Tinsel Tunes - The Christmas Music Podcast

This month, Duane and Scott listen to Christmas songs about trains. Article on the History of trains and Christmas Songs played on this episode: Tom Hanks and the children cast - The Polar Express ThemeBlake Shelton - Santa's Got a Choo Choo TrainSarah Connor - Christmas Train (Destination Hope)Patty Loveless - Santa TrainJames Coffey - Magical Christmas TrainRoger Miller - Old Toy TrainsCarey Bell - Christmas Train 1996Brett Dennen - Christmas TrainThe Tractors - Santa Claus Is Coming (In a Boogie-Woogie Choo-Choo Train)Bet Smith and the Currie Brothers - That Christmas TrainPaul Kelly and Vika Bull - Christmas Train

This month, Duane and Scott discuss the carol "Angels We Have Heard on High". Versions of the song played on this episode: Angels We Have Heard on High (fingerstyle guitar) Les Anges dans nos Campagnes (version complète) Angels from the Realms of Glory by Matthew Green’s Orchestral Rainbow Angels from the Realms of Glory, David Archuleta and the Tabernacle Choir Angels from the Realms of Glory (1967 version) Gloria (Piano version) by Hymns, Chorales & Classics On Piano Punk version by Reliant K Acapella version by Home Free Metal version by Dan Vasc Ska version by On the Upbeat Rock version by Bayside Country version by Josh Turner Chiptune version by Peter Hunter Instrumental version by the Piano Guys ​​Big Band/Rockabilly version by Brian Setzer Orchestra

This month, Duane and Scott listen to some new (and new to them) Christmas Music submitted to them by artists in 2023. Songs played: 1. Jingle Punx punk cover of Last Christmas by Wham: https://jinglepunx.bandcamp.com/track/last-christmas-wham-cover 2. Christmas Cheer by Rob Lawlor: https://robertlawlor.bandcamp.com/track/christmas-cheer 3. Santa's Takin' Over the Town by Rehya Stevens: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQfo7ek8Kws https://rehyastevens.com 4. Recipe for a Merry Christmas Eve by Alicia Stockman: https://aliciastockman.bandcamp.com/track/recipe-for-a-merry-christmas-eve https://aliciastockman.com/recipe-epk 5. Christmastime in Maine by Kevin Scott Hall and Judy Pancoast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_caQzjJySyo https://open.spotify.com/track/0qEaAJp6TKdYcpB1MfwmHA 6. Oh Chanukah by Sukey Malloy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOkkLXkk6Ks https://www.sukeymolloy.com/shop/sukey-music/ 7. Ugly Sweater Time by The Sweaterettes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjE6GNepR-o https://thesweaterettes.hearnow.com/ugly-sweater-time https://www.instagram.com/uglysweaterpartyla/ 8. O Come, O Come, Emanuel by Joe Beier: https://joebeier.bandcamp.com/track/o-come-o-come-emanuel 9. What's a Christmas Eve Without My Baby? by Lee Langdon: https://leelangdonmusic.bandcamp.com/track/whats-a-christmas-eve-without-my-baby https://linktr.ee/leelangdon 10. Christmas Wish by Gregory Porter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHIwCTLe_ns

This month, Duane and Scott look at the carol "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear". Songs played in this episode: Choral version by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Noel version by St Michael's Singers Orchestral version by The London Symphony Orchestra Barbershop version by Julien Neel Acapella by Home Free Reggae version by CHRISTAFARI Country version by Highway 101 Hard Rock version by The Beautiful Distortion Chiptune version by MixSound Solo guitar instrumental by R.L. Solberg Duet version by The Hound and the Fox For copyright reasons, we couldn't play these versions, but you should definitely check them out: Ella Fitzgerald Anne Murray Frank Sinatra Johnny Mathis Burl Ives Josh Groban

This month, Duane and Scott review the song "What's This?" from the Nightmare Before Christmas with special guest Jack Ford from the Total Christmas Podcast. Songs played: What's This? (Official Soundtrack Version) "The Simpsons" theme song “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” by Tchaikovsky Pirates of Penzance Love Shack by the B-52’s Danny Elfman sings "What's This?" live at Lincoln Center Fall Out Boy (from Nightmare Revisited) Other versions of "What's This?" that were played: Orchestral version by Orchestre philharmonique de Radio France Acapella by Voiceplay Rock by NateWantsToBattle Solo Piano by Natalya Plays Piano Ukelele by Thomas Benjamin Wild Metal by Lauren Babic Jazz by Disney Dave Club remix by FThisRemix Female singer by Caroline Makes Music Chiptune by Professor Shyguy

This month, Duane and Scott do something a little different and talk to Glen Warren from the Seasons Eatings podcast about a food-related song called "Miss Fogerty's Christmas Cake". Versions played on this episode: The McNulty Family The Irish Rovers William Brady Wolfetones Sharon Lois and Bram – Canadian Children’s Entertainers Rum Ragged – Newfoundland band Clinton Ford Fire in the Glen Ruby Murray – Miss O’Leary’s Irish Fruit Cake David Jones Folk songs out of Wisconsin - 1941 - Lewis Moody Trinity Cake by Allan Mills

