A song, a song, high above the trees With a voice as big as the sea

Artist- Idina Menzel
Song of the day- Do you hear what I hear?

Alright kids, it's time to crank it up to full holiday music count down extravaganza and I know just who to take us there.  You may know her as the voice of that famous Disney ice lady, but to me she is the fuel to my Broadway obsession started decades ago when I would spend my friday nights blaring the RENT soundtrack driving around my small Texas town with my friend Paul, singing our faces off....and yes this was our life, clearly the coolest people in town. I've attempted many things to capture Menzel's big voice, perming my hair, buying plastic pants, reciting the entire "over the moon" monologue inappropriately during a Christmas church pageant rehearsal, dyed my skin green and dragged everyone I knew to any form of WICKED i could get my hands on. Though my catalog of bootleg concerts and Broadway VHS tapes have never let me hit that high note, I still might have peed a little when my friend Sean sent me her holiday album. Cuz her voice is a goldmine both musically and now literally. ... But I digress, today's song is one of those true Christmas classics I first heard singing in dusty hymnals at church that make me treasure it all the more now. The excitement people had at what was about to come, that would save them all. That's true Christmas excitement, do you hear it?
If not let Idina Menzel shout it at you while little kids stare in awe.

Said the night wind to the little lamb,
do you see what I see
Way up in the sky, little lamb,
do you see what I see
A star, a star, dancing in the night
With a tail as big as a kite
With a tail as big as a kite

Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy,
do you hear what I hear
Ringing through the sky, shepherd boy,
do you hear what I hear
A song, a song, high above the trees
With a voice as big as the sea
With a voice as big as the sea

Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king,
do you know what I know
In your palace warm, mighty king,
do you know what I know
A Child, a Child shivers in the cold
Let us bring Him silver and gold
Let us bring Him silver and gold
Said the king to the people everywhere,
listen to what I say
Pray for peace, people everywhere!
listen to what I say
The Child, the Child, sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light
He will bring us goodness and light

Look around Leaves are brown There's a patch of snow on the ground

Artist- The Bangles
Song of the day- Hazy Shade of Winter


So I may have forgotten a deep passion I had for today's artist and song till Susanna Hoffs appeared onstage at the Aimee Mann Christmas show, which was pretty much the greatest thing ever. Suddenly memories came flooding back to my first cassette tape I overplayed dancing ecstatically in my room. And sometimes in the hazy shade of winter (or 60 degree rain weather if your California) you need to dance around. So I leave you this retro gem for the week as I do some out of town gallivanting, then it's holiday hard core till Dec 25. Look out and get those cow bells and big hair out, today's song is for you.

p.s. also, this is a Simon and Garfunkel song?! thanks blog research and also how did I miss this with my dad's garfunkel education?..thoughts for another time



Time, time, time
See what's become of me...

Time, time, time
See what's become of me
While I looked around
For my possibilities
I was so hard to please

Look around
Leaves are brown
And the sky
Is a Hazy Shade of Winter

Hear the Salvation Army Band
Down by the riverside
It's bound to be a better ride
Than what you've got planned
Carry a cup in your hand

Look around
Leaves are brown
And the sky
Is a Hazy Shade of Winter

Hang onto your hopes my friend
That's an easy thing to say
But if your hopes should pass away
Simply pretend
That you can build them again

Look around
Grass is high
Fields are ripe
It's the springtime of my life

Seasons change with their scenery
Weaving time in a tapestry
Won't you stop and remember me

Look around
Leaves are brown
And the sky
Is a Hazy Shade of Winter

Look around
Leaves are brown
There's a patch of snow on the ground
Look around
Leaves are brown
There's a patch of snow on the ground
Look around
Leaves are brown
There's a patch of snow on the ground

'Cause I can't live loaded and I can't live sober

Artist- Aimee Mann
Song of the day- I was thinking I could clean up for Christmas

One of my favorite holiday traditions of old is Aimee Mann's Christmas show after she started them almost a decade ago. It's been several years since she had one but tonight I get to enjoy her sarcastic fantastic self doing Christmas the only way she can. Though today's song is not on her Christmas album, it is one of my favs and she often still plays it for her holiday show. Though it can be argued that a song about an addict making life goals doesn't scream happy holidays, Everyone needs a Christmas song, and it's pretty catchy. So for all of us cleaning up, setting goals, or helping others get to the best Christmas possible, this one's for you!



