Holiday Music & Cheer
Mike Gruenberg
2007-12-21
In My Life Conor Oberst, singer-songwriter for the group Bright Eyes recently was quoted in an issue of Rolling Stone saying that “It is inspiring to look at Springsteen and realize you can do this for a long time.” I concur since it is remarkable to see all the old rockers from the 60’s and 70’s continue to rock on. Quite frankly, I’m happy some of these guys are still alive considering the self abuse that many suffered over the years. Of course, at this time of the year we find ourselves in the malls trying to buy those elusive gifts for our relatives and friends. My apprehension in making the trek to the mall is not so much the act of shopping, but being subjected to the holiday music that is played. It seems that the same songs have always been played over and over again. I brace myself to know that once again I will hear ad infinitum such tunes as “Jingle Bell Rock”, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town.” In previous journeys to the mall, my only hope was to hear the selections from the now infamous “Phil Spector Christmas Album” which put a modern twist to those old Christmas tunes. Unfortunately, selections form Phil’s album never made the holiday playlist as I walked through Macy*s gathering gifts for family and friends. This year, much to my surprise, many artists are easing my holiday shopping pain, since stores are now playing a more modern blending of holiday music. Among the new tunes you can expect to hear are:
• Christmas I s Now Drawing Near At Hand – Steve Winwood
• I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus – John Mellencamp
• Christmas All Over Again – Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
• The Christmas Song – Dave Matthews Band
• Blue Christmas – Sheryl Crow
• Merry Christmas Baby – Bruce Springsteen
• Please Come Home for Christmas – Eagles
• This Christmas – Usher
• Let It Snow, Let It Snow – Jessica Simpson
• Xtinas’s Xmas – Christina Aguilera
• Silver Bells – Clay Aiken & Kimberly Locke
• Christmas Wrapping – Spice Girls
• Santa Baby – Madonna Looks like old rockers and news ones alike are in the holiday spirit. To that end, we all have much to be grateful for as we say goodbye to ’07. This year, we saw the Police tour again. Led Zeppelin gave a long overdue concert in England, giving us hope that perhaps they will tour again in ’08. Springsteen is back on the road and the grand old men of rock, The Rolling Stones can always be counted on to be back on stage at an amphitheater near your town. So it is with great positive anticipation that I look forward to the New Year for listening and seeing great music. And to all, a wish for you and your family a happy and peaceful 2008.
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