Merry R&B Christmas Y'all

All I want for xmas is a leather fedora and a creepy game of flashlight tag.

christmas series #11: the andrews sisters

I'm feeling patriotic and in the Christmas spirit just by looking at that picture. Also, those ladies know how to work their legs, amiright? The Andrews Sisters were a singing group consisting of three real sisters: LaVerne, Maxene, and Patty. These ladies started their career by performing in talent shows and vaudeville productions when they were just tiny tots.

By 1940, the girls were a household name from their various recordings and were entertaining troops overseas. Check the photo. Ballers. They released "Christmas Island" in 1946. Their sound really evokes calmness and ease for me. I want to dance around in a high-waisted skirt and write letters to my war hero fiance. What an era of music.

Also, did you know Christmas Island is a real place? Lots of people live there! I mean, that is really tight. It seems isolated and maybe even a bit scary, but I would want to visit just for the name alone. Or at least spend the holiday there as the song suggests. The island is home to the red-footed boobie, a real bird. How tight?

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas Eve tonight with everyone you hold near and dear. I can't wait to do round dos of presents AND to watch all my favorite Christmas television episodes of everything, aka Ren and Stimpy and The Honeymooners. The big guy is coming down the chimney tonight so you better get some sleep. He knows when you are sleeping! Merry Christmas, all. Love you. xx

The Andrews Sisters - Christmas Island

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christmas series #10: chuck berry

Christmas Eve Eve! It's almost here, y'all. Can you believe that I was once talking about drinking mojitos and listening to Steely Dan by the pool? Man, it flies by. Well, here to help carry you through to Christmas and even the New Year is some Chuck Berry.

Chuck is a quintessential part of American rock n' roll music. He might even be the creator, in my mind. Chuck started playing the blues as a teenager, and eventually cultivated his stage presence that we came to know and love. He released "Maybellene" in 1955 and the rest is history. Chuck was in and out of jail and did some ridiculous stuff as an adult. But it didn't make any difference when it came to recording awesome songs. He is truly a shaper of the sound we love today.

In 1958, Chuck recorded "Run Rudolph Run" for Chess. This song has been covered a million times and is even featured in one of the greater holiday movies, Home Alone.

I hope you have all your presents wrapped and ready. Tonight, I'm going to put on some sweatpants and watch the annual Letterman holiday show. Tomorrow is the most exciting night of the year!

Chuck Berry - Run Rudolph Run

this old couple.

Someday, I want to be happily married like this. I love this couple. This is Marlow and Frances Cowan. They have been married 62 years. That many years and still putting on a show. They love playing piano and they love each other. I spy some booty slaps in there.

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look at this baller.

Just look at him.

christmas series #9: the temptations

One thing I need to discuss right off the bat is that this reindeer is named Rudolph! This cracks me up for some reason. I mean, that's like a total gramps name. No one questions it though, which I also appreciate. Luv that ninth reindeer.

Growing up, we used to sing "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" at the top of our lungs. Kids still do it today in my classroom, which is comforting. The classic version is super tight, of course. But this soul version by the Temptations is even better than you could've imagined.

Of course, we all know the Temptations were one of the hottest acts on the Motown label. We've all been to a wedding (or several) in our lives where at least one Temptations song has been played. But I relish that. I love everything about the Temptations. The harmonies, the suits, the sweet quick feet moves. Their super sleek style is so fun to watch and makes me long to be in the audience at one of their shows.

Enjoy the Temptations take on this classic Christmas song. I love it so much. The sweet song-talking at the end and then the classic soul starts. Feel free to sing along.

Love this baller.

The Temptations - Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

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blublocker freestyle!

Before I begin, I need to have full disclosure with all of you. I own a pair of Blublockers. They have traveled many places with me, including New York and Arkansas. I am proud to own them and they do offer complete sun coverage. Having said that, let's not forget how dorky they can be.

