Only A Northern Song
Killing You Softly With Our Song
12/30/08
The Sing-a-long Songs Will Be Our Scriptures
Top 5 Musical Reasons I Got Out of Bed in 2008:
1. The Hold Steady, not only their album, Stay Positive, but both shows, which reaffirmed my faith in rock and roll.
2. Duffy, Rockferry.
3. Robert Plant and Allison Krauss at Mohegan Sun. Remember, I saw God that night.
4. The return of R.E.M. with their release, Accelerate.
5. My discovery of The Drive-by Truckers.
Honorable mentions: Bob Mould's, District Line, and subsequent band tour. Santogold. Continued conversations here with my partner in crime.
2008 was a year of re-assessment, of discovery, of finding happiness in whatever form it chose to show itself to me. I'm forever grateful that you were all along for the ride. Peace, love, music...
See you in 2009.
1. The Hold Steady, not only their album, Stay Positive, but both shows, which reaffirmed my faith in rock and roll.
2. Duffy, Rockferry.
3. Robert Plant and Allison Krauss at Mohegan Sun. Remember, I saw God that night.
4. The return of R.E.M. with their release, Accelerate.
5. My discovery of The Drive-by Truckers.
Honorable mentions: Bob Mould's, District Line, and subsequent band tour. Santogold. Continued conversations here with my partner in crime.
2008 was a year of re-assessment, of discovery, of finding happiness in whatever form it chose to show itself to me. I'm forever grateful that you were all along for the ride. Peace, love, music...
See you in 2009.
Labels: best of 2008, top 5 lists
12/27/08
Dedicate Your Love To Any Woman or Man
So, after only commenting around here for the last few weeks, I thought it was a good time to say a few things here on the main stage. First, I have to thank Courtney publicly here for a fantastic job on this year's Holiday countdown. She's done this countdown over at her personal blog for the past several years, so it was quite a treat for me to be a silent partner in all this while she made me look good with daily content. I'm thinking more and more that the Blog 365 challenge is something I will try to accomplish next year, here at this place, maybe in conjunction with my PIC if she's amenable. I have a few ideas floating around in my head about this space, but it's a matter of actually executing on them that would be the trick, right? Right.
Things I heard about myself this Christmas:
"You're so much like Linus from Charlie Brown, it's scary." - My sister
"Dad, can you PLEASE stop playing that record (the Vince Guaraldi CD)?!" - My daughter
"Do we REALLY have to have that god-awful pastry again this year?" - My sister
"If I hear that effing Springsteen song ONE MORE TIME..." - My sister
So, in terms of Christmas, mine was quite enjoyable. It wasn't a musical extravaganza, but I did get a fairly difficult-to-find CD that has some very cool tracks on it, that I'll talk about at a later time. I also got Guitar Hero III for the Wii, which I've played before and enjoyed, but we'll see how it goes. It was truly a blessing to be with my family, for what will likely be the last Christmas-time in my house. Assuming, of course, I can sell it in this oh-so-fun economic climate.
I'm sure that Courtney and myself will be working on our "Best of 2008" lists for posting at some point, I have mine somewhat fleshed out in my head to a certain extent. So if anyone out there wishes to add theirs to our lists, please feel free. Also, I have a series of pieces coming up next year on an interesting theory that a good friend put to me regarding the cyclical nature of rock.
Enjoy your weekends, and please thank Courtney for her superlative efforts in the comments regarding the Countdown. I'll be back here with my Best of 2008 list very soon. Cheers.
Labels: BFF
12/24/08
Day 24: And The Bells Were Ringing Out For Christmas Day
There aren't enough words, I think, to explain what this song does to me. Over the years, I've gushed and cried and sighed and gone evangelical about this song. Some people agree with me; others don't. I think MJ does, but I'll let him gush in his own words.
