The Playlist: Christmas Songs Part 2 *BLOG EXCLUSIVE*
Because of a little snafu, The Playlist will not be in Thursday's Star. So the blog is the only place you'll find this week's edition. The column will be back in the paper next week.
If you missed out on last week’s Playlist (and shame on you if you did), I’m in the middle of reviewing my Top 15 contemporary Christmas classics. Some you may have heard of, some you might not. But they’re all worthy background music for decorating a tree or hosting a party this holiday season.
Last week saw U2, Faith Hill, Amy Grant, the Goo Goo Dolls and England’s finest. What about this week? Read on.
Dave Matthews Band – Christmas Song (1993)
“This is a non-denominational tune here. But it may seem otherwise. Take it as you will. It’s just a song I wrote about an amazing man that got screwed. Not an uncommon story but well remembered.”
So says Dave Matthews prior to performing the song as part of the band’s “Live in Chicago 12.19.98” album from the United Center.
With Matthews’ voice and an acoustic guitar his only backup, it’s a beautiful balled about Jesus that gets the spirit of the season across without being preachy. And it borrows from a few Beatles songs too. Can’t go wrong there.
Bon Jovi – Please Come Home For Christmas (1994)
The New Jersey native, a few years removed from any hits of his own, borrowed this Eagles classic in 1994. It was a top 20 hit in 1978 but the Bon Jovi version arguably gets the point of the song across better, especially if you’ve seen the video. I imagine I’d be having a depressing Christmas too if Cindy Crawford just left me…
Mariah Carey – All I Want for Christmas is You (1994)
Written and produced by Carey, this has quickly become a holiday standard. And since I spent an hour in the Kings Mountain Christmas parade – with this song on a constant loop – I don’t feel saying that is much of a stretch. As of 2006, it was the best-selling holiday ring tone in the U.S. and the New Yorker recently referred to it as “one of the few worthy modern additions to the holiday canon.”
Darlene Love – All Alone on Christmas (1992)
Don’t you just love movies where children learn how to booby-trap their homes and attempt to kill and maim intruders? Yep, this is from one of the Culkin Classics and the famed E-Street Band even plays backup to Love’s vocals here. In addition to being featured in ‘Home Alone 2,’ the song was also used in ‘Love Actually,’ another holiday film I highly recommend.
Sarah McLachlan – Wintersong (2006)
A similar tone to ‘Please Come Home for Christmas’ but much softer, the song tells of dealing with loss during Christmas and seeing that missing loved one in everything you do. As always, McLachlan’s voice and piano make for a beautiful and touching combination that leaves a room so quiet you can hear a pin drop. I’m sure the families of soldiers stationed overseas this Christmas can relate to every word.
Two down, one to go. Check back next Thursday for the final five. And feel free to send in your own suggestions at grahamcawthon@shelbystar.com
If you missed out on last week’s Playlist (and shame on you if you did), I’m in the middle of reviewing my Top 15 contemporary Christmas classics. Some you may have heard of, some you might not. But they’re all worthy background music for decorating a tree or hosting a party this holiday season.
Last week saw U2, Faith Hill, Amy Grant, the Goo Goo Dolls and England’s finest. What about this week? Read on.
Dave Matthews Band – Christmas Song (1993)“This is a non-denominational tune here. But it may seem otherwise. Take it as you will. It’s just a song I wrote about an amazing man that got screwed. Not an uncommon story but well remembered.”
So says Dave Matthews prior to performing the song as part of the band’s “Live in Chicago 12.19.98” album from the United Center.
With Matthews’ voice and an acoustic guitar his only backup, it’s a beautiful balled about Jesus that gets the spirit of the season across without being preachy. And it borrows from a few Beatles songs too. Can’t go wrong there.
Bon Jovi – Please Come Home For Christmas (1994)The New Jersey native, a few years removed from any hits of his own, borrowed this Eagles classic in 1994. It was a top 20 hit in 1978 but the Bon Jovi version arguably gets the point of the song across better, especially if you’ve seen the video. I imagine I’d be having a depressing Christmas too if Cindy Crawford just left me…
Mariah Carey – All I Want for Christmas is You (1994)Written and produced by Carey, this has quickly become a holiday standard. And since I spent an hour in the Kings Mountain Christmas parade – with this song on a constant loop – I don’t feel saying that is much of a stretch. As of 2006, it was the best-selling holiday ring tone in the U.S. and the New Yorker recently referred to it as “one of the few worthy modern additions to the holiday canon.”
Darlene Love – All Alone on Christmas (1992)Don’t you just love movies where children learn how to booby-trap their homes and attempt to kill and maim intruders? Yep, this is from one of the Culkin Classics and the famed E-Street Band even plays backup to Love’s vocals here. In addition to being featured in ‘Home Alone 2,’ the song was also used in ‘Love Actually,’ another holiday film I highly recommend.
Sarah McLachlan – Wintersong (2006)A similar tone to ‘Please Come Home for Christmas’ but much softer, the song tells of dealing with loss during Christmas and seeing that missing loved one in everything you do. As always, McLachlan’s voice and piano make for a beautiful and touching combination that leaves a room so quiet you can hear a pin drop. I’m sure the families of soldiers stationed overseas this Christmas can relate to every word.
Two down, one to go. Check back next Thursday for the final five. And feel free to send in your own suggestions at grahamcawthon@shelbystar.com
posted by Graham at
6:46 PM
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