The Chipmunks: "All I Want for Christmas (is my Two Front Teeth)"
"All I Want for Christmas (is my Two Front Teeth)" by the Chipmunks is a delightful little diddy that will put the happy into your holidays.
Who could deny cute little woodland creatures that sound like they are on helium singing Christmas songs?
Just one listen to their rendition of this seasonal classic will put a smile back on your face in a jiffy if the stress of holiday baking, shopping and wrapping have got you down.
The selfless plea of one chipmunk with a dental dilemma will make you feel some massive guilt for sending Santa the long list of DVDs and gift certificates.
-- Reviewed by Erin McCracken
Band Aid: "Do They Know It's Christmas?"
Many college kids probably think Band Aid is something you put over a small cut or abrasion. Allow me to enlighten you. Several pop and rock stars joined together to fight world hunger, and in 1984 they recorded a song for the holiday season called "Do They Know It's Christmas?"
The song features big names such as Bono, Sting, George Michael and Boy George, making it any music lover's wish come true.
The cool thing about this catchy little jingle is its sales were used to purchase food and medical supplies for the starving residents of Ethiopia.
-- Reviewed by Erin McCracken
Fountains of Wayne: "I Want an Alien for Christmas"
Before Stacy's mom had it going on, the guys of Fountains of Wayne sang about something else they desperately wanted but couldn't have - "a little green guy about three feet high," in fact. Released way back in 1997, "I Want an Alien for Christmas" is simplistic and short and will have you singing along within a couple listens - just like all good holiday tunes should.
-- Reviewed by Jason Cox
Rent: "Seasons of Love"
OK, so technically this isn't a Christmas song. But Rent takes place around Christmas, so it counts. This is one of those songs that will make you want to hug your friends immediately after listening to it because you feel so warm and gooey inside. If that is too mushy for you, remember that this glorious song is about a transvestite named Angel.
-- Reviewed by Katie Lindenmuth
Britney Spears: "My Only Wish (This Year)"
For explanation, see my portion of the staff wishlist on page 15.
-- Reviewed by Katy Lindenmuth
Beck: "The Little Drum Machine Boy"
Beck describes his wacked-out non-denominational holiday anthem better than I ever could; "that's the Hanukkah robot funk," he intones, dropping offhand science all over a warped pa-rum-pum-pum-pum. It's not guaranteed to put you in a holiday mood, but the breakbeat is super-nice, so right there it's got Bing Crosby in a headlock. I love Jingle Dogs and Spinal Tap's "Christmas with the Devil," but out of all the truly weird Christmas songs, this one grabs the fruitcake.
-- Reviewed by Paul Thompson
Teenage Fanclub: "Christmas Eve"
Scottish pop royalty's Teenage Fanclub "Christmas Eve" is all about the tranquil, from the song's shimmering guitar melody to the hushed tones of its only lyric: "the star you fall in love to comes out on Christmas eve." Beautiful and serene like the long winter months, "Christmas Eve" is the closest approximation of that grand holiday tradition of sitting about in the dark staring at a Christmas tree. Just imagine if you combined the two! Merry Christmas, indeed.
-- Reviewed by Paul Thompson
Eartha Kitt: "Santa Baby"
This sultry diva's performance from our grandparents' generation is the perfect addition to any holiday song buff's collection. Her raspy voice adds to the genuine 1950s superstar quality of this song. You'll be purring along with Kitt to the catchy lyrics of this original material girl's track, and eventually asking Santa for your yacht and diamond ring; even if you still don't know what a sable is.
-- Reviewed by Lindsey Zahuranec
Billy Mack: "Christmas Is All Around"
Taken straight off the Love Actually soundtrack, this cheese-fest is perfect for fans of the movie, or anyone who likes a sappy pop song to drink along with their vodka laced eggnog. Bill Nighy's character of Billy Mack will be running around naked with a guitar while you enjoy director Richard Curtis's funny little tribute to the original version of "Love Is All Around" by the Troggs.
-- Reviewed by Lindsey Zahuranec