My emotions about this song run so strong, I'm often overtaken by them. For example, this year, at a staff meeting, during a break, the conversation turned to Christmas music. Now, my new staff doesn't know about my obsession with Christmas music, so when I was asked what my favorite Christmas song was, I immediately said, "Fairytale of New York," then soon after began stammering in disbelief when my colleague had never heard it. So, I began to tell her about the song, and the minute I said, "It was Christmas Eve, babe, in the drunk tank," I actually BURST INTO TEARS. Right there in the library. Then of course, began to laugh at myself for crying over a song I wasn't even listening to at the time, and my staff is also laughing at me as well. THAT is what this song does to me.
There is one more song for the countdown, after this, which I will put up tomorrow. But for now, I just want to say to all of you who have come by to listen and read, have a wonderful, merry, blessed Christmas. I hope that you are surrounded by people you love, and who love you back. If you're wishing for something, believe in your heart, and it will come to you. And thank you, MJ, for playing along with me this year, and letting me take over the blog all month. You are the best in the world. This countdown is my gift to you.
Peace on Earth, peace to all of you.
Much, much love,
Courtney...
Fairytale of New York - The Pogues
My emotions about this song run so strong, I'm often overtaken by them. For example, this year, at a staff meeting, during a break, the conversation turned to Christmas music. Now, my new staff doesn't know about my obsession with Christmas music, so when I was asked what my favorite Christmas song was, I immediately said, "Fairytale of New York," then soon after began stammering in disbelief when my colleague had never heard it. So, I began to tell her about the song, and the minute I said, "It was Christmas Eve, babe, in the drunk tank," I actually BURST INTO TEARS. Right there in the library. Then of course, began to laugh at myself for crying over a song I wasn't even listening to at the time, and my staff is also laughing at me as well. THAT is what this song does to me.
There is one more song for the countdown, after this, which I will put up tomorrow. But for now, I just want to say to all of you who have come by to listen and read, have a wonderful, merry, blessed Christmas. I hope that you are surrounded by people you love, and who love you back. If you're wishing for something, believe in your heart, and it will come to you. And thank you, MJ, for playing along with me this year, and letting me take over the blog all month. You are the best in the world. This countdown is my gift to you.
Peace on Earth, peace to all of you.
Much, much love,
Courtney...
Fairytale of New York - The Pogues
12/23/08
Day 23: Where the Tree Tops Glisten
They are certainly glistening here today. A weekend full of snow, and a little ice, and wind. And even though rain will come on Christmas Eve, there will be a white Christmas here in New England. Granted, it won't be quite as magical as the end of this movie, when they open the barn doors during this song, and it's snowing at the inn, and the general stands there all stoic and proud and humbled by the weather and his friends. But, it's still a white Christmas.
Others have tried, but no one, really can sing this song nearly as well as Bing. Another overlapping favorite. Some classics are never out of style.
White Christmas - Bing Crosby
Others have tried, but no one, really can sing this song nearly as well as Bing. Another overlapping favorite. Some classics are never out of style.
White Christmas - Bing Crosby
Labels: bing crosby, countdown, top ten
12/22/08
Day 22: So This Is Christmas...
Merry Christmas, MJ.
Merry Christmas, Courtney
Ok, ok, I took some liberties there. ;)
Those of you who have been reading for a while should have predicted this song on the countdown. Usually, I post it on the 8th, but since I wanted the last week to be our overlapping songs, I was FORCED to hold it over. As a matter of fact, this song appeared in the exact same position on both of our lists: #5.
This song has always been very close to my heart. Lennon sings about that end-of-the-year summation we all do, and always measure ourselves short. "So this is Christmas, and what have you done? Another year older, a new one just begun..." We take stock, we wish, we dream, we set aside the regret and promise to try harder, be better. And we do try, and we do believe that this year we will live up to this promise Christmas renews for us all. And again, that longing we all feel, sitting by the tree, knowing who's with us, who's not, who we're wishing for.
Simply put, though, I love this song. It makes me hope, and we all need a little hope in our lives.
Happy Christmas (War is Over) - John Lennon
Merry Christmas, Courtney
Ok, ok, I took some liberties there. ;)
Those of you who have been reading for a while should have predicted this song on the countdown. Usually, I post it on the 8th, but since I wanted the last week to be our overlapping songs, I was FORCED to hold it over. As a matter of fact, this song appeared in the exact same position on both of our lists: #5.
