A CHRISTMAS MIX
Making a mixtape is a tricky task. It’s a subtle art of musical ebb and flow, and — depending on the theme — can also cover a spectrum of emotions. With Christmas approaching, Postmedia’s Jim Reyno makes his holiday mixtape.
Christmas in Hollis (Run DMC, 1987):
Let’s kick things off with a modern-era Christmas song that’s become a holiday and hiphop classic. Comical and endearingly sentimental at the same time, Christmastime in Hollis, Queens, sounds like the place to be.
Santa Claus Is Coming to Town (The Crystals, 1963):
From producer Phil Spector’s masterpiece album A Christmas Gift for You. Spector’s famous group of studio musicians, the Wrecking Crew, build his trademark Wall of Sound on this thunderous, infectious record. And check out the percussion break at 2:08 — what fun! That’s two upbeat tunes in a row: Let’s change the pace.
Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy (Bing Crosby and David Bowie, 1977):
Maybe the oddball pairing of all time, but this collaboration keeps getting passed to the next generation. Traditional crooner Crosby sings Drummer Boy, while rocker Bowie — a controversial figure at the time — counterpoints with a new composition, Peace on Earth. Beautiful.
Winter Wonderland (Eurythmics, 1987):
Maybe Annie Lennox’s most engaging vocal? Just a sec, Annie — I’ll grab a scarf. I’d love to walk in that winter wonderland!
Run, Rudolph, Run (Chuck Berry, 1958):
Like most Christmas songs, this has been covered many times. But Berry’s slightly sloppy, old-school rock ’n’ roll version resonates best. And I like the contrast with the pop professionalism of the previous track.
Santa Baby (Madonna, 1987):
I hate this song. Madonna’s childish vocal is as unsexy as it is irritating. I just put it on here in case there’s a Grinch at your party and you want him to leave. But if you don’t want to clear the room, I guess we’d better have a version of White Christmas instead. I’d rather not feature another performance by Crosby … but, wow, his 1942 version is the bestselling single of all time. You don’t get more essential than that: People are going to expect it. So let’s drop Madonna; bring more Bing. And don’t sweat the Grinch — he’ll get into the Christmas spirit eventually. Show him some love … and give him first crack at the next round of hors d’oeuvres. That’s it for the first half or — if you’re a dinosaur like me — Side A.
Jingle Bells (Ella Fitzgerald, 1960):
Side B kicks off with my all-time favourite female singer, produced here by jazz legend Norman Granz. Swing it!
12 Days of Christmas (Bob and Doug McKenzie, 1981):
Repetitive Christmas clunker gets muchneeded humorous twist from Canada’s favourite hosers, Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas. You had me at beer on the first day of Christmas.
Blue Christmas (Elvis Presley, 1957):
The King delivers the definitive version with swagger, a slight snarl and hip shake. And those unforgettable vocals in the background? That’s courtesy of the Jordanaires. OK, time to start winding it down.
Do They Know It’s Christmas? (Band Aid, 1984):
One of the first all-star musical charity collaborations, maybe still the best one (my favourite, anyway). A gentle song sung in true collaboration, as opposed to individual divas and divos taking turns screaming into a microphone.
Silent Night:
This was a struggle. I listened to many versions of this Christmas standard: lots of lovely ones, a few not-so-lovely ones. I’m still not sure, but I’m on deadline. Let’s go with Pentatonix’s 2014 version for a bit of solemn a cappella heaven.
The Christmas Song (Nat King Cole, 1961):
Cole’s fourth recording of this singalong classic, his warm and easy vocal is the musical equivalent of cold-night cuddles in front of the fireplace. And you already know there are chestnuts roasting on that open fire. Sure, this version is a bit sweet, but if we can’t indulge in syrupy string arrangements at Christmastime, when can we? We’ll work it off in the new year.