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Tuesday, December 9, 2003
UNWRAP THE HOLIDAYS
THE BATTALION
Seen
What to watch...
eard
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It was 1983 when 10-year old Ralphie Parker first begged everyone from his parents to a creepy shopping mall Santa for an Official Red Ryder
Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle. Their response was the same every time: “YouTl shoot your eye out!” Twenty years have passed
since Melinda Dillon first uttered one of the most famous lines ever to come from a Christmas movie mom, and after 20 years, it’s safe to call “A Christmas
Story” a classic. The list of timeless holiday movies includes some of Hollywood’s most famous features. Everyone remembers seasonal staples such as “It’s
a Wonderful Life” and “A Christmas Carol.” There is no doubt that director Bob Clark’s “A Christmas Story” belongs alongside these films. Seldom do
Hollywood movies connect with viewers on such a personal level. Alex Jennings, a senior political science major, said “A Christmas Story” has always been
an essential part of his family’s Christmas celebrations. “It’s just a refreshing look at the holidays,” Jennings’ said. “It has the sentimental stuff, but it’s also
very funny.” Family-First.com called “A Christmas Story” an entertaining movie that can easily be watched hundreds of times.
Musical Must-Haves
Sometimes, the only thing that can get one through the day is a good soundtrack. Music is great for shortening drives, walks around campus, or even driving the
action of a bad Colin Farrell movie. The holidays are no different. Behind every great Christmas party, there’s a great Christmas soundtrack. So fire up ITunes,
Rhapsody or whatever ever it is you use to legally download MP3s, because this is the be all, end all, of Christmas CDs.
Baby It’s Cold Outside - Dean Martin
Sinatra may have been Chairman of the Board, but Dean Martin was the king of cool. Written
by famed composer Frank Loesser, Martin’s version of “Baby It’s Cold Outside” is easily the
most hip, probably because one can’t listen to Dino without picturing him posed next to a piano,
tie undone and cocktail in hand.
Christmastime - Smashing Pumpkins
How does Smashing Pumpkins’ lead singer Billy Corgan
deserve a spot among crooners such as Dean Martin and Frank
Sinatra? Despite being one of the founding fathers of
American alternative music, Corgan and the Pumpkins succeed
ed in creating a sublime respite to those tired holiday songs Chanukah Song - Adam Sandler
we ic all bombarded with this time of year. Unlike many comedians, Adam Sandler has enjoyed success in movies, television, and music.
Several of Sandler’s singles were hits with American audiences, including “The Chantlkah Song”
from the 1996 release, “What the Hell Happened to Me?” Sandler describes the motivation
behind the song on the track itself, when he explains its roots to a live audience. “There’s a lot of
Christmas songs out there, but not too many about Chanukah,” Sandler explains. “So I wrote a
song for all those nice little Jewish kids who don’t get to hear any Chanukah songs.”
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - Willie Nelson
No Christmas collection is complete without that special piece
of Americana: country music. Texans have long since recog
nized the appeal of country music, and few singers affect audi
ences the way Fort Worth’s own son Willie Nelson does. So
kick up your boots, hang your cowboy hat on the doorknob,
and listen to Willie put a Texas spin on a song you’ve heard a
thousand times. You'll be glad you did. whjte christnlas _ Xonv Bennett
Before MTV’s “Tony Bennett Unplugged” album went platinum in 1994, younger generations
considered Bennett and his music a thing of the past. What many people didn’t count on was
Bennett’s innate ability to connect with any audience, young or old. Couple that with his desire
to simply “sing the best available songs the best way he knows how,” and you have the recipe for
one of the most successful vocalists in American history. Not only is “White Christmas" one ot
the best holiday songs out there, Bennett sings it the best way he or anyone else knows how.
By Marcus White
Let it Snow! - Frank Sinatra
Nobody, but nobody, does Christmas like “Old Blue Eyes.”
Perfect for knocking back a glass of spicy eggnog, Sinatra’s
treatment of this holiday classic is one of the best Christmas
songs ever recorded. It’s as simple as that.
I’ll Be Home for Christmas - Bing Crosby
Those old enough to remember Bing Crosby know that he was considered by many to be the
most influential media personality of the first 50 years of the 20th century. Many Americans
also recognize Crosby as the man who perfected the art of popularizing Christmas carols,’
maybe none as much as “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”
Here Comes Santa Claus - Elvis Presley
“The King” was not only a master of rock, bluegrass and
gospel music. He was also an accomplished Christmas crooner,
recording a number holiday hits. One such smash was “Here
Comes Santa Claus,” a famous tune to which Elvis lent his dis
tinctive charisma and unique rock ‘n’ roll style.
The Christmas Song - Nat King Cole
Maybe you’ve never seen a chestnut, much less one roasting on an open fire. But thanks to
Mel Torme’s “The Christmas Song,” chestnuts will always be a symbol of the holidays.
Though countless artists have recorded Torme’s timeless tune, Nat King Cole perfected what
has become one of the most celebrated Christmas songs in American history.
What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve? - Harry Connick, Jr.
Famous for both his syrupy-smooth singing and easy-going
nature, there’s no doubt that Harry Connick, Jr. is at the
head of the class as far as modern American jazz and big
band are concerned. This 1993 remake of Frank Loesser’s
famous tune showcases why millions of Americans have
fallen in love with “The Big Easy’s” voice. Besides, it’s
great for making a move under the mistletoe.
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