This song has always been very close to my heart. Lennon sings about that end-of-the-year summation we all do, and always measure ourselves short. "So this is Christmas, and what have you done? Another year older, a new one just begun..." We take stock, we wish, we dream, we set aside the regret and promise to try harder, be better. And we do try, and we do believe that this year we will live up to this promise Christmas renews for us all. And again, that longing we all feel, sitting by the tree, knowing who's with us, who's not, who we're wishing for.
Simply put, though, I love this song. It makes me hope, and we all need a little hope in our lives.
Happy Christmas (War is Over) - John Lennon
Labels: countdown, john lennon, top ten
12/21/08
Day 21: Fourth Sunday of Advent
The wait is almost over. It's been snowing for the last 36 hours; the world up here looks dream-like. As I was driving today, I saw snowflakes hitting my windshield, and it was cold enough so that they weren't just white fuzzy clumps drifting down; I could see the individual geometry of each one as it landed, all different and delicate before they melted away.
This song is legendary in my house. My mother grew up admiring Bing Crosby as a performer, and then I grew up watching her admire David Bowie. In 1977, when this was filmed, her musical worlds collided. The poignant/slightly creepy fact about this song was that the Christmas special it debuted on aired AFTER Bing had died. Such is the magic of television, I suppose. It would have to be magic to bring these two together. But this song is lovely; The Little Drummer Boy has long been one of my favorite carols, and the piece written for Bowie to sing makes me think of Lennon, in its simple wish for peace.
Every song from here on out overlapped on both MJ's and my top ten carol lists. Be ready to greet the all-time greats.
Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy - David Bowie and Bing Crosby
This song is legendary in my house. My mother grew up admiring Bing Crosby as a performer, and then I grew up watching her admire David Bowie. In 1977, when this was filmed, her musical worlds collided. The poignant/slightly creepy fact about this song was that the Christmas special it debuted on aired AFTER Bing had died. Such is the magic of television, I suppose. It would have to be magic to bring these two together. But this song is lovely; The Little Drummer Boy has long been one of my favorite carols, and the piece written for Bowie to sing makes me think of Lennon, in its simple wish for peace.
Every song from here on out overlapped on both MJ's and my top ten carol lists. Be ready to greet the all-time greats.
Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy - David Bowie and Bing Crosby
Labels: bowie and crosby, countdown, top ten
12/20/08
Day 20: You Better Be Good For Goodness Sake!
I told you I was bringing out the big guns.
In all seriousness, though, how do you not love the introduction to this song, and asking Clarence if he's practiced so that he can get a new saxophone? Again, this is a top ten of MJ's, top 20 of mine.
I have two Springsteen concert things I have to do before he dies. One is get a pit ticket. The second is see him sing this live. The former is infinitely more likely, but hey, a girl can dream. Isn't that what Christmas is all about?
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town - Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
In all seriousness, though, how do you not love the introduction to this song, and asking Clarence if he's practiced so that he can get a new saxophone? Again, this is a top ten of MJ's, top 20 of mine.
I have two Springsteen concert things I have to do before he dies. One is get a pit ticket. The second is see him sing this live. The former is infinitely more likely, but hey, a girl can dream. Isn't that what Christmas is all about?
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town - Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
12/19/08
Day 19: If There Was a Way, I'd Hold Back These Tears
We're into the home stretch here; from now until Christmas Day, the songs will be from MJ's and my top ten list. Strap in, as there are some classics here, and some guaranteed tear jerkers. Like today.
I'm sure there are folks out there who think that Darlene Love's version cannot be surpassed, but I disagree. Bono and the boys take all the desparation and longing and heartbreak and pour it out into the snow for you. He's always been able to do that, even when he's been on his King of the D-Bags trips. This song just makes you YEARN. Hard core, down to your toes and the depths of your soul. I could talk about what I think about when I hear this tune, but I'm not in that sharing of a mood today. However, listen to him at the end: "BABY, please come home, BABY, please come home..." Please. Whoever you are.
