In a few of these entries, I've talked about my love of Christmas songs and carols, and by some of the analysis of lyrics it should be clear that I spend way too much time thinking about this. Today is my opportunity to explore the other side of this topic and mention the songs I hate, songs that my life would be infinitely better if I never heard again.
Although the list trends toward pop songs, I don't dislike pop Christmas songs as a rule. “Christmas, Baby, Please Come Home” by Darlene Love ranks at the very top of my like list. Likewise, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” is a great pop song (there is a wonderful version of this song on YouTube with Miriah Carey joined by Jimmy Fallon and the Roots playing classroom instruments).
There are also some songs that are beneath contempt and therefore not included. This would include novelty songs like “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” or the barking dogs “Jingle Bells.” I don't understand why anyone would listen to these more than once (although I understand that they do). I have to include (the word treacly doesn't say enough) “The Christmas Shoes” here, though I understand that some people like it; they shouldn't.
So here is my top 7 list, and yes, I am aware I just spoke about lists yesterday:
“Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” Brenda Lee: The idea of a rock beat to a Christmas song is OK, but I've yet to see a Christamas party hop.
“Jingle Bells Rock” Bobby Helms: Everything that is bad about “Rocking” is bad about this x10
“Feliz Navidad” Jose Feliciano: If I didn't hear this song so often, I might not hate it so much, but “from the bottom of my heart,” is very hard to take.
These three have the further distinction of being virtually the entire playlist of most radio stations. Please, stop already!
“Blue Christmas” Elvis Presely: Can someone tell me what is Christmasy about this song?
“The Little Drummer Boy” Boring, pa rum-pa-pa-pum
“Mary Don't You Know?” Somehow this has become the go-to song for earnest young people. Stop
“Last Christmas” Wham: This will become the Jingle Bells Rock of our era.
I would love for people to add Yule songs that they hate. I would also love for someone to explain why the radio continues to play the big three
Image: 'Singin Bells'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/32093606@N08/3127408381 Found on flickrcc.net
Posted with Blogsy
I loath most Xmas songs, particularly “Silver Bells,” “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,” and “Rudolph….” Not so objectionable are “The Xmas Song”and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Xmas.” Like you I detest Brenda Lee –and her music.
Santa Baby-can’t hear it without cringing.
You haven’t truly hated a Christmas song if you haven’t heard “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.” Google it, and let the hating begin.