
17.) Son of Svengoolie - Return To Santa
To those unfamiliar with Chicago TV, Svengoolie has been hosting horror movies off and on for the better part of 30 years. I grew up watching this guy - which explains a lot. Click on the link to see some of his handiwork. BERWYN???
18.) Steve Ivings - The Twelve Days Of Christmas
First heard in 1981 on the Dr. Demento Show, I was thrilled to find a MP3! Even wondered what this song would have sounded if Foster Brooks, John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart, Walter Cronkite, Richard Burton, Liberace, Brando as Vito Corleone, Peter Falk as Lt. Columbo, Horshack from "Welcome Back, Kotter", James Cagney, Alfred Hitchcock, and Paul Lynde recorded it? Now you know!
19.) The Beatles - Christmas Fan Club Message Montage (Mixed by Rob Martinez)
From 1994 to 2003, I had featured the seven Beatles Fan Club Christmas messages on my tapes. For this version originally created for the 2003 Christmas CD, I decided to edit each message down to around one minute in length and string them all together in one montage.
20.) The Fab Four - Jingle Bells
A cut-above-the-rest tribute band performs "Jingle Bells" in the style of the Beatles' "Tomorrow Never Knows".
21.) Sammy Davis Jr. & Jerry Lewis - Christmas song intro???
From a 1988 HBO special, Sammy & Jerry try to get a song off the ground...
22.) Steve Taylor - Winter Wonderland
Taylor fuses "Winter Wonderland" and mariachi music to dynamic results! Believe or not, it was recorded for a Christian Christmas comp! My second all time favorite version of this song!
23.) Raul Malo - Silver Bells
A tango tempo to start (TANGO?) and alternate some swingin' Louis Prima breaks in the middle, and you get one incredible Christmas song from the mind of Malo.
24.) Bob Hope & John Wayne - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas / "Mr. Sun Time" radio jingle
The duet between the Duke and Ol' Ski Nose was from a 1970s Christmas special - one of thousands. The radio jingle was a tack on.
25.) The Three Suns - Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow
The Suns' rip it up in their own inimitable style. Chosen from their 1959 Christmas album - still one of the five best Christmas albums of all time.
26.) Los Straitjackets - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Surf guitar instrumental from these guys who originally formed in Nashville, TN and wear Mexican wrestling gear at their live shows. Yep! Roc!
27.) Mel Blanc - 1972 Christmas Seals PSA
A selection from a 1972 Christmas Seals album that I acquired earlier this year, bringing my total to eleven Christmas Seals albums in my collection.
28.) Seymour Swine - Blue Christmas
This Porky Pig soundalike (voiced by Denny Brownlee on the John Boy & Billy radio show in 1980) remains one of the funniest Christmas novelty tunes ever. My daughters heard this on the radio last year and died laughing - why it's here.
29.) Substance W - A Visit From St. Nicholas
A retelling of "The Night Before Christmas" with great background music and Hanna-Barbera sound FX. My son just rolls on the ground with laughter with this one - why it's here!
30.) Generic 1956 Merry Christmas Theater Spot (featuring Thurl Ravenscroft)
From a collection of intermission spots and trailers from the good folks at Something Weird Video.
31.) Ambrose Haley & His Ozark Ramblers - Old Timey Christmas
This is a great old-school Christmas country song whose melody will get trapped in your skull after hearing it. Given to me by my best friend Joel - what a find! Available on the 2008 Christmas Yuleblog Sampler (click link).
32.) Wilf Carter - Christmas Time In Canada
I've tried three times in the last seven years to find a spot on my annual CD for this little ditty. And after my Canadian friend Jeff Fox created this year's artwork, there was no question that this would make the cut. Hope you liked it Jeff!
33.) Christmas messages from Mayor Tommy Shanks and Frank Sinatra
Solemnity in its purest forms... The Sinatra intro came from a 1976 U.S. Army Reserve album.
34.) DJ Schmolli - Back Door Santa Getting It On
One of the first Christmas mash-ups I ever heard. Take "Bang A Gong (Get It On)" by T Rex, "Back Door Santa" by Clarence Carter, and "KLF" snatches of "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" by Whitney Houston and mix vigorously!
35.) Voicedude - It's The Little Things
The only recorded output by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra that I can tolerate is their rework of Pachabel - "Christmas Canon". Voicedude takes the vocal from Blink 182's "All The Small Things", adds it to the mix, and it works brilliantly.
36.) Cary can paint, Deborah can walk, and Rob can talk...
While the final music from the final scene of "An Affair To Remember" plays, I say a few words to end and commemorate my 25th annual Christmas CD.
37.) Excerpts from "Dear America: Letters Home From Vietnam"
In the second act of the Christmas revue I compiled, we chose four Christmas letters home written by soldiers from the Civil War, WW I, WWII, and Vietnam to be read by actors. This is the source of the Vietnam letter we used.
38.) Outro - short version
I edited down the long version of the outro (see 2000-2002) to 47 seconds.
Please leave your comments at the study guide page - please remember, none of these comps will be posted here in their entirety or made available online or off.
Monday, 28 July 2008
2008 Playlist
The 2008 playlist:
1.) 2008 intro
Yes Rico, ka-boom! With so much to tell, I had to edit my usual opening pastiche. Featuring Brave Combo on "Jingle Bells". To read the article I mentioned in the intro, click here.
2.) The Phil Harris / Alice Faye Show - Jack Benny as Santa Claus
Phil's radio daughters ask Santa his age... can you guess what Jack responded?
3.) Port Authority of the U.S. Navy Band - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
You can get much more 1970s than this amazing rendition from a Navy band no less!
4.) Irwin The Disco Duck & The Wibble Wabble Singers & Orchestra - Donde Esta Santa Claus
The worst Christmas disco song off the worst Christmas disco album of all time. Click on the link and read the disclaimer at the bottom.
5.) The Big Sound / Christmas Greetings - Jerry Lewis
The Big Sound marketed themselves to radio stations in the early 1960s with big name celebrities announcing the time, informing you how many shopping days left on the calendar, and Christmas Greetings.
