You Know What I Mean?

If there was ever the perfect marriage between song and singer this is it. It is the best selling recording of all time. Christmas would not feel like Christmas without Bing's baritone voice making us believe that frozen rain will make the holiday complete. There are some other really great versions of this song but none compares to this one. 

If  Nat King Cole had sung The Wheels on the Bus it would have sounded amazing. Give him not only one of the best Christmas songs but one of the best songs period ever written and you get something really special. You  could put this on a continuous loop for hours on  end and I would not get sick of listening it. Also if any aspiring pop singers happen to read this please listen and note that it is possible to create a mesmerizing performance by simply singing a song in it's actual tune without embellishing it with an endless barrage of runs and flourishes. Show them how it's done Nat. The list so far: 2. The Christmas Song (Nat King Cole) 3. The Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth (Bing Crosby, David Bowie) 4. Silent Night (Mannheim Steamroller) 5. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree (Brenda Lee) 6. Let It Snow (Dean Martin) 7. Blue Christmas (Elvis Presley) 8. Sleigh Ride (The Boston Pops) 9. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (Gene Autry) 10...

This is possibly one of the most unlikely pairings in music history. It was recorded in September of 1977 for the Bing Crosby Christmas Special. (Bowie supposedly agreed to make the appearance because his mom was a big fan of Crosby.) From the accounts of those involved they only spent about an hour rehearsing and then made the recording. A month later Bing died and the special was aired on November 30th. I can remember watching it on TV and not understanding the historical significance of what I was seeing and hearing. This is what can happen when two vastly different yet tremendously talented artists collaborate. (By the way after you listen to this check out the shot for shot parody that Will Ferrell and John C Reilly did for Funny or Die here. )     The list so far: 3. The Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth (Bing Crosby, David Bowie) 4. Silent Night (Mannheim Steamroller) 5. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree (Brenda Lee) 6. Let It Snow (Dean Martin) 7. B...

Silent Night is my favorite Christmas song. I have so many memories tangled up in this song from so many Christmases. Hearing it brings a flood of reminiscence and emotion. This particular rendition is quiet and slow but had a story like feel to it. It is best listened to in a room at night, lit only by a Christmas tree preferably with snow falling outside the window.  The list so far: 4. Silent Night (Mannheim Steamroller) 5. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree (Brenda Lee) 6. Let It Snow (Dean Martin) 7. Blue Christmas (Elvis Presley) 8. Sleigh Ride (The Boston Pops) 9. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (Gene Autry) 10. Here Comes Santa Claus (Elvis Presley) 11. Have a Holly Jolly Christmas (Burl Ives) 12. Christmas Time Is Here (Vince Guaraldi Trio) 13. Christmas [Baby Please Come Home] (Darlene Love) 14. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (Barenaked Ladies) 15. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Judy Garland) 16. Deck the Halls (Mannheim Steamroller...

The great crooners make singing seem effortless. Nobody had as relaxed a demeanor as Dean Martin. That laid back style is on full display here. He comes across as so care free but every note is spot on. Many artists have given this song a go but none did it better than Dino.  The list so far: 6. Let It Snow (Dean Martin) 7. Blue Christmas (Elvis Presley) 8. Sleigh Ride (The Boston Pops) 9. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (Gene Autry) 10. Here Comes Santa Claus (Elvis Presley) 11. Have a Holly Jolly Christmas (Burl Ives) 12. Christmas Time Is Here (Vince Guaraldi Trio) 13. Christmas [Baby Please Come Home] (Darlene Love) 14. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (Barenaked Ladies) 15. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Judy Garland) 16. Deck the Halls (Mannheim Steamroller) 17. I'll Be Home for Christmas (Bing Crosby) 18. We Need a Little Christmas (Johnny Mathis) 19. There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays (The Carpenters) 20. Jingle Bell Roc...

