Ok, so this a complete departure from the norm. It’s not about going out for family day trips or any of the other stuff we cover. It’s not about Norfolk at all. But it is the season to be jolly, so this year we decided to put together a playlist on Youtube of some of our favourite Christmas tunes that we play in the office and we wanted to should share it with you.
It’s a mixture of traditional, pop, rock and small slice of cheese. And movies; Yes, as we compiled this it became quite clear that a quite a few of our favourite Christmas tunes were also used in movies. We hope you enjoyed our selection. It may well grow bigger over the next few years but it’s a decent first effort. We would like to point out that the videos were uploaded by 3rd parties, so we  have no control over the content or any advertising that appears on the videos etc.
Below the video you’ll find a bit of waffle about the songs are on the list. It’s not necessarily in the order of the videos on the play list.
From the moment I first heard Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) building up on Rockin’ Ricky Rialto’s radio show (on the Gremlins movie) I knew I was listening to something special. Darlene Love‘s festive track is one of my absolute favourite songs of all time and I hit the repeat button every time it comes on. It’s a good job the rest of the office agrees! All Alone for Christmas is from Home Alone 2, and again shows what a great singer Darlene is.
If I say “Johnny Mathis” to you chances are you’ll think of When a Child is Born as this article is about Christmas tunes. You would be right and wrong all at the same time. You see, whilst that’s an awesome song my favourite Johnny Mathis tune is Do you Hear What I Hear? Okay, so, that’s two songs that featured on Gremlins already;  It’s been a while since I watched it so it is possible some of the other tracks selected were on it too!
Val Doonican in a festive jumper and crooning on a rocking chair? Morecambe and Wise Christmas special on the telly too? Yep, nostalgia play a big part at Christmas. It comforts us, brings back good memories and makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I reckon that’s why I dig out the Andy Williams Christmas Album early every year. I present to you Mr Andy Williams and It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.
Ah, The Beach Boys’ Little Saint Nick. What a great track; despite the surfin’ vibe it still comes across so Christmasey. That links nicely in to Christmasey by Mr Beach Boys himself, Brian Wilson.
Shakin’ Stevens: Merry Christmas Everyone. What’s not to love about the videos to this Shaky Christmas tune? Snow is falling, there’s a sleigh ride, he goes to see Father Christmas, there are some Elves, Reindeer…..
Lowestoft’s own The Darkness and their Don’t Let the Bells End. Double-Entendré anyone?
Elf’s Lament (featuring Michael Bublé) is a wonderfully original slant on the seasonal tune by the Canadian band Barenaked Ladies, and I just love their version of Jingle Bells (and it was an excuse to fun show a decorative light show video!). Jim Carrey movie fans may recognise it from The Grinch.
Whilst there are many versions of The Christmas Song, there are two on this play list. We absolutely had to have Nat King Cole‘s version, but for a bit of variety we included The Ventures instrumental version too.
Mariah Carey‘s All I Want for Christmas. There’s a dog with antlers in the video. ‘Nuff said!
We were pleased to find the video for Spike Jones’ All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth as we had never seen it before. It’s a great comedy record, as are many Christmas tunes. That’s why Bo Selecta’s Proper Chrimbo made the list.
If you’ve ever been to Disneyland Paris at Christmas (yeah we know, it’s not actually in Norfolk) you’ll probably here Chanté, C’est Nóel played ad infinitum. And you’ll be singing it forever. It’s catchy, very catchy.
Greg Lake‘s I Believe in Father Christmas carries a degree of poignancy; A tale of lost childhood innocence, one all parents dread. What happens when they stop believing in the big man in the red suit after (maybe) 10 years of white lies to protect the illusion? Do I have to go on a diet now?!
I have a relative born on Christmas. This track always reminds me of her, and it highlights what a great pop act Saint Etienne were. Let’s not forget The Charlatan himself, Tim Burgess. A modern classic.
Okay, you’re probably thinking who are Shonen Knife? Well, as you may gather from the video their Japanese, and their song Sweet Christmas is just that. Sweet! We’ve also included Space Christmas too! I would say we’re helping you discover new music but they’ve been around for a while!
Most modern Christmas CDs will include Mel Smith and Kim Wilde’s version of Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, but we have to go with the original by Brenda Lee.
Blue Christmas was Elvis‘ favourite song, and it’s one of ours too. We just had to go with a Vegas period video!
You gotta love Chris Rea‘s gravelly voice. The Middlesbrough-born singers Driving Home for Christmas is low tempo, but jolly nonetheless. We chose the more recent video as it was released in aid of Shelter charity.
There is only one version of White Christmas that can be included. It has to be Bing Crosby.
As anti-war songs go, Jona Lewie‘s Stop the Cavalry is up there with the best. It was a close call between this and  Paul McCartney’s Pipes of Peace for our festive list. Yeah, we couldn’t really decide so we included both. With their depiction of war it’s amazing how such songs have become firm favourites over the years, but it’s their message of hope and love that wins through. And that’s it really – two simple single syllable words. Hope. Love.
Enjoy the holidays,
The NorfolkPlaces Team