6.) Molly Bee - Willy Claus (Little Son Of Santa Claus)
Our friend Ernie shared this one about one year ago - this song got stuck in my head for nearly a week. Molly was 13 years old when she recorded this in 1952 - she's 69 now and has her own MySpace page.
7.) Fred Travalena - Son Of Santa
A master impressionist who wrote and sang an original Christmas album (read my review here). This song features some impressions of DeNiro, Pesci, and The Rat Pack.
8.) Sammy Davis Jr - Alka Seltzer Christmas commercial
Back in 1979, Sammy was the spokesman for Alka-Seltzer - whatever happened to Speedy? The audio is from a TV commercial - stay tuned...
9.) Jimmy McGriff - The Christmas Song (TONAL Remix)
We lost McGriff earlier this year and this track is dedicated to his memory. His Christmas album got a rave review from me - surprised?
10.) Marah - Holly Jolly Christmas
In the 24 years I've been creating these Christmas tapes / CDs, I have never used this song - not a big Burl Ives fan. When I reviewed this album earlier this year, their version leapt from the speakers and never let go.
11.) Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In - Salute to the Christmas spirit (12-16-68)
Dick Martin died earlier this year and since he didn't record any Christmas songs that I know of, I featured him with some repartee with his longtime partner Dan Rowan.
12.) Basil Rathbone - The Christmas Spirit
The Alcoa Hour first broadcast this television special in 1956 - Columbia released a soundtrack, it was finally released on CD in 2006, and I reviewed in early 2007. You normally don't associate the man who played Sherlock Holmes with Christmas but Basil does a remarkable job as a singing Scrooge.
13.) Phil Moore & The Phil Moore Four - Chincy Old Scrooge
My friend Martin Johns sent me an all-vinyl comp that yielded many gems - one of which was this 1953 R&B word jazz story of Scrooge. Tiny Tim said it best: God bless Stubby, one and all.
14.) The Ed Sullivan Show - George Carlin Christmas appearance, 1966
Love him or hate him, Carlin always spoke the truth and his death earlier this year leaves us with no one worthy enough to fill his shoes.
15.) Casey MacGill - Egg Nog
Wonderful little ditty honoring the festive holiday drink. Appropriate followup to Carlin's rant on eggnog.
16.) The Fabulous Fay McKay - ''12 Daze'' Of Christmas
It was an immense privilege to speak with Fay about her Christmas album. When she died earlier this year, a friend of Fay's family chose my blog to announce her death. We'll miss you Fay.
17.) The World According To Garp - Debate over holiday glass eyes
The woman in this audio clip from the movie is Glenn Close in one of her earliest film roles. She played Robin Williams' mother!
18.) The Klaudt Indian Family - White Christmas
I was surprised to hear this great organ solo on this album - it fits in with the audio clip that precedes it.
19.) Marlin L. Ryan - It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
I thought I had heard Christmas music on every conceivable instrument - kazoos, ukeleles, carillon bells, rubber bands, power tools, etc. Then this record came along with a factory steam whistle...
20.) The Bob Hope Pepsodent Show - Jerry Colonna describes Santa coming down his chimney
Colonna was Hope's sidekick for the better part of 30+ years. This clip from one of Hope's radio show just worked perfectly with...
21.) Jerry Colonna - Too Fat For The Chimney
"AHhhhh yes!" Colonna's singing hasn't been rated a weapon of mass destruction yet. If that happens, I'm doomed.
22.) Vincent Lopez & His Orchestra - Here Comes The Fattest Man In Town
No, not me. This album is extraordinary and I'm happy to have it in my collection. Yours too, I bet.
23.) Stan Freberg - Excerpt from "The Night Before Christmas"
Uncle Stan prepares the kiddies for bed (with some help from yours truly).
24.) Stan Freberg - Green Chri$tma$
You passed it on the way in... in case you missed it, here's a link to my appreciation of this masterpiece celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
25.) Brad Paisley - Kung Pao Buckaroo Holiday
How does one follow "Green Chri$tma$"? With a satire on political correctness from the Christmas album of Paisley's that does a bang-up job even Uncle Stan would be proud of.
26.) John Lennon (w Yoko Ono) - Happy New Year from John
A quick clip from a Japanese radio show that Yoko appeared on in which John called into to say "Happy New Year".
27.) Noelani & Leo Nahenahe Singers - Auld Lang Syne
I couldn't find a Japanese version of this song so I used Hawaiian instead. It almost worked...
28.) The Big Sound / Christmas Greetings - New Year's Eve production with Mitzi Gaynor & Steve Allen
Producers of this album edited together dozens of celebs for this track; "Hi, this is Bobby Darin", "Hi, this is Gogi Grant", etc. to wish all the listeners a Happy New Year.
29.) Contra Costa Health Services - The Flu Song (PSA)
"Wash your hands, wash your hands, flu season is here..." I'll never think of "Jingle Bells" the same way in a public restroom.
30.) Martinn - Brave Bells Of Scotland
Take the versions of "Jingle Bells" by Crosby & The Andrew Sisters and Frank Sinatra, speed them up, speed them down, add some bagpipes, and even a little Janis Joplin, and you'll get this. Bravo Martinn, bravo!
31.) Mojochronic - Yuletide Zeppelin
Who would have thunk that Led Zeppelin and Christmas music would sound damn good? Mojo did and the end result is nothing short of spectacular. Pure genius Mojo!
32.) 2008 playlist rundown
I give the playlist very much like what I just typed out...
33.) Crew of Apollo 8 (w Ormandy / Philadelphia Orch / Mormon Tabernacle Choir) - Silent Night
I originally mixed these two for my 1993 Christmas tape - the 25th anniversary of Apollo 8's Christmas Eve broadcast from moon orbit. I unearthed this (ooooo I kill me) for the 40th anniversary this year.
34.) Outro - short version
I edited down the long version of the outro (see 2000-2002) to 47 seconds.
Please leave your comments at the study guide page - please remember, none of these comps will be posted here in their entirety or made available online or off.
1.) 2008 intro
Yes Rico, ka-boom! With so much to tell, I had to edit my usual opening pastiche. Featuring Brave Combo on "Jingle Bells". To read the article I mentioned in the intro, click here.
