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Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Holiday Music Part 4:LeAnn Rimes
It is reported that LeAnn Rimes has been active in the music business since she was 9, but it was her 1996 release Blue which put her in the spotlight. She was often compared to Patsy Cline.
I've always been a sucker for a good ballad and few people can belt out a ballad like Rimes. Many people have done "All I want for Christmas is You" and this version is one of my favorites.Pa Rum Pa Pum Pum
Trying to do Christmas manicures from until Christmas day, hope that's cool with y'all! :) Today's is based on the song 'Little Drummer Boy'. I am completely enamored with the Milani 1-coat glitters right now, so I apologize for overusing them! :-D I thought that Red Sparkle would be PERFECT for the drum body!! The gold polish over it shows you what the texture of that polish is like though... very bumpy!
I used Milani Red Sparkle as a base, with China Glaze 2030 from Khrome Collection for the gold, mixed with American Apparel Hassid to shade. For the holly, I used BB Couture Poison Ivy for the leaves, and ORLY Candy Cane Lane for the berries. Topped everything off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat.
Rat-a-tat-tat on your dum-dum-drum. (Can't get that damn song out of my head!)
Take a Bough
Christmastime is upon us, and with a mere 7 days left, many of us are hustling around trying to finish up last minute gift shopping, attend parties, and finish up last-minute holiday decorating. Today's nail design was inspired by the cold winter days spent as a kid with my family picking out the 'perfect' tree. You know, the one that wasn't too tall or too short, too skinny or fat, and heaven forbid it be lopsided! Years have passed and my parents have since switched to artificial, and I've switched to none, unless you count the 2 foot tall one that resides on my desk at work. However, I'll always have fond memories of tree hunting, whether it was at the store or a Christmas tree farm, so this design makes me feel fuzzy on the inside. ;) Hope it evokes fond memories of Christmases past for you too!
Needle little Christmas?
Holiday Music Part 3:Billy Joel
I can't do any music list without naming Billy Joel. As everyone knows, I am a longtime and avid Billy Joel fan(atic).
Unfortunately, the clip below is just audio. Billy performs a duet of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" with none other than Rosie O'Donnell. Yes, Rosie O'Donnell. It was on a holiday album that O'Donnell released. It's an odd combo, but it works.
Unfortunately, the clip below is just audio. Billy performs a duet of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" with none other than Rosie O'Donnell. Yes, Rosie O'Donnell. It was on a holiday album that O'Donnell released. It's an odd combo, but it works.
Holiday Music Part 2:The Ramones
What says "Christmas" more than the Ramones? Okay, maybe a lot of things, but that didn't stop Joey from recording "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)".
The Ramones are one of my favorite bands. I credit Steve Marino for turning me onto the punk group in 1976 or so. In those days, it was a rarity to hear any Ramones song on the radio or even see a Ramones album in a store (Hegewisch Records was the exception).
The Ramones are sort of like music's version of the Von Erich family, except the Ramones weren't brothers (nor were they Ramones). Three of the four original Ramones are deceased (including Joey). As far as I can determine, this song was one of the last songs Joey (aka Jeffry Hyman) recorded.
The Ramones are one of my favorite bands. I credit Steve Marino for turning me onto the punk group in 1976 or so. In those days, it was a rarity to hear any Ramones song on the radio or even see a Ramones album in a store (Hegewisch Records was the exception).
The Ramones are sort of like music's version of the Von Erich family, except the Ramones weren't brothers (nor were they Ramones). Three of the four original Ramones are deceased (including Joey). As far as I can determine, this song was one of the last songs Joey (aka Jeffry Hyman) recorded.
Holiday Music Part 1:The Monkees
They were criticized for being a Beatles ripoff, often being called the pre-fab four. Critics griped that they didn't play their own instruments. Still, for their original run, from 1966-1970, the Monkees reached the top of the music world. Many years and reunions later, the Monkees were still performing together as late as 2002.
One of the reasons for their longevity was a bit of a Monkees revival thanks to MTV. On February 23, 1986, MTV ran a Monkees Marathon and the Monkees were relaunched back into the music scene.
The video below features a Monkees Christmas medley which aired on MTV and featured a handful of MTV stars, along with Micky, Davy and Peter. Even Mike makes an appearance, very near the end.
One of the reasons for their longevity was a bit of a Monkees revival thanks to MTV. On February 23, 1986, MTV ran a Monkees Marathon and the Monkees were relaunched back into the music scene.
The video below features a Monkees Christmas medley which aired on MTV and featured a handful of MTV stars, along with Micky, Davy and Peter. Even Mike makes an appearance, very near the end.
Holiday Music-Part 7:Billy Joel
This is the last in my holiday music series. I didn't even plan on having a #7, but then I ran across this on line and it had to make my list.
I heard Billy Joel perform Auld Lang Syne for the Millennium Concert album. I should have known that he performed it at other shows in other years. Still, I had no idea there was video of Joel performing it in 1982 during the Nylon Curtain tour.
I hope you have enjoyed my holiday selections. If you didn't, get your own blog and you can put up your own favorite songs.
Happy New Year!
I heard Billy Joel perform Auld Lang Syne for the Millennium Concert album. I should have known that he performed it at other shows in other years. Still, I had no idea there was video of Joel performing it in 1982 during the Nylon Curtain tour.
I hope you have enjoyed my holiday selections. If you didn't, get your own blog and you can put up your own favorite songs.
Happy New Year!
