Christmas music sucks

[Interruptor Jones]

It's a hard fact: Christmas music sucks. The Barenaked Ladies' 'God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen' is basically the only thing getting me through the season with my mind intact. Does anyone have suggestions of non-awful Decemberween tunes? I've got the Arrogant Worms' 'Santa's Gonna Kick Your Ass', and myriad versions of 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas'* to consider, but there are only so many renditions of 'The Hanukkah Song' I can take before it's not funny anymore. What are your festive standbys?

*because making the Yuletide gay is what I'm ALL about. For serious. Did you know that song was originally way more depressing? It's why there's such a wistful tone to the music. That, plus some more optimistic lyrics, make it an ideal song in my opinion.

[korri]

Sorry I like most Christmas music. The trick is to not listen to the radio or the stuff they play non stop. Find a few albums you like and listen to them.

[Interruptor Jones]

I have no choice - there's the playlist at my work, which is a restaurant; and every time I need to get groceries it's just as bad. And my bank is in a friggin' mall. One year, I worked in a grocery store over the holidays, and let me tell you I am glutted for life on traditional festive jingles. They give me the fear. I always keep an ear out for pieces I do like, though...

[Master Gunner]

I've somehow managed to avoid Christmas music thus far. The little time I've spent in stores had the crowd drown out the music, and at home the only Christmas music I have is the Barenaked Ladies album, mixed in with thousands of other songs. The classic rock station around here has being good about not playing Christmas music too. So really most of the Christmas music I've heard this year is due to watching the LRR specials so much.

[Seraphroy]

I'm okay with Christmas music in December, I typically avoid malls/ anywhere that would have Christmas music being played for the entire month anyway.

What's pissing me off is them playing it in November. YOU'RE OVER A MONTH EARLY, LEAVE ME ALONE. Seriously. In November, I'm looking forward to my birthday, not looking at what the hell I'm gonna get my family for Christmas. Stop reminding me about my procrastination.

[Interruptor Jones]

...the only Christmas music I have is the Barenaked Ladies album, mixed in with thousands of other songs.

I did not know it was an entire album! Gonna check that out right now.

[Matt]

The great Canadian brass make any Christmas tune awesome.

Also, trans-Siberian orchestra.

-m

[epocalypse]

Actually, you know what, the Nutcracker is an excellent suite, especially good jazz versions, and same goes for my favorite things, which I consider a seasonal song.

the rest of the music of the season gets on the old nerves quick, though.

[Interruptor Jones]

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is very much win. I'ma look into this Great Canadian Brass, too. Thanks man.

[NachoManLance]

Trans-Siberian Orchestra, a couple of Weird Al songs, and there are a few OC Remixes I have that are video game AND Xmas-themed. All together its a solid playlist for the holidays.

[TheRocket]

I love Christmas music if I like the artist and how they did it.

I know your pain IJ, I worked at an organic grocery store way back, and they would only play Christmas music from a choir of really elderly ladies, and the Putomayo ecclectic Christmas music.

It was terrible.

Once you have a job where it isn't forced down your throat, you will be able to stand it better.

[The R]

This particular version of "Carol Of the Bells" is incredible, especially with Bass-cranked awesome speakers:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F44d2IzCrKo

[zfubarz]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3DyxaCYlfg

That and trans siberian should be all you need.

The charlie brown album is ok

[Lorithad]

I've started to loathe Christmas music over the past few years. It's not good music, and lots of it won't shut up about Jesus.

Bah. Humbug.

[TheRocket]

Yeah I mean, come on... what does Christmas have to do with Jesus anyhow?!

[Lorithad]

Yeah I mean, come on... what does Christmas have to do with Jesus anyhow?!

Haven't you watched the latest video? He has NOTHING to do with Christmas.
I don't have a problem with there being Christmas music involving Jesus. I have a problem when they try and cram that music down my throat. Be it on local radio, or when i'm in the mall. There's plenty of non Jesusy holiday music. There's even some that I enjoy. Try playing that.

[Evil Jim]

I got sick of Christmas music (& Christmas, actually) back when I worked in retail & had to endure it constantly for three & a half months straight. I still turn it off every chance I get, but if you're looking for nontypical songs for suggestions, I can recommend A Very Scary Solstice. Holiday songs created for the worlds of H.P. Lovecraft. The link has some free MP3s & samples if you want to check it out.

[MarkVI]

There is a lot of shitty Christmas music out there, I agree.

As a big jazz fan and a musician, I tend to prefer the jazz arrangements of Christmas songs. Partly I like how it can make the music sound more hip, and I am interested to hear how the chord structure might be modified and improvised over. Of course, there are shitty jazz christmas albums too - case in point, anything by Kenny G.

However, I really like Roy Hargrove's version of God Rest ye Merry Gentelmen and Frosty the Snowman. Also Nicholas Payton does a few great renditions. One album I have particularly in mind is Jazz For Joy: A Verve Christmas Album.

On an unrelated note, check out Manheim Steamroller and their Christmas album.

[NachoManLance]

However, I really like Roy Hargrove's version of God Rest ye Merry Gentelmen and Frosty the Snowman. Also Nicholas Payton does a few great renditions. One album I have particularly in mind is Jazz For Joy: A Verve Christmas Album.

I've heard all of these and I can totally agree with you. Jazzy stuff can make almost anything sound better.

[teambates]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyEztz6nY9Q

I've had Christmas Wrapping by the Waitresses stuck in my head for the last week. It's insidious. Other good suggestions include Fairytale of New York by the Pogues, which is amazing, Christmas in Hollis by Run-DMC, and Kairon Beta Prime by Jonathan Coulton. :V

If you don't mind trad, find the conventional arrangements boring, and have a taste for jazz, try Verve Presents: The Very Best in Christmas Jazz on for size. That, along with White Christmas by the Pipettes, Christmas Day by Dido, Winterlong by Neil Young, Christmas at the Zoo by the Flaming Lips, This Winter I Retire by Said the Whale, and Wintertime Love by the Doors round out my Christmas playlist.

[InsaneFool]

I like listening to Bobnoxious' Christmas album

Link 1

Nightmare Revisited is fun since it has famous bands covering the songs from Nightmare Before Christmas.
Link 2

[Evil Jim]

Gaa! How could I forget?? Listen to Christmas in the Stars: Star Wars Christmas Album!


More on Wikipedia, including how & why this is Bon Jovi's first album.


Also, another obscure Xmas favourite.

[theDreamer]

GOD DAMMIT EVIL JIM!

[GreigKM]

"Greensleves" and "O Little Town of Bethlehem" are EPIC and I do not care if you say otherwise. Also, Mannheim Steamroller > Trans-Siberian Orchestra

[James]

Our very own Geoff Howe sings a lovely Christmas song. Get on it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDYEcqme ... _embedded#