Well, maybe we picked 11, because we play music and can’t count. Ok, give us a break. We polled a few current and former staff members to see what they can’t live without at Christmas time. You know, the music that makes them enjoy the season, not want to shove pencils in their ears if they have to hear it one more time (Elmo & Patsy, we’re looking at you). And because we care about you, our listeners, we even threw in an iTunes link so you can add them to your own playlists at home (you’re welcome). Here they are in no particular order, along with a reminder to get into the spirit of the season and share your gifts with others :
“All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey [itunes link=”https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/all-i-want-for-christmas-is-you/id585972750?i=585972803&uo=4″ title=”All I Want For Christmas Is You”]
Katherine Marshall ’14 (General Manager)
In my personal and semi-professional opinion, the only appropriate time to listen to Mariah Carey is during the holiday season. And by listen to Mariah Carey, I really just mean playing “All I Want For Christmas Is You” on repeat. This 1994 single is a Christmas classic for generation Y and was a staple in the movie Love Actually back in 2003, solidifying my love for this song.
“Linus and Lucy”by The Vince Guaraldi Trio [itunes link=”https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/linus-and-lucy/id565257786?i=565268372&uo=4″ title=”Linus and Lucy”]
Kathleen McKeveny ’16 (Music Director)
A Christmas classic that encompasses the playful anticipation of the Holiday season. The simple, jazzy instrumentation makes for a seriously celebratory track that never gets old. Kind of like Christmas. Cheers!
“My Grown Up Christmas List” by Kelly Clarkson [itunes link=”https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/my-grown-up-christmas-list/id401389153?i=401389202&uo=4″ title=”My Grown Up Christmas List”]
Joelle Hernandez ’14 (Urban Music Director)
I love this song! It talks about the true meaning of the season while still acknowledging how we felt as children during this time of the year. It reminds us that Christmas is not just about getting the best presents, but sharing our love with others.
“Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” by John and Yoko/Plastic Ono Band with the Harlem Community Choir [itunes link=”https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/happy-xmas-war-is-over/id268804568?i=268804577&uo=4″ title=”Happy Xmas (War Is Over)”]
Kaitlyn Connaughton ’14 (Program Director)
Recorded in 1971 over the course of a few days before and after Halloween and following the Beatles 1970 break-up, this Christmas classic failed to reach popularity on the US charts upon its December release. Today, however, Lennon and Ono’s ever-relevant message of “war is over (if you want it)” sounds across the airwaves of Christmas radio stations on a daily basis during the holiday season. A truly humbling tune with enough Christmas cheer to remind you of the blessings that surround you daily and ignite the spirit of giving (in more ways than presents).
“Auld Lang Syne” by Celtic Lore [itunes link=”https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/auld-lang-syne/id264593120?i=264594487&uo=4″ title=”Spinning Dog Music”]
Christa Constantine ’13 (former General Manager)
Three years ago, this song came on after Christmas dinner. Under the influence of seven fishes, I placed my dog in a spinning barstool and slowly rotated him for the duration of this song… Which is 5 minutes long. This has become my favorite Christmas tradition, second only to making him wear a sweater.
“Merry Christmas Happy Holidays” by *NSYNC [itunes link=”https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/merry-christmas-happy-holidays/id258616648?i=258617959&uo=4″ title=”Merry Christmas Happy Holidays”]
Jordan Hernandez ’14 (Urban Music Director)
Boy bands are fun at any time of the year but during the holiday season the corny dance moves and lyrics are even better. Once the first beat of this song comes on, everyone in earshot immediately start to move. This song to me means Christmas and I share the cheer with you!
“Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” by Judy Garland [itunes link=”https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/have-yourself-merry-little/id3444152?i=3444141&uo=4″ title=”Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”]
Amanda Nolan ’12 (former General Manager)
Though there are many versions of this Christmas tune, you gotta go with the original by Judy Garland, which appeared in the 1944 film Meet Me In St. Louis. Overall, this song sums up my dim outlook on the entire Christmas season. If you take the time to read the lyrics, it’s a pretty depressing song. Seriously – the original lyrics were “Have yourself a merry little Christmas / it may be your last.” The updated lyrics, which describe a family hoping for a better life, don’t depict a much sunnier outlook. I am a Grinch and I am proud.
“Christmas in Hollis”by Run-DMC [itunes link=”https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/christmas-in-hollis/id255372435?i=255374069&uo=4″ title=”Christmas in Hollis”]
Kathryn O’Brien ’16 (Local Music Director)
This holiday favorite has Santa, RUN-DMC, and an “ill reindeer”…what more could you ask for in a Christmas song! It’s 80’s nostalgia at its best and definitely will keep you in high spirits during this holiday season.
“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee [itunes link=”https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/rockin-around-christmas-tree/id2954712?i=2954641&uo=4″ title=”Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”]
Phillip Leverrier ’07 (former General Manager)
This song is the perfect storm of Christmas cheer and rock ‘n’ roll. I can’t help tapping my feet when it comes on. The guitar, saxophone, and Brenda Lee’s voice combine for a warm sound throughout the entire song. For many people around my age it conjures up the scene in Home Alone when Kevin McAllister dances with strings attached to him in order to bring the house to life and scare away burglars. Any song that promotes eating pumpkin pie is good in my book.
“White Christmas” by Bing Crosby [itunes link=”https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/white-christmas/id3537404?i=3537402&uo=4″ title=”White Christmas”]
Billy Dries ’14 (Music Director)
My grandfather heard it for the first time in the European Theatre, and it immediately became a part of his Christmas tradition. Now I keep it as part of mine, and hey it’s a freaking classic.
“You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” by Thurl Ravenscroft [itunes link=”https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/youre-a-mean-one-mr.-grinch/id380165?i=380157&uo=4″ title=”You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch”]
John Devecka (Operations Manager)
Thurl’s voice calling out the Grinch for all his foibles locked into my brain as a hatchling and it’s never disentangled itself from Christmas. Maybe its the amazing horn punch in the song or the reference to a “seasick crocodile” that gets me, or maybe the impossibly deep bass of Thurl singing this every year. I don’t know but the season doesn’t start until Thurl does.