Songs of the Week XIII: Christmas Edition
It's that time of year! Time for the same 20 or so songs you hear every year on loop... But if you want a little bit more from your christmas music, read on! And submit your songs in the comments or to me on Facebook. The playlist is here and the archive playlist is here.
Connor Murphy:
Simon & Garfunkel - 7 O'Clock News/ Silent Night
Really simple song, but trenchant social commentary. There really isnt much that this song doesn't say for itself. It's a very unusual rendition of Silent Night, to say the least.
Three Dog Night - Joy To The World
This isn't really a Christmas song, but because it shares a name with one, I decided it fits the theme. It's kind of a childish song
They Might Be Giants - Santa's Beard
The first time I heard this song, I was at a complete loss for words. I don't think it has much of a deeper meaning than the speakers wife cheating on him with his friend at Christmas time. Possibly a spinoff of "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus".
Matt Smith:
Train - Shake up Christmas
A real touching Christmas story that just makes you smile. I’ve always liked Train’s music and they just so happen to have a song, perfect for this time of the year.
Shirley Temple - I’m Gettin Nuttin for Christmas
I remember hearing this on the Rosie O'Donnell Christmas CD my mom had when I was younger (Why she had Rosie O'Donnell christmas CD or why it even exists is beyond me) But this song always gives me a little feeling of nostalgia.
Nice Peter - Christmas With You*
Nice Peter, most commonly known for creating the popular Epic Rap Battles of History series, used to make a lot of music for his personal channel. I’ve been following this channel for years and remember when this video was uploaded. This song shows how he isn't just a comedian, something I admire. If you want more Christmas songs, I’d suggest All I Got: A picture song, which is a bit more comedic.
Kyra Bresnahan:
Pentatonix - Winter Wonderland/ Don't Worry Be Happy
I like this because it's a really good mashup.
Lauren Sliva (Alum.):
Reel Big Fish - Happy Skalidays (EP)
I really like the entirety of the Reel Big Fish Christmas EP. I love unconventional Christmas music, and this definitely fits the bill. It's lighthearted and well done.
Kyle Sousa:
Michael Buble - Silent Night
This song brings a sense of the true meaning to Christmas. Michael Buble helps to empower this sense with his powerful singing style.
Johann Pachelbel - Canon in D
Two Things: First, who knew that the song that goes daa da da daa da da da da da da and many more "das" later had a name right? Second, this goes out to all those people who say that classical music is stupid, yet they like this song. You like a classical song, composed by a classical composer, thus you like classical music, Your mind is now blown. You're welcome. :D
Demetri Cassidy
Bon Iver - Holocene
For those who don't know, Bon Iver is an indie folk project started by singer Justin Vernon. His music under this name has gained him much acclaim from the music scene, and has led to collaborations with musicians like singer James Blake and even Kanye West. This song comes with the group's self-titled album, which was released in 2011. In this song, Justin details a personal time in his life where he dealt with a nasty break-up and coming to deal with it. He compares the lonely feeling he's going through with the winter, showing how cold and desolate he feels. Despite his recovery, he still acknowledges that he is still insignificant in this world.
Coil - The Snow
This song doesn't exactly relate to Christmas, but whatever. At least it's winter related.
Coil was an experimental group from the UK made up of former Throbbing Gristle affiliates. Unlike TG, they explore many different genres rather than just industrial music. This song is a very strong example of this. Instead of their usual abstract compositions, this song is a straightforward house song. The song is features traditional house breakbeats and an acid bassline, and is centered around an eerie sample of a traditional English folk song. It's simple, bouncy, and is easily one of the group's most accessible songs.
*Not available on Spotify