It's been a long day of traveling. I'll just say this, Elvis owns this song. The list so far: 7. Blue Christmas (Elvis Presley) 8.Sleigh Ride (The Boston Pops) 9. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (Gene Autry) 10. Here Comes Santa Claus (Elvis Presley) 11. Have a Holly Jolly Christmas (Burl Ives) 12. Christmas Time Is Here (Vince Guaraldi Trio) 13. Christmas [Baby Please Come Home] (Darlene Love) 14. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (Barenaked Ladies) 15. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Judy Garland) 16. Deck the Halls (Mannheim Steamroller) 17. I'll Be Home for Christmas (Bing Crosby) 18. We Need a Little Christmas (Johnny Mathis) 19. There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays (The Carpenters) 20. Jingle Bell Rock (Buddy Helms) 21. I Saw Mama Kissing Santa Claus (The Jackson 5) 22. All I Want for Christmas (Mariah Carey) 23. O Holy Night (Josh Groban) 24. Santa Baby (Eartha Kitt) 25. Feliz Navidad (Jose Feliciano

There are a lot of good versions of this song. Any number of them deserves to be included on this list. This is the one I look forward to hearing as the Christmas season approaches. It just sounds like Christmas. I also have some fun memories tied to this arrangement but I won't go into that right now. So bundle up and enjoy the ride.  The list so far: 8.Sleigh Ride (The Boston Pops) 9. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (Gene Autry) 10. Here Comes Santa Claus (Elvis Presley) 11. Have a Holly Jolly Christmas (Burl Ives) 12. Christmas Time Is Here (Vince Guaraldi Trio) 13. Christmas [Baby Please Come Home] (Darlene Love) 14. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (Barenaked Ladies) 15. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Judy Garland) 16. Deck the Halls (Mannheim Steamroller) 17. I'll Be Home for Christmas (Bing Crosby) 18. We Need a Little Christmas (Johnny Mathis) 19. There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays (The Carpenters) 20. Jingle Bell Rock (...

Gene Autry had a hit with this song in 1949. Since then it has been covered by just about every recording artist on the planet. None can top his. 66 years later it's still the best. It wouldn't seem like Christmas without it.  The list so far: 9. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (Gene Autry) 10. Here Comes Santa Claus (Elvis Presley) 11. Have a Holly Jolly Christmas (Burl Ives) 12. Christmas Time Is Here (Vince Guaraldi Trio) 13. Christmas [Baby Please Come Home] (Darlene Love) 14. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (Barenaked Ladies) 15. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Judy Garland) 16. Deck the Halls (Mannheim Steamroller) 17. I'll Be Home for Christmas (Bing Crosby) 18. We Need a Little Christmas (Johnny Mathis) 19. There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays (The Carpenters) 20. Jingle Bell Rock (Buddy Helms) 21. I Saw Mama Kissing Santa Claus (The Jackson 5) 22. All I Want for Christmas (Mariah Carey) 23. O Holy Night (Josh Grob...

Once again I faced a dilemma in selecting  which version of this song to include on the list. I considered Gene Autry's ' rendition. It's simple yet it captures the fun and happiness of the song. It is (dare I say?) a classic. But in the end Elvis brings too much swagger to be ignored. So swivel those hips and swing along with the King. The list so far: 10: Here Comes Santa Claus (Elvis Presley) 11. Have a Holly Jolly Christmas (Burl Ives) 12. Christmas Time Is Here (Vince Guaraldi Trio) 13. Christmas [Baby Please Come Home] (Darlene Love) 14. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (Barenaked Ladies) 15. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Judy Garland) 16. Deck the Halls (Mannheim Steamroller) 17. I'll Be Home for Christmas (Bing Crosby) 18. We Need a Little Christmas (Johnny Mathis) 19. There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays (The Carpenters) 20. Jingle Bell Rock (Buddy Helms) 21. I Saw Mama Kissing Santa Claus (The Jac...