This was on MJ's top ten list; if I had made a top 20, it would have been on mine, too. There aren't many modern Christmas songs out there better than this one.
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) - U2
I'm sure there are folks out there who think that Darlene Love's version cannot be surpassed, but I disagree. Bono and the boys take all the desparation and longing and heartbreak and pour it out into the snow for you. He's always been able to do that, even when he's been on his King of the D-Bags trips. This song just makes you YEARN. Hard core, down to your toes and the depths of your soul. I could talk about what I think about when I hear this tune, but I'm not in that sharing of a mood today. However, listen to him at the end: "BABY, please come home, BABY, please come home..." Please. Whoever you are.
This was on MJ's top ten list; if I had made a top 20, it would have been on mine, too. There aren't many modern Christmas songs out there better than this one.
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) - U2
12/18/08
Day 18: Buddy the Elf! What's your favorite color?
Two things: I raved about this Christmas album the year it came out. Holiday goodness everywhere. Plus, today is International Answer the Phone Like Buddy The Elf Day, which is now on my list of all time favorite Christmas movies, so fuck yeah. Let's boogie to the elf dance indeed.
Come On! Let's Boogie to the Elf Dance! - Sufjan Stevens
Come On! Let's Boogie to the Elf Dance! - Sufjan Stevens
Labels: buddy the elf, countdown
12/17/08
Day 17: Do You Hear What I Hear?
Remember, her family heritage is in gospel singing and Motown. This proves that, I think.
Do You Hear What I Hear? - Whitney Houston
Do You Hear What I Hear? - Whitney Houston
Labels: countdown, whitney houston
12/16/08
Day 16: I Saw Three Ships Come Sailin' In
This will always be my nephew's carol. When Ben was a little boy, still a toddler, really, he heard this song at my mother's house one Christmas. He LOVED it. He would point to the cd player and say, "Again, Nana," and my mother, being the wonderful indulgent Nana that she is, would play it. Over and over and over. And he would bounce up and down, holding on to the edge of the table, and wiggle his little bum, and we couldn't NOT play the song 487 times in a row; he was just so cute.
That year, I made Colleen, Ben's mother, a Christmas cd, and that song was on it, by coincidence. She was living in Connecticut at the time, and she called me, after driving home, and explained that it was the only song she heard for the entire two and a half hours, because Ben's father also responded well to, "Again, Dada."
Fast forward to next Christmas, and I hand Colleen another mix cd. She groaned, and complained she'd never hear the rest of the songs. I explained to her that every other song was "I Saw Three Ships" so that everyone in the car would be happy. That cd kept Ben, and later his brother Max as well, happy for many Christmas rides.
So, today is dedicated to my boys. Another traditional carol, with odd origins (where did the ships come from?), but wonderful memories.
I Saw Three Ships - Sting
That year, I made Colleen, Ben's mother, a Christmas cd, and that song was on it, by coincidence. She was living in Connecticut at the time, and she called me, after driving home, and explained that it was the only song she heard for the entire two and a half hours, because Ben's father also responded well to, "Again, Dada."
Fast forward to next Christmas, and I hand Colleen another mix cd. She groaned, and complained she'd never hear the rest of the songs. I explained to her that every other song was "I Saw Three Ships" so that everyone in the car would be happy. That cd kept Ben, and later his brother Max as well, happy for many Christmas rides.
So, today is dedicated to my boys. Another traditional carol, with odd origins (where did the ships come from?), but wonderful memories.
I Saw Three Ships - Sting
Labels: countdown, nephews, traditional carols
12/15/08
Day 15: Good King Wensell's Sloshed
The title is how my sisters and I would always sing this song. A traditional English carol that always makes us laugh.
I find some of the traditional carols interesting in the fact that they have such strange connections to Christmas. I'll share another one tomorrow.
Good King Wenceslas - Loreena McKennett
I find some of the traditional carols interesting in the fact that they have such strange connections to Christmas. I'll share another one tomorrow.
