Christmas Edition!!

Okay, so whether you're religious or not, Christmas time can be one of the ultimate high points o' the year. Friends and family, snow (depending on your location),and PIE!!! However, along with the many wonderful things that come this time o' year, there is an abundance of... shall we say, less than desirable holiday tunes? Not to get overly negative but there sure are some STINKERS of Christmas songs. Hopefully these are a few songs that aren't on that list--although my parents would disagree with my favorite (but that's another "discussion" for another holiday) and hopefully one of these songs will help make the season a little cheerier and drown out those others that we wish would... shall we say, LEAVE NOW AND NEVER COME BACK!!!?... precious...

First off is one I never heard all the way through til this season. It's probably not new to anyone out there and it's frankly kinda weird but it's still fun and not too annoying. I also think it's fun that this is a 10 year old girl. She sounds SO intense and into it even though it's a nonsense song. It's called "I want a hippopotamus for Christmas," the most famous version (I think) is done by Gayla Peevey.

The next one is a joint effort between BNL (and I maintain that that is indeed a legitimate abbreviation that people do in fact recognize, Dorothy...) and Michael Bubble (and yes I spelled it that way on purpose). It's fun and refreshing (funky fresh?). Have a listen: "Elf's Lament." Another joint effort (this time with Sarah McLachlan) but on a more traditional note, this version of "God rest ye merry gentlemen" is chill and kinda reminds me of a hip little club o' sorts... with Christmas music... yeah... 


The next two are new discoveries suggested by my wonderful wife, Dorothy. The Irish Rovers have an entire album (which I have yet to listen to in its entirety) but these are two of the songs that are quite fun. Definitely worth listening to. "Christmas Caroling" and "Christmas in Killarney."

This next one is one that popped up on my Pandora Christmas station a few years ago and I just LOVE it. It's called "Santa will find you." It was pointed out to me that this actually sounds kinda creepy at first but if you listen to the context, it's quite comforting. Plus, I really like Mindy Smith's voice. Sincere and kinda soothing without being smarmy or over-the-top-trying-to-hard-to-be-touching-and-meaningful. 


Then there's Jack.  It wouldn't be Christmas without a song from Jack. Well, I guess it still would but it wouldn't be as much fun... well, I guess it would be as much fun because Christmas is more than music... IT'S JUST A REALLY GOOD SONG, OKAY!!? Gosh... It's a cover of "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer," which aside from being cool because of its amazingly awesome alliteration (he he) also has a fun twist to it.   

This one comes to you from an accapella group called Eclipse.  Although I'm generally wary of accapella groups (you have to admit there are more than a few out there that are... shall we say, in need of a bit more practice... and talent...) these guys are the real deal. Tight harmonies without the boyband feel (until the end). New song, so it's refreshing, fun melody that tends to get stuck in your head and the beat boxer is absolutely AMAZING!! Check it out: "This Year."

And the best (that's right, mom, the BEST) for last has got to be "Christmastime is Here" by Vince Guaraldi of Charlie Brown fame. This is without a doubt the most beautiful Christmas song ever. So peaceful and calming. Mixed with the pure and simple message Linus gives in the movie, this song is a holiday powerhouse. It's just awesome. The whole album is awesome. So awesome, I used to have it playing in the background of my room 24/7. Definitely worth a listen if you're looking for a new favorite holiday album (or just to rediscover your childhood roots). It's also definitely NOT depressing... ahem (mom) ahem... *cough cough*....

Anyways, I hope these help y'all have a wonderful holiday and, shall we say... a Merry Christmas!!
ps- I love my mom ;)

Surf Rock... kinda

Okay. So here's the post we've all been waiting for, (and by "we" I mean ME)... SWITCHFOOT!!!  They're a San Diego band that started with 3 guys who loved to surf and rock (hence the post title) and grew to 5 along the way.  I'm more than a little in love with their music (and by "their music" I really mean, the 6-7 songs I've heard). First off, it ROCKS! There's absolutely no disputing that fact. Second, their music (once again, a few songs) is usually pretty upbeat and not too minor/ dark. Also, their lyrics are really well thought out/ thought provoking and (at the risk of sounding too corny) really speak to me on a deeper level.  Yeah, that was too corny... dang! Does it mean anything to you if I say I have a motorcycle? That's cool, right? No? Well, that's okay cuz I don't really own a motorcycle anyways. But the truth of the matter is, their music really strikes a chord that only a few other bands can play... like a F#m7b5! Ha ha! Music Nerd joke... okay, yeah I'm done.

I'm posting the music videos partly because the songs aren't uploaded on Grooveshark yet (soon to be rectified) but mostly because I think their videos make their songs even BETTER! That's actually one of the things I love the most: they even LOOK like they rock! They do everything you'd envision the perfect rock band doing/ everything I'd like to do if I was in a band--kinda hard to explain but hopefully you'll see what I mean.

Hello Hurricane: Fun, driving bass line with some punchy guitar riffs.


Awakening: The beginning before the band turns into a video game is great "rock" footage.


We Are One Tonight: This video's really creative, I think.


You Already Take Me There: When they jump out of the plane is great and the last part after they "land."


Stars: This one's a bit more minor in parts but happy overall, I think. The middle part when the rain starts pouring are good examples of them rockin' out (2:23 and 3:04 specifically)


This Is Home: Slower and less rockin' than the rest but probably my favorite.


Hope you enjoy! As always, share YOUR music in the comments below or email me ;)