Holiday Music-Part 6:Hardrock, Coco and Joe
Christmas was yesterday, but the holiday music doesn't have to stop just yet. There is no way that I could end this series without going into the 'way-back' machine. When I was a kid, I loved The Ray Rayner Show. Every holiday season, Rayner would play a short stop motion animated cartoon called Hardrock, Coco and Joe.
While I don't know all of the words, I am probably one of thousands who can sing the refrain. Oh does this bring back great memories.
While I don't know all of the words, I am probably one of thousands who can sing the refrain. Oh does this bring back great memories.
The Hardrock, Coco and Joe cartoon wasn't the only holiday staple on The Ray Rayner Show. Another similar feature was Suzy Snowflake. Suzy would come tap, tap, tappin' on your window pane to tell you she was in town.
These two cartoons are very simplistic productions, clearly lacking any traces of modern technology. Hmm maybe that is why I like them so much.
These two cartoons are very simplistic productions, clearly lacking any traces of modern technology. Hmm maybe that is why I like them so much.
Holiday Music-Part 5:Chris Isaak
Today's installment of Holiday Music features crooner Chris Isaak. Isaak does a great version of Blue Christmas. Unfortunately, I could not find a full version of Isaak performing Blue Christmas. I did find a medley of a few holiday songs done by Isaak.
The medley starts with Isaak singing Blue Christmas. The next tune is Mele Kalikimaka, followed by Santa Bring My Baby Back and finally Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. While it is an excellent sampling of Isaak's ability, I would have rather had the full version of Blue Christmas. Well, maybe next year.
The medley starts with Isaak singing Blue Christmas. The next tune is Mele Kalikimaka, followed by Santa Bring My Baby Back and finally Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. While it is an excellent sampling of Isaak's ability, I would have rather had the full version of Blue Christmas. Well, maybe next year.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
I'm about to drop off the radar for a few weeks to enjoy Christmas with my family and friends.
So I'd just like to wish everyone who passes this way a Happy Holiday and a prosperous New Year:
Best wishes and see you all in 2010,
N
(P.S. It's snowing a blizzard here at the minute, lovely!)
So I'd just like to wish everyone who passes this way a Happy Holiday and a prosperous New Year:
Best wishes and see you all in 2010,
N
(P.S. It's snowing a blizzard here at the minute, lovely!)
Holiday Music-Part 4:John Mellencamp
John Mellencamp was once called Johnny Cougar. Imagine that. Whatever his name, Mellencamp has contributed greatly to the music scene during his career.
Specific to this topic, Mellencamp performed "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" on "A Very Special Christmas". I love everything about this version. Mellencamp's raw vocals, Kenny Aronoff's drumming, Lisa Germano's violin and the overall energy make this a must on my holiday list.
Specific to this topic, Mellencamp performed "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" on "A Very Special Christmas". I love everything about this version. Mellencamp's raw vocals, Kenny Aronoff's drumming, Lisa Germano's violin and the overall energy make this a must on my holiday list.
Holiday Music-Part 3:Leon Redbone & Dr. John
Today's holiday song is a classic, sung by an eclectic duo. Many artists have performed "Frosty the Snowman", but nobody has done it like the combo of Leon Redbone and Dr. John.
Redbone' released "Christmas Island" contained this lively rendition of the holiday classic. Dr. John's raspy, soulful voice adds to the fun. This is really an unheralded version, which deserves much more airplay. These two performers are music legends and this song is legendary!
Redbone' released "Christmas Island" contained this lively rendition of the holiday classic. Dr. John's raspy, soulful voice adds to the fun. This is really an unheralded version, which deserves much more airplay. These two performers are music legends and this song is legendary!
Holiday Music-Part 2:Jason Mraz
Continuing my quest to highlight the very best of holiday music, I present one of the newest holiday song releases. This one is a live version of "Winter Wonderland" by Jason Mraz.
Mraz and Toco Rivera put a quick beat into this holiday classic. About halfway through it, Mraz kicks it up even more with a bit of holiday scatting. A holiday song with scatting!!! Now that's my kind of holiday song.
Unfortunately, I don't think this song is available on any cd. I did find it available to be downloaded and/or purchased on several sites.
Unfortunately, I don't think this song is available on any cd. I did find it available to be downloaded and/or purchased on several sites.
Holiday Music-Part 1:Kyle Broflofski
The holiday season is upon us. Holiday songs are on the radio and in the stores. There are a ton of holiday songs and everyone seems to be getting in the act. Therefore, I needed to give a Johngy's Beat approval to a handful of great holiday songs. Over the season, I will be sprinkling in these songs. I hope you enjoy and if not, let me know which ones you like.
The first selection comes from Kyle Broflofski of South Park, CO. Yes, our little friend from the popular animated series makes my list with his mournful ode to being Jewish during Christmas time.
There are other humorous holiday tunes (Adam Sandler's Christmas Song and Lou Monte's Dominick the Donkey), but Kyle's version is not only the best of those, it is also good enough to make my overall holiday list. I am pretty sure Laurie will appreciate this (although Cartman is really her man).
The first selection comes from Kyle Broflofski of South Park, CO. Yes, our little friend from the popular animated series makes my list with his mournful ode to being Jewish during Christmas time.
There are other humorous holiday tunes (Adam Sandler's Christmas Song and Lou Monte's Dominick the Donkey), but Kyle's version is not only the best of those, it is also good enough to make my overall holiday list. I am pretty sure Laurie will appreciate this (although Cartman is really her man).