This song on it's own is nothing special and Burl Ives as a singer is ok but not someone I would go out of my way to see in concert (which would be hard to do anyway since I'm pretty sure he's dead). But put the two together and magic happens. Burl, we hear you and by golly we will have a  holly jolly Christmas this year.    The list so far: 11. Have a Holly Jolly Christmas (Burl Ives) 12. Christmas Time Is Here (Vince Guaraldi Trio) 13. Christmas [Baby Please Come Home] (Darlene Love) 14. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (Barenaked Ladies) 15. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Judy Garland) 16. Deck the Halls (Mannheim Steamroller) 17. I'll Be Home for Christmas (Bing Crosby) 18. We Need a Little Christmas (Johnny Mathis) 19. There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays (The Carpenters) 20. Jingle Bell Rock (Buddy Helms) 21. I Saw Mama Kissing Santa Claus (The Jackson 5) 22. All I Want for Christmas (Mariah Carey) 23. O Holy Night ...

If you were born in the 60's or any time afterwards this song has probably been part of your childhood soundtrack. As the opener to A Charlie Brown Christmas it sets the tone for the greatest television Christmas special of all.  Can you imagine a children's Christmas special produced today having this understated somewhat mournful jazz number as it's opener? But it, like the special itself, has stood the test of time. Few numbers can get me feeling more nostalgic.   The list so far: 12. Christmas Time Is Here (Vince Guaraldi Trio) 13. Christmas [Baby Please Come Home] (Darlene Love) 14. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (Barenaked Ladies) 15. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Judy Garland) 16. Deck the Halls (Mannheim Steamroller) 17. I'll Be Home for Christmas (Bing Crosby) 18. We Need a Little Christmas (Johnny Mathis) 19. There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays (The Carpenters) 20. Jingle Bell Rock (Buddy Helms) 21. I Saw Mama Kis...

This was recorded as part of A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector , an album featuring Christmas songs recorded using Spector's "Wall of Sound" production technique. It includes several tracks that have become standards for Christmas season playlists, one example being   Frosty the Snowman by the Ronettes . In my opinion this is the best of the bunch. Love's heart and passion shine through the performance and makes you want to make it home for Christmas.   The list so far: 13. Christmas [Baby Please Come Home] (Darlene Love) 14. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (Barenaked Ladies) 15. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Judy Garland) 16. Deck the Halls (Mannheim Steamroller) 17. I'll Be Home for Christmas (Bing Crosby) 18. We Need a Little Christmas (Johnny Mathis) 19. There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays (The Carpenters) 20. Jingle Bell Rock (Buddy Helms) 21. I Saw Mama Kissing Santa Claus (The Jackson 5) 22. All I Want...

This might be the least well known entry on this list. Also, it is not what you would call a traditional rendering of an extremely  traditional Christmas carol. It combines the title song with We Three Kings (which has never been one of my favorites) and makes it totally work. It's snappy and soulful and full of awesome. Plus, any song that features the upright bass can't help but be cool. The list so far: 14. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (Barenaked Ladies) 15. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Judy Garland) 16. Deck the Halls (Mannheim Steamroller) 17. I'll Be Home for Christmas (Bing Crosby) 18. We Need a Little Christmas (Johnny Mathis) 19. There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays (The Carpenters) 20. Jingle Bell Rock (Buddy Helms) 21. I Saw Mama Kissing Santa Claus (The Jackson 5) 22. All I Want for Christmas (Mariah Carey) 23. O Holy Night (Josh Groban) 24. Santa Baby (Eartha Kitt) 25. Feliz Navidad (Jose Feliciano

This is a song that can make you feel both festive and melancholy at the same time. I think that this is good thing. Judy Garland set the bar high for others with her performance in Meet Me in St. Louis and it still stands up.  The list so far: 15. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Judy Garland) 16. Deck the Halls (Mannheim Steamroller) 17. I'll Be Home for Christmas (Bing Crosby) 18. We Need a Little Christmas (Johnny Mathis) 19. There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays (The Carpenters) 20. Jingle Bell Rock (Buddy Helms) 21. I Saw Mama Kissing Santa Claus (The Jackson 5) 22. All I Want for Christmas (Mariah Carey) 23. O Holy Night (Josh Groban) 24. Santa Baby (Eartha Kitt) 25. Feliz Navidad (Jose Feliciano