Good King Wenceslas - Loreena McKennett
Labels: countdown, traditional carols
12/14/08
Day 14: Third Sunday of Advent
Light the pink candle on your wreath today.
The First Noel - Emmylou Harris
The First Noel - Emmylou Harris
Labels: countdown, emmylou harris
12/13/08
Day 13: Kindness Will Be Your Guide
Another one of MJ's top 10 carols, today. This version comes from a Christmas movie I often forget how good it really is. In fact, 30 Rock borrowed from it this past Thursday, as Jack decided to have a live Christmas Eve broadcast. Much like the seemingly intractable Frank Cross, which, when I think about this movie, could be one of Bill Murray's best roles.
Today is Craft Day, with my wonderful friends Ray and Nora. I have a bag of cards waiting to be addressed and signed, and a pie to bake. Enjoy your day, friends.
Put a Little Love In Your Heart - Annie Lennox and Al Green
Today is Craft Day, with my wonderful friends Ray and Nora. I have a bag of cards waiting to be addressed and signed, and a pie to bake. Enjoy your day, friends.
Put a Little Love In Your Heart - Annie Lennox and Al Green
Labels: annie lennox and al green, countdown, scrooged
12/12/08
Day 12: When I Saw the Dawn, It Was Wintergreen and Red
When I was a kid, that was certainly true, time stands still. The Christmas season just stretched out before me like an unending wait. Of course, as an adult, that's clearly not the case. I always hope that this countdown will help me stretch it out, cherish each moment. But really, it makes me think again, oh my god, there's only 13 more days!
So, let me spin this back to the kid's perspective... 13 days...!!! That's SO LONG! Two weeks! I don't know if I can stand to wait!
Christmas Time - The db's
So, let me spin this back to the kid's perspective... 13 days...!!! That's SO LONG! Two weeks! I don't know if I can stand to wait!
Christmas Time - The db's
12/11/08
Day 11: I Love Those J-I-N-G-L-E Bells
Can't have Dino on the countdown without The Chairman as well.
Oh, and since I was tagged to do a "Six Things About Me and the Holidays" meme (well, open invite to anyone, really, by Preppy Sue), I'm adding it to today's entry. And, my dear co-conspirator here is SO TAGGED for this as well... smooches.
1. Currently, I have three large Rubbermaid bins of holiday decorations, and I don't consider that NEARLY enough.
2. Clearly, I enjoy holiday music. This was not always the case, but after years of working in retail, I've grown to love it. However, I still believe you should not be allowed to play Christmas songs until the day after Thanksgiving. This countdown evolved out of my annual Christmas cd, which I still get requests for. In fact, one occassional reader of this blog keeps asking for a copy of 2001's mix (which, as I remember, kicked some pretty serious ass).
3. Christmas Eve is not complete without new pyjamas.
4. Last Christmas morning was the first Christmas morning I spent totally alone. The only thing that would have made it BETTER was perhaps a present to open. So, if someone wants to sneak into my house and fill my stocking, go ahead. That statement is open to any interpretation of "fill my stocking" you feel is appropriate. OH!! Someone's on the naughty list all of a sudden.
5. My new favorite Christmas movie is Elf. More on that next week, however.
6. Candy canes are a decorative item, not for actual consumption.
Anyone else who wants to play, feel free to do so in the comments.
Jingle Bells - Frank Sinatra
Oh, and since I was tagged to do a "Six Things About Me and the Holidays" meme (well, open invite to anyone, really, by Preppy Sue), I'm adding it to today's entry. And, my dear co-conspirator here is SO TAGGED for this as well... smooches.
1. Currently, I have three large Rubbermaid bins of holiday decorations, and I don't consider that NEARLY enough.
2. Clearly, I enjoy holiday music. This was not always the case, but after years of working in retail, I've grown to love it. However, I still believe you should not be allowed to play Christmas songs until the day after Thanksgiving. This countdown evolved out of my annual Christmas cd, which I still get requests for. In fact, one occassional reader of this blog keeps asking for a copy of 2001's mix (which, as I remember, kicked some pretty serious ass).
