Cool Christmas Music

Okay, so the terms "Cool" and "Christmas Music" really don't go hand in hand... after all, how many versions of "Winter Wonderland" can you hear before contemplating suicide?

Okay, put the gun away... it was a JOKE!!! Don't get pissy, take it easy!

But let's face it... Christmas music is LAME for the most part. The same 50-70 year old songs rehashed and redone so many times, it's not even funny!

But I'm here to save you from Christmas Pablum... here's some really cool Christmas Music.

1) "Washington Square"-Chris Isaak
Okay, I am an unashamed fan of Chris Isaak. But even I was a bit leery when he came out with a Christmas album. Fortunately I was pleasantly surprised when the CD came out.

This song is fantastic, if just for the lyrics "Oh, it's Christmas again... but it won't be without you." Anyone who has a loved one away from home for the holidays, due to illness, distance, or war, will immediately fall in love with this song. I did!

2) "Zat You, Santa Claus?"-Brian Setzer Orchestra
Fun fun fun! The BSO rockabilly/big band sound is a breath of fresh air for the holidays. A close second is the rockin version of "Angels we have heard on high." Yeah, it's a re-hash, but a COOL re-hash. Forget milk and cookies; leave out a martini and olives for Jolly Ol' St. Nick!

3) Anything by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Classical music with a metal twist... kind of like Metallica but with Christmas tunes! You've probably heard "Carol of the Bells" umpteen million times by the TSO, but they also have some really good and touching pieces, including "Dream Child" and "O Come all Ye Faithful/O Holy Night".

Have a happy rocking Christmas!