To be perfectly honest, if this list were just about my 25 favorite Christmas recordings, Mannheim Steamroller would probably fill about 20 of the slots. I thoroughly enjoy their fusion of electronic music and orchestration, of renaissance and contemporary. This song was my introduction to them and I was hooked from the first notes. When the strings hit at about the 2:30 mark I dare you to not get chills.   The list so far: 16. Deck the Halls (Mannheim Steamroller) 17. I'll Be Home for Christmas (Bing Crosby) 18. We Need a Little Christmas (Johnny Mathis) 19. There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays (The Carpenters) 20. Jingle Bell Rock (Buddy Helms) 21. I Saw Mama Kissing Santa Claus (The Jackson 5) 22. All I Want for Christmas (Mariah Carey) 23. O Holy Night (Josh Groban) 24. Santa Baby (Eartha Kitt) 25. Feliz Navidad (Jose Feliciano  

During my school's annual Christmas program when I was in the 4th grade, there was a segment where one of the bigger 6th grade boys was posed in a chair on a dimly lit stage dressed in an army uniform. Above his head pictures of holiday scenes were projected while someone softly sang this song. Even as a nine year old this made quite the impression on me and I have always loved this song. It has been covered by just about everyone but for my money nobody sang it better than Bing.   The list so far: 17. I'll Be Home for Christmas (Bing Crosby) 18. We Need a Little Christmas (Johnny Mathis) 19. There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays (The Carpenters) 20. Jingle Bell Rock (Buddy Helms) 21. I Saw Mama Kissing Santa Claus (The Jackson 5) 22. All I Want for Christmas (Mariah Carey) 23. O Holy Night (Josh Groban) 24. Santa Baby (Eartha Kitt) 25. Feliz Navidad (Jose Feliciano  

In the near future I plan on posting some of the near miss songs that could have or should have made my list. More than one of those are sung by Johnny Mathis. For some reason his voice seems to be particularly  conducive for the holiday season. His versions of Sleigh Ride, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, and It's a Marshmallow World are all classics (there's that word again). But I believe this one is his best. If you have a touch of the holiday blahs listening to the following might just be the cure.     The list so far: 18. We Need a Little Christmas (Johnny Mathis) 19. There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays (The Carpenters) 20. Jingle Bell Rock (Buddy Helms) 21. I Saw Mama Kissing Santa Claus (The Jackson 5) 22. All I Want for Christmas (Mariah Carey) 23. O Holy Night (Josh Groban) 24. Santa Baby (Eartha Kitt) 25. Feliz Navidad (Jose Feliciano

This was another tough decision. Perry Como's  version of this song is terrific and deserves a spot on this list. But Karen Carpenter possessed one of the greatest singing voices in the history of recorded music and her brother was a gifted arranger and producer. The result here is a gorgeous take on a classic. ( I need a thesaurus. I've been using that word a lot.)   The list so far: 19. There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays (The Carpenters) 20. Jingle Bell Rock (Buddy Helms) 21. I Saw Mama Kissing Santa Claus (The Jackson 5) 22. All I Want for Christmas (Mariah Carey) 23. O Holy Night (Josh Groban) 24. Santa Baby (Eartha Kitt) 25. Feliz Navidad (Jose Feliciano

Back in my pastoring days I learned that when it came to deciding things like what color we should paint the nursery or what we should serve at the Annual ( you fill in the blank) Banquet the fewer people involved the better. The reason is simple. If you paint the nursery green but Mrs. Jones prefers orange, if you did not ask her, she will simply think you picked an ugly color. But  if you ask Mrs. Jones what color she thinks you should choose, and the walls still get painted green, well now it's personal. Her input has been rejected and you may very well have to deal with her hurt feelings. This same principle applies to putting together a list of top Christmas recordings. While compiling my list I asked for my wife's input. I showed her what I had put together and asked her if she had any suggestions. She named several songs she thought deserved consideration and some of those made the list. Some did not. In particular her favorite did not. This di not...

