“Christmas Will Really Be Christmas” - Lou Rawls

I have a handful of favorite Christmas songs that I want to post, because I don’t think they get played enough. I’ll do one a day for the next few days, because Tumblr won’t let me post more than one.

I like the way Lou makes singing about Christmas a badass thing to do. It’s slightly darker than a normal holiday song, but not to a point that’s distracting.

“Merry Christmas, Baby” - Otis Redding

Here’s another holiday tune from my all-time favorite singer (hands down), Otis Redding.

I don’t know why this doesn’t sit firmly in the middle of the classic holiday rotation of tunes, but my guess is that it’s because it’s so uniquely Otis that no one can cover it, and Christmas is all about covers.

There’s no way you click play and don’t have a big, beaming smile on your face within 20 seconds.

Louis Armstrong - “Zat You, Santa Claus?”

Here’s another holiday song I love, but that many folks may not have heard.

I haven’t had a chance to play this around kids, but I’d betcha this is one kiddies would get a big kick out of.

I don’t have much Louis Armstrong in my iTunes library, but a tune like this makes me think I should go get more.

Another Christmas tune by Satchmo.

Everyone sings “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” the same way, except these guys…

“Christmas is Going to the Dogs” - Eels

This is a silly, but enjoyable song off the surprisingly good Have a Very Merry Chrismukkah album from the old TV show “The OC”.

Mr. Heat Miser, by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

I like their big band, swing style take on this classic. I know just enough about swing that this makes me wanna grab Lisa and spin her around when it comes on.

“Up On the House Top” - Jackson 5

I’ve put together a holiday playlist of alternative tunes, or fun versions of traditional songs.

I can only post one a day (Tumblr rule), so it’ll be like a musical advent calendar. Here’s the link to the few from last year, and where this year’s will all go: http://maximumalexbain.com/tagged/☃♬

“Christmas Cookies” - The Oak Ridge Boys

I’m not saying that this is going to be your new favorite holiday tune, but it’s a fun, country-themed addition to your playlist.

A minute in, if you still don’t think you like it, stop the song, but I bet you’ll keep humming it.

“Cool Yule” - Louis Armstrong

This is now a staple in the Bain house. Even the cat likes it.

“Christmas Feeling Ska” - Toots & The Maytals

This’ll sound way out there compared to the rest of your playlist, but after a few plays, it’ll fit right in.

“Santa Claus Goes To the Ghetto” - Nate Dogg & Snoop Dogg

What would a modern holiday music playlist be without Snoop? Not sure how well this ditty will age, but it’s a lot of fun in 2009.

“No Christmas for Me” - Zee Avi

Great acoustic tune about missing your beau over the holidays, with a pleasant surprise.

“Old Toy Trains” - Roger Miller

Sounds sad at first, but it’s actually a father singing a child to sleep on Christmas Eve.

The train reference may be a bit dated these days. A cover version could probably swap in “video games” without messing up the rhymes :-)

“Another Christmas Song” - Stephen Colbert

Yes. That Stephen Colbert. He doesn’t sing much on this track (it’s more like speak/singing), but when he has to croon, it’s really not that bad, and the lyrics are a riot.

Seems worth mentioning that iTunes is currently giving away this and 21 other Christmas songs for free (in the cool, new LP format). Click this link to be redirected to the iTunes store to download them.

He’s got a full holiday album out at the moment, too, if you’re interested.

“Donde Esta Santa Claus?” - Guster

I’m impressed by songs that successfully pull off a holiday feel without departing from their genre.

Even though Guster’s not a latin band (they’re from Boston, and met at Tuft’s), this song’s got a latin beat (and some Spanish lyrics), but is obviously a Christmas song.