Took a while to gather up enough new tracks for a second set of not your usual Christmas songs. Hope these brighten your spirits and expand your horizons. Happy Listening!
1. Holy Mother by Eric Clapton with Luciano Pavarotti – When I first heard of this unexpected collaboration, I thought it sure took guts on Clapton’s part to trade vocals with the famed tenor. However, as I think you’ll agree, Eric more than holds his own through the sheer humanity of his vocals which, as always, carries the weight of a life that bore both the fruit and burden of immense talent and tragic loss. Just as surprising was how well Luciano’s vocals played off Eric’s tasty guitar solos. Not a mash up, yet the mother of all mash ups. Captured in video for YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmfIDQGVqQc
2. The Christmas Song (Alternate Version) by the Raveonettes – An acoustic reprise of the Raveonettes’ cover of a Christmas classic to cleanse the palate. On amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00689KFL6/
3. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) by the Raveonettes – Here the Raveonettes do a great lo-fi version of what probably is my favorite Christmas song. I’m drawn to almost all renditions of this classic, but I think you’ll agree they put a special twist on it. Bonus Death Cab for Cutie video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bjj5fWZbelM&feature=fvwrel
4. Come on Santa by the Raveonettes – Aiming to shoot the moon, the Raveonettes then come up with this brilliant update of the old “mommy kissing Santa Claus riff” letting us in on what she’s saying to him in between.
C'mon Santa make me feel all right
Bring me snow on this Christmas night
This time is ours
You and me baby
Turn on the lights
They're all so pretty
Then you give to me
The greatest gift of all
Your love to me tonight
Then I feel okay
Then I feel okay
The tree looks beautiful
The lights are in your eyes
Stay forever
Here on this cold night
Then you give to me
The greatest gift of all
Your love to me tonight
Then I feel okay
Then I feel okay
5. Better Days (Acoustic) by the Goo Goo Dolls – Maybe only a Christmas song because it was included in the Christmas compilation “Gift Wrapped II: Snowed In” but its hopeful universal sentiments certainly fit the mold.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-kHleNYIDc
And you asked me what I want this year
And I'll try to make this kind and clear
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days
'Cause I don't need boxes wrapped in strings
In designer love and empty things
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days
So take these words and sing out loud
‘Cause everyone is forgiven now
‘Cause tonight's the night the world begins again
I need someplace simple where we could live
And something only you can give
And that's faith and trust and peace while we're alive
And the one poor child who saved this world
And there's 10 million more who probably could
If we all just stopped and said a prayer for them
So take these words and sing out loud
‘Cause everyone is forgiven now
‘Cause tonight's the night the world begins again
I wish everyone was loved tonight
And somehow stop this endless fight
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days
So take these words and sing out loud
‘Cause everyone is forgiven now
‘Cause tonight's the night the world begins again
‘Cause tonight's the night the world begins again
6. Angel, Won’t You Call Me by the Decemberists – Again, maybe only Christmas-y due to the references to angels, but again my favorite “transported out of their time in history” band contributed it to the “Alternative Rock X-mas” compilation so that’s good enough for me.
7. Merry Christmas Everybody by Oasis – Liam and Noel Gallagher chip in with their Christmas sentiments, ironic in that Oasis had so much promise but ultimately was done in by a lack of brotherly love.
8. A Snowflake Fell (and it felt like a kiss) by Glasvegas – Scottish Christmas wishes from a band with a lot of heart and soul and completely indecipherable lyrics. But at least you know that they mean it. Check out the cool Sims 2 video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=469J19oMho8
9. Christmas Without You by OneRepublic – One of the first bands to take the social media route to fortune and fame, they initially made their mark on MySpace (remember that?) and then took off once they actually signed to a real record label.
10. Only You Can Bring Me Cheer by Alison Krauss – For all her achievements in the bluegrass world and the recognition that should have come from landing a song on the Buffy the Vampire Slayer soundtrack, I have to admit I did not know who she was until she collaborated with Robert Plant on their joint release Rising Sand. Cool, sophisticated music.
11. Christmas in the Sand by Colbie Caillat – Had to throw this in to acknowledge most of us will not be having a white Christmas this year or any year.
12. Mistletoe by Colbie Caillat – Second song off the Christmas in the Sand album from local girl (Malibu) makes good story, sobering to realize she’s the same age as Julie. Kind of like realizing that Russell Westbrook is Joey’s age and played in the same high school league while at Leuzinger High School.
13. River by Linda Ronstadt – From Linda’s “A Merry Little Christmas” album, I prefer her version of this quiet reflection over the covers of the various usual suspects, although her crystal clear vocal makes everything listenable.
14. Winter Song by Sara Bareilles & Ingrid Michaelson – From the Christmas compilation “The Hotel Café presents... Winter Songs”
15. Silver Bells by Meaghan Smith – I thought Meaghan’s version of “Here Comes Your Man” was the best song on the “500 Days of Summer” soundtrack even though it did not make it into the movie in lieu of an aborted karaoke version by Zooey. Here she applies her throwback vocals to another Christmas classic.
16. My Only Wish This Year by Britney Spears – Yes, this one’s for all of you American Idol/X-Factor fans.
17. Let It Snow by Luscious Jackson – I remember Luscious Jackson recording this for a GAP commercial that they subsequently appeared in, showing off their style as well.
18. Deck the Halls by R.E.M. – Instrumental take with their trademark jangly guitars.
19. We Three Kings by Straight No Chaser – This one’s for a cappella fans from one of two holiday albums from this instrument-less group. I was surprised that Yoko and her Japanese chorus friends were already familiar with their work.
20. We Three Kings by Rod Stewart – I usually don’t pair two renditions of the same song back to back, but I think you’ll find these so different that you won’t even notice thanks to Rob having Mary J. Blige do it as a duet with him.
Bonus Video: Last Christmas by Florence & the Machine http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vzoliY0-mQ