December 18, 2015
Christmas music, like a sunny day or a nagging headache (depending on your level of cheer), is seemingly inescapable during the holiday season.
Yet whether you embrace it like Buddy the Elf or despise it like Ebenezer Scrooge, it isn't going anywhere until Dec. 26.
So why not go local for your tunes? To assist you, here are five Christmas jingles from Philly artists to add to your holiday playlist.
An original from Fishtown's blues-iest son, this song includes all the licks and lyrics of loneliness you'd expect to hear from the late B.B. King. In this instance, however, G. Love (Garrett Dutton) is feeling down on Christmas. He told Rolling Stone that Christmas was his favorite holiday and said in regards to writing a new song instead of doing a cover, "there's nothing more special than creating something new in the holiday spirit." You can listen to audio of of the song below or the music video via Rolling Stone here. (Honorable mention: G. Love's "Christmas Cookies." Spoiler: It's about cookies.)
We admit we're cheating a bit here because this is technically Carey's song with Philly's-own The Roots along with the television host they work for. But any excuse to listen to this perfect (not debatable) holiday ballad is permissible, and considering you just got done feeling sad listening to the blues, you should treat yourself. Plus, there are cute little kids singing in it. Your heart will grow three sizes!
Sure, the pop duo that formed at Temple University did record an entire Christmas album in 2006 that includes a new version of this recording. But that's devoid of all the 1980s swagger in their first take on Bobby Helms' classic. Take in all the poofy hairdos, goofy clothes and awkward dancing in the music video below:
Elvis obviously has the most famous recording of this song. Yet South Philly native Frankie Avalon's version is worth a listen. The former teen idol's take is slower, more somber and focuses more on the vibrato of his swooning voice than the distinctive wailing Elvis was known for. You're going to want to pour a glass of eggnog and get the fireplace going for this one. Disclaimer: PhillyVoice is not responsible for fire accidents that result from drinking too much eggnog.
There's no mention of Christmas, but this tune has got all the wintry imagery of love during the holiday season. And since this list is seemingly traveling back in time, this felt like a good spot to include a song from the late Billie Holiday, who was born in the City of Brotherly Love. Enjoy.
