The PopWatch Confessional (Vol. 40)

Boyler Wed, Dec 17, 2008 at 02:21 PM EST

It's not Christmas until I hear 2 songs:
Bob & Doug Mackenzie's 12 Days of Christmas and John Lennon's classic Happy Xmas (War is Over).

Tami Cook A New Josh Fan! Thu, Dec 20, 2007 at 11:14 PM EST

Hey!! I'm so glad to see a positive Josh Groban article after that other yucky popwatch one!! Josh's voice is beautiful and I love his "Midnight Clear" one, that's my fave, and all his other English speaking songs, I'm a new Josh fan and I wanna hug him!! LOL Good write, and thank you! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you!

Arnold Thu, Nov 15, 2007 at 01:53 PM EST

Hey how about Cher doing Oh Holy Night?

Arnold Thu, Nov 15, 2007 at 01:53 PM EST

Hey how about Cher doing Oh Holy Night?

bookmark Wed, Nov 14, 2007 at 08:12 AM EST

Three movies I think are cool are:
Outrageous Fortune
Holes
Tremors

anon Fri, Nov 9, 2007 at 06:23 PM EST

I'd like to echo the John Denver and the Muppets love (traditional family fave and ALWAYS the first album played). Along with it goes Dr. Demento's Greatest Christmas Novelty CD b/c it has all the best crazy stuff ("and a Japanese transistor radio...).

Anne Fri, Nov 9, 2007 at 11:45 AM EST

Guilty pleasure - the entire 98 degrees Christmas CD.
Most annoying song ever - Santa Baby, performed by anyone...

orville Fri, Nov 9, 2007 at 10:35 AM EST

Oh, and nearly any version of The Carol of the Bells. But especially the one I have (on a very worn out tape) of my undergrad college's choral group during a Madrigal concert. Just beautiful.

orville Fri, Nov 9, 2007 at 10:32 AM EST

Absolutely no Christmas music until December. I will go nuts otherwise (I was only in a crafts store for 10 minutes the other day and I thought I would go insane from the blaring holiday music). One of the radio stations around here went all Christmas music all the time right after Halloween. Way. Too. Soon. But....when I do get in the mood, John Denver and the Muppets is a must. I defy you to not smile your way through listening to that (especially Beaker's part in The Twelve Days of Christmas). I was so happy to see that mentioned here so often. I also had it in 8-track. The other musts are A Charlie Brown Christmas, Nat King Cole's Christmas albums, A Rock N' Roll Christmas (Christmas at Ground Zero by Weird Al is a modern classic!), and Harry Belafonte's Christmas album. That one is mellow wonderfulness at its best.

NineDaves Fri, Nov 9, 2007 at 08:51 AM EST

any version of "oh holy night" is always welcomed in my book. but macy gracy's version of "this christmas" just makes me really (strangly) happy.

Anne Fri, Nov 9, 2007 at 08:05 AM EST

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas", the melancholy, ambiguous, yet hopeful original by Judy Garland. Maybe it helps to be over 40, but that song is truer and truer for me every year.

Also: "Merry Christmas Baby (I don't want to fight)" by the Ramones, "Father Christmas" by the Kinks and "Suddenly It's Christmas" by Loudon Wainwright. Also, for those days when I don't really hate Christmas but acutally kind of get in the spirit, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman" by Bare Naked Ladies, and "O Holy Night" by Tracy Chapman.

None of them, however, before Thanksgiving.

