I’m honestly not a massive fan of festive music. However, here are four (and a half) songs in my December play list:
Baby, It’s Cold Outside
Written by Frank Loesser in 1944, the original was sung by Ricardo Montalban and Esther Williams, which I just think is a gorgeously dramatic and almost comedic rendition. I love this!
Although the second part is by Betty Garrat and Red Skelton, their version just looks creepy…
However, the first version I heard was by Zooey Deschanel and Leon Redbone, which I heard in the hilarious movie, Elf.
Updated 2015: Just found this song done by Sharon Van Etten and Rufus Wainwright (he’s on the Moulin Rouge soundtrack)… This is definitely awesome.
Lady Gaga and the handsomely dashing Joseph Gordon-Levitt have done a cover of it too, but I don’t think it was that great…
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December Will Be Magic Again
Okay, sure, Kate Bush is a little on the peculiar side, but so is Fiona Apple and Joanna Newsom, and yet we have enjoyed their music. Or at least covers of their songs like when The Decemberists covered Newsom’s song: Bridges And Balloons. So, give Kate a chance with this one, please.
I found it the most magical song to listen to, particularly when reading the lyrics along with the song. Her stories are so enchanting.
Upon the black-soot icicled rooves,
Ooh, and see how I fall.
See how I fall…Come to cover the lovers.
(But don’t you wake ’em up.)
Come to sparkle the dark up.
(With just a touch of make-up.)
Come to cover the muck up.
(Ooh, with a little luck.)
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Merry Christmas Everybody
Written and composed by Slade in 1973 – I love this song. It’s a tad melancholy, but I think Christmas can be slow, reflective time of year anyway.
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Sleigh Ride
Composed by Leroy Anderson during a heat wave in 1946, the lyrics were written by Mitchell Parish in 1950.
However, my favourite version is by KT Tunstall. She’s made it rockier.
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Just as a side note, although not a Christmas song as such, 17 by Kings of Leon weirdly makes me think of Christmas..? Maybe it’s just the use of bells.
So those are a few to add to your play list this Christmas! Enjoy!
Jodie.
NZ Film Freak 