Duane and Scott discuss the carol "O Little Town of Bethlehem". Versions of the song played on this episode: Mormon Tabernacle ChoirPloughboy’s DreamChapel Choir of King’s CollegeNat King ColeDolly PartonJewelSarah McLachlanAcapella version by VoiceplayMetal version by Paster Brad RocksReggae version by The Reggae All StarsChiptune version by J. S. SalonenFolksy version by Blackmore's NightTrance version by ErosPunk version by SevereHip Hop version by Crew XVocal version by Hayley Westenra

This month, Duane, Scott, and special guest Todd Killian (from Christmas Clatter) discuss the song "Jingle Bell Rock". Versions of the song played on this episode: Bobby Helms (1957 version) Bobby Helms (1970 version) Brenda Lee Thousand Foot Krutch Randy Travis Kenny G Hall & Oates The Ventures Brian Setzer Mister Chicken (rubber chicken style) Trap Music Now (trap) Billy Idol (rock) First to Eleven (hard rock) Eddie Lovette (reggae) The Holophonics (ska) Chiptune & 8bit Planet (chiptune) Skyway Avenue (pop punk) Straight No Chaser (acapella)

This month, Duane and Scott review the 2022 Christmas album by the Youtube artists "SingIt Live". Check out the whole playlist. Songs played in this episode: All I Want for Christmas is You (Mariah Carey)Silent NightChristmas (Baby Please Come Home)Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen)Merry Christmas BabyLast Christmas (Wham)The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)White ChristmasHave Yourself a Merry Little ChristmasFeliz NavidadMary Did You KnowThe Prayer Special thanks to SingIt Live for letting us use their music for this episode. Check them out on all the major streaming platforms!

In this episode, Scott and Duane take a deep dive into the song 1953 "Santa Baby". Songs played in this episode: Santa Baby by Eartha Kitt (1953 version) Philip Springer playing and singing his original version Madonna - Santa Baby (1987) Eartha Kitt - Santa Baby (1960 version) Mae West - Santa Baby (1966) LeAnn Rimes - Santa Baby (2004) Taylor Swift - Santa Baby (2007) Kellie Pickler - Santa Baby (2007) Shakira - from 2009 NBC Special "Christmas in Rockefeller Center" Kylie Minogue - Santa Baby (2010) Kelly Clarkson - Santa Baby (2021) Michael Bublé - Santa Baby (2011) Everclear - Santa Baby (1997) Ska version by Ska-J Rock Version by First to Eleven (2018) Reggae Version by Deynque Barbershop Quartet Version by Fiveways Barbershop Quartet Chiptune Version by Scarlet Lotus

This month, Duane and Scott explore the Christmas music written by the prolific songwriter Johnny Marks. Songs played in the episode: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Julien NeelRockin' Around the Christmas Tree performed by Julia & JackA Holly Jolly Christmas performed by The Quinto SistersSilver & Gold performed by The OpheliasI Heard the Bells on Christmas Day performed by Smalltown PoetsWhen Santa Claus Gets Your Letter performed by Anne Lloyd, Michael Stewart, & The SandpipersThe Night Before Christmas Song performed by Rosemary Clooney and Gene AutryEveryone's a Child at Christmas performed by Gene Autry (Not played during episode but here for reference)A Merry, Merry Christmas to You performed by Art MooneyThe Santa Claus Parade performed by The Little AngelsA Caroling We Go performed by Musical Monkeys

Scott and Duane are finally back at it! This month, we're discussing ska Christmas music. Songs played during the episode: Joy to the World by the O.C. Supertones The Difference Between Ska, Rocksteady, and Reggae Guitar - Guitar Lesson Christmas Feeling Ska by Toots & the Maytals Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer by Reel Big Fish Jingle Bell Rock by The Holophonics Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas Every Day Will Be Like a Holiday by The New Limits White Christmas by The Penguins Ska Band Jingle Bells by the Fayetteville Ska Alliance Silent Night by Skayway Christmas Wrapping by Slow Gherkin Follow That Ska by Baked a la Ska Snow Miser/Heat Miser by Skatune Network This Christmas by the Cascadians Holiday Road by the Aquabats If you would like to donate to cyclone relief efforts in New Zealand, you can do so here: https://www.hawkesbayfoundation.org.nz/cyclone-relief-fund

Scott and Duane discuss Nat King Cole's beloved song "The Christmas Song". Cole's Versions we played: The original from 1946The second from 1946 with stringsThe 1953 versionThe definitive 1961 version Notable Versions we played: Mel TormeMichael BubléThe CarpentersTony BennettNatalie Cole duet with Nat King ColeAndrea Bocelli with Natalie Cole Genre versions we played: Acapella: Peter HollensJazz Sax: Gerald Albright with The Cannonball BandHeavy Metal: Twisted SisterReggae: Is This LoveCountry: Teddy SwimsChiptune: 8-Bit UniverseString Quartet: The Wedding String QuartetParody: Chipmunks Roasting on an Open Fire by Bob Rivers