This song carries a fair amount of nostalgia for me. My kindergarten class learned and performed this for the school Christmas program. There was a bit of drama though. Much to my consternation my older brother told me that I was singing a "rock" song. My parents frowned on rock and roll music and I being a loyal son shared their disapproval. My mother took me aside and assured me that I was not going to be participating in the devil's music. I can now enjoy this song with a clear conscience. The list so far: 20. Jingle Bell Rock (Buddy Helms) 21. I Saw Mama Kissing Santa Claus (The Jackson 5) 22. All I Want for Christmas (Mariah Carey) 23. O Holy Night (Josh Groban) 24. Santa Baby (Eartha Kitt) 25. Feliz Navidad (Jose Feliciano

The decision on which version of this song to choose was a close one. The Ronettes rendition is a classic and definitely worth a listen.(Click on the link to hear it) In the end though I am giving the edge to the amazing vocal stylings of the young Michael Jackson. So much talent to develop. So much weirdness to come. The list so far: 21. I Saw Mama Kissing Santa Claus (The Jackson 5) 22. All I Want for Christmas (Mariah Carey) 23. O Holy Night (Josh Groban) 24. Santa Baby (Eartha Kitt) 25. Feliz Navidad (Jose Feliciano

I'm not exactly a Mariah Carey fan. I have a relative whose first music purchase was one of her cd's. I have made it a point to regularly mock him for this. But, even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then. The song is pretty dang catchy and she sings it well. The result is a new classic. The list so far:                           22. All I Want for Christmas (Mariah Carey)       23. O Holy Night (Josh Groban) 24. Santa Baby (Eartha Kitt)          25. Feliz Navidad (Jose Feliciano)

 This choice is more about the song itself than it is about the rendition. It would not seem right to have any list of greatest Christmas songs that does not include O Holy Night. Mr. Groban's performance is very traditional, showing respect for a timeless classic. Well done sir, well done. The list so far:       23. O Holy Night (Josh Groban) 24. Santa Baby (Eartha Kitt)          25. Feliz Navidad (Jose Feliciano)

I expect to catch some flack for this one. I can understand why some people don't care for this song. At first glance it appears to be an ode to greed sung by a brainless gold-digger. I happen to think that it is a piece of hilarious satire. (My favorite line: "Santa baby, forgot to mention one little thing...  a ring, I don't mean on the phone" That's funny stuff.) One caveat though, this is the one and  only version of this song that should ever be played, All the other attempts to replicate it are crass imposters. (I'm looking at you Madonna. Are you listening Britney Spears?) So here is the original. Take a fresh listen. The list so far: 24. Santa Baby (Eartha Kitt)          25. Feliz Navidad (Jose Feliciano)

I have not always liked this song. There was a time when I thought it was exasperatingly repetitive. But through the years it has grown on me. It's message is simple and it's genuinely joyful. I dare you to listen and not tap your toe.

The Christmas season is officially upon us. I happen to think that this is good thing. I look forward to watching all the sappy movies and seeing the decorations appear in yards and along the streets. I like Christmas trees, Christmas cookies, and Christmas commercials on TV. About the only thing associated with Christmas that I don't like is fruit cake. One of my favorite things about Christmas is the music. Whether it's a traditional carol or a jazzy holiday tune you can count on me to pause my station surfing and sing along with Bing, Wham or whoever. So with this in mind, I am undertaking a self imposed blogging challenge. I have composed a list of what I believe to be the 25 greatest recordings of Christmas music. Starting tomorrow and running through Christmas Eve, each day I will post one song in descending order until  I reach the number one song. The criteria I am using is informal. First of all I have great taste, so if I like t...

