Miki's Shiny New Christmas Playlist 2016

To quote a conversation with dear friends: "It's been an unusually good year for d***heads", so I hope this season will being you some comfort and respite. And on that thought, please enjoy this playlist with the intermittent theme of Love Around The World.

There's some soul, rock 'n' roll, folk, kwela jazz, regular jazz and general goodness of human spirit. Enjoy!



Playlist Notes

01) The Sensational Alex Harvey Band - There's No Lights On The Christmas Tree Mother, They're Burning Big Louie Tonight

This is to get 2016 out of your system. Have a drink.

02) BBC National Orchestra of Wales - Minor Alterations -
Christmas Through The Looking Glass by David Lovrien

Danny Elfman did some minor variations on Christmas songs for The Nightmare Before Christmas, but David Lovrien takes it beyond. Also sprinkled with cameos from non-Christmas songs, Silver Bells has never sounded so sinister.

03) Solas - The Cherry Tree Carol

I'd never heard this carol before, and it's a strange domestic insight into the lives of Mary and Joseph. It actually reminded me a lot of a Hindu story, where Lord Krishna as a child is getting told off by someone, and then gives a gentle reminder of his divine-ness. Jesus still unborn, no less, trumps him in this tale.

04) Elvis Presley - Santa Bring My Baby Back To Me

05) Augie Rios - Donde Esta Santa Claus (Where Is Santa Claus)

06) Binky Griptite & The Dee Kays - World of Love

The mission statement for now and 2017.

07) Andy Williams - It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

08) Lenny Dee - Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

09) Best Friends - When Christmas Comes

This song supports my belief that 30% of Christmas songs are written by people who got a glockenspiel at a Bring and Buy, and just took the next natural step.

10) Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band - Santa Baby

Ukulele and bass trombone, together as though never apart.

11) Mannheim Steamroller - Joy to the World

What? We have to save Christmas in the year 3012 AGAIN?? Let's do it, guys! (See 2012 for the last Mannheim Steamroller special)

12) Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings - Big Bulbs

The incredible Miss Jones passed away this year, a lady who was fierce all through. There's a clip of her talking about singing this song, and how its silliness was about her putting the cancer behind her. Rest in peace.

13) Bella Hardy - Merry Christmas Everyone (Shakin' Stevens)

14) Ella Fitzgerald - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

15) Izintombi Zesi Manje Manje - Unjak' Upelile

I think this is what sunlight in your heart sounds like.

16) Solomon Burke - Presents For Christmas

I've cried a few times listening to this song - the lyrics, the shoutout to his friend (Sam Cooke) - so now it's your turn.

17) Sonny Landreth (feat. The Dixie Cups) - Got to Get You Under My Tree

18) Twelve Girls Band – All I Want for Christmas Is You (Mariah Carey)

19) The Houghton Weavers - What's Christmas Without a Brass Band

20) Stan Kenton - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

21) Aretha Franklin - Joy to the World

I kept trying to put this in the middle of the playlist but it kept blowing up everything after it, so here it is, at the end, though I can't promise it won't blow up your residence.

Much love to my wonderful friends,

Miki

xxx