We’re late this year. I know. And we're very sorry! The plan was to start on November 1, but your Uncle JV came down with the swine flu—and yes, it was not pleasant. I survived and unfortunately Mrs. Claus came down with the same thing. About two weeks later, after things got back normal, JV’s PC (my computer, not our beloved co-contributor!) decided to throw a conniption fit over memory and space and whatnot. So that took some elbow grease, a few bucks in the swear jar, and time to get things ship shape again.But here we are! Back for another season—our last, which makes this bittersweet. We’ll fill you in our plans by the end of the season. But for now, let’s enjoy some holiday tunes. This year, we’re going to hit upon our old favorites, showcase some new tunes, and even branch out a bit to include some songs that might not typically be classified as exactly Christmas songs, but are great nonetheless. As usual, we’ll do our best to get requests up. And apologies now for any errors that pop up, though we’ll strive for accuracy.
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) – Darlene Love
What would the first day of 77 Santas be without Darlene singing the greatest Christmas song ever recorded? This is the only holiday song I listen to throughout the year.
England’s Carol – The Modern Jazz Quartet
A nice soothing instrumental.
Christmas In Southgate – Ry Cooder
No credit? No cash? No problem at 77 Santas!
Christmas Is Coming Soon – Blitzen Trapper
Very soon, in fact.
Christmas Song – The Felice Brothers
Here’s a band I really got into over the off-season. PC and I saw them live here in Virginia during the Summer Summit, when we annually discuss 77 Santas, other projects, and watch Blue Velvet. When I heard that the Felice Brothers had recorded a Christmas song—well, that sealed the deal.
Little Saint Nick – The Beach Boys
Let’s close out the first day with another classic.
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!