JAM Fri, Nov 9, 2007 at 07:40 AM EST

The very first Christmas CD and get out and play is my James Taylor Christmas CD I got from Hallmark. I challenge anyone to not feel emotional during his rendition of "IN the Bleak Midwinter" and "Some Children See Him". Next is an old family stand by...Percy Faith's "Christmas Is". And of course, John Denver and the Muppets.

alexsim Fri, Nov 9, 2007 at 06:00 AM EST

Light of the Stable - Emmylou Harris
Little Road to Bethlehem - Shawn Colvin
Chris Isaak's Xmas album
I Yust Go Nuts At Christmas - Yorge Yorgenson (you had to have grown up in Seattle)

aa Fri, Nov 9, 2007 at 04:57 AM EST

jingle jangle by the penguins. miss you daddy.

aa Fri, Nov 9, 2007 at 04:35 AM EST

couldn't agree w/you more on "o holy night." when she gets to "fall on your knees" i feel warm and fuzzy all over. this child of the 80s also loves "do they know its christmas" and thanks to ew i discovered the wonderful "purple snowflakes."

Andrew Stinger Fri, Nov 9, 2007 at 02:21 AM EST

Every year after Thanksgiving, my family decks the halls to the merry stylings of . . . Neil Diamond. I've heard people rank on the fact that a Jewish man is schilling out Christmas carols, but the album is so hysterically corny that you can just tell Neil was in on the joke and expected listeners to be in on it too. SaaaaaaaaantaClausiscomintotown . . . SaaaaaaaaantaClausiscomintotown . . .

Sara Fri, Nov 9, 2007 at 02:13 AM EST

As much as you may knock the show, The OC Christmas album is amazing! Songs by the Raveonettes, Ron Sexsmith (blows me away every time), Rooney, Ben Kweller and others. Also, it's old school, but nothing beats Amy Grant Christmas.

Fri, Nov 9, 2007 at 02:00 AM EST

Esquivel's "Merry Christmas From The Space Age Bachelor Pad" CD, especially his version "Jingle Bells."
"Blue Christmas" by Elvis
Brian Setzer's Christmas CD's
Anything by Dean Martin (while I love all versions of "Baby It's Cold Outside," none can compare to the caddishness of Deano trying to liquor up some young chippee. Priceless! In fact, I just realized it's the Christmas song equivalent to the show "Mad Men.")

Jen Fri, Nov 9, 2007 at 01:28 AM EST

We grew up listening to the Ray Coniff Christmas albums. It's just not Christman without Coniff! I also love God Rest Ye Merry Gentlement by BNL and Sarah McL, and Baby Please Come Home by U2.

Brainiac Fri, Nov 9, 2007 at 12:39 AM EST

Josh Groban's Noel is the best Christmas album every - heck, he's got the best voice ever.

I am so excited to see him in PopWatch; he cruelly doesn't get the media attention he deserves for his music.

Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 11:28 PM EST

It's almost time for me to break out Sufjan Stevens' five-disc Christmas set.

drock Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 10:49 PM EST

I can't choose between Coldplay's or the Pretenders' version of have Yourself A mErry Little Christmas.

Also love Christmas Time by Bryan Adams

Jen Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 10:46 PM EST

I love all Christmas music, but the song I love hearing is "I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas." I heard it last year for the first time and fell in love with the song.

Suzanne Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 10:19 PM EST

I love Christmas music!
Waitresses -- Christmas Wrapping
The entire Very Special Christmas
Carpenters Album (but save that for Christmas morning)
Charlie Brown Christmas
All the Bass-Rankin holiday songs (from Rudolph, Frosty and the Year without a Santa Claus)
And while it isn't pop my absolute favorie -- Mahalia Jackson's Go tell it on the Mountain. Soulful, wonderment and soaring.

DrLeo Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 10:00 PM EST

For the indie music fans who also like Christmas music, you gotta have "Maybe This Christmas" (there's 3 of them now). The first one is the best one.

sarah Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 09:32 PM EST

I love the Killer's Christmas song from last year "Big Sled" or "Great Big Sleigh." one of the two. They are putting out a new one this year! Looking forward to it!