I was thinking I could clean up for Christmas
And then, baby, I'm through
Four more weeks that couldn't make any difference
Except maybe to you

But I've tried to use that trick
Like a carrot on a stick
So I was thinking I could clean up for Christmas
Then, baby, I'm through

I was thinking I could clean up for Christmas
And then, baby, I'm done
One less fucker trying to get in the business
Of the prodigal son

Where I know I can't compete
Once I'm off of Hastings Street
So I was thinking I could clean up for Christmas
Then, baby, I'm done

'Cause I can't live loaded and I can't live sober
And I've been this way since the end of October
And I know enough to know
That, baby, when it's over, it's over
And it's over
'Cause, baby, I'm done

I was thinking I could clean up for Christmas
And then call it a day
Tell you I'm sorry that I made you a witness
To my moral decay

And that, once upon a time
I believed it was a victimless crime
I was thinking I could clean up for Christmas
Then call it a day
Then call it a day
Then call it a day

My love a beacon in the night. My words will be your light

Artist- Ingrid Michaelson and Sara Bareilles
Song of the Day- Winter Song

I love it when artists write new Christmas songs that are actually good. And I imagine it is quite difficult, it has to sound slightly familiar or classic, have that warm spirit and well there is only so many times holly jolly and other descriptions can be incorporated. And though I don't want them dominating the radio stations and bringing me down, I do appreciate a good melancholy holiday tune. There's a lot of crazy crap going on in the world. A lot of people against other people and sometimes you have to wonder if love is still alive as you long for the arms around you that care. For all those longing arms, this one's for you. Let's liven up some love.



Bum bum bum bum bum bum bum bum
bum bum bum bum bum bum
bum bum bum bum bum bum

This is my winter song to you.
The storm is coming soon,
it rolls in from the sea

My voice; a beacon in the night.
My words will be your light,
to carry you to me.

Is love alive?
Is love alive?
Is love

They say that things just cannot grow
beneath the winter snow,
or so I have been told.

They say were buried far,
just like a distant star
I simply cannot hold.

Is love alive?
Is love alive?
Is love alive?

This is my winter song.
December never felt so wrong,
cause you're not where you belong;
inside my arms.

bum bum bum bum bum bum bum bum
bum bum bum bum bum bum
bum bum bum bum bum bum

I still believe in summer days.
The seasons always change
and life will find a way.

Ill be your harvester of light
and send it out tonight
so we can start again.

Is love alive?
Is love alive?
Is love alive?

This is my winter song.
December never felt so wrong,
cause you're not where you belong;
inside my arms.

This is my winter song to you.
The storm is coming soon
it rolls in from the sea.

My love a beacon in the night.
My words will be your light
to carry you to me.

Is love alive?
Is love alive?
Is love alive?
Is love alive?
Is love alive?
Is love alive?
Is love alive?
Is love alive?
Is love alive?
Is love alive?
Is love alive?
Is love alive?
Is love alive?
Is love alive?
Is love alive?
Is love alive?
Is love alive?

Peace on Earth, can it be? Years from now, perhaps we'll see

Artist- Bing Crosby and David Bowie
Song of the day- Drummer Boy / Peace on Earth

So I found through this awkward recorded small talk between two music legends, that I have something in common with David Bowie's son. Drummer Boy, at least when I was growing up, was my favorite Christmas song and my grandmother agreed with me. Pretty much we are exactly like Bing Crosby and David Bowie. One weird, one classy, one in to glam rock the other...well, classy, but both super fans of Christmas. So for all the mixing of generations, of songs, of cookies and quality time, this one's for you and for my grandma I miss just a little bit extra on Christmas.



Come they told me pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
A new-born king to see pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
Our finest gifts we bring pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
Rum-pum-pum-pum, rum-pum-pum-pum

David: Peace on Earth, can it be
Bing: Come they told me pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
David: Years from now, perhaps we'll see
Bing: A new-born king to see pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
David: See the day of glory
Bing: Our finest gifts we bring pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
David: See the day, when men of good will
Bing: To lay before the king pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
David: Live in peace, live in peace again
Bing: Rum-pum-pum-pum, rum-pum-pum-pum
David: Peace on Earth,
Bing: So to honour him pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
David: Can it be
Bing: When we come

David & Bing:
Every child must be made aware
Every child must be made to care
Care enough for his fellow man
To give all the love that he can

David: I pray my wish will come true
Bing: Little baby pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
David: For my child and your child too
Bing: I stood beside him there pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
David: He'll see the day of glory
Bing: I played my drum for him pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
David: See the day when men of good will
Bing: I played my best for him pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
David: Live in peace, live in peace again
Bing: Rum-pum-pum-pum, rum-pum-pum-pum
David: Peace on Earth,
Bing: And he smiled at me pa-rum-pum-pum-pum
David: Can it be
Bing: Me and my drum
David & Bing: Can it be

