by Erik R. Slagle
As kids, there’s not much better at the holidays than unwrapping something new, something fun, something unexpected. The same goes for holiday music – while the classics are comfort food, there’s always something new to discover thanks to the Internet. When you’re ready to pause the endless rotations of Mariah, Britney, Wham, the Waitresses, Paul McCartney (blasphemy, I know), and even Nat King Cole, here are a few places you can turn:
- A Tropical Yuletide Paradise: “Calypso” and “Christmas” might not sound like the most logical pairing, but two albums get it right. Jimmy Buffett sideman Robert Greenidge’s “A Coral Reefer Christmas” features island takes on standards such as “Carol of the Bells,” “O Holy Night,” “Silent Night,” “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” and more.The late iconic Buffet even makes an appearance to lend vocals to “Winter Wonderland.” A more expansive set can be found on Time Life’s “Christmas In the Caribbean” compilation. These tracks are more reflective and relaxing – and might leave you craving a sojourn to the islands before the season is over.
- Jingling bells in Motown: 1973 saw the release of “A Motown Christmas,” a double-album highlighted by the Jackson 5, The Supremes, Smokey Robinson, The Temptations and more, capped with an incredible reading by Stevie Wonder of “Ave Maria.” A re-release just before the turn of the millennium saw a new Ray Charles recording, “I Want to Come Home for Christmas,” added. All in all, if you love your Motown soul and want a sampling of holiday hits from its most prominent names, you can’t miss with this anthology. The 1968 Atco compilation “Soul Christmas” is also worth checking out, with tracks from Clarence Carter, Joe Tex, Otis Redding and more.
- Holly, jolly rock & roll. Christmas with Zakk Wylde? The former Ozzy frontman and leader of Black Label Society absolutely nails “The First Noel,” and that’s just for starters. Black Stone Cherry’s “Blue Christmas,” Edgar Winter’s “Please Come Home For Christmas,” and the entire Scott Weiland “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” album. Do we drop Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s 4-album series in here? Sure, why not – but don’t sleep on Jethro Tull’s 2003 Christmas Album either. Alice Cooper’s “Christmas Pudding” and countless compilations like “Merry Axemas” also provide plenty of chances for you to air-guitar your way through the holiday season. Even Lemmy Kilmister gets into the act, teaming with ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons and Dave Grohl of Nirvana/Foo Fighters with a cover of “Run Run Rudolph” – in fact, you could build an entire playlist from just that one Chuck Berry original. Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bryan Adams, the Foo Fighters, Jet, Los Lonely Boys, Train, Joe Perry, L.A. Guns, and even Cher are just some of the artists who have put their stamp on this classic at one time or another.
What’s on your “Playlist Wishlist” this year? This article could go for pages and still not cover it all – so whatever’s getting you through the holidays this year, turn it up and enjoy!
Season’s Greetings and Happy New Year!
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