3. Christmas Eve is not complete without new pyjamas.
4. Last Christmas morning was the first Christmas morning I spent totally alone. The only thing that would have made it BETTER was perhaps a present to open. So, if someone wants to sneak into my house and fill my stocking, go ahead. That statement is open to any interpretation of "fill my stocking" you feel is appropriate. OH!! Someone's on the naughty list all of a sudden.
5. My new favorite Christmas movie is Elf. More on that next week, however.
6. Candy canes are a decorative item, not for actual consumption.
Anyone else who wants to play, feel free to do so in the comments.
Jingle Bells - Frank Sinatra
Labels: Chairman of the Board, countdown
12/10/08
Day 10: I'm Not a Child, But My Heart Still Can Dream
Usually, I'm ok with my single status. I often "like" it, as strange as that may seem. Liz and I have had several conversations about this recently, and one of the conclusions we've come to is that I'm giving myself permission to be me. Not worrying about what other people think, just always presenting the version of myself that is honest at the time--happy, sad, annoyed, sick, joyous, drunk, whatever it is, I am fully embracing it. And, good things, and good people, are coming to me because of it.
Yesterday afternoon, however, I was a train wreck. I let lots of little minor annoyances get under my skin, and, coupled with the fact that I AM YET AGAIN SICK, I was not the ever-awesome Courtney you all know me to be. Insert laughter here. Go ahead, I'll wait. Yesterday afternoon, being single SUCKED. Giant hairy donkey balls. I regressed into a whiny, needy girl, and all I wanted in the world was someone to hold me. Make me dinner, snuggle on the couch with me, whatever. I needed someone to LITERALLY lean on, and there was no physical someone to be had. So, that was the persona I threw out to the world. I didn't try to hide it; I fully owned it. And, people came to help. MJ, who has years of experience talking me off of proverbial ledges, tried to cheer me. My new friend Sean (via Liz), who really didn't need the verbal diarreah I threw his way, and old friend Sean, who's braved that onslaught once or twice. And Liz, who called, barely off of a plane from a vacation with her girlfriends.
And it was wonderful, and I felt better, and I got on with my evening.
Whether this narrative is at all connected to today's song, I'm not really sure. Maybe the bit about everyone having a friend, and time healing all hearts, maybe not. But yesterday, I asked you all to slow down, find a blessing in your life. Yesterday, when I got caught up in the stupid madness, four blessings appeared and helped me through.
My Grown Up Christmas List - Kelly Clarkson
(yes, I'm sorry. I'm even MORE sorry that I'm weeping during this one)
Yesterday afternoon, however, I was a train wreck. I let lots of little minor annoyances get under my skin, and, coupled with the fact that I AM YET AGAIN SICK, I was not the ever-awesome Courtney you all know me to be. Insert laughter here. Go ahead, I'll wait. Yesterday afternoon, being single SUCKED. Giant hairy donkey balls. I regressed into a whiny, needy girl, and all I wanted in the world was someone to hold me. Make me dinner, snuggle on the couch with me, whatever. I needed someone to LITERALLY lean on, and there was no physical someone to be had. So, that was the persona I threw out to the world. I didn't try to hide it; I fully owned it. And, people came to help. MJ, who has years of experience talking me off of proverbial ledges, tried to cheer me. My new friend Sean (via Liz), who really didn't need the verbal diarreah I threw his way, and old friend Sean, who's braved that onslaught once or twice. And Liz, who called, barely off of a plane from a vacation with her girlfriends.
And it was wonderful, and I felt better, and I got on with my evening.
Whether this narrative is at all connected to today's song, I'm not really sure. Maybe the bit about everyone having a friend, and time healing all hearts, maybe not. But yesterday, I asked you all to slow down, find a blessing in your life. Yesterday, when I got caught up in the stupid madness, four blessings appeared and helped me through.