Amy Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 09:30 PM EST

MICHAEL CRAWFORD's version of "O Holy Night" blows Celine Dion's OUT OF THE WATER (and I like Dion's version, too). I'm not a huge fan of country music, but JOHN BERRY released a Christmas album a few years ago that never fails to get me in the holiday mood (pretty damn good "O Holy Night" of his own, too). And, of course, I love all the old standbys. FOR ALL OF THOSE OUT THERE WITH XM SATELLITE RADIO, tune to Holly, channel 103. They're already broadcasting! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

BJohnson Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 09:28 PM EST

Actually I was like you, an after Thanksgiving girl, but I went shopping last weekend and all the places had the holiday music pumping, so on Sunday, while doing lesson plans, I hit my itunes Holiday mix. Here's my tops: Last Christmas-Wham, Christmastime All Over the World-Sammy Davis, Jr., Silent Night-The Temptations, Another Lonely Christmas-Prince, Musta Been Ole' Santa Claus-Harry Connick Jr. I could keep going but dang I'll be playing it all this weekend.

Redhead Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 08:30 PM EST

No Holiday music until the day after Thanksgiving....and then it is on my playlist every day until January 1st!

BCEFA puts out an exceptional "Carols for the Cure" CD every year featuring the greatest Broadway talents, and all the proceeds go to the fight againt AIDS. I pick one up every year and have never been disapointed.

Not mentioned yet as a cheesy holiday favorite: American Idol- The Great Holiday Classics. Seriously...good cheesy fun. Kelly Clarkson performs one of the greatest versions of O Holy Night ever.

Sports Chick Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 08:26 PM EST

I have to thank Trish for reminding me of how much I love Robert Downey Jr's rendition of "The River" and someone else mentioned Bobby Sherman's Christmas music. Good to know I'm not the only dork!

Sports Chick Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 08:18 PM EST

My favorite little known Christmas songs:

"Please Daddy Don't Get Drunk This Christmas" -- by John Denver (always good for a laugh at family gatherings)
"Christmas on her Mind" -- by Bobby Sherman (don't laugh -- it's great!)

Must Haves:
A Charlie Brown Christmas -- the whole album
Christmas Wrapping -- by the Waitresses
Please Come Home for Christmas -- by the Eagles
White Christmas -- by Bing Crosby

And a Major Thank You to The Bird and The Bees for their LOVELY rendition of "The Carol of the Bells" -- my favorite Christmas song

Trish Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 08:15 PM EST

12 Days of Christmas by the Muppets always makes me giggle.

Trish Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 08:12 PM EST

And Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) by U2.

LK Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 08:10 PM EST

Happy Valley?? as in Happy Valley, Pennsylvania? if thats the case then thats soo cool..I go to Penn State woot woot

and oh i love "Baby It's Cold Outside" the Harry Connick Jr. version

LK Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 08:09 PM EST

Happy Valley?? as in Happy Valley, Pennsylvania? if thats the case then thats soo cool

and oh i love "Baby It's Cold Outside" the Harry Connick Jr. version

Trish Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 08:09 PM EST

And this is a bit random, but I absolutely love the Robert Downey Jr. version of "River," which is -- I think -- on the Ally McBeal Holiday CD.

Trish Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 08:06 PM EST

OH! Also: "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" by Bruce Sprintsteen and the E Street Band; and the Heat Miser/Snow Miser songs and little-girl-sung version of "Blue Christmas" from the soundtrack of "The Year Without a Santa Claus."

Trish Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 08:05 PM EST

Oh, there are a few.... "Do They Know It's Christmas?" by Band-Aid; "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" by Sarah Maclachlan and the Barenaked Ladies; just about everything on my Dean Martin Swingin' Christmas Album, especially "Baby, It's Cold Outside;" Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole and my Time-Life Recordings take me back to being a little kid; and dammit, if I don't absolutely love "All I Want for Christmas is You." O Holy Night is special to me, too, but there isn't a particular version of it I love over others. Any recommendations?

amy Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 08:02 PM EST

"Last Chirstmas by Wham

ME Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 08:00 PM EST

"Where are you Christmas" from The Grinch with Jim Carrey
"Christmas All Over Again" Tom Petty
BEST EVER "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" Judy Garland

Sarah Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 07:46 PM EST

I think Joe C totally raided my iPod Xmas Playlist! Kudos 2 U, man!