2.) The Phil Harris / Alice Faye Show - Jack Benny as Santa Claus
Phil's radio daughters ask Santa his age... can you guess what Jack responded?
3.) Port Authority of the U.S. Navy Band - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
You can get much more 1970s than this amazing rendition from a Navy band no less!
4.) Irwin The Disco Duck & The Wibble Wabble Singers & Orchestra - Donde Esta Santa Claus
The worst Christmas disco song off the worst Christmas disco album of all time. Click on the link and read the disclaimer at the bottom.
5.) The Big Sound / Christmas Greetings - Jerry Lewis
The Big Sound marketed themselves to radio stations in the early 1960s with big name celebrities announcing the time, informing you how many shopping days left on the calendar, and Christmas Greetings.
6.) Molly Bee - Willy Claus (Little Son Of Santa Claus)
Our friend Ernie shared this one about one year ago - this song got stuck in my head for nearly a week. Molly was 13 years old when she recorded this in 1952 - she's 69 now and has her own MySpace page.
7.) Fred Travalena - Son Of Santa
A master impressionist who wrote and sang an original Christmas album (read my review here). This song features some impressions of DeNiro, Pesci, and The Rat Pack.
8.) Sammy Davis Jr - Alka Seltzer Christmas commercial
Back in 1979, Sammy was the spokesman for Alka-Seltzer - whatever happened to Speedy? The audio is from a TV commercial - stay tuned...
9.) Jimmy McGriff - The Christmas Song (TONAL Remix)
We lost McGriff earlier this year and this track is dedicated to his memory. His Christmas album got a rave review from me - surprised?
10.) Marah - Holly Jolly Christmas
In the 24 years I've been creating these Christmas tapes / CDs, I have never used this song - not a big Burl Ives fan. When I reviewed this album earlier this year, their version leapt from the speakers and never let go.
11.) Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In - Salute to the Christmas spirit (12-16-68)
Dick Martin died earlier this year and since he didn't record any Christmas songs that I know of, I featured him with some repartee with his longtime partner Dan Rowan.
12.) Basil Rathbone - The Christmas Spirit
The Alcoa Hour first broadcast this television special in 1956 - Columbia released a soundtrack, it was finally released on CD in 2006, and I reviewed in early 2007. You normally don't associate the man who played Sherlock Holmes with Christmas but Basil does a remarkable job as a singing Scrooge.
13.) Phil Moore & The Phil Moore Four - Chincy Old Scrooge
My friend Martin Johns sent me an all-vinyl comp that yielded many gems - one of which was this 1953 R&B word jazz story of Scrooge. Tiny Tim said it best: God bless Stubby, one and all.
14.) The Ed Sullivan Show - George Carlin Christmas appearance, 1966
Love him or hate him, Carlin always spoke the truth and his death earlier this year leaves us with no one worthy enough to fill his shoes.
15.) Casey MacGill - Egg Nog
Wonderful little ditty honoring the festive holiday drink. Appropriate followup to Carlin's rant on eggnog.
16.) The Fabulous Fay McKay - ''12 Daze'' Of Christmas
It was an immense privilege to speak with Fay about her Christmas album. When she died earlier this year, a friend of Fay's family chose my blog to announce her death. We'll miss you Fay.
17.) The World According To Garp - Debate over holiday glass eyes
The woman in this audio clip from the movie is Glenn Close in one of her earliest film roles. She played Robin Williams' mother!
18.) The Klaudt Indian Family - White Christmas
I was surprised to hear this great organ solo on this album - it fits in with the audio clip that precedes it.
19.) Marlin L. Ryan - It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
I thought I had heard Christmas music on every conceivable instrument - kazoos, ukeleles, carillon bells, rubber bands, power tools, etc. Then this record came along with a factory steam whistle...
20.) The Bob Hope Pepsodent Show - Jerry Colonna describes Santa coming down his chimney
Colonna was Hope's sidekick for the better part of 30+ years. This clip from one of Hope's radio show just worked perfectly with...
21.) Jerry Colonna - Too Fat For The Chimney
"AHhhhh yes!" Colonna's singing hasn't been rated a weapon of mass destruction yet. If that happens, I'm doomed.
22.) Vincent Lopez & His Orchestra - Here Comes The Fattest Man In Town
No, not me. This album is extraordinary and I'm happy to have it in my collection. Yours too, I bet.
23.) Stan Freberg - Excerpt from "The Night Before Christmas"
Uncle Stan prepares the kiddies for bed (with some help from yours truly).
24.) Stan Freberg - Green Chri$tma$
You passed it on the way in... in case you missed it, here's a link to my appreciation of this masterpiece celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
25.) Brad Paisley - Kung Pao Buckaroo Holiday
How does one follow "Green Chri$tma$"? With a satire on political correctness from the Christmas album of Paisley's that does a bang-up job even Uncle Stan would be proud of.
26.) John Lennon (w Yoko Ono) - Happy New Year from John
A quick clip from a Japanese radio show that Yoko appeared on in which John called into to say "Happy New Year".
27.) Noelani & Leo Nahenahe Singers - Auld Lang Syne
I couldn't find a Japanese version of this song so I used Hawaiian instead. It almost worked...
28.) The Big Sound / Christmas Greetings - New Year's Eve production with Mitzi Gaynor & Steve Allen
Producers of this album edited together dozens of celebs for this track; "Hi, this is Bobby Darin", "Hi, this is Gogi Grant", etc. to wish all the listeners a Happy New Year.
29.) Contra Costa Health Services - The Flu Song (PSA)
"Wash your hands, wash your hands, flu season is here..." I'll never think of "Jingle Bells" the same way in a public restroom.
30.) Martinn - Brave Bells Of Scotland
Take the versions of "Jingle Bells" by Crosby & The Andrew Sisters and Frank Sinatra, speed them up, speed them down, add some bagpipes, and even a little Janis Joplin, and you'll get this. Bravo Martinn, bravo!
31.) Mojochronic - Yuletide Zeppelin
Who would have thunk that Led Zeppelin and Christmas music would sound damn good? Mojo did and the end result is nothing short of spectacular. Pure genius Mojo!
