Ten Christmas originals.

This time around I thought I'd select a few originals. Mostly written by the people involved. All except one appear on Christmas albums. These should be on every radio station's Christmas rotation. They all sound like classic Christmas songs.

We'll start off with Si Cranstoun and A Christmas Twist. This guy was an internet star, probably still is. He and his brother were buskers, singing reggae and soul classics. I found this by accident, having bought an album of his and found it tucked away at the end. When I looked for it online, this energetic video popped up. Great voice, lot of energy and style.

A Christmas Twist - Si Cranstoun - YouTube

 Moving on to a well-established star and great vocalist. I have been a fan since the Maggie May era. Rod Stewart had been making easy listening albums for a few years and I have enjoyed them even though I prefer his stuff with The Faces. It was a natural transition for the Seventies rocker. It was inevitable he would make a Christmas album. A bunch of traditional and classic tracks but one outstanding original. Red-Suited Superman is a bluesy classic in its own right. It deserves several cover versions, but that may take some time.

rod stewart - red suited superman - YouTube

Garth Brooks has made three Holiday albums that I know of. Ugly Christmas Sweater is on the latest one. The album is Together, recorded with Trisha Yearwood. This is a Garth solo effort though. A fun track about an item of clothing you will never catch me wearing. Not now. Not ever. Never.

Ugly Christmas Sweater - YouTube

Of all the recent albums by favourite artists of mine, Jamie Cullum's The Pianoman at Christmas is probably my preferred one. All original tracks by the man himself. He has a warm welcoming voice, sings in a soft jazz style and invites you into a warm log cabin Christmas. The whole album is wonderful. A sound sensation. Difficult to pick a single track, they could all be standards. Turn On The Lights is a typical track, so we'll go with that one. Throw out the Buble and open the Jamie. You won't look back.

Jamie Cullum - Turn On The Lights - YouTube

I watched The Monkees on TV when they were first around. I didn't know they were a "fake" band. I just loved the crazy humour and the sound of the music. Recently, they released a Christmas record. all four members took part, utilising some old vocals of Davy Jones. a few titles written by current writers, some covers, a few classics. The one I have chosen is written by Andy Partridge of XTC. Unwrap You At Christmas is extremely catchy and a little naughty. It is an earworm and may stay with you a while.

The Monkees - Unwrap You At Christmas (Official Lyric Video) - YouTube

 

I quite liked Hootie and the Blowfish but was never really what you would call a fan. However, since Darius Rucker went solo and entered the Country Music scene, I have loved his work. A smooth voice and a lot of charm. His Christmas CD is one of the best. Period. Not just in the Country market. Some standards as usual, but really well done. Also, this original piece, which just feels like a standard itself. What God Wants For Christmas crosses both the faith-based and secular versions of the holiday.

Darius Rucker - What God Wants For Christmas (Official Video) - YouTube

My wife and I recently went to see Nick Lowe in concert. A brilliant night. He may be getting on, but his voice is still as smooth as ever and the material is quality all the way though. He released this Christmas album a few years back. The title, Quality Street, refers to a range of sweets, in the UK, which are most prevalent at this time of year. Christmas At The Airport is a really pleasant toe-tapper and sets a scene which should not be merry, but I feel like I could spend Christmas there, no problem. Not that that would be my first choice, mind you.

Nick Lowe - "Christmas At The Airport" (Official Music Video) - YouTube

I was introduced to The Mavericks in a BBC Country Music show helmed by a guy called Nick Barrowclough. Got every release and saw them live once. Got all Raul Malo's stuff too. He's the singer and has a solo Christmas album which is also excellent. Their style suits this season so well. This number is a great way to start the festivities. Up-tempo, great rhythm. If it doesn't get some part of your body moving in time, then you may need to see a specialist. Christmas Time (Is Coming 'Round Again)

The Mavericks - Christmas Time (Is Coming 'Round Again) (Official Music Video) - YouTube

The artist formerly known as God; Eric Clapton seems too laid back for a holly jolly Christmas. The album has a mostly blues feeling too it. This track is originally by American soul and r/b artist Anthony Hamilton. Originally Eric was reluctant to do a Christmas record but changed his mind thankfully. Some really good tracks on the CD.  Check out the strange version of Jingle Bells for instance. Home For The Holidays is Eric at his smoothest.

Eric Clapton - Home For The Holidays (Lyric Video) - YouTube

Even with Garth and Darius being mentioned earlier, this is the most country of the ten tracks I have picked. Brad Paisley is a great guitarist and also loves having fun with lyrics. This is a favourite of my grandkids. It deserves an animation video, but no-one has come forward yet.  Penguin, James Penguin is a Christmas superhero. 

 Brad Paisley - Penguin, James Penguin - YouTube

There are so many good and great original Christmas songs out there, we need a radio station to just play them and no standards. I love the classic stuff, but also appreciate a new addition to the Christmas list. See what I did there. It's Christmas, the natural time of year for dad jokes. Here's the link to Clapton's take on Jingle bells. Try it. Jingle Bells - YouTube  Enjoy! Merry Christmas.