Sarah Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 07:42 PM EST

sdr: Those are two excellent songs you mentioned. Actually The Pretenders one is "2000 Miles". And it's just not Christmas without that song!

Sarah Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 07:40 PM EST

Hi, kats! I love "Christmas Wrapping" by The Waitresses and Springsteen's "Santa Claus" too! They're on my Christmas Playlist. Other favorites on there:
Bryan Adams-Raggae Christmas Eurythmics-Winter Wonderland
Band Aid-Do They Know It's Christmas Wham-Last Christmas
Billy Squier-Christmas is the Time to Say I Love You
Sting-Gabriel's Message
Chris Squier-Run With the Fox
Hall & Oates-Jingle Bell Rock

Melissa Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 07:38 PM EST

I have two albums of Christmas songs done by the beatles cover band The Fab Four. All the songs sound like Beatle songs. My favorite is Joy to The World-it sounds like Please Please Me.

David Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 06:11 PM EST

a choir's version of "Carol of the Bells" and the only modern Christmas classic - Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas is You!!"

Snarf Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 06:07 PM EST

A Charlie Brown Christmas by the Vince Ghiraldi Trio, love.love.love.

Mel Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 05:59 PM EST

I'm glad there are some other lovers of the NSYNC Christmas cd out there. If only my co-workers knew that was secretly listening to at my desk all day...

mere Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 05:55 PM EST

I absolutely adore Andy William's "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year." I also love any Christmas song sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Lastly, even though it is a bit depressing, I have to listen to "River" a thousand times...especially the rendition sung by Travis. Fran Healey has an amazing voice.

sdr Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 05:41 PM EST

great call on the Kinks, Jelana! how could i have forgotten "Father Christmas, Give us some money"! i guess i'll also add "3000 Miles" by the Pretenders while i'm thinking of the Davies...

bonash Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 05:40 PM EST

Barenaked Ladies and Sarah M- God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Mariah Carey- the entire Christmas album
98 Degrees- This Gift (that's the embarrassing one!)
Il Divo- Ave Maria
Kenny G's Christmas stuff

marebare Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 05:12 PM EST

observation: why can't the radio stations do a better job with their selection of xmas music? This list is great and varied... but the local station always manages to rehash the same version of the same songs repeatedly. I love the music, but appreciate the variety. And I never seem to hear any of the truely classic versions like Bing's White Christmas or Garland's Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Manveri Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 05:09 PM EST

"All I Want for Christmas is You"
Anything sung by the Muppets or the Chipmunks
And now, the entire track list of Noel - thank you for posting that beautiful picture!

Jusa Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 05:07 PM EST

Vince Vance & the Valiants "All I Want For Christmas Is You" still gives me the g-willies every time I hear it. With just the right amount of melancholy, it's a blanket and cocoa in one.

Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 05:04 PM EST

I've been waiting all year to again listen to Sufjan Stevens' holiday collection from 2006. My perennial favorite is Rhino Records' "Punk Rock Christmas."

Kevo Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 05:00 PM EST

Barenaked Ladies's Barenaked Christmas Album
Bing Crosby's Merry Christmas Album
A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector(I know he's on trial and more likely to shoot me than give me a present but he was still a great producer - and Darlene Love's Christmas songs can't be beat)
Bruce Springsteen "Santa Claus is Coming to Town"
The Chipmunks "Christmas Don't Be Late"
Nat King Cole "A Christmas Song"

lola Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 04:57 PM EST

Grandma got run over by a Reindeer-
The Irish Rovers

greg Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 04:54 PM EST

Engelbert Humperdinck's - O Holy Night
& Any Christmas song by Nat King Cole

teresa Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 04:46 PM EST

I'm with you. It's all about Josh Groban's new CD Noel. It is fantastic, and my fav. off of it would prob. be "Thankful"

Brad Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 04:38 PM EST

Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers -- the whole Christmas album!!

