I’m no Grinch, but I’ve got to admit there are times when the sound of a traditional holiday carol makes me say “Ho, ho, NO!” (The too-perky “thumpity-thump-thump” refrain of “Frosty the Snowman,” for example, conjures up evil fantasies of giving the titular hero a one-way plane ticket to a tropical destination.) Thankfully, though, we live in a musically diverse time where there are festive ditties to fit almost any mood. One of my all-time favorite seasonal tracks is Jody Watley‘s “Christmas Time Is Here,” a sexy, fireside take on the melancholy tune made famous in A Charlie Brown Christmas. Miss Watley has made her cover (embedded below) available for free download at her ReverbNation music page, and I’ve taken the liberty of making it the first track on PopWatch’s 2009 Nontraditional Holiday Playlist. What other unexpected carols should make the cut? That’s up to you, my friends. Head to the comments section below and add your favorite lesser-known carols. By the time Santa heads down the chimney, we’ll have ourselves a merry little playlist!
Dec 24
2009
01:22 PM ET
Jody Watley's 'Christmas Time Is Here' kicks off the PopWatch Non-traditional Holiday Playlist
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Queen’s “Thank God It’s Christmas.”
You still can’t be the jazzy soundtrack to A Charlie Brown Christmas. That’s what I listen to this time o year.
This may be a bit conventional, but ‘Christmas Wrapping’ from The Waitresses is my fave. It’s not nearly played enough on the insufferable holiday stations.
Agreed! I’ve only heard it once this year on the radio, and that is a travesty!
MY ALL TIME FAV! work at crate and barrel, it’s on our playlist every year!!
Wow. I could NOT hate that Waitresses song more than I do.
I love Everclears “I’ll be Hating You for Christmas”. It’s an hidden song on one of their CDs.
Almost forgot about that – it’s in the ‘Like a California King’ track
I love Damien Rice and Lisa Hannigan’s version of “Silent Night”. A wonderful (not very happy) twist on the holiday classic.
I’d add Ben Folds Lonely Christmas Eve from the Grinch.
Also a huge fan of Nine Inch Noels.
All 3 of Kris Allens Christmas songs should beon this list! JS
I agree with damitman
Kris needs to record a Christmas CD!
John Lennon’s Happy Xmas ( war is over ) Not only a good Xmas song, but a fabulous anthem all around.
“Christmas Tree” – Lady GaGa feat. Space Cowboy
“Last Christmas” – Glee Cast
“Blue Christmas” – Nicole Atkins
“Star of Wonder” – Sufjan Stevens
“Carol of the Bells” – The Bird and the Bee
Second Lady GaGa’s “Christmas Tree” — with lines like “we will take off our clothes” and all the double entendres, it defines nontraditional.
Definitely would love to see Sufjan Steven’s “Let’s All Boogie to the Elf Dance” make it.
Also love the “Do they know it Christmas time at all” Feed the world song
How about Stephen Colbert’s “Another Christmas Song”? It’s got everything: rampant cynicism and a kicky melogy! http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/211035/november-23-2008/a-colbert-christmas–another-christmas-song
Also, I’m partial to Dan Wilson’s “What a Year for a New Year” for your seasonally appropriate melancholy: http://hypem.com/track/718055/Dan+Wilson+-+What+A+Year+For+A+New+Year
Er, that would be “melody.” Though I’m sure the melogy is nice too.
“Sister Winter” by Sufjan Stevens
“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” by Sufjan Stevens
both melancholy, but both are so good.
Yes, “Let’s ALl Boogie to the Elf Dance” is awesome! I also like Jack Johnson’s take on “Someday at Christmas,” and am currently obsessed with Sara Bareilles’ “Winter Song.”
“Christmas Song” by The Raveonettes