My Grown Up Christmas List - Kelly Clarkson
(yes, I'm sorry. I'm even MORE sorry that I'm weeping during this one)
Labels: countdown, kelly clarkson
12/9/08
Day 9: I Looked To The Sky With Excited Eyes
It took me years to discover who actually sang this song. I would hear it on the radio and be mesmerized by it. Since it wasn't a hugely popular artist, it was always over shadowed by bigger names, with much less beautiful tunes. The imagery in this song is just stunning; "they said there'd be snow at Christmas", as if, somehow, they lied. Particularly when you get to the ending line: "The Christmas we get we deserve." Almost ominous, Scrooge-like.
But you could, and I do, interpret that somewhat like what the Beatles were saying when they said, "the love you take is equal to the love you make". And it's true. We make our own Christmas. We can rush around, and complain, and be disappointed, or we can count the blessings we have. Our family, our friends, a winter's light, and a distant choir. The peal of a bell and that Christmas tree smell.
So, slow down. Find a blessing today. Linger on it for a while.
I Believe In Father Christmas - Greg Lake
But you could, and I do, interpret that somewhat like what the Beatles were saying when they said, "the love you take is equal to the love you make". And it's true. We make our own Christmas. We can rush around, and complain, and be disappointed, or we can count the blessings we have. Our family, our friends, a winter's light, and a distant choir. The peal of a bell and that Christmas tree smell.
So, slow down. Find a blessing today. Linger on it for a while.
I Believe In Father Christmas - Greg Lake
12/8/08
Day 8: You'll Be Doing Alright, With Your Christmas Of White
This version has grown on me over the years. Oh, and give MJ props for the lovely new festive background; it looks great!
Blue Christmas - Elvis Presley
Oh, and a brief interlude for the day. I think my original song is still appropriate to mark the anniversary. I have other plans for John this year, anyway.
Blue Christmas - Elvis Presley
Oh, and a brief interlude for the day. I think my original song is still appropriate to mark the anniversary. I have other plans for John this year, anyway.
Labels: anniversary, countdown, elvis, john lennon
12/7/08
Day 7: Second Sunday of Advent
It's a quiet, grey morning here. It's been lightly snowing, and my neighborhood is still. Very peaceful and reflective.
Also, birthday greetings to my partner in crime here. Happy day to you. Smooches.
O Come, O Come Emmanuel - Sufjan Stevens
Also, birthday greetings to my partner in crime here. Happy day to you. Smooches.
O Come, O Come Emmanuel - Sufjan Stevens
Labels: countdown, traditional carols
12/6/08
Day 6: Put Some Music On While I Pour
When I decided to use this site to host the countdown this year, I emailed MJ for his input. "Send me the list of your top 10 favorite Christmas songs," was my request. I have a plan for the ones that overlapped. Saturdays, I've reserved for the ones that DIDN'T. Although, to be fair, had I created a top 20 list, these all would have made it. Reminder, we share a brain.
This song is a naughty little number, and I've always loved it. It's not necessarily a "Christmas" song, as the only reference to holidays is that fact that Mr. Lothario is trying to get our damsel to stay in his likely swanky Central Park West apartment while a blizzard rages. Despite that, it's a perennial holiday classic. Oddly enough, the Gap made me discover this one, as some version was always on their in-store holiday music.
It's a wonderful little sing-a-long number too, and I always do, allowing myself the delusion that I have that sultry, smooth voice, and some fabulous black number on. So, maybe just a half a drink more... ;)
Baby, It's Cold Outside - Dean Martin and Doris Day
This song is a naughty little number, and I've always loved it. It's not necessarily a "Christmas" song, as the only reference to holidays is that fact that Mr. Lothario is trying to get our damsel to stay in his likely swanky Central Park West apartment while a blizzard rages. Despite that, it's a perennial holiday classic. Oddly enough, the Gap made me discover this one, as some version was always on their in-store holiday music.
It's a wonderful little sing-a-long number too, and I always do, allowing myself the delusion that I have that sultry, smooth voice, and some fabulous black number on. So, maybe just a half a drink more... ;)
Baby, It's Cold Outside - Dean Martin and Doris Day
Labels: classics, countdown, dean martin
12/5/08
Day 5: My God In Heaven, Now I'm Acting Like I'm Seven
This song stops me dead in my tracks, most days. And if I'm alone, in my car, trying to sing along, I usually make myself cry. There is something about the bridge, and the round at the end, that just swirls up so much emotion for me, I get goose bumps.
