If We Make It Through December

“If We Make It Through December” written and recorded by Merle Haggard, 1973. Johnny Gimble on fiddle, Bobby Wayne on lead guitar.

“I got laid off down at the factory
And their timing’s not the greatest in the world
Heaven knows I been workin’ hard
I wanted Christmas to be right for daddy’s girl
Now I don’t mean to hate December
It’s meant to be the happy time of year
And why my little girl don’t understand
Why daddy can’t afford no Christmas here.”

_____________
Short link: https://wp.me/p6sb6-vRK

Comments are welcome if they are on-topic, substantive, concise, and not boring or obscene. Comments may be edited for clarity and length.

Xmas Done Got Funky

“Xmas Done Got Funky,” by Jimmy Jules (Charley C. Julien) & Nuclear Soul System, with Jackie Spencer.

____________

Short link: https://wp.me/p6sb6-vNH

Comments are welcome if they are on-topic, substantive, concise, and not boring or obscene. Comments may be edited for clarity and length.

Merry Xmas (Says Your Text Message)

“Merry Xmas (Says Your Text Message),” written by Dan Kurtz and Martina Sorbara, performed by them with their band, Dragonette.

____________

Short link: https://wp.me/p6sb6-vRp

Comments are welcome if they are on-topic, substantive, concise, and not boring or obscene. Comments may be edited for clarity and length.

Santa Claus Got Stuck in My Chimney

“Santa Claus Got Stuck in My Chimney,” written by William D.Hardy and Billy Moore, Jr.  Ella Fitzgerald sings the hokey tune with a sense of innocence in this recording, sounding younger than her years in this 1950 recording, accompanied by The Ink Spots.

_____________

Short link: https://wp.me/p6sb6-vRe

Comments are welcome if they are on-topic, substantive, concise, and not boring or obscene. Comments may be edited for clarity and length.

Bob Dylan’s Christmas Polka Party

Bob Dylan and friends perform a spirited version of Hal Moore and Bill Fredricks’ “Must Be Santa.” The tune was also recorded by Mitch Miller in 1961 and Lorne Greene (with a kiddie choir) in 1966. The hilarious British attempt by Tommy Steele, OBE is more Music Hall than polka. Brave Combo’s spirited “Dyno” (“push”) version of the tune may have been Dylan’s inspiration.

This track is included in the Christmas in the Heart recording, with royalties donated to charity in perpetuity.

____________

Short link: https://wp.me/p6sb6-vR6

Comments are welcome if they are on-topic, substantive, concise, and not boring or obscene. Comments may be edited for clarity and length.

It’s Christmas Time for Everyone But Me

“It’s Christmas Time for Everyone But Me,” written by Dixie Deen and Ray King, best known for their truck driving songs, performed here by Buck Owens, king of the Bakersfield Sound. Don’t get confused by the Hank Ballard R&B tune of the same name.
_____________

Short link: https://wp.me/p6sb6-vR2

Comments are welcome if they are on-topic, substantive, concise, and not boring or obscene. Comments may be edited for clarity and length.

Christmas at the Airport

Nick Lowe’s 2013 Christmas song is based on a real travel experience. Nick recorded a strangely-moving solo acoustic version for Fordham University’s WFUV-FM.

Video: Writer/Director Scott Jacobson; Director of Animation: Matthew I. Jenkins; Animation, Composite and Effects: Travis Fowler, Brendan Davis, Joe Coleman of Bark-Bark.

Nick Lowe website

2020 note: Stay the hell home this Christmas. COVID-19 is not an appropriate yuletide gift.

________________________

Short link: https://wp.me/p6sb6-vRy

Comments are welcome if they are on-topic, substantive, concise, and not boring or obscene. Comments may be edited for clarity and length.

Add to: Facebook | Digg | Del.icio.us | Stumbleupon | Reddit | Blinklist | Twitter | Technorati | Yahoo Buzz | Newsvine

Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem

“Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem,” written by Arthur L. Phipps, performed by Ralph Stanley & the Clinch Mountain Boys.

The Judds also have an excellent version.

_____________

Short link: https://wp.me/p6sb6-vQC

Comments are welcome if they are on-topic, substantive, concise, and not boring or obscene. Comments may be edited for clarity and length.

Twinkle (Little Christmas Lights)

“Twinkle (Little Christmas Lights),” written and performed by JD McPherson.

JD McPherson website

2020 note: Stay the hell home this Christmas. COVID-19 is not an appropriate yuletide gift.

____________

Short link: https://wp.me/p6sb6-vQf

Comments are welcome if they are on-topic, substantive, concise, and not boring or obscene. Comments may be edited for clarity and length.

Ain’t No Chimneys In The Projects

“Ain’t No Chimneys In The Projects,” written by Sharon Jones and Bosco Mann (Gabriel Roth), performed by Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, released as the Daptone Records 2009 Christmas 45 (DAP-1048). The video was animated and directed by Ryan Louie.

____________

Short link: https://wp.me/p6sb6-vQ9

Comments are welcome if they are on-topic, substantive, concise, and not boring or obscene. Comments may be edited for clarity and length.