We are sad to announce that Nov. 1 through Dec. 25 will be the final season for 77 Santas. We’ve had a fantastic time doing this and have enjoyed all the friends we’ve made. However, our lives are certainly not getting any less busy, especially during the holidays. And we wonder what more we can add to the world of Christmas songs. Due to all of this, we simply feel that it’s time to move on. But don’t worry—PC and JV have a new venture planned that will hopefully kick off in early 2010. And I think you’ll be impressed. It will feature music and other obsessions—and certainly feature a Christmas theme at least once a year. That’s the only tease I can give.
So, see you back here at the start of November. I’ll finish up my Santa drawings and we’ll have some more songs to carry through the holiday season.
JV
It seems to me, 77 Santas has posted over 200 Christmas songs this year. And we’ll be over 80,000 hits shortly. The map is blossoming with red, though apparently the mid-west just isn’t into Christmas? We’ll target that area next year. Here’s the penultimate post for our holiday season. Back tomorrow with my fifteen favorites for this year, and then Santa heads out in his sleigh.
The Man with All the Toys – The Beach Boys
Short and sweet.
Holly, Jolly Christmas – The Old 97s
This still has the “kiss her once for me” line, which as you know, PC and I find creepy.
All Alone on Christmas – Darlene Love
From that holiday classic, Home Alone 2: Lost in
I Know What You Want for Christmas – Kay Martin and Her Bodyguards
Truly one of the dirtiest Christmas recordings ever made, and all without uttering a single bad word.
Christmas Card from a Hooker in
Eric V., as always, this one is for you.
Please Come for Christmas – Charles Brown
Nobody sings it like Chuck.
A true rock classic.
Call Collect on Christmas – Del McCoury
A true bluegrass classic.
In the Bleak Mid-Winter – Sarah McLachlan
And it’s about 10 degrees here tonight. If that ain’t bleak, I don’t know what is!
Here’s a little video of Darlene from Letterman in 1995, arguably the best performance. Remember to watch her Tuesday night!
Thanks for all the great comments on the post yesterday—it means a lot that so many people follow this site. And thanks for the requests. I hope I hit on all of them, or at least tried. I hate to be that Santa who delivers something that’s kind of like what you wanted, but in some cases, that’s what you’re getting. Some of the songs I have, some I don’t—and with PC away in cold, cold Cleveland, I’m on my own these days. But hey, it’s the thought that counts, right?
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year – Andy Williams
Indeed, no matter else happens, it is the most wonderful time of the year. As Stephen Colbert said, there are a lot worse things to believe in.
77 Santas – Gayla Peevey
Oh, Gayla. I believe I’m on Santa Number 39—and I think that’s just about half-way and a good cliff-hanger for next season.
The Christmas Waltz – Peggy Lee
Smokey and sexy.
The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late) – Alvin and the Chipmunks
For the record, I never once received a hula-hoop for Christmas.
Lonely Christmas – Ferlin Husky
He sure delivers on this one.
There’s Trouble Brewin’ – Jack Scott
Makes me want to drink lots of coffee and read beatniks.
Please Daddy, Don’t Get Drunk This Christmas – Kelly Willis and Bruce Robinson
This is one of the saddest out there—and I prefer it to John Denver’s.
(Christmas Is) The Saddest Day of the Year – Jill Sobule
I picked this up from The Late Greats, a very good blog you can find on our links list.
Mama’s Twistin’ with Santa Claus – Mark Anthony
This one is great fun.
Carol of the Bells – John Fahey
This one is for PC—we both love us some Fahey. He was a master.
Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home) – Darlene Love
I know—nobody requested this song but me. Well, this is just to serve as a reminder that you to watch The Late Show with David Letterman on Tuesday night. Dave will welcome Jay Thomas and he’ll tell his always entertaining Lone Ranger story—and of course they’ll try to knock the meatball off the tree. But the highlight of the night (and honestly, as silly as this sounds, one of the highlights of my entire year) is the performance by Darlene Love. Last year, the writer’s strike sent The Late Show into hiatus. But prior to that, I hadn’t missed a performance for well over a decade. I love this song so much it hurts. And there is something about seeing Darlene perform this live that just warms me inside and brings a tear to my eye. When I die, it doesn’t matter to me what anyone says or who carries my casket, but I want this song played. I don’t care if I kick in the dead heat of July—play this song for me.