32.) 2008 playlist rundown
I give the playlist very much like what I just typed out...
33.) Crew of Apollo 8 (w Ormandy / Philadelphia Orch / Mormon Tabernacle Choir) - Silent Night
I originally mixed these two for my 1993 Christmas tape - the 25th anniversary of Apollo 8's Christmas Eve broadcast from moon orbit. I unearthed this (ooooo I kill me) for the 40th anniversary this year.
34.) Outro - short version
I edited down the long version of the outro (see 2000-2002) to 47 seconds.
Please leave your comments at the study guide page - please remember, none of these comps will be posted here in their entirety or made available online or off.
2008 Playlist
The 2008 playlist:
1.) 2008 intro
Yes Rico, ka-boom! With so much to tell, I had to edit my usual opening pastiche. Featuring Brave Combo on "Jingle Bells". To read the article I mentioned in the intro, click here.
2.) The Phil Harris / Alice Faye Show - Jack Benny as Santa Claus
Phil's radio daughters ask Santa his age... can you guess what Jack responded?
3.) Port Authority of the U.S. Navy Band - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
You can get much more 1970s than this amazing rendition from a Navy band no less!
4.) Irwin The Disco Duck & The Wibble Wabble Singers & Orchestra - Donde Esta Santa Claus
The worst Christmas disco song off the worst Christmas disco album of all time. Click on the link and read the disclaimer at the bottom.
5.) The Big Sound / Christmas Greetings - Jerry Lewis
The Big Sound marketed themselves to radio stations in the early 1960s with big name celebrities announcing the time, informing you how many shopping days left on the calendar, and Christmas Greetings.
6.) Molly Bee - Willy Claus (Little Son Of Santa Claus)
Our friend Ernie shared this one about one year ago - this song got stuck in my head for nearly a week. Molly was 13 years old when she recorded this in 1952 - she's 69 now and has her own MySpace page.
7.) Fred Travalena - Son Of Santa
A master impressionist who wrote and sang an original Christmas album (read my review here). This song features some impressions of DeNiro, Pesci, and The Rat Pack.
8.) Sammy Davis Jr - Alka Seltzer Christmas commercial
Back in 1979, Sammy was the spokesman for Alka-Seltzer - whatever happened to Speedy? The audio is from a TV commercial - stay tuned...
9.) Jimmy McGriff - The Christmas Song (TONAL Remix)
We lost McGriff earlier this year and this track is dedicated to his memory. His Christmas album got a rave review from me - surprised?
10.) Marah - Holly Jolly Christmas
In the 24 years I've been creating these Christmas tapes / CDs, I have never used this song - not a big Burl Ives fan. When I reviewed this album earlier this year, their version leapt from the speakers and never let go.
11.) Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In - Salute to the Christmas spirit (12-16-68)
Dick Martin died earlier this year and since he didn't record any Christmas songs that I know of, I featured him with some repartee with his longtime partner Dan Rowan.
12.) Basil Rathbone - The Christmas Spirit
The Alcoa Hour first broadcast this television special in 1956 - Columbia released a soundtrack, it was finally released on CD in 2006, and I reviewed in early 2007. You normally don't associate the man who played Sherlock Holmes with Christmas but Basil does a remarkable job as a singing Scrooge.
13.) Phil Moore & The Phil Moore Four - Chincy Old Scrooge
My friend Martin Johns sent me an all-vinyl comp that yielded many gems - one of which was this 1953 R&B word jazz story of Scrooge. Tiny Tim said it best: God bless Stubby, one and all.
14.) The Ed Sullivan Show - George Carlin Christmas appearance, 1966
Love him or hate him, Carlin always spoke the truth and his death earlier this year leaves us with no one worthy enough to fill his shoes.
15.) Casey MacGill - Egg Nog
Wonderful little ditty honoring the festive holiday drink. Appropriate followup to Carlin's rant on eggnog.
16.) The Fabulous Fay McKay - ''12 Daze'' Of Christmas
It was an immense privilege to speak with Fay about her Christmas album. When she died earlier this year, a friend of Fay's family chose my blog to announce her death. We'll miss you Fay.
17.) The World According To Garp - Debate over holiday glass eyes
The woman in this audio clip from the movie is Glenn Close in one of her earliest film roles. She played Robin Williams' mother!
18.) The Klaudt Indian Family - White Christmas
I was surprised to hear this great organ solo on this album - it fits in with the audio clip that precedes it.
19.) Marlin L. Ryan - It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
I thought I had heard Christmas music on every conceivable instrument - kazoos, ukeleles, carillon bells, rubber bands, power tools, etc. Then this record came along with a factory steam whistle...
20.) The Bob Hope Pepsodent Show - Jerry Colonna describes Santa coming down his chimney
Colonna was Hope's sidekick for the better part of 30+ years. This clip from one of Hope's radio show just worked perfectly with...
21.) Jerry Colonna - Too Fat For The Chimney
"AHhhhh yes!" Colonna's singing hasn't been rated a weapon of mass destruction yet. If that happens, I'm doomed.
22.) Vincent Lopez & His Orchestra - Here Comes The Fattest Man In Town
No, not me. This album is extraordinary and I'm happy to have it in my collection. Yours too, I bet.
23.) Stan Freberg - Excerpt from "The Night Before Christmas"
Uncle Stan prepares the kiddies for bed (with some help from yours truly).
24.) Stan Freberg - Green Chri$tma$
You passed it on the way in... in case you missed it, here's a link to my appreciation of this masterpiece celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
25.) Brad Paisley - Kung Pao Buckaroo Holiday
How does one follow "Green Chri$tma$"? With a satire on political correctness from the Christmas album of Paisley's that does a bang-up job even Uncle Stan would be proud of.
26.) John Lennon (w Yoko Ono) - Happy New Year from John
A quick clip from a Japanese radio show that Yoko appeared on in which John called into to say "Happy New Year".
27.) Noelani & Leo Nahenahe Singers - Auld Lang Syne
I couldn't find a Japanese version of this song so I used Hawaiian instead. It almost worked...
