Snow Jams
Were making our lists and playing them twice.
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This article originally ran on December 1, 2022.
Were republishing it now for anyone looking for recommendations for their own holiday playlists.
Hearing those familiar ascending notes feels like stepping into a snow globe.
To help, we asked seasoned hitmakers to give us a few words on their favorite holiday tracks.
Were talking about Kenny G levels here.
Jim Jones was also joined by the late Stack Bundles, just a year before his passing.
I like the erotic twist on sliding down your chimney and the idea of being someones sexual Santa.
Courtney Barnett
Wonderful Christmastime, Paul McCartney
I got obsessed with this song last December.
I played it every day (followed byMcCartney II).
It was my first Christmas ever outside of Australia and I spent it in the desert in Joshua Tree.
Every morning I woke up early to verify if it was snowing.
And he wrote a song about Rudolph that is better than the original classic!
Its so beautifully written, it just warms my heart every time I hear it or play it.
Ive covered it on two albums.
OnHark!I mashed it up with Greensleeves.
This is definitely the song to bring out the love, peace, and holiday happiness.
Ive always loved the melody of this song and the mysterious, deeply strange feeling it gives.
And …I did!
Listening to Nancys tender croon balances out the happiness frenzy of the holidays.
Its called Fuck Christmas.
Dont expect chestnuts roasting on open fires or sleigh bells ringing in the snow.
Also Barry Gordon has done a ton of voice work, including Donatello from the originalTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Down and out in Tinseltown, where white glistening snow turns to filthy slush.
Sad Christmas trees upended in garbage cans.
Homeless lost souls comatose in the gutter.A nativity tale with a really bad ending.
The best, most poignant festive song of all time.
Christmastime and the warmth of Frank Sinatras voice is a recipe full of love.
you could never go wrong!
It is as visually descriptive and imaginative as Twas the Night Before Christmas.
Its such a great musical track.
Not only is it a Christmas classic, the music is used as a breakbeat to rap over year-round!
No other music from a Christmas song in history from any genre has that ability!
Its the first song I ever sang behind a microphone in my first-grade Christmas program at Kiowa Elementary.
I like to joke that it was my big break.
Once Id performed onstage, there was no going back!
The recording just transmits warmth perfect for a holiday weep.
Actually, I love the full album,Ella & Louis Christmas.
Santigold
Merry Christmas, Baby, Otis Redding
I dont have one favorite Christmas song.
Christmas songs are one of my favorite genres, so I could go on forever.
First of all, I love any Christmas song with the continuous bells.
Its so simple and yet instantly places you in the magical holiday zone.
Theres something about Otis Redding for me right now Ive been listening to him a lot.
That tone paired with the punchy horns is captivating on this song.
The horns are the backup singers.
No ones like Otis!
And the line at the end, Everything here is beautiful, I can feel it.
It gives me chills.
The Christmas Song was a big part of that during the holidays.
That continued until my mother passed, some 60-plus years later.
Raphael Saadiq
Another Lonely Christmas, Prince
I love this song.
Because I spent many holidays alone on tour, eating Christmas dinner without my family.
Another Lonely Christmas resonated with me for those reasons.
Its a great composition and an amazing performance by Prince Rogers Nelson.
Its so fun and whimsical.
They give the song this washy, ethereal magic that makes you want to play it on repeat.
I used to play it on my violin all the time for fun when I was in high school.
This song will always remind me of Christmas and the warmth of being home with family during the holidays.
My people smiling is what I love to see!
His song Ill Be Home for Christmas is my favorite Christmas song of all time.
Its a message that really resonates with me.