Jakeem Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 04:34 PM EST

Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmas Time"! As Taylor of "Kid Nation" would say, "Deal with it"!

Ames Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 04:22 PM EST

Judy Garland singing "Have yourself a merry little Christmas" from Meet Me in St. Louis gives me chills.

Dixie Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 04:14 PM EST

*Santa Claus is Comin' to Town-Bruce Springsteen
*Christmas in Hollis-Run-DMC
*Father Christmas-The Kinks
*Someday at Christmas-Stevie Wonder
*Happy Xmas-John & Yoko
*Here Comes Santy Claus-Gene Autry
*Little Saint Nick-The Beach Boys
*Any holiday song by Bing, Elvis or 'Ol Blue Eyes
*All the songs from "Rudolph," "Charlie Brown Christmas," and--of course-- the (original) "How the Grinch Stole Christmas"
I admit it. I'm a Christmas dork.

Jelana Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 04:13 PM EST

Ok -- I just scrolled through this whole list, and unless I'm missing something no one mentioned Run DMC? Really??? That IS Christmas.

Jelana Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 04:08 PM EST

The Kinks -- Father Christmas. It ROCKS. If you've never heard it, do yourselves a favor and look it up.

HD Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 04:00 PM EST

White Christmas - The Drifters (reminds me of my late father, who loved this song)
Santa Claus Go Straight to the Ghetto - James Brown
This Christmas - Donny Hathaway
Please Come Home for Christmas - Charles Brown (the original version)
Blue Christmas - Elvis Presley
Santa Claus is Coming to Town/I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus - Jackson 5
Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time - Paul McCartney
Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer - The Temptations
O Holy Night - Mahalia Jackson

luvhoney Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 03:48 PM EST

Every Thanksgiving night I watch 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas'(cartoon version). At the end when the Whos in Whoville sing their song is when the holidays officially start for me.

Sarah Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 03:36 PM EST

"ill be home with bells on" by kenny rogers and dolly parton. their voices are beautiful

Kaybar Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 03:34 PM EST

The song that I have to hear at christmas is Andy Williams singing "It's The Most Wonderful Time of Thge Year". At least that used to be the case until Target or some other company started using it in TV ads. Also, since it can't be said often enough, Vince Guaraldi's "A Charlie Brown Christmas" is the very best invitation to accept the xmas spirit. I think I have that on an album, a cassette tape, a CD and on my iPod.

sdr Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 03:32 PM EST

i need a touch of melancholy in my holiday songs to make them truly moving... "river" by joni mitchell, "blue christmas" by elvis, "have yourself a merry little christmas" by judy (downright depressing, actually, but i love it!)

Sandy Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 03:25 PM EST

The John Denver and the Muppets album "A Christmas Together" has been the official "start" of Christmas for me since the days when my mom would pop the 8-track version into the stereo in the living room before dinner. Other favorites:
- God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Bing Crosby
- Carol of the Bells - David Foster
- Sleigh Ride - Boston Pops
- Merry Christmas Baby - Bonnie Raitt
- O'Come All Ye Faithful - Take 6
- Any of Gary Hoey or the Brian Setzer Orchestra's Christmas albums

Kirby Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 03:22 PM EST

My family loves the Chipmunks.

Grace Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 03:11 PM EST

You are so right on Steven Curtis Chapman's Christmas records. They are AMAZING.
I'm going to check out the Israel & New Breed one too -- Israel rocks!

Tricia Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 03:09 PM EST

Christmas albums I CANNOT live without at Christmas:
--Steven Curtis Chapman's All I Want for Christmas (if only for the heart-bursting re-telling of the Christmas story by his Chinese adopted daughter.
--Steven Curtis Chapman's The Music of Christmas
--Israel & New Breed's A Timeless Christmas
--Michael W. Smith's Christmas (with perhaps the most gorgeous Christmas song of all time -- All is Well).

