On the topic of Christmas music.

[roily_rogue]

 People are seriously disliking "Santa Baby" because it's greedy and materialistic? Isn't that kind of the whole point? Parody, anyone? Sense of humor?? No?

And then I see THIS. 

What makes the recording remarkable (and debate-worthy) is that she does not add the sexy inflections that other singers have put into the song. Eartha Kitt’s 1953 version and Madonna’s 1987 version are the most notable. They feature a more sultry style of a woman gold-digging Santa for pricy gifts. The teen country star however guides her version briskly through without stopping to purr in Santa’s ear.

Some members of my family think Taylor missed the point of the song; that being, the attempt to compromise Santa. I’m not convinced Taylor missed the point. No one sells millions of records and sells out stadium shows by missing the point.

In this era where teen (especially female) singers attempt to propel their careers via sexually charged content, Taylor Swift again has taken a road that is more chaste than what our culture expects.

Santa, if you are listening, put an extra present under Taylor Swift’s tree. She’s been a good girl who does not need to pretend to be bad.

So, in other words, it's OK that she is asking for a sable, a light blue '54 convertible, a duplex and checks, a yacht,  the deed to a platinum mine and a ring, because she doesn't sound sexy when asking for it. That makes her a good girl! Oh, if only we all could be like Taylor Swift.

Screw'em all, I won't let'em ruin my Christmas. I love Santa Baby. Eartha Kitt's version, that is. Which, as far as I'm concerned, is the only version ever made. Just shut up, Taylor Swift (and Madonna). Just. shut. up.

And while I'm at it, "Simply having a wonderful Christmas time" is the worst Christmas song of all time. Why is it on so many compilations? And "Baby, it's cold outside" is the creepiest. Can't they just stop playing it? Doesn't anyone ever listen to the lyrics?  

I am clearly entering into a new phase in my life (ie: getting old), since I used to prefer modern Christmas music, but now avoid it like pestilence. The old stuff just has so much more atmosphere. So this year's Christmas CD, burnt by me, goes:

I'm gonna lasso Santa Claus - Brenda Lee
Everybody's waiting for the man with the bag - Taylor, Brooks, Stanley
The Christmas Song - Nat King Cole
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer - Jack Johnson (not old, but it has a much better ending than the original. You go Rudolph!)
Santa Claus got stuck in my chimney - Ella Fitzgerald
Santa Baby - Eartha Kitt
Have yourself a merry little Christmas - Judy Garland
December - Billy Butterfield
The Bell Medley - Classic Christmas singers (yeah, I don't know who they are - it was free on Amazon!)
You don't have to be a Santa Claus - The Mills Brothers
O Holy Night - Nat King Cole

Maybe I should go and actually prepare for Christmas?