28.) The Big Sound / Christmas Greetings - New Year's Eve production with Mitzi Gaynor & Steve Allen
Producers of this album edited together dozens of celebs for this track; "Hi, this is Bobby Darin", "Hi, this is Gogi Grant", etc. to wish all the listeners a Happy New Year.
29.) Contra Costa Health Services - The Flu Song (PSA)
"Wash your hands, wash your hands, flu season is here..." I'll never think of "Jingle Bells" the same way in a public restroom.
30.) Martinn - Brave Bells Of Scotland
Take the versions of "Jingle Bells" by Crosby & The Andrew Sisters and Frank Sinatra, speed them up, speed them down, add some bagpipes, and even a little Janis Joplin, and you'll get this. Bravo Martinn, bravo!
31.) Mojochronic - Yuletide Zeppelin
Who would have thunk that Led Zeppelin and Christmas music would sound damn good? Mojo did and the end result is nothing short of spectacular. Pure genius Mojo!
32.) 2008 playlist rundown
I give the playlist very much like what I just typed out...
33.) Crew of Apollo 8 (w Ormandy / Philadelphia Orch / Mormon Tabernacle Choir) - Silent Night
I originally mixed these two for my 1993 Christmas tape - the 25th anniversary of Apollo 8's Christmas Eve broadcast from moon orbit. I unearthed this (ooooo I kill me) for the 40th anniversary this year.
34.) Outro - short version
I edited down the long version of the outro (see 2000-2002) to 47 seconds.
Please leave your comments at the study guide page - please remember, none of these comps will be posted here in their entirety or made available online or off.
1.) 2008 intro
Yes Rico, ka-boom! With so much to tell, I had to edit my usual opening pastiche. Featuring Brave Combo on "Jingle Bells". To read the article I mentioned in the intro, click here.
2.) The Phil Harris / Alice Faye Show - Jack Benny as Santa Claus
Phil's radio daughters ask Santa his age... can you guess what Jack responded?
3.) Port Authority of the U.S. Navy Band - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
You can get much more 1970s than this amazing rendition from a Navy band no less!
4.) Irwin The Disco Duck & The Wibble Wabble Singers & Orchestra - Donde Esta Santa Claus
The worst Christmas disco song off the worst Christmas disco album of all time. Click on the link and read the disclaimer at the bottom.
5.) The Big Sound / Christmas Greetings - Jerry Lewis
The Big Sound marketed themselves to radio stations in the early 1960s with big name celebrities announcing the time, informing you how many shopping days left on the calendar, and Christmas Greetings.
6.) Molly Bee - Willy Claus (Little Son Of Santa Claus)
Our friend Ernie shared this one about one year ago - this song got stuck in my head for nearly a week. Molly was 13 years old when she recorded this in 1952 - she's 69 now and has her own MySpace page.
7.) Fred Travalena - Son Of Santa
A master impressionist who wrote and sang an original Christmas album (read my review here). This song features some impressions of DeNiro, Pesci, and The Rat Pack.
8.) Sammy Davis Jr - Alka Seltzer Christmas commercial
Back in 1979, Sammy was the spokesman for Alka-Seltzer - whatever happened to Speedy? The audio is from a TV commercial - stay tuned...
9.) Jimmy McGriff - The Christmas Song (TONAL Remix)
We lost McGriff earlier this year and this track is dedicated to his memory. His Christmas album got a rave review from me - surprised?
10.) Marah - Holly Jolly Christmas
In the 24 years I've been creating these Christmas tapes / CDs, I have never used this song - not a big Burl Ives fan. When I reviewed this album earlier this year, their version leapt from the speakers and never let go.
11.) Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In - Salute to the Christmas spirit (12-16-68)
Dick Martin died earlier this year and since he didn't record any Christmas songs that I know of, I featured him with some repartee with his longtime partner Dan Rowan.
12.) Basil Rathbone - The Christmas Spirit
The Alcoa Hour first broadcast this television special in 1956 - Columbia released a soundtrack, it was finally released on CD in 2006, and I reviewed in early 2007. You normally don't associate the man who played Sherlock Holmes with Christmas but Basil does a remarkable job as a singing Scrooge.
13.) Phil Moore & The Phil Moore Four - Chincy Old Scrooge
My friend Martin Johns sent me an all-vinyl comp that yielded many gems - one of which was this 1953 R&B word jazz story of Scrooge. Tiny Tim said it best: God bless Stubby, one and all.
14.) The Ed Sullivan Show - George Carlin Christmas appearance, 1966
Love him or hate him, Carlin always spoke the truth and his death earlier this year leaves us with no one worthy enough to fill his shoes.
15.) Casey MacGill - Egg Nog
Wonderful little ditty honoring the festive holiday drink. Appropriate followup to Carlin's rant on eggnog.
16.) The Fabulous Fay McKay - ''12 Daze'' Of Christmas
It was an immense privilege to speak with Fay about her Christmas album. When she died earlier this year, a friend of Fay's family chose my blog to announce her death. We'll miss you Fay.
17.) The World According To Garp - Debate over holiday glass eyes
The woman in this audio clip from the movie is Glenn Close in one of her earliest film roles. She played Robin Williams' mother!
18.) The Klaudt Indian Family - White Christmas
I was surprised to hear this great organ solo on this album - it fits in with the audio clip that precedes it.
19.) Marlin L. Ryan - It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
I thought I had heard Christmas music on every conceivable instrument - kazoos, ukeleles, carillon bells, rubber bands, power tools, etc. Then this record came along with a factory steam whistle...
20.) The Bob Hope Pepsodent Show - Jerry Colonna describes Santa coming down his chimney
Colonna was Hope's sidekick for the better part of 30+ years. This clip from one of Hope's radio show just worked perfectly with...
21.) Jerry Colonna - Too Fat For The Chimney
"AHhhhh yes!" Colonna's singing hasn't been rated a weapon of mass destruction yet. If that happens, I'm doomed.
22.) Vincent Lopez & His Orchestra - Here Comes The Fattest Man In Town
No, not me. This album is extraordinary and I'm happy to have it in my collection. Yours too, I bet.
23.) Stan Freberg - Excerpt from "The Night Before Christmas"
Uncle Stan prepares the kiddies for bed (with some help from yours truly).