I am a little nuts about the Christmas season. Somehow, though, I don't think any of you have an issue with that.
Christmas - Blues Traveler
I am a little nuts about the Christmas season. Somehow, though, I don't think any of you have an issue with that.
Christmas - Blues Traveler
Labels: blues traveler, countdown
12/4/08
Day 4: Christmas Ain't the Time for Breakin' Each Other's Hearts
This one's for Liz...
I have always liked this song, but for some reason, I never found it "countdown" worthy. It's appeared on mix cd's in previous years, but never on the site. I learned over the weekend that this is one of her favorite Christmas songs ever. "Most of my favorite songs are about longing, go figure, " or some such quote came out of her mouth.
But, those of you who have been paying attention all these years, some of MY favorite Christmas songs are all about the longing as well. There's always a certain undercurrent of sadness and wistfulness, and I think I may be actively avoiding "2000 Miles" this year. We'll see, though.
At any rate, girlfriend, this one's for you. Enjoy.
Merry Christmas (I Don't Want to Fight Tonight With You) - The Ramones
I have always liked this song, but for some reason, I never found it "countdown" worthy. It's appeared on mix cd's in previous years, but never on the site. I learned over the weekend that this is one of her favorite Christmas songs ever. "Most of my favorite songs are about longing, go figure, " or some such quote came out of her mouth.
But, those of you who have been paying attention all these years, some of MY favorite Christmas songs are all about the longing as well. There's always a certain undercurrent of sadness and wistfulness, and I think I may be actively avoiding "2000 Miles" this year. We'll see, though.
At any rate, girlfriend, this one's for you. Enjoy.
Merry Christmas (I Don't Want to Fight Tonight With You) - The Ramones
12/3/08
Day Three: Carols at the Spinnet
Yes, I actually know what a spinnet is, although I prefer candles in the window.
Froma classic TV special classic musical. I've actually seen a different version of this one, and I love it.
We Need a Little Christmas - Angela Lansbury
From
We Need a Little Christmas - Angela Lansbury
12/2/08
Day 2: One Shining Moment My Heart Ran Away
I'll admit it; Jack Johnson is not a favorite of mine, as a rule. A little too hippie, Dave Matthews wanna-be for my taste. However, I'm giving him a pass on this one for two reasons: one, this is such a simple, beautiful song, the singer-songwriter acoustic guitar treatment works well with it; and two, my nephew Max thinks that the Curious George album is the greatest thing he's ever heard. He still falls asleep to it, although he won't admit it, and we catch him singing the songs under his breath every now and again.
Someday at Christmas - Jack Johnson
Someday at Christmas - Jack Johnson
Labels: countdown, jack johnson
12/1/08
Day 1: Christmas Time is Here
Welcome, friends to my FOURTH ANNUAL Christmas Music Countdown. I simply cannot believe it's been four years that I've done this. This year, hopefully, will be a little collaborative with my partner in crime, here. We've got some shared favorites, and some themes coming up, that I hope MJ will weigh in on. This is always so much fun for me, and I hope he enjoys it as much as I do.
To start us off, this is a shared favorite of MJ's and mine. We actually each sent each other our list of top 10 favorite Christmas songs, and surprisingly, only four overlapped!! This was one of them. Look for more as we get closer to the day itself.
UPDATE: For your viewing pleasure, Monday night, 12/8/08, your local ABC affiliate. Thanks, PIC.
Christmas Time is Here (vocal) - Vince Guaraldi Trio
To start us off, this is a shared favorite of MJ's and mine. We actually each sent each other our list of top 10 favorite Christmas songs, and surprisingly, only four overlapped!! This was one of them. Look for more as we get closer to the day itself.
UPDATE: For your viewing pleasure, Monday night, 12/8/08, your local ABC affiliate. Thanks, PIC.
Christmas Time is Here (vocal) - Vince Guaraldi Trio
Labels: christmas time is here, countdown
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