My mom and I always watch Dave together that night. It’s one of those traditions (like going to see Penn State basketball with my friend Rud) that I’ve done for years. To some people, the stuff might seem silly, but it means the world to me, and it’s something I look forward all year long. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it home to see Penn State win by 28-points this afternoon. And sadly, I will not be sitting living room with my mom to watch Dave together—the first time ever. I guess she can tape it. Not quite the same, but at least we can see it together, which is certainly better than not at all.
Labels: Christmas Songs
Where would this blog be without PC? The past week, I’ve done nothing but neglect this blog, and it’s inexcusable. Therefore, as punishment, I am making myself eat several Andes Mints. Okay, so it’s not punishment, it’s delicious. I’m going to try my best to put on a smile and take us into the holiday.
X-Mas (Sure Don’t Feel Like It) – The Dogmatics
It kind of does, but not really. This has been my jam this morning! And it's the 20th of December! And it's been raining lately and might rain again today!
Christmas in My
Eventually, I’ll get there. (Sorry for the skip.)
I’d like to See My Mom For Christmas – Bob Jones with Williams Sextette
I would.
Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home) – Deathcab for Cutie
The snow’s coming down, I’m watching it fall…
Christmas Is Coming Soon – Blitzen Trapper
One of the better albums from 2008.
This Christmas – Donny Hathaway
You know what you should do when something gets you down? Fire up this Donny Hathaway song—it’s bliss.
Santa Can’t Stay – Dwight Yoakam
Wish that he could.
Here Comes Christmas – Bill Kelly
Five days away.
Okay, tomorrow will have some hits, requests, and reposts—I’ve got Gayla and Andy Williams waiting. Anything else I’m missing? And there’s going to be some great Santa pictures tomorrow—just wait!
77 Santas reached its 77 thousandth hit yesterday and we thank you.
This will be my last post. My bus home from Chicago was canceled, so I'll make a positive out of a negative and leave you with one more stocking of tunes. Some I haven't posted yet, some we have posted but love, some are requests fulfilled, and some that are just my favorites.
We'll start with the Statler Brothers. Every Christmas they smoke cigarettes and watch Captain Kangaroo.
The Statler Brothers: Away in a Manger
The Statler Brothers: An Old Fashioned Christmas
Mavis Staples: Christmas Vacation Theme
Per your request, Anonymous. Can't see the line, can you Anonymous?
Smokey Robinson and the Miracles: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
I mean, Come on! Wow.
The Emotions: What Do the Lonely Do at Christmas?
(Repost, but such a wonderful song. One of my faves.)
I don't have Andy Williams' "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" but I have these. Hopefully JV can fill that request.
Andy Williams: Angels We Have Heard On High
Andy Williams: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Dude's got an angel fetish.
I can't make my last post without at least one song from the Spector album.
The Ronettes: Sleigh Ride
And this Fahey album, which you should all own.
John Fahey: Joy to the World
John Fahey: Medley: Hark, the Herald Angels Sing/O Come All Ye Faithful
The fact that he uses a comma after Hark and Andy Williams uses an exclamation point proves the fetish theory. Don't get me started on theories. I love beans. Big, fat, juicy beans. Another theory: Burl Ives=pervert.
My Morning Jacket: The Xmas Curtain
We opened the season with this curtain, and with this curtain I shall close it (for me, at least).
(Aside to JV: Jay, the Ventures "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" is on Music Choice! Nice!)
I have a Nat King Cole fetish. Allow me to indulge it.
Nat King Cole: Hark, The Herald Angels Sing
You'll note the comma, then you will note that my theory is inching closer and closer to fact. Wait a minute, the cd case has a comma. The mp3 file has an exclamation point. This has just become a conspiracy theory.
Nat King Cole: Silent Night
I'll end with my favorite Christmas tune. It's by Marvin Gaye, which explains most of it. But it's relevant in ways most Christmas songs aren't. I want to come home for Christmas, too. And I get to, tomorrow. There are way too many soldiers who don't get to come home for Christmas because of a bullshit war.
Marvin Gaye: I Want to Come Home For Christmas
It's been another great season. Thanks, JV--you're my boy. Thank you, dear listeners.
Merry Christmas to All, And to All a Good Night!!!!!!!!!
PC
