Holiday Music Part 3:The Rock

Nothing screams holiday spirit more than professional wrestling.  Okay, maybe not much holiday, but certainly a lot of spirit.  For today's musical holiday treat, I am going new-old school with The Rock (aka Dwayne Johnson).
Back in the modern heyday of pro wrestling, there was nobody bigger than The Rock.  A mere raise of an eyebrow brought the "millions and millions" of the Rock's fans to their feet.
I hope you enjoy this holiday spin courtesy of the Rock.  If you don't like it, "it doesn't matter what you think!"  Sorry, I think I just channeled the Rock.

Holiday Music Part 2:Lara Fabian

Lara Fabian is a Belgian-Italian international singer.  I am not even sure how I stumbled upon her, but she is one of my favorites.  She has an amazing and powerful voice.  I especially love her songs "Adagio" and "Broken Vow". 
I was hoping to find a holiday song by Fabian, so I could highlight her beautiful voice.  Fortunately, I found "White Christmas".  Fabian gives her usual wonderful performance.  Enjoy (or as Fabian would say "godere"!)!

Holiday Music Part 1:Lenny and the Squigtones

Back in the 70's, Laverne and Shirley was a very popular tv sitcom.  For me though, Lenny and Squiggy always stole the show.
Michael McKean and David Lander portrayed the characters of Lenny Kosnowski and Andrew Squigman, friends of Laverne and Shirley.  They were always good for a laugh and sometimes even a musical number (which was also usually good for laughs).
Below is their attempt at a holiday tune.  Enjoy!

Merry Christmas

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.

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.

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.

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.

Happy New Year

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!

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.

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.

Merry Christmas

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.

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.

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!

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.

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).