The room was togged out gorgeous - with mistletoe and shawls

Artist- The Killers
Song of the day- The Cowboy Christmas Ball

Today is #givingtuesday and today's artist have been writing a new holiday song every year to raise money for (RED) working to put an end to AIDS. So in honor of this great tradition and to promote the most excellent of # days I chose today's song, an older Killer's holiday jam, because well I only heard about this grand tradition today and I like Cowboys. So feel free to discover the other grand Killer Christmas anthems of past and present and Give back this Tuesday. You can use the links I provided to find out more or donate to many other great organizations out there. Today I donated to The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in honor of my friend and fabulous nurse Fatima Patel. So for all those we remember and honor for today, and for all the giving I hope today brings. This one's for you.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Way out in Old Nevada, where the Truckee's waters flow,
Where the cattle are "a-browzin'" an' the Spanish ponies grow;
Where the Northers "come a-whistlin'" from beyond the Neutral Strip;
And the prairie dogs are sneezin', as if they had "The Grip";
Where the coyotes come a-howlin' 'round the ranches after dark,
And the bluebirds are a-singin' to the lovely "meadow lark";
Where the bighorns are a-grazin' and the lonely plovers call —
It was there that I attended "The Cowboys' Christmas Ball."
(whoo!)

The boys had left the ranches and come to town in piles;
The ladies — "kinda scatterin'" — had gathered in for miles..
The room was togged out gorgeous - with mistletoe and shawls,
And candles flickered frescoes, around the airy walls.
The women folk looked lovely - the boys looked kinda treed,
Till the leader got to yellin': "Hey, fellers, let's stampede!"
And the music started sighin', an' awailin' through the hall
As a kind of introduction to "The Cowboys' Christmas Ball."

Their leader was a feller that came from Swenson's ranch,
They called him "Windy Billy," from "little Deadman's Branch."
His rig was "kinda careless," big spurs and high-heeled boots;
He had the reputation that come when "a fellers shoots."
His voice was like a bugle upon a mountainous height;
His feet were animated an' a mighty, movin' sight,
When he commenced to hollerin', "Now, fellers stake your pen!"
"Lock horns with all them heifers, an' russle 'em like men.
"Salute yer lovely critters; now swing an' let 'em go,
"Climb the grape vine 'round 'em — all hands do-ce-do!
"You Mavericks, join the round-up - Just skip her waterfall,"
Huh! It was gettin' happy, The Cowboys' Christmas Ball

Don't tell me 'bout cotillions, or Germans, no sir'ee!
That whirl at Carson City just takes the cake with me.
I'm sick of lazy shufflin's, of them I've had my fill,
Just Give me a frontier break-down, backed up by Wild Ol' Bill.

McAllister ain't nowhere, when Windy leads the show,
I've seen 'em both in harness, and so I sorta know —
Oh, Bill, I sha'n't forget ya, and I'll oftentimes recall,
That lively gaited soiree — "The Cowboys' Christmas Ball."

Oh, Bill, I sha'n't forget ya, and I'll oftentimes recall,
That lively gaited soiree — "The Cowboys' Christmas Ball."

They're putting up reindeer And singing songs of joy and peace

Artist- Sam Palladio
Song of the day- River

Sure I've posted a version of this song in Christmas blogs of past, but one of the great things about Holiday music is that nobody minds listening to a million different versions as long as it has the same spirit behind it. And we all know how much I like good covers. My sister and I always love finding out every year which artist will come out with a Christmas album. And when I texted my sister a picture of this CD I could hear her jubilant squeal via holiday emojis. Now no matter how ridiculous the drama, the show Nashville was at least smart enough to (mostly) cast phenomenal singers like today's artist, swoon. And when I heard his version of today's song I was swooning all over the place. Sure it's kind of a holiday downer, but this Joni Mitchel classic sung by a Brit playing a country singer, might sound confusing, but really is a breath of fresh air in all of the seasonal hubub. So for all of the seasons swooning and hububing, this one's for you.

It's coming on Christmas,
They're cutting down trees.
They're putting up reindeer
And singing songs of joy and peace,
Oh, I wish I had a river I could skate away on.

But it don't snow here,
Stays pretty green.
I'm gonna make a lot of money
And and then I'm gonna quit this crazy scene.
Oh, I wish I had a river I could skate away on.

I wish I had a river so long,
I would teach my feet to fly.
Oh, I wish I had a river I could skate away on.
I made my baby cry.

he tried hard to help me,
he put me at ease.
lord,he loved me so naughty,
made me weak in the knees.
Oh I wish I had a river I could skate away on.

I'm so hard to handle,
I'm selfish and I'm sad.
Now I've gone and lost the best baby
That I've ever had.
Oh, I wish I had a river I could skate away on.

I wish I had a river so long,
I would teach my feet to fly.
Oh, I wish I had a river I could skate away on.
I made my baby say goodbye.

It's coming on Christmas,
They're cutting down trees.
They're putting up reindeer
And singing songs of joy and peace,
I wish I had a river I could skate away on.