Robert German • Xmas Bells/White Xmas (Not Bing's Version)

Robert German Is another very special artist I just love, and can't get enough everything he does. In 2010, he wrote an original tune for Wanda Wisdom's 2010 Online Special, 'A Christmas Wanda'. There is something very special about Robert's Christmas song, filled with humor, charm, and a big dose of adult content. This is a song from the special, 'Xmas Bells/White Xmas', performed by Robert.

You can find 'A Christmas Wanda' on YouTube. For more about Robert German, check out his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook. To find his first album, 'Sirens of Brooklyn', it is available on iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. I remain hopeful I might get some new music sometime soon!

Magical Christmas Movie Music

Clockwise: The covers of soundtrack albums for 'White Christmas", 'The Muppet Christmas Carol', 'Meet Me In St. Louis' and 'The Polar Express'.

While I tend to focus on Broadway shows and performers on the blog, I have certainly never shied away from the talented singers and performers from the great movie musicals. After all, many of the great films started life on the stage. And since is is a very special week, I thought we could revisit some very special movie moments. And, with Christmas just one sleep away, I thought a look at some magical Christmas musical memories was in order. I will begin with a memory that I still hold dear. You see, I remember watching the movie 'White Christmas' with my family when I was quite young. The 1954 film starred Rosemary Clooney, Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and Vera-Ellen as entertainers and love interests. This was the second film to use the song written by Irving Berlin, the first being 'Holiday Inn' from 1942, another charming film starring Crosby. The storyline is somewhat similar, although the latter one incorporated more musical numbers and patriotism, and was shot in glorious technicolor. The following clip is from the film, with Bring Crosby singing "White Christmas" in the film to his fellow soldiers while serving overseas. This is Crosby singing "White Christmas".

If anyone caught my reference in the opening paragraph, it would reflect this next memory. While it might not be from a film more than 50 years old, it is more than twenty years old. 'The Muppet Christmas Carol' was released in 1992, a retelling of the great classic by Charles Dickens, 'A Christmas Carol'. The film was a mixture of muppets and live actors, with actor Michael Caine playing Ebenezer Scrooge, and the Muppets making up a majority of the cast. The film had original music by Miles Goodman, and the songs were written by Paul Williams. My personal favorite of the soundtrack is when Bob Cratchit, played by Kermit the Frog, sings "One More Sleep 'til Christmas". This is a charming number, as 'Bob' is closing up the office on Christmas Eve, and addresses all the best parts of Christmas. I hope you enjoy Kermit sings "One More Sleep 'til Christmas" from 'The Muppet Christmas Carol'.

That brings me to the most recent film of all four I have showcased here, the animated holiday treat, 'The Polar Express'. The soundtrack of the 2004 film featured some classic songs, like Bing Crosby singing "White Christmas", Frank Sinatra singing "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town", and the Andrews Sisters with "Winter Wonderland", all of which make for a delightful listen. but it is the new song, written by Glen Ballard and Alan Silvestri, that steals the spotlight. "Believe" is a soaring ballad, with such light and hope oozing out of each line, you can't help but fall in love. And it had a stellar performance by Josh Groban to complete the magic. From the film 'The Polar Express', this is Josh Groban with "Believe".

With my final clip for the evening, I was unable to resist featuring Judy Garland with a song I still love to this very day. The film was directed by Vincent Minnelli, Judy's husband at the time, and the father of Liza Minnelli. The storyline featured a family living in St. Louis at the time of the 1904 World's Fair. The film features two songs sung by Judy that could and should be considered iconic, and both were written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane. One such song was "The Trolley Song", a truly wonderful number. But the one I am including here is the stunning "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas", a song that has been sung by many since being debuted in the 1944 film, but never better than by Judy. She added just the right amount of everything to make this brilliant. I hope you enjoy this clip of Judy Garland singing "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" from 'Meet Me In St. Louis".

Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays to all!

