As those long, cold nights draw nearer, and the seasons festivities approach, there are few things more tempting than curling up on a warm sofa with a movie, some comfort food, a much loved one – or if you’re very lucky, all three.
And perhaps a few seasonal sounds? We DJs sometimes like to warm our fingers spinning vintage platters, and although you might hear one or two of these selections on continuous repeat whilst buying last minute Xmas gifts in a hellish shopping centre, I do hope a couple of these December ditties get you shakin’ the snow from your shoes.
Let’s kick things off with a festive frolic. Whether or not you believe in Santa, Jesus or elves, most of us enjoy mucking around in the snow – even more so on a sledge of some kind. The wonderful Ronettes take you for a ride on some slightly more fancy transportation…
1. Sleigh Ride – The Ronettes
The feisty, irrepressible Miss Kitt was still entertaining crowds well into her ’70s. She never sounded saucier than on this ode to Mr Claus.
2. Santa Baby – Eartha Kitt
Another unmistakable 20th century voice belonged to Michael Jackson and here’s a lesser known Jackson 5 track. A fine rendition of a firm favourite, based upon an old Czech carol.
3. Little Drummer Boy – The Jackson 5
Staying in the early ’70s, this version of an old soul classic would certainly bring some warmth to a cold, cold night. For those in the flush of love, the title says it all.
4. It May Be Winter Outside (But In My Heart It’s Spring) – Love Unlimited
…and these L.A. hipsters rarely got more loved up than on this cute waltz from 1968…
5. Wintertime Love – The Doors
Back in the dark days of the ’70s, most major musical artists had a go at a Christmas disc with very mixed results! We’ll catch our breath with this rare live TV performance from a true English genius, showing how it should be done…
6. December Will Be Magic – Kate Bush
They called her ‘Little Miss Dynamite’ and the diminutive Miss Brenda Lee certainly lived up to that title with a series of searing rockers that really showed off her amazing vocal chords. Even in a more playful, holiday mood, that powerful voice still shines through.
7. Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee
Talking of rocking, St Louis native, Charles Edward Berry’s witty lyrics and stinging guitar riffs helped invent the whole rock’n’roll sound. He even gets Santa’s reindeer rockin’ on this one!
8. Run Rudolph Run – Chuck Berry
But let’s pause awhile and spare a thought for the lovesick and downhearted this winter. These guys from Cleveland are really feeling out in the cold on this 1966 garage perennial…
9. It’s Cold Outside – The Choir
…whilst this famous New York duo ponder the rapidly passing years on this moody and dynamic masterpiece from the same year. Both of them at the ripe old age of 24!
10. A Hazy Shade Of Winter – Simon & Garfunkel
Swinging back into a joyous Xmas mode, here’s one you may well hear in a supermarket but, hell, we just couldn’t resist. After all, it’s a whole lot of festive fun…
11. Christmas Wrapping – The Waitresses
And we’ll let the king have the final word and see us on our merry ways. From one of the best Christmas albums ever.
12. Blue Christmas – Elvis Presley
So there you have it, twelve seasonal songs – one for each day of Christmas perhaps? – but whatever you’re celebrating this winter, and whoever you’re celebrating with, we here at Bibelot hope you keep warm an, above all, have fun.
Jaybyrd Slim
Listen to this playlist on our Spotify account (Bibelot Magazine)
Jaybyrd Slim co-hosts the Club Nitty Gritty Radio show on the fourth Tuesday of every month, at www.reelrebelsradio.com. The next show is at 8.30pm on Tuesday 26th January.
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