Best.Christmas.Songs.Ever.
Counting down in semi-order…
Christmas Wrapping, The Waitresses
No, this is not the band, and not necessarily the best video, but it’s the only one they had. It’s an anti-Christmas song that still manages to make you feel good.
Merry Christmas Everybody, Slade
My God, how can you not love the Brits? I dare you not to adore this song instantly. But even if you aren’t crazy about the song (impossible!) you have to watch the video. Seriously, between the crazy guy with the dutch boy hair and the drummer at the end pretending to drum with his candy cane drumsticks, it’s a must-see 70′s trainwreck.
So This is Christmas, John Lennon
I’ve never been big fan of John Lennon, and especially not of Yoko Ono. But, this song is wonderful.
Fairytale of New York, The Pogues
It’s a little rough on the edges, but look past some of the singing. The songwriting is fantastic, but it certainly isn’t your mother’s version of a Christmas song. The Pogues should have gotten some type of award for a Christmas song with the word “maggot” in it.
2000 Miles, The Pretenders
A song that is often forgotten and overlooked. Chrissie Hynde has never sounded better.
Holly Jolly Christmas, Burl Ives
Again, another classic favorite. I like it even better than Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Blasphemy, I know!
Little Drummer Boy, Bing Crosby and David Bowie
I hope whoever dreamed up this pairing was given a hefty raise.
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home), Darlene Love
Phil Spector is batshit crazy, but the man knew how to produce a song.
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Judy Garland
So sad, but so beautifully sung.
Do They Know It’s Christmas, Band Aid
Call me a child of the 80′s, but I love this song still. The video is sheer entertainment for the hair-watching alone. How young Bono looks! And I swear, Boy George does his eye makeup better than I do.
You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch, Thurl Ravenscroft
It is not Christmas without this song. People have tried, but no one does it better than Thurl.
O Holy Night, Josh Groban
The sound quality could be better, but the dude is singing in freezing weather, live, dealing with that annoying echo/time delay thing that comes when you sing in front of large crowds. And it still makes me tear up. His being totally cute doesn’t hurt either.
The Christmas Song, Nat King Cole
That voice! That smile! Perfection!
White Christmas, Bing Crosby
I love many songs sung by Mr. Crosby, but this is the all-time classic.
So, let me have it. Am I crazy? Or completely on the money?
Want to hear my picks for worst Christmas songs ever? Go here if you dare.
The Pogues rough on the edges? You must be joking! They are so well known for their unique sound. I have a secret crush on Shane McGowan (the lead singer until 2001).
2001 should be 1991…I got my decades wrong. lol
I think you hit a home run. Great songs every one.
@casablancabride- Just trying to prepare people who may not be familiar with The Pogues and expecting the smoothness of Bing or Nat.
Glinda – good call on that. I hadn’t thought about those people who are unaccustomed to the glory of the Pogues.
This is an awesome list btw. You did a great job rounding all these songs up.
argh. my computer does not like wordpress today.
I definitely agree with you on all those songs. Another to add, if I may, is “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” by Barenaked Ladies and Sarah MacLachlan. There’s some very nifty harmonizing in there.
And yeah, Josh Groban’s version of “O Holy Night”…well…he definitely batted that one out of the park, big time.
As a complete aside, I think Never the Bride rubbed off some good vibes on me.
I just got a positive pregnancy test for Christmas.
Woooo, La Petite Acadienne! Right on! Yay!
La Petite: Supercongrats!
Also: Jane Siberry’s A Huron Carol. Dunno if it’s up on YouTube, but once you hear it you’ll never forget it. Here’s a slightly different version of the same song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6IG6F6E5Ac
I’d like to vote in the other category and say that the Very Most’s Christmas song of 2008 called ‘This Year, Christmas Came November 4th’ written about America’s new president is my favourite festive song ever! It can be heard at this url http://www.indiecater.com