Raised Eyebrows: The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year (Randy)

I love Christmas music. It something of a weak spot for me. The genre has long been a cash-in for artists looking to capitalize on their fame or for those past their prime. Despite this sad fact, there is some truly great Christmas jams out there to feast on each and every year. This playlist merely scratches the surface of the bounty of rad yuletide melodies available for those willing to dig a little bit. Merry Christmas Everybody!

Guided By Voices – Father Sgt Christmas Card (Pollard would be a great mall Santa.)

Cardinal – If You Believe in Christmas Trees (One of those obscure wonders that deserve so much more recognition.)

George Harrison – Ding Dong, Ding Dong (The best of The Beatles solo Christmas songs, even though they are all so good.)

Canned Heat – Christmas Blues (The Heat wish you a deep fried Holiday Season.)

Chuck Berry – Run Rudolph Run (It’s this, then Jingle Bell Rock.)

Jerry Lee Lewis – I Can’t Have A Merry Christmas Mary (Without You) (The Killer delivers serious on this one.)

Bob Dylan – She Belongs To Me (Self Portrait era Dylan deliverin”.)

Merle Haggard – If We Make It Through December (Merle says it all.)

Dolly Parton – Hard Candy Christmas (A classic Dolly cut.)

Willie Nelson – Pretty Paper (Willie gets it right here.)

Jerry Jeff Walker – Twelve Days of Christmas (Gonzo rewrites this classic for the cowboy in all of us.)

John Prine – Everything is Cool (A prime Prine outtake.)

Emmylou Harris and Neil Young – Star of Bethlehem (One of my favs.)

JJ Cale – What Do You Expect (Mumblin’ bout Santa Claus.)

Hiss Golden Messenger – I’ve Got A Name For The Newborn Child (This record doesn’t stop.)

Leo Kottke – Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (Leo chills us out.)

REM – Deck The Halls (Athens outfit breaks out the sleigh bells.)

Alex Chilton – The Christmas Song (The BEST rendition of this song.)

Steeleye Span – Gaudete (An ancient carol from Hutchings and Co.)