While driving with my dad on our way to play golf, sometime in May of 2004, he and I listened to one of his favorite tapes, John McDermott singing old sentimental Irish songs, Dad was a sucker for this type of music. Most people saw him as loud, aggressive and competitive but he definitely possessed a softer almost downright mushy side as well. Just before we reached our destination the song I have posted below played. When it ended I looked that over and saw his eyes had begun to well up. When we arrived at the golf course he said, "It's been over 30 years since my dad passed away and I still miss him. Do you think that’s strange?” I assured him that he was normal to feel that way and we got ready to play our round. I don’t remember anything about that round, I wish I could because as it turned out that was the last time he and I would play golf together. That summer he started not feeling well. Nothing serious it seemed,. just a low grade fever he couldn’t seem to sha...

I've played a number of roles in my life. I've been a son, a brother, a cousin and an uncle. I became husband and a dad. I've been a teacher, a pastor, a coach, and a salesman. I've been called friend, coworker, neighbor and some things I'd rather not mention. I'll admit there were times I felt overwhelmed by the expectations that came with all of these. The last thing I thought I wanted or needed was a new title.  Five years ago this morning I was given yet another role. On August 6th, 2010 I became Papa. Savannah Joyce Scherzer entered the world and changed my life. Within seconds of seeing her for the first time I couldn't imagine life without her. I didn't know what I'd been missing. This is why I love being Papa: Hearing her giggle uncontrollably at something silly I've said The sense of justice I feel when she gives her mother a difficult time Watching how her mother deals with her and realizing I must have done something r...

I knew in advance what lay ahead for me. In the back of my mind I wanted to believe that I could find a way out. Right up to the last minute I tried to put it out of my mind and hoped maybe it would just go away. But that never works and this time proved to be no exception. So I steeled myself to face the inevitable. I wasn’t alone but  my partner in this venture did not provide any solace. She was the reason I was here in the first place and even seemed to take a sick pleasure in what was going on.  My only comfort lie in the fact that this was only temporary and would soon be over. Soon is subjective though. Almost immediately I could feel sweat breaking out on my forehead and  tension starting to churn in my stomach. “Steady now”, I told myself. “You can’t let it get to you  this quickly or you’ll never make it”, and so I soldiered on. As I took in my environment I could see others who shared my struggle.  Some like me were just beginning their sentence wh...

I grew up skinny, I mean really skinny. Ribs were countable. Knees knobbed. My dad said that when I wore shorts I looked like a pair of pliers. All through my high school and college years my inseam possessed a larger number than my waist and through it all I ate with abandon. "Yes, I'll have the 20 piece chicken nuggets. Ten tacos? No Problem. You know what makes a Big Mac even better? Another Big Mac!" Ah, that was the life...unlimited food without consequences. But eventually, seemingly overnight, it caught up with me. It really seemed like I went to sleep one night blissfully slim and woke up to find that my face had grown two new chins and bending down to tie my shoes was suddenly difficult. I was forced to face the ugly truth, I had turned into a fat guy. This realization resulted in my experiencing 6 stages of fat guyness: Denial (I'm not fat, I've just finally filled out) Bargaining (OK, I'll eat the Ultimate Cheeseburger today and I...

Do you know what I think?  I think people should know what I think. I think people want to know what I think. I have many thoughts and I think the world deserves the opportunity to see those thoughts.  I think the world needs that opportunity, that it craves my insight. I think the lack of that opportunity is why we have so much angst and unhappiness. OK, maybe not, OK, probably not. OK, definitely not. So why start a blog?  As I stated above, I have a lot of thoughts. I'd like to think that some of these thoughts are interesting  or amusing and that others might think so as well. So even though the world has neither demanded nor even requested a medium for seeing what passes through my brain, I am going to provide one anyways. I don't know exactly what direction this will take but if you happen to stop by let me know what you think.