For several years now, my buddies and I have celebrated Christmas by having a modest little get-together where we exchange gag gifts and enjoy ourselves a little Christmas cheer. Now it's nothing too fancy, mind you. I usually spring for an appetizer plate — cold shrimp with cocktail sauce is the perennial favorite — and maybe a twelve-pack of beer. The guys will usually bring something to drink as well.
Anyway, the three or four of us who gather in my living room will draw numbers to exchange goofy gifts with no more than a twenty dollar price tag tops. CDs and pro-wrestling videos have traditionally been the most popular gift choices. Occasionally somebody will get a little more creative such as in 2004, when I wound up with a case of Busch beer and a can of Bush beans from one of my Republican friends. I may just have to find a stuffed donkey for him this year.
Like I said, not a big deal. Nonetheless, I look forward to these little gatherings each and every year at Christmas time. My favorite part about this, my friends will also tell you, is when I get to play Christmas DJ. I love picking the Christmas music out. My typical repertoire will consist of everything from The Beach Boys' "Merry Christmas Baby" to Springsteen's "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town," all leading up to the main event — Phil Spector's Christmas album.
Phil Spector's A Christmas Gift For You is, in my opinion, hands down the greatest Christmas record ever made. What could be more perfect at Christmas time than the timeless innocence of the Ronettes doing "Frosty The Snowman" and "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus"? Or the Crystals singing "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Santa Claus Is Comin To Town," (in the very same arrangement still played by Springsteen in his great version with the E Street Band)?
Unfortunately, as great as this record is, Spector's Christmas album has become a tougher sell these past few years since he became the prime suspect in a certain Hollywood murder case you may have heard about.
Article comments
1 - Gordon Hauptfleisch
Good call on the Spector album.
I do think that when you play Christmas DJ you should add in "Death My Be Your Santa Cluas" by Mott the Hoople.
2 - Al Barger
Here's the good thing though: 100 years from now when he's long dead, the crazy stuff won't matter or be much remembered- but "River Deep, Mountain High" will still be as good as it gets.
3 - Glen Boyd
"River Deep Mountain High" is just about as good as it gets Al. No argument there. But then so is "Walking In The Rain," at least in my opinion.
Gordon, in your honor I probably will have to dust off "Death May Be Your Santa Claus." I really enjoyed your article on Mott by the way.
Thanx to both of you for the comments.
-Glen
4 - Vern Halen
My vote is for Da Doo Ron Ronnie Spector.
I haven't pulled out my Spector Christmas for about 10 years now - guess I'll have to give it another go. However, Springsteen's Santa Claus is Coming to Town is THE song that starts Christmas in this household, and it's based largely on Spector's version. Although we seem to be playing Henry Rollins' "Twas the Night Before Christmas" a lot lately.... gotta love those black ops helicopters.
5 - Glen Boyd
Time to pull it back out then Vern. Personally I can't imagine Christmas without it. Da Doo Run Run indeed.
-Glen
6 - Bill English
Don't forget to see Darlene Love sing "Christmas" this Friday, Dec. 22, on the Letterman show! Her voice just gets better and better with age.
7 - Glen Boyd
Thanx for the tip and the comment Bill.
-Glen
8 - Connie Phillips
Congrats! This article has been forwarded to the Advance.net websites.
9 - Glen Boyd
Thanx so much Connie -- and Merry Christmas!
-Glen
10 - Vern Halen
Yeah - why is it old blues & R & B & soul artists sound as good or better when they get older? I mean, opera singers don't as a general rule.