Let me first admit that I veered a little from the Christmas Songs theme of this week’s Twisted Mix-Tape Tuesday. I changed it to Holiday Songs instead since I celebrate Chanukah. So sue me.
Of course, there are no really great songs about the Festival of Lights other than the traditional Dreidel song so until someone comes up with one — Adam Levine, I’m talking to you — I thought I’d start with this clever parody of one of my favorite new songs, “Royals” by Lorde. This version is called “Oils.” It’s more of a ha-ha-liday song!
And while we’re doing Jewish holiday parodies, this one isn’t a song but it’s a hilarious version of The Hunger Games geared toward Yom Kippur.
Okay, back to Christmas. I vividly remember how awesome it was when Bob Geldof got all these big-name stars together and told them to check their egos at the door to form Band-Aid. This charitable effort is still one of my favorite songs any time of the year.
In case I haven’t mentioned it in a week or two, I adore Joni Mitchell. This song is so beautiful, and I love her introduction at the beginning of this live version.
Nothing says Santa like the Big Man, so here you go. I hope it jingles your bells.
Ooh, can’t forget this one. I won a t-shirt from a radio station in Binghamton, New York, when I was in college for being the whatever number caller when they played this song. There is something so moving to me about this song, and it brings me right back to that snowy night in my dorm room waiting to hear it. It kind of makes me feel like crying.
Lance says
There’s so little great songs to choose from, I think we’ll all have same choices. Good list. That Joni song is brilliant.
Lois Alter Mark says
Agree all around! Time for a new generation of holiday songs, don’t you think?
Linda Roy - elleroy was here says
We’re on the same page on this. Great list. 😉
Lois Alter Mark says
Ooh, will go check out yours!
that cynking feeling says
Hmm, this makes me want to hunt down Hanukkah songs for you. It’s not fair that you are getting slighted.
Lois Alter Mark says
Aw, you are so sweet! If you come up with anything, you will have done a great mitzvah!!
Dream says
Okay, the Royals parody made me laugh and wonder why I hadn’t heard it yet this year. Just the kind of song that could have made my list. You found some of the gems out of the dreck, great list.
Lois Alter Mark says
Thanks! I love the Royals parody!
Angel The Alien says
It seems like a lot of people like the Band Aid and John Lennon songs! I like them too when I hear them, but I forgot all about them for this.
JenKehl - My Skewed View says
I am listening to Oil for the third time right now! I LOVE that song. I am Jewish too, and I can’t wait to share that song, I can’t believe I’ve never heard it!
This is a great list! Thank you so much!!
Lois Alter Mark says
Ha ha! I did the same thing — watched it on repeat a bunch of times in a row and made my husband watch it, and sent it to my kids. Too funny! So happy to have found you and Twisted Mixtape Tuesday! xo
Michelle Liew says
I love War is Over. An iconic Christmas song!
Stephanie says
I love your list! The River is one of my favorites, ever. I had not heard the live version though! And Oils, I was laughing out loud!