Brant's 2010 Holiday Playlist

So after much deliberation, this is my 2010 Holiday playlist. I got suggestions from Facebook friends, added some of my own, and threw in a couple of new discoveries. There were some that friends suggested that I liked, but after a few listens I didn't feel that they matched the mood of the rest of the playlist. I also wanted to include "Don't Be a Jerk (It's Christmas)" by Sponge Bob - but once again it didn't really fit in with the rest of the songs. My main goal was to have a few classics thrown in with some others that are good but haven't been played to death by the radio stations. Anyway, I hope you enjoy.

1. All My Bells Are Ringing (Lenka) - my favorite Christmas song of recent years.
2. Christmas/Baby Please Come Home (Darlene Love) - the original, now classic version. It's also been covered notably by U2 and Death Cab for Cutie.
3. Christmas Island (the Andrews Sisters) - this is probably my favorite classic Christmas song. I just love the harmonies and the non-traditional view of the holiday: no sleds and reindeer here!
4. Beautiful Star of Bethlehem (the Judds) - this one is over 20 years old, but just stumbled across it while searching through holiday songbooks. It deserves more attention (if it hasn't gotten attention already - I know I never heard it!)
5. Ain't No Chimneys in the Projects (Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings) - Sounds like classic 60s soul, but this is a contemporary band. Check them out!
6. Christmas Kisses (Ray Anthony) - I imagine swanky Yuletide Cocktail parties with tinsel trees and fondue pots when I hear this.
7. Merry Christmas/I Don't Wanna Fight Tonight (the Ramones) - I was really surprised nobody suggested this one. Love it! 80s Punk Rock holiday spirit.
8. I'm Gonna Lasso Santa Claus (Brenda Lee) - hilarious, campy and just waiting for a drag queen to perform it.
9. A Snow Globe Christmas (Pink Martini) - another new song I'm digging these days
10. Everybody's Waiting for the Man with the Bag (Kay Starr) - big band Christmas boogie
11. A Child Is Born (Rihanna) - I'm probably in the minority here, but I find Rihanna most engaging when she is true to her Caribbean roots, as she is here
12. Peppermint Twist (Joey Dee & the Starliters) - This one reminds me of my Mom, who used to play it all the time. Not sure it's a Christmas song, but it does mention peppermint!
13. Holiday (Vampire Weekend) - Jason suggested this. I'm not convinced it's a Christmas song either, but in my mind I picture people who get away from the winter weather to vacation somewhere tropical
14. River (Joni Mitchell) - a sad and beautiful Christmas song that has been covered quite a lot lately. Per usual, the original is still the best.
15. Ring Those Christmas Bells (Peggy Lee) - Another favorite of mine
16. Snowbird (Anne Murray) - Spread your tiny wings and fly away!
17. Cold Cold Winter (the Pixies Three) - Everything a 60s girl group song should be: catchy, bittersweet and sung like there's no tomorrow. Another one that deserves more attention!
18. Christmas Time Is Here (Ivy) - I got requests for Charlie Brown Christmas, so this is my salute to Vince Guaraldi. It manages to sound retro and new at the same time
19. O Holy Night (Mahalia Jackson) - Even if you're not a Christian, this woman can make you believe
20. Pink and Glitter (Tori Amos) - Another suggestion, from my friend Tyler. I love the big band feel to it
21. Blue Christmas (Elvis Presley) - I got multiple suggestions for this, and it is a great song
22. Christmas for Cowboys (Jars of Clay) - Jill had the John Denver Christmas cd on her holiday playlist, so this is my salute to her
23. What the World Needs Now Is Love (Jackie DeShannon) - This was never a Christmas song but in my head it seems to spell out everything Christmas is about (philosophically)
24. What Are You Doing New Year's Eve (Nancy Wilson) - I love her voice, and this is another favorite holiday song of mine

Brant's November 2010 Playlist

1. Felicia (the Constellations) - fun & funky r&b sound. don't play in front of the kids!
2. White Night (the Postelles) - this was played in a recent episode of "Raising Hope" and Mitch tracked it down.
3. Nasty Little Rumor (Shena) - sassy soul
4. Too Young to Burn (Sonny & the Sunsets) - these guys were on last month's playlist. i love their retro surfer sound. free on daytrotter.com
5. My Heart Skips a Beat (the Secret Sisters) - more retro sounds! this was free on iTunes, and i totally dig the classic country vibe
6. Mama Used to Say (Jupiter) - smooth electronic remake of an old skool tune from the 80s
7. Dream On (Glee Cast feat. Neil Patrick Harris) - Doogie Houser sings Aerosmith!
8. All the Best (My Morning Jacket) - cover of a John Prine tune
9. That's Some Dream (Good Old War) - these guys get their Simon & Garfunkle on with glorious results
10. F*ck You (Cee Lo Green) - Julie turned me on to this. Never has bitterness sounded so jubilant
11. Prisons (Trashcan Sinatras) - when i saw the name of the group, i totally expected Punk Rock. not this gorgeous acoustic song
12. O Dospuntocero (Dospuntobeat) - another freebie on iTunes. trippy electronic upbeat lounge
13. Early Morning Wake Up Call (the Hives) - the Hives are back!!!
14. Chelsea Hotel (Dan Bern) - Jill turned me on to this guy. reminds me of classic Dylan
15. Nervous (Sunshine Anderson) - Carolina girl serves up some hot buttered soul
16. Nobody (the Doobie Brothers) - the Doobies remake one of their classic album cuts and sound better than ever
17. The Sun (Portugal. the Man) - kinda mellow, kinda psychedelic...
18. Let's Go Where the Action Is (the Twistaroos) - I think the action is wherever these guys are playing!
19. Poison Lips (Vitalic) - part Blondie, part Goldfrapp, part fembot
20. G Spot (Jill Jones) - this month's throwback. Prince wrote this song for Vanity, but when they split he passed it on to Jill. Fabulous but regrettably out-of-print.