Apparently I haven't moved far enough south. Yesterday morning I awoke to an inch of snow on the ground. By the time I went out to do my Christmas shopping later in the afternoon the roads were clear but the ground was still covered in a thin blanket of white. At that time there really wasn't anything to tell me I wasn't in Michigan still.
Song #20: Andy Williams - It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
This is another song that just oozes the holiday spirit. The kind of song you expect to be playing over the PA system at the mall as you rush through crowds of people a few days before Christmas trying to finish up your holiday shopping.
It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but at the same time you can't help but read a little sarcasm into the titular lyrics. There are many great things about Christmas: being together with family, giving and receiving gifts, big meals, booze, but at the same time the level of stress goes through the roof. Weather, shopping lists, and long lines everywhere you go contribute to the overwhelming feeling of stress and anger that accompanies the holidays. For all the great things about the holiday season, the journey to that perfect Christmas day is a perilous one. Just think of all the preparation involved with the great things Williams sings about: parties, caroling, visiting friends and family. It's enough to give anyone a panic attack.
Song #19: Bing Crosby - White Christmas
This is another one of those songs that had to appear on this list more than once. Bing Crosby's version is an absolute classic, and perhaps the best known version of White Christmas, but years later two other versions would come out that are both in the top ten of this countdown. Until we get there, enjoy Bing, he doesn't do too bad with this song himself.
Song #18: Brenda Lee - Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree
Rock and roll artists have been trying their hands at Christmas tunes almost as long as rock and roll has been around, but few have done it better than Brenda Lee's awesome version of Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree. Released in 1958, this song has stood the test of time and remained in heavy rotation.
The song swings along like any 50's rock tune, and even features a saxophone solo in the middle. Lee's vocal performance is perfect, distinctive yet in tune with the music. The song works even better if played right after the next song on the countdown.
Song #17: Bobby Helms - Jingle Bell Rock
Released one year before Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, Bobby Helm's Christmas classic holds much the same place in Christmas music culture. Another great example of a genre of music using Christmas imagery and tradition to inspire an original piece of music.
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