You may not have heard of these artists, but seriously, check them out - you won't be disappointed!

jason Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 03:09 PM EST

yeah, i do the day after turkey day as well, too. my faves are, "all i want for christmas is you" by mc, and just about every version of "o holy night". the best are tevin campbell, celine, and again, my favorite version of all is mariah's. towards the end when she hits the octaves, i cry every time. the words combined with the chior (any artist who does not use a choir in this song is disqualified) are soo uplifting. i also like whitney houstons "do you hear what i hear". as far as the cheesy new pop/r&b cute christmas songs i like "8 days of christmas" from destiny's child and "christmas time" from x-tina. overall, the best holiday cd is, surprise, mariah carey. love it from start to finish. "jesus o what a wonderful child" always makes me wanna run to church and sing and clap along. 'tis the season.

Marie Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 03:06 PM EST

Vocally speaking, you really can't beat Christina Aguilera's "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"... but I also can't get enough of the (very obscure - sorry) Lillias White rendition of "Silent Night" on the Broadway Cares Home for the Holidays benefit album. Truly the most powerful rendition of that song EVER.

Kevin Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 03:04 PM EST

I just got back from Starbucks and they are all bedecked in their Christmas decorations, so now I'm totally in the mood. It's the build up to Christmas that I love...the music, the small-town lighting ceremonies, the trips to the city, the egg nog, Sam Adams Winter Lager (I'll be buying some tonight). But once the day is right around the corner, I become very Scroogey...mainly because I hate trying to figure out how the hell I'm going to pay for all the gifts (which I buy at the last minute). That said, track down a copy of The McGarrigle Christmas Hour. It's Rufus Wainwright's mother, her sister, Rufus, Martha Wainwright, and numerous guests (like Emmylou Harris). It's excellent.

Kevin Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 03:03 PM EST

I just got back from Starbucks and they are all bedecked in their Christmas decorations, so now I'm totally in the mood. It's the build up to Christmas that I love...the music, the small-town lighting ceremonies, the trips to the city, the egg nog, Sam Adams Winter Lager (I'll be buying some tonight). But once the day is right around the corner, I become very Scroogey...mainly because I hate trying to figure out how the hell I'm going to pay for all the gifts (which I buy at the last minute). That said, track down a copy of The McGarrigle Christmas Hour. It's Rufus Wainwright's mother, her sister, Rufus, Martha Wainwright, and numberous guests (like Emmylou Harris). It's excellent.

WeepyHolidaysGal Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 03:02 PM EST

Only two songs that I cannot do without at Christmas time: "All I Want for Christmas is You" as only Mariah Carey can sing it and "Last Christmas" by Wham! Can you tell that I am a slave to pop music?

AS Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 03:02 PM EST

I love, love, LOVE this topic! I'm listening to Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas is You" as we speak! It never fails to put a smile on my face.

Tim Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 02:54 PM EST

I'm actually surprised no one else has mentioned it, but for me the Christmas CD's I love best are Amy Grant's - she actually has released three. Her voice seems perfect for Christmas music. I also enjoy the Carpenters' Christmas album (takes me back to my childhood.) Other favorites include Mariah Carey and Martina McBride. Also, not a huge fan of Clay Aiken, but like Amy Grant, his voice seems especially well suited for seasonal music.

michelle Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 02:52 PM EST

It isn't Christmas without John Denver and the Muppets. Classic.

Silv Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 02:51 PM EST

Love Christmas music even in November unless life is too stressed - then I have to turn it off. My family has it on from the minute the radio starts playing them. Love Trans-Siberian Orchestra Christmas in Sarajevo, love Mariah Carey All I want for Christmas, love all original recordings.

GOB Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 02:49 PM EST

Celine Dion/Oh Holy Night
Sarah McLachlan/In the Bleak Midwinter
Vanessa Williams/The Holly and the Ivy
Mariah/All I Want for Christmas is You
Amy Grant/Welcome to Our World
(actually, all of Amy's Christmas music is great)

um.... Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 02:47 PM EST

"Last Christmas" by Wham! is a breakup song. the only reason its christmas is because it says "christmas". how can so many people love it when it doesnt celebrate christmas, it talks about having your heart broken?

idigress Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 02:42 PM EST

Donny Hathaway's "This Christmas" is my all-time favorite Christmas song.