24.) Stan Freberg - Green Chri$tma$
You passed it on the way in... in case you missed it, here's a link to my appreciation of this masterpiece celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
25.) Brad Paisley - Kung Pao Buckaroo Holiday
How does one follow "Green Chri$tma$"? With a satire on political correctness from the Christmas album of Paisley's that does a bang-up job even Uncle Stan would be proud of.
26.) John Lennon (w Yoko Ono) - Happy New Year from John
A quick clip from a Japanese radio show that Yoko appeared on in which John called into to say "Happy New Year".
27.) Noelani & Leo Nahenahe Singers - Auld Lang Syne
I couldn't find a Japanese version of this song so I used Hawaiian instead. It almost worked...
28.) The Big Sound / Christmas Greetings - New Year's Eve production with Mitzi Gaynor & Steve Allen
Producers of this album edited together dozens of celebs for this track; "Hi, this is Bobby Darin", "Hi, this is Gogi Grant", etc. to wish all the listeners a Happy New Year.
29.) Contra Costa Health Services - The Flu Song (PSA)
"Wash your hands, wash your hands, flu season is here..." I'll never think of "Jingle Bells" the same way in a public restroom.
30.) Martinn - Brave Bells Of Scotland
Take the versions of "Jingle Bells" by Crosby & The Andrew Sisters and Frank Sinatra, speed them up, speed them down, add some bagpipes, and even a little Janis Joplin, and you'll get this. Bravo Martinn, bravo!
31.) Mojochronic - Yuletide Zeppelin
Who would have thunk that Led Zeppelin and Christmas music would sound damn good? Mojo did and the end result is nothing short of spectacular. Pure genius Mojo!
32.) 2008 playlist rundown
I give the playlist very much like what I just typed out...
33.) Crew of Apollo 8 (w Ormandy / Philadelphia Orch / Mormon Tabernacle Choir) - Silent Night
I originally mixed these two for my 1993 Christmas tape - the 25th anniversary of Apollo 8's Christmas Eve broadcast from moon orbit. I unearthed this (ooooo I kill me) for the 40th anniversary this year.
34.) Outro - short version
I edited down the long version of the outro (see 2000-2002) to 47 seconds.
Please leave your comments at the study guide page - please remember, none of these comps will be posted here in their entirety or made available online or off.
Sunday, 27 July 2008
2007 Playlist
The 2007 playlist:
1.) 2007 intro
I decided to start rotating versions of "Jingle Bells" during my intro - Les Paul's version of "Jingle Bells" is in the background.
2.) Scottland - Credit Card Christmas
This one came to me from NYC collector extraordinaire Al Aitchison from his annual Christmas comp - thanks Al!
3.) SeaWest Artists - We Wish You A Merry Christmas Pt. 1
The first attempt by these guys to play this song on the ukelele - it isn't as easy as it sounds! From my friend Martin Johns aka Stubbyfears - thank you sir!
4.) Ira Ironstrings - Sleigh Ride
A wild, raucous, and downright fun sleigh ride! From one the greatest Christmas albums of all-time (click to read my review).
5.) U.S. Postal Service - Easy Holiday Season PSA
Stubby and I swapped copies of Postal Service Christmas albums - thanks again Martin!
6.) Granddaddy - Alan Parsons In A Winter Wonderland
My brother Chris has always been an Alan Parsons fanatic (he outspends me on eBay for Parsons stuff - OMG) and this one was for him.
7.) Wild Man Fischer - I'm A Christmas Tree
Rock music's only certifiable manic depressive paranoid schizophrenic with a 19 second Christmas song. He later did a duet with Dr. Demento on the same song and there is no truth to the rumors Fischer has an unreleased FULL Christmas album.
8.) Ginny Gibson - Lonely Little Christmas Tree
I had taped this off an NPR show way back in the day and lost it in the apartment fire. Al Aitchison to the rescue!
9.) Fernand Gignac - Noël Blanc / Petit Papa Noël
My good friend Jeff of Jeffco Productions sent me this in our annual swap of Christmas packages - a promo CD from Sears available in Canada only. Very nice French version of "White Christmas"!
10.) Gary Owens - Preparation H Christmas commercial (complete)
RadioJonD aka Jonathan Melton passed this one my way and where he got the unedited complete version of this, I'll never know. This was the most talked about track of this comp amongst my family and friends - thanks Jon!
11.) Carey Bell - Christmas Train
You may have never heard about Bell but in Chicago, he can walk on the Chicago River (yeah, it's that dirty). Amazing harmonica Christmas blues!
12.) A Charlie Brown Christmas - Excerpt from 1965 "Charlie Brown Christmas" commercial
This DVD compilation had this brief 13 second clip - not much of the "Charlie Brown Christmas" promo materials or original animation cels exists anymore - tragic.
13.) DJ John - The Christmas Massacre Of Charlie Brown
I would have voted for this remix of all things Charlie Brown Christmas as possibly the best Christmas mash-up to be produced. That is until...
14.) DJ BC - Imagine Santa
Mixing the Jackson Five's "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" and John Lennon's "Imagine", this one easily gets my vote as the best Christmas mash-up to be produced (subject to change).
15.) Mel Brooks - 1978 Christmas Seals PSA
From one of the six vintage Christmas Seals albums in my collection - we listen in as Mel tries to record a Christmas Seal promo without much "schtick".
16.) Robert C. Pritikin - I Sawed Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
Leave it to Otis Fodder to send me this version played on the musical saw! Thank you Mr. Fodder!
17.) SeaWest Artists - We Wish You A Merry Christmas Pt. 2
The second attempt by these guys to play this song on the ukelele - they're getting better.
18.) Richard Cheese - Last Christmas
I reviewed this CD earlier this year - this track is 20 seconds long because Cheese stops the song because in his words "this song sucks. Next!"
19.) Swingerhead - I'll Be Home For Christmas
Loungey, surf-guitary, exotica version of this Christmas classic - this whole album is a trip, baby.
20.) Mr. Sun Time - Holiday radio jingle
From one of the many vintage Christmas radio jingles in my collection.