The Skivvies • Le Snowman

Clockwise: Shannon Ford, Lauren Molina, and Nick Cearley.

Sexy and seductive, The Skivvies have come out with their take on holiday music. With Lauren Molina doing her best Catherine Deneuve, and Nick Cearly offering up a bit of Olivier Martinez realness, the music video for "Frosty le Snowman" is like a scene from a Louis Malle film, so dark and moody. Lauren and Nick are joined by Shannon Ford to give new life to the classic "Frosty the Snowman", mashed up with "Melt With You", the iconic 1980s song by Modern English. Ford was offering his own sexy version of Frosty, complete with a corncob pipe, a button nose, and a penchant for playing the spoons. The mood of the video was captured perfectly by director Mitchell Jarvis and cinematographer Paris Remillard.

To learn more about The Skivvies, visit their official website. You can also 'like' them on Facebook, and 'follow' them on Twitter. YOu can purchase "Hardbody Hoedown" from iTunes, Amazon, or Bandcamp. On Bandcamp, you can check out two other singles that are available only on Bandcamp, a delicious take on the first song broadcast on a fledgling MTV, "Video Killed The Radio Star", and a moody cover of Lana Del Rey's "Diet Mountain Dew".

Liza Minnelli • Ding-A-Ling

Well, I recently saw this posted on Facebook, and knew it had to make it to the blog, so it is only right to me it would appear on Christmas Eve. This is the amazing Liza Minnelli in a television special from 1966, 'The Dangerous Christmas of Little Red Riding Hood'. With music and lyrics by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill, who also wrote the score to the musical 'Funny Girl', it is easy to see why Liza signed up for it. This was, after all, the year before she had her first every credited movie role. It was the year after she was in 'Flora, the Red Menace', and was awarded the Tony Award for Leading Actress in a Musical. This television special was a new look at the Red Riding Hood tale, and starred Minnelli as Red Riding Hood. In the song "Ding-A-Ling", Liza is joined by Cyril Ritchard, who played the Big Bad Wolf. There is just something deliciously wrong about this song and number, and I can't watch it enough! This is "Ding-A-Ling", from the television special 'The Dangerous Christmas of Little Red Riding Hood'.

Have a great holiday!

Josh Zuckerman • The Twelve Days of Christmas

I proudly admit I am a huge fan of Josh Zuckerman. Not only is he very handsome - if I were 15 years younger, I'd flirt irresponsibly with him - he's also a talented Rocker whose music holds a special place in my collection. I knew I was going to be buying music for years to come once I purchased 'A Totally New Sensation', and boy, was I right! A few years ago, Josh released a new Christmas song I still listen to and love, so I was thrilled when I saw he posted a video with a new present this year! Josh has his own take on the traditional 18th century English carol, "The Twelve Days of Christmas". Josh, who is a school teacher as well as a Rocker, exposes how "The Twelve Days of Christmas" can be translated for teachers.

Now if that wasn't cute enough, I have even more for you. I had mentioned Josh released a Christmas song in 2011, still a favorite. Well, not only did he do that, he also wrote and recorded with his former band, China White. It seems I am not the only one to love the song - it was also used for a dance number for a rather sexy lady in a clip you can see below. With her short 'Santa' skirt, fluffy boots, and her tap shoes moving, she dances while Josh sings his original Christmas song, "All I Want For Christmas is You".

Now, I am not sure if you were paying attention, but that was Josh taking the video, congratulating his mother on a dance well done! Yes, it seems good looks and talent do run in the family. The song is fantastic, and perfect to play at your holiday parties! You can purchase "All I Want For Christmas Is You" on iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. To learn more about Josh Zuckerman, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Dark Monday • We Need A Little Christmas

Top: Anglea Lansbury in 'Mame'. Bottom, left: Lansbury with Beatrice Arthur.
Bottom, right: The cover of the Original Broadway Cast album.