Emily Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 02:42 PM EST

"Santa's coming in a whirly bird" by Gene Autrey. Classic song

Andi Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 02:39 PM EST

One on my favorites is Big Bad Voodoo Daddy- Everything You Want for Christmas, I try to hold out for Thanksgiving but usually have to break out Mr. Heat Miser the first week in November.

Mary Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 02:38 PM EST

I DO NOT listen to ANY Christmas music except for "Please Come Home for Christmas", but only the version The Eagles sing, and I listen to it all year. The only way to get it on CD is to buy their box set, which also includes the live recording of their Millenium concert in LA on 12/31/99.

Nancy Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 02:38 PM EST

Okay, reading this confessional has made me want to bust out the Charlie Brown right now!

Nancy Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 02:38 PM EST

Okay, reading this confessional has made me want to bust out the Charlie Brown right now!

Lori Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 02:30 PM EST

It's too early to start listening but I think this entry has gotten me in the spirit. Everything off the first "A Very Special Christmas" album is great, as is everything from the classic Phil Spector Christmas album. I love "Baby Please Come Home" by Bono but I just heard a version by Joey Ramone, which I love! And, speaking of the Ramones, "Merry Christmas I Don't Want to Fight" is another classic.

Jill Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 02:29 PM EST

Last Christmas - Wham! and God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen - Barenaked Ladies & Sarah McL.

Jay Cox Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 02:28 PM EST

This xmas song is pretty good http://www.theseanavy.com/the_truth.mp3

kc Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 02:21 PM EST

i normally only keep the original "Very Special Christmas" and Barbra Streisand's Christmas albums on during the holidays, but my fiance forced me to buy some new stuff last year. i only begrudgingly allow it to be played.

PS laurie - right on about Bab's jingel bells. i'm constantly amazed that she doesn't pass out from lack of air by the end.

Ep sato Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 02:12 PM EST

I got X Mas started early this year. Clarence Carter's backdoor Santa's been on my regular playlist.

But my favorite part of X mas is being able to listen to Willie Colon's Asalto Navideño. On the record cover, he and Hector Lavoe rob someone's apartment while dressed as Santa and an Elf. The music does insanely good versions of traditional songs and the record has the first recorded version of "La Murga" an Hector Lavoe/ Willie Colon classic.

Susan Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 02:11 PM EST

A Charlie Brown Christmas is the ONLY acceptable Christmas music.

Tony Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 02:11 PM EST

The Fray's version of "Happy Xmas (War is Over" is the only Christmas song that is played all year long (it's in my top 10 most played). Also John Denver and the Muppets "12 Days of Christmas." It has already been noted, but Mariah Carey's Christmas CD is excellent.

Susan Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 02:11 PM EST

A Charlie Brown Christmas is the ONLY acceptable Christmas music.

Auriana Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 02:09 PM EST

I tend to prefer the classical stuff over the modern stuff, with a couple of exceptions. I'd have to say Benjamin Britain's Ceremony of Carols. I can listen to that all year round. Most anything by TSO and I just bought the Medieval Baebes Christmas cd. LOVE their version of Holly and the Ivy. There's also one particular version of Oh Holy Night that we would sing in choir all the time that I love as well as this medley we performed in band, orchetra and choir every year from high school to college but for the life of me I can't remember what it's called.

tad Thu, Nov 8, 2007 at 02:06 PM EST

I must say that the song that puts me in the mood right away is I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas!! I know it's not a Christmas carol in the traditional but to me it's not Christmas until I hear that song. Also, Celine Dion and Josh Groban's versions of O Holy Night give me chills along with Judy Garland's version of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (especially after seeing the movie that it comes from). I just love Christmas (yes, I am one of those people who sings Christmas carols in July!!) So happy that Christmas music is already on the radio!!