Here we go-
#1 Little Drummer Boy- by Katherine K. Davis, 1941
This has the best sentiment of any Christmas song- poor kid witnesses the birth of Christ, can't afford a gift, so he plays his drum. Nice. Also, one of the few Christmas songs based on the rhythm section. And he's a hit! Baby Jesus rocks out, and ox and lamb kept time. The ox and lamb kept time! How awesome is that? How did they even do that? One pictures tails swinging back and forth like some magical metronome in a manger menagerie. This was also my mom's favorite Christmas song, so it's pretty hard to get through it dry eyed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcXW0Se4HMs&feature=player_embedded#!
#2 Christmas Wrapping- The Waitresses, 1981
It's not officially the Christmas season until one hears the beautifully sarcastic vocals of the late Patty Donahue. She also knew what boys like, and did the theme to the short lived but well remembered TV show Square Pegs. This song also has a great bass line and that Duranish early 80's guitar riff. Sadly no video, but enjoy the music.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SzjDOk_u9I&feature=related
#3 Fairytale of New York- The Pogues, 1987
The other side of the Christmas song. There has never been a better opening line than "It was Christmas Eve babe, in the drunk tank..." Then of course the beautiful, late Kirsty McColl comes back with her delivery of "You scum bag, you maggot, you cheap lousy faggot. Happy Christmas your arse, I pray God it's our last." And yet, they built their dreams around each other. This song is about the last grasp at redemption for the hopeless that is inherent in the Christmas spirit. And Matt Dillon makes a cameo in the video!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwHyuraau4Q&feature=related
#4 2000 Miles- The Pretenders, 1983
What to say? Chrissie Hynde writes another great song. Makes you want to be in a pub in London right about now, watching the snow fall. Or maybe that's just me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nmx3QC7n6sk&feature=related
#5 Oh Holy Night- John Sullivan Dwight, 1855, Music by Adolphe Adam, 1847
One of the prettiest melodies this side of Ave Maria. Especially in the third refrain, when you're singing along in your car, and you can really belt the shit out of it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gemjzIzsek&feature=related
#6 Do They Know It's Christmas- Band Aid, 1984
Because I'm a man of a certain age, and when this came out, it was the Coolest Thing Ever. And it was a great idea, and Bob Geldof pulled it together in about a week. And John Taylor supports it all with his great bass line.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5cX_ncZLls
#7 Happy Christmas (War is Over)- John Lennon, 1971
Yep.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hb2YSAVHmIE
#8 Baby It's Cold Outside -Frank Loesser, 1944
Dean Martin at his best. Only he could make a lecherous drunk who refuses to take no for an answer charming. "Say, what's in this drink?" Ah, back when giving a lady a ruffie wasn't judged so harshly. Hey, he's just trying to keep her from going out and freezing to death... This isn't strictly a Christmas song, but it's usually heard this time of year, so I'm counting it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LyMiqz34LM
#9 Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)- Phil Spector, Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich, 1963
One of the best rock Christmas songs, it has been covered by everyone from R.E.M to Death Cab for Cutie, from Joey Ramone to U2.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiSPNaQNGOY
#10 Feliz Navidad - Jose' Feliciano, 1970
This might seem like too obvious a choice to make the list, but it's a solid song. And probably more than any other on here, the one that everyone will sing along to at your office Christmas party. Or try to.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnKD81Fsh9c
And there you have it. Happy Christmas, everyone. Próspero año y felicidad.
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