As some of you may know, I host another podcast called "Christmas Morning" with Brandon Gray from "Deck the Hallmark". Our show is a weekly celebration of Christmas, including news, jokes, days until Christmas countdown, and TV listings. What may be of interest to Tinsel Tunes listeners is the Christmas music battle we do at the end of each episode where we compete to bring the best version of a given song by an independent artist on BandCamp.com. I'm including one episode of Christmas Morning here in the Tinsel Tunes feed because we'd love to have you over there. (If this isn't your thing, no worries! I won't be including any more of these here) You can find out more information about the show at christmasmorningpodcast.com. I hope you enjoy it! Here's the link to vote on the music battle: https://pollforall.com/pkvpm6dx

Scott and Duane discuss Andy Williams' beloved song "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" from 1963. Notable versions we played: Genre versions of the song we played: Silly versions of the song we played: Here's the Staples "Back to School" commercial referenced in the episode.

This month, Jay and Scott take a deep dive into the song "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen". Songs played on this episode: Bach ChoirRondo Arrangement for FortepianoThe Choir SingersNat King ColeBing CrosbyElla FitzgeraldPerry ComoBarenaked Ladies with Sarah McLachlanMetal: August Burns RedIrish Folk: The Irish RoversChiptune: ScunisonPunk: The MyrrdurersAcapella: PentatonixParody: The Restroom Door Said Gentlemen by Bob RiversCountry: The PetersensRock: First to ElevenSka: Fayetteville Ska AllianceDubstep/Trap: SkulleeReggae: The Reggae All-stars Here's the episode of The Sopranos that Jay mentioned.

For half-Christmas, we have a special guest, Duane Bailey, on to discuss the 2002 album "Boogie Woogie Christmas" by the Brian Setzer Orchestra. Songs from this episode: Jingle BellsBoogie Woogie Santa ClausWinter WonderlandBlue ChristmasSanta Claus is Back in TownBaby It’s Cold OutsideThe Nutcracker SuiteThe Man with the BagSleigh RideSo They Say It’s ChristmasO Holy NightThe AmensLet it SnowRun Rudolph RunWhat Are You Doin’ New Year’s EveCactus ChristmasSanta Drives a Hot RodChristmas Island

In this episode, Jay and Scott discuss the history of "The Little Drummer Boy" and also go deep into the Bing Crosby/David Bowie duet. They even dig up obscure versions of the song by Ringo Starr, Jimi Hendrix, and more. Check out the hilarious Saturday Night Live spoof of the Crosby/Bowie duet with Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly. Versions of the song played in this episode: Julie Andrews Patapan (1975)Trapp Family Singers (1951)Jack Holloran Singers (1957)Harry Simone Chorale (1958)Bing Crosby and David Bowie (1977)Perry Como (1968)Jimi Hendrix (1969)Ray Charles (1985)Ringo Starr (1999)The Kings Singers (2013)Leslie Odom Jr. feat. Mzansi Youth Choir (2020)Hip-hop version by Lauryn Hill (1999)Jazz version by Dave Koz (2001)Country version by Toby Keith (2007)Jamaican Drummer Boy (Reggae version) by Shaggy (2011)Punk version by Sean Quigley (2011)Ska version by Reel Big Fish (2014)Acoustic version by Justin Gambino (2015)Chiptune version by Sara Lopez (2018)Metal version by Ben Dixon (2019)African Tribal Style by Alex Boye ft. Genesis Choir 2015

In this month's episode, we discuss the origins and history of the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas". Check out this Snopes article that fact checks the theory that there is are secret, coded Christian references in the song. Versions played in this episode: Portland Choir and OrchestraPerry ComoRoger WhittakerJohn Denver and the MuppetsRay Conniff SingersStraight No ChaserPentatonixJacob MillerMob VibeRelient KSara EvansGoldfinger Parody versions played: Twisted SisterBob and Doug McKenzieAllan ShermanBob RiversJeff Foxworthy

This month, Scott and Jay discuss the history of "Carol of the Bells". Versions of the Song Featured in this Episode: The Tabernacle ChoirThe Crimean Chamber ChoirCorey LennoxFred Waring and His PennsylvaniansRoger Wagner ChoralePhil Spitalny's Hour of CharmRobert Shaw ChoraleSouthern RaisedDylan JohnsonAugust Burns RedAubrey LoganSkatune NetworkThe Regulars BandPocketsUkeBethel University Department of MusicCapital KingsNate Maelz & StickyBeatsRush CoilLindsey SterlingThe Piano GuysJohn WilliamsKenny RogersAndra DayStraight No ChaserTrans-Siberian Orchestra