Please check out this priceless commercial featuring MC Dr. Geek. He's freestylin' about these shades. But he's also wearing a velvet sombrero and a Curly shirt. What a baller. The guy chewing gum behind Dr. Geek is really feeling it. I mean, this guy is really a genius. The way he keeps going when handed the free pair! I love him. Thanks to Tom for this amazing share on my reason for living, Google Reader.

chromeo wants to help you

Did you know there is a serious disease out there that makes you like shit music? Well, Chromeo wants to help. Also, luv the Jonas Brothers poster in the background at the beginning of the vid.

christmas series #8: louis armstrong

Can you believe Christmas is this FRIDAY?! Oh my, I'm so excited. One part of Christmas that can get a bit frustrating is the shopping. People start driving like maniacs around these parts and I start to want to avoid any mall that was ever constructed. One thing that helps during those busy last few days before Christmas is having some good Christmas tunes to get you through. Good thing I do!

Are you ready to listen to Louis Armstrong killing it on a Christmas song? Get ready. This baller.

Louis is a raspy voiced King of Everything from Nawlins. Obvi, he was meant to grace this earth. He's one of the greatest musicians of all time. He was extremely talented in the trumpet department, but his voice was such a signature that it instantly creates a tear flowage so strong from my eye and nasal area that I have to leave any room where he is playing. His collaborations with Ella Fitzgerald really can't be topped. Also, did you know he adopted a boy that was mentally disabled and he took care of him until the day he died? True Christmas spirit happening, y'allz.

So during the Christmas season, listen to some uplifting Louis Armstrong and get ready for serious countdown. It's almost here!

Louis Armstrong - Cool Yule

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christmas series #7: bing crosby

(Best Christmas decorations ever.)

Well, yet another holiday season is upon us. I can't believe it's almost 2k10. Remember when we were freaking out about y2k? NUTZ. It's just so crazy how fast the time goes. Having said that, I really enjoy the Christmas spirit. Last year, I began a series of posts featuring holiday songs and this year I have intentions of doing the same.

I want to start us off with a personal favorite Christmas tune. Not only is it prominently featured in the best Christmas movie ever, Christmas Vacation, but it's also just a really cheerful song that will help you get in the mood during those depressing gray days.

"Mele Kalikimaka" is a warm Hawaiian greeting for Merry Christmas. The most famous version of this song was recorded in 1950 by Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters. 1950! This song has been covered so many times.

Anyway, Bing stars in one of my fave Christmas-time movies, White Christmas. He makes singing look so easy it's scary. I hope you enjoy this tune while you are drifting away to Hawaii and drinking some medicine by the fire. Merry Christmas and let the countdown begin!

Bing Crosby - Mele Kalikimaka

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tight person of the day: major lance

Major Lance is a baller. First of all, any bro that buttons all the way up like that is good to go in my book. I like his slick appearance and casual demeanor. Secondly, his birth name is MAJOR. Thank you. Into it. Major is an icon of Chicago soul.

Major went to school with Curtis Mayfield, and as a result Curtis wrote a ton of his material. I mean, talk about a tight friendship to have! You can definitely hear the Mayfield influence in this song. "Monkey Time" was released in 1963 and was just the beginning of more hits for this team. A super baller dream team. Major had success throughout the sixties and into a bit of the seventies. However, he spent time in prison and left his mark on this world in 1994.

This song is pulling me through some gray days before Christmas. It's uplifting and fun and nothing can be bad with a Mayfield sound and a Major Lance voice on your shoulder.

Coming up soon: The annual Christmas music series. Be on the look out! I have some serious Christmas soul to serve up this year.

Major Lance - Monkey Time

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man vs. toddler

I know this has been floating around the netz, but I just have to post it. I've been watching it on repeat. An age-old question answered.

Please watch closely for the little girl's face before the algebra challenge. It kills me.

Hello? May I Speak to Marvin?

I think we need to discuss this fake phone talking bit IMMEDIATELY.

p.s. best YouTube freeze frame ever.