21.) Eilart Pilarm - Blue Christmas
This is the only Christmas track on the Christmas album from Sweden's foremost Elvis impersonator... actually Sweden's ONLY Elvis impersonator.
22.) The Tacoma Four - Christmas Is A Drag
The folks at Double Crown Records sent me this CD which I reviewed promptly. Sorry again on "Seasonal Favorites V2" fellas.
23.) American Comedy Network - Another Christmas Tradition That Never Caught On
I can't understand why Christmas yodeling didn't catch on... ask the next group...
24.) Trio Schmeed - Winter Time
Katya Oddio sent me her Christmas comp and this Christmas yodeling jewel was enclosed - thanks Katya!
25.) Sneakers - Whistler's wish for peace on earth, good will to men
Audio clip from the 1992 tech comedy-thriller. Very timely clip - especially in 2006.
26.) Titus Turner - Christmas Morning
I had never heard this soulful 1952 R&B before this year - packs a mighty wallop!
27.) Scott Marks - Discussion on the 9-hour DVD set of "The Bob Hope Christmas Specials"
My former film school professor in Chicago ended up in San Diego as a film critic. This is how he ended a podcast from KPBS that looked at Christmas movies.
28.) Steve Ivings - The Twelve Days Of Christmas
First heard in 1981 on the Dr. Demento Show, I was thrilled to find a MP3! Even wondered what this song would have sounded if Foster Brooks, John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart, Walter Cronkite, Richard Burton, Liberace, Brando as Vito Corleone, Peter Falk as Lt. Columbo, Horshack from "Welcome Back, Kotter", James Cagney, Alfred Hitchcock, and Paul Lynde recorded it? Now you know!
29.) SeaWest Artists - We Wish You A Merry Christmas Pt. 3
The third attempt by these guys to play this song on the ukelele - he almost has it down!
30.) Frankie Laine & Jo Stafford - Christmas Roses
Catchy Christmas pop duet from Frankie & Jo - we lost Frankie in 2007 and Jo left us in 2008.
31.) Jana - Joy To The World
Sung in Chiricahua Apache, I reviewed her excellent Christmas CD after my friend Joel surprised me with a copy. Still partially deaf in one ear.
32.) Jim Backus - The Office Party
I lost it when Jim Backus said "Boob McNutt"! Imagine Thurston Howell III trying to organize an office Christmas party...
33.) Mark Jonathan Davis - Santa Bog
SANTA! SANTA! SANTA! A wicked parody of those dragstrip commercials! Thanks to Mike Quinn for sending this one my way!
34.) The Ramsey Lewis Trio - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Great tune from a CD that I found in the same city where it was recorded - Chicago (click for review). The last Christmas CD purchased from the once-mighty Virgin Superstore on Michigan Ave..
35.) The 5.6.7.8's - Rock-N-Roll Santa
Christmas rock single from the all-girl group who gave us the cover of "Woo-Hoo" heard in "Kill Bill" and all them Vonage commercials.
36.) Miracle On 34th Street (1973) - Santa & Mrs. Walker discuss the Christmas spirit
This is the made-for-TV remake with Sebastian Cabot and Jane Alexander. A clip surfaced on this DVD comp - I'm looking for the whole movie.
37.) Fred Wilson, FBI - What's This?
I hate "The Nightmare Before Christmas" but this cover actually worked for me - shows you how disoriented I was when I made this comp. Sent to us from Mark Grant - Mark, please contact me at the P.O. Box!
38.) Relient K - Twelve Days of Christmas bonus track
Heavy metal chipmunks? Still trying to figure this one out...
39.) Korla Pandit - O Holy Night
Pandit had a way of making even the pipe organ sound haunting - you'll hear this one in your sleep.
40.) SeaWest Artists - We Wish You A Merry Christmas Pt. 4
The fourth and final attempt by these guys to play this song on the ukelele - and he nails it! Mele Kalikimaka!
41.) 2007 playlist rundown
I give the playlist very much like what I just typed out...
42.) Miss Gloria Parker - Silent Night
A virtuoso performance played on the musical glasses - do not play this if you have dogs in your house.
43.) Outro - short version
I edited down the long version of the outro (see 2000-2002) to 47 seconds.
Please leave your comments at the study guide page - please remember, none of these comps will be posted here in their entirety or made available online or off.
1.) 2007 intro
I decided to start rotating versions of "Jingle Bells" during my intro - Les Paul's version of "Jingle Bells" is in the background.
2.) Scottland - Credit Card Christmas
This one came to me from NYC collector extraordinaire Al Aitchison from his annual Christmas comp - thanks Al!
3.) SeaWest Artists - We Wish You A Merry Christmas Pt. 1
The first attempt by these guys to play this song on the ukelele - it isn't as easy as it sounds! From my friend Martin Johns aka Stubbyfears - thank you sir!
4.) Ira Ironstrings - Sleigh Ride
A wild, raucous, and downright fun sleigh ride! From one the greatest Christmas albums of all-time (click to read my review).
5.) U.S. Postal Service - Easy Holiday Season PSA
Stubby and I swapped copies of Postal Service Christmas albums - thanks again Martin!
6.) Granddaddy - Alan Parsons In A Winter Wonderland
My brother Chris has always been an Alan Parsons fanatic (he outspends me on eBay for Parsons stuff - OMG) and this one was for him.
7.) Wild Man Fischer - I'm A Christmas Tree
Rock music's only certifiable manic depressive paranoid schizophrenic with a 19 second Christmas song. He later did a duet with Dr. Demento on the same song and there is no truth to the rumors Fischer has an unreleased FULL Christmas album.
8.) Ginny Gibson - Lonely Little Christmas Tree
I had taped this off an NPR show way back in the day and lost it in the apartment fire. Al Aitchison to the rescue!
9.) Fernand Gignac - Noël Blanc / Petit Papa Noël
My good friend Jeff of Jeffco Productions sent me this in our annual swap of Christmas packages - a promo CD from Sears available in Canada only. Very nice French version of "White Christmas"!
10.) Gary Owens - Preparation H Christmas commercial (complete)
RadioJonD aka Jonathan Melton passed this one my way and where he got the unedited complete version of this, I'll never know. This was the most talked about track of this comp amongst my family and friends - thanks Jon!
