From The Pogues, the Waitresses, To Chuck and Ella - The Best Christmas Songs To Cheer Your Soul
I love, love, love Christmas. Mostly in a Clark Griswoldian way (we go for the extreme lighting). I love to embrace the somewhat silly traditions and cultural expressions which center around a fat, jolly guy in a red velvet suit. In my heart though, as cliched and fruity as it might sound, I truly “get†the spirit of the holiday and of course the religious connotations it all brings. From the exchanging of inappropriate gifts, to the crushing lines at stores, to the custardy libations that add on a few extra inches around my waist, Christmas is a time of cheer.
And as ubiquitous as the clearance sales are on every corner, the music of the season can either add to your joy, or enhance your throbbing headache. Since we’ve already covered those Christmas songs most likely to induce vomiting, we now present mine and Josh’s list of the season’s best offerings.
My List:
1.) “Christmas Wrapping†- The Waitresses - From the easily recognizable guitar riff at the beginning, to the poignant, yet girl-centric lyrics, this new-wave hit touches at the very heart of my ’80s soul. Making a modern day Christmas classic is almost impossible and few have been able to pull off. The song’s writer, producer and band member Chris Butler also achieved another amazing feat, he wrote a brilliant song which encompassed the age old Christmas gripes of being too busy to get into holiday spirit, too busy to meet up with that crush you’d like to get to know better, and tops it off with a happy ending. Like a fairy tale for party girls. Women themselves have a hard time writing songs that captures the essence of relationship frustrations, but this song is so catchy, so perfect and so Christmasy. Very ’80s, yet very timeless. A treasure.2.) “Fairy Tale Of New York†- Pogues with Kirsty MacColl - Yes, another ’80s treasure. This song is as beautiful as it is sardonic. I love the combination of the Pogue’s Shane McGowan half-slurred and mush-mouthed vocals combined with the lilting beauty of Kirsty’s voice as they belt out lines such as “You scumbag, you maggot, You cheap lousy faggot, Happy Christmas your arse, I pray God it’s our last.†It sounds like Christmas Eve at my house! This is also a modern day classic and no Christmas is complete without hearing it.
3.) “The Christmas Song†- Nat King Cole this song (originally written by Mel Torme, who also does a great job) has been covered by EVERYONE and their dog, but no one, I mean NO ONE makes it feel like all the warmth and joy Christmas fills a child’s heart with like Nat. His buttery voice, smooth as silk glides over the lyrics like an eagle over a pristine lake. I could listen to this version over and over again, and have it feel like the first time every time.
Continued on the next page
Follow Technorati