In 1966, a little musical opened on Broadway, and, almost fifty years later, there are still people talking about it. Of course, when that show starred Angela Lansbury and Beatrice Arthur, with music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, that is something you might expect. The musical was also directed by Gene Saks, a hugely successful director who also happened to be married to Arthur. From all reports, Lansbury and Arthur were good friends throughout their lifetimes, and reunited to perform "Bosom Buddies" on the 1987 Tony Awards. But the real reason I am speaking of 'Mame' tonight is because this holiday season, it is time to celebrate. That is exactly what Jerry Herman had in mind when he wrote "We Need A Little Christmas", the wonderful song Mame sings to her young nephew during the Great Depression. Sometimes, people just need to add a little something extra in your life. This is Angela Lansbury from the original cast album of 'Mame', singing "We Need A Little Christmas".

And while I have featured a clip from the 1987 reunion of Arthur and Lansbury singing "Bosom Buddies", I thought I would add another nugget to the post, and allow Beatrice Arthur to sing her big song from the show, "The Moon Song (The Man on the Moon)". Arthur played Vera, best friend to Lansbury's Mame. Vera was an actress, albeit one who has a fairly big drinking problem. She also had a flair to pick some unusual roles for herself, like that of a lady astronomer. That is why she sings "The Moon Song (The Man on the Moon)", from the original Broadway production of 'Mame'.

Have a great holiday season! And if you "need a little Christmas", you can purchase the Original Broadway Cast Recording of 'Mame' from iTunes and Amazon.

Erasure • Gaudete

Last month, Erasure released a new album, and I somehow managed to miss it until I read about it on Marc Harshbarger's wonderful blog, Deep Dish. Erasure first came to my attention back in 1985, with the release of their first single, "Who Needs Love Like That?", a great song that convinced me to buy the album. I have been a big fan since. Erasure is made up by Andy Bell and Vince Clarke, both wonderfully talented men. Bell's voice has an unerring clarity, and Clarke's use of keyboards is beyond reproach, as can be heard from his days with Depeche Mode to Yazoo to this 28 years with Erasure. 'Snow Globe' is the name of the latest, and it is a 13-song offering is collection of holiday music, both old and new. The first single off the album, "Gaudete", is a lovely song, part Pop yumminess, and part chorale treat. And it is traditional color, composed in the 16th century, and arranged by Bell and Clarke. This is the official music video for "Gaudete".

The first cut on the album is an original written by Andy and Vince. "Bells of Love (Isabelle's of Love)" is a wonderful song, sounding very much like an Erasure song, but carrying a message fitting for the holiday. It takes a look at what is happening in society today, and the need to healing hands to help be a part of the change for the better. This is an audio track for "Bells of Love (Isabelle's of Love)".

While just over half of the tracks are either tradition or newer holiday favorites, they are arranged by Andy and Vince, giving them a new sound and feel. That would include the eleventh song on the collection, "Midnight Clear". It is a Christmas carol written by Edmund Sears, pastor of the Unitarian Church in Wayland, Massachusetts, in 1849, better known as "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear". The following year, Richard Storrs Willis, a composer who trained under Felix Mendelssohn, wrote a melody that would be the sound of this music. Again, Bell and Clarke add their magic to the mix, making it a special track. This is the audio for "Midnight Clear".

I will grant you, the title "Blood on the Snow" does not sound like a great start to a holiday song, but never underestimate the power of Clarke and Bell. The dynamic duo tell a modern-day story of life and the struggle that comes with it. The search for divine intervention, for the sign to let us know we are moving in the right direction, sounds both timely and timeless in the hands of Erasure. This is the audio track for "Blood on the Snow".

This is a wonderful album, a must-have to Electronica fans, and people who love great music. You can purchase 'Snow Globe' from iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Erasure, visit their official website. You can also 'like' them on Facebook, and 'follow' them on Twitter. To check out Deep Dish, Marc Harshbarger's wonderful blog, you can visit the official website. You can also check them out on Facebook and Twitter.