11.) Carey Bell - Christmas Train
You may have never heard about Bell but in Chicago, he can walk on the Chicago River (yeah, it's that dirty). Amazing harmonica Christmas blues!
12.) A Charlie Brown Christmas - Excerpt from 1965 "Charlie Brown Christmas" commercial
This DVD compilation had this brief 13 second clip - not much of the "Charlie Brown Christmas" promo materials or original animation cels exists anymore - tragic.
13.) DJ John - The Christmas Massacre Of Charlie Brown
I would have voted for this remix of all things Charlie Brown Christmas as possibly the best Christmas mash-up to be produced. That is until...
14.) DJ BC - Imagine Santa
Mixing the Jackson Five's "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" and John Lennon's "Imagine", this one easily gets my vote as the best Christmas mash-up to be produced (subject to change).
15.) Mel Brooks - 1978 Christmas Seals PSA
From one of the six vintage Christmas Seals albums in my collection - we listen in as Mel tries to record a Christmas Seal promo without much "schtick".
16.) Robert C. Pritikin - I Sawed Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
Leave it to Otis Fodder to send me this version played on the musical saw! Thank you Mr. Fodder!
17.) SeaWest Artists - We Wish You A Merry Christmas Pt. 2
The second attempt by these guys to play this song on the ukelele - they're getting better.
18.) Richard Cheese - Last Christmas
I reviewed this CD earlier this year - this track is 20 seconds long because Cheese stops the song because in his words "this song sucks. Next!"
19.) Swingerhead - I'll Be Home For Christmas
Loungey, surf-guitary, exotica version of this Christmas classic - this whole album is a trip, baby.
20.) Mr. Sun Time - Holiday radio jingle
From one of the many vintage Christmas radio jingles in my collection.
21.) Eilart Pilarm - Blue Christmas
This is the only Christmas track on the Christmas album from Sweden's foremost Elvis impersonator... actually Sweden's ONLY Elvis impersonator.
22.) The Tacoma Four - Christmas Is A Drag
The folks at Double Crown Records sent me this CD which I reviewed promptly. Sorry again on "Seasonal Favorites V2" fellas.
23.) American Comedy Network - Another Christmas Tradition That Never Caught On
I can't understand why Christmas yodeling didn't catch on... ask the next group...
24.) Trio Schmeed - Winter Time
Katya Oddio sent me her Christmas comp and this Christmas yodeling jewel was enclosed - thanks Katya!
25.) Sneakers - Whistler's wish for peace on earth, good will to men
Audio clip from the 1992 tech comedy-thriller. Very timely clip - especially in 2006.
26.) Titus Turner - Christmas Morning
I had never heard this soulful 1952 R&B before this year - packs a mighty wallop!
27.) Scott Marks - Discussion on the 9-hour DVD set of "The Bob Hope Christmas Specials"
My former film school professor in Chicago ended up in San Diego as a film critic. This is how he ended a podcast from KPBS that looked at Christmas movies.
28.) Steve Ivings - The Twelve Days Of Christmas
First heard in 1981 on the Dr. Demento Show, I was thrilled to find a MP3! Even wondered what this song would have sounded if Foster Brooks, John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart, Walter Cronkite, Richard Burton, Liberace, Brando as Vito Corleone, Peter Falk as Lt. Columbo, Horshack from "Welcome Back, Kotter", James Cagney, Alfred Hitchcock, and Paul Lynde recorded it? Now you know!
29.) SeaWest Artists - We Wish You A Merry Christmas Pt. 3
The third attempt by these guys to play this song on the ukelele - he almost has it down!
30.) Frankie Laine & Jo Stafford - Christmas Roses
Catchy Christmas pop duet from Frankie & Jo - we lost Frankie in 2007 and Jo left us in 2008.
31.) Jana - Joy To The World
Sung in Chiricahua Apache, I reviewed her excellent Christmas CD after my friend Joel surprised me with a copy. Still partially deaf in one ear.
32.) Jim Backus - The Office Party
I lost it when Jim Backus said "Boob McNutt"! Imagine Thurston Howell III trying to organize an office Christmas party...
33.) Mark Jonathan Davis - Santa Bog
SANTA! SANTA! SANTA! A wicked parody of those dragstrip commercials! Thanks to Mike Quinn for sending this one my way!
34.) The Ramsey Lewis Trio - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Great tune from a CD that I found in the same city where it was recorded - Chicago (click for review). The last Christmas CD purchased from the once-mighty Virgin Superstore on Michigan Ave..
35.) The 5.6.7.8's - Rock-N-Roll Santa
Christmas rock single from the all-girl group who gave us the cover of "Woo-Hoo" heard in "Kill Bill" and all them Vonage commercials.
36.) Miracle On 34th Street (1973) - Santa & Mrs. Walker discuss the Christmas spirit
This is the made-for-TV remake with Sebastian Cabot and Jane Alexander. A clip surfaced on this DVD comp - I'm looking for the whole movie.
37.) Fred Wilson, FBI - What's This?
I hate "The Nightmare Before Christmas" but this cover actually worked for me - shows you how disoriented I was when I made this comp. Sent to us from Mark Grant - Mark, please contact me at the P.O. Box!
38.) Relient K - Twelve Days of Christmas bonus track
Heavy metal chipmunks? Still trying to figure this one out...
39.) Korla Pandit - O Holy Night
Pandit had a way of making even the pipe organ sound haunting - you'll hear this one in your sleep.
40.) SeaWest Artists - We Wish You A Merry Christmas Pt. 4
The fourth and final attempt by these guys to play this song on the ukelele - and he nails it! Mele Kalikimaka!
41.) 2007 playlist rundown
I give the playlist very much like what I just typed out...
42.) Miss Gloria Parker - Silent Night
A virtuoso performance played on the musical glasses - do not play this if you have dogs in your house.
43.) Outro - short version
I edited down the long version of the outro (see 2000-2002) to 47 seconds.
Please leave your comments at the study guide page - please remember, none of these comps will be posted here in their entirety or made available online or off.
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