Seeing as how we’re a day away from
figuring out “Upper Michigan’s Favorite Classic Christmas
Song...Ever!”, I’ve started to think about what MY favorite
Christmas songs of all-time might be. I’ve narrowed it down to
five. Actually, I DO know what my all-time fave is, but I also have
a soft spot in my heart for the other four, as well.
So, first the four runners-up, in
alphabetical order (and with the caveat that I don't consider Relient
K's punk version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” a classic, at
least not yet. Otherwise it would be on the list)--
“All I Want For Christmas Is You”,
Mariah Carey. Now, I’m not a big Mariah Carey fan, but there’s
just something. . .irresistible about this song. It puts a smile on
your face, it makes you sing along with it, and it gets stuck in your
head. Can you ask for anything more in a tune, especially a holiday
tune?
“Most Wonderful Time Of The Year”,
Johnny Mathis. Why? Well, because it’s a great example of
old-school Holiday music, with big orchestras, big vocals, and an
urge to make you start dancing. Oh, and it mentions ghosts, too,
therefore also technically qualifying it as a Halloween song, as
well.
“Same Old Lang Syne”, Dan
Fogelberg. When the (sadly) late Mr. Fogelberg wrote the song, I
don’t think he intended it as a holiday song (it was just a single
off of an album), but in the 37 years since (37 years?!?!?!?!?), it’s
become a holiday classic. It’s a rare example of a downbeat
Christmas song (like “Merry Christmas Baby”) that actually works
as a Christmas song; add to that an incredibly wistful string
arrangement, and you’re set.
“White Christmas”, by (ahem) Vince
Gill. For the first two and a half minutes of this song, it’s just
incredibly sublime guitar playing. Then for the next two and a half
minutes, the vocals kick in. We play this particular version on
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day; if you happen to hear it, you’ll
know why it’s on this list.
And, finally, Jim’s favorite
Christmas song of all time? There’s just no question about it…
“The Christmas Song”, by Nat King
Cole. It’s ethereal. . .it just is. And it’s not OFFICIALLY the
holidays until you listen to it.
That’s my top 5 list. Join us
tomorrow and vote on yours!
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