christmas series #13: ray charles and betty carter

First of all, I still get creeped out by the resemblance between Jamie Foxx and Ray.

Secondly, I am super into how many Bettys there are in music. Betty Carter is another Betty in a long list of ballers. She's an incredibly talented jazz singer.

In conclusion, I know that everyone and their dawg has covered this song but it remains a personal favorite of mine during the holidays. I also think this is one of the best versions. How smooth? These two BAMFs made an album together in 1961 that included this classic duet. I don't know about you, but this album gives me reason to believe that Santa is real. BECAUSE IT'S MAGICAL AND IF IT'S MAGIC THEN SANTA IS REAL BECAUSE SANTA IS MAGIC.

It's safe to say that this album helped out with Betty Carter's popularity, although she is a really gifted vocalist. You should look up her stuff sometime. Ray, of course, never really stopped being popular but I'm still mad that an actor with two Xs in his name won an Oscar for playing him. (PERSONAL JAMIE FOXX RANT PART #322. It's why I couldn't include a picture of Jamie above side by side with the Ray one, even though that makes perfect sense.)

"Baby, It's Cold Outside" really puts me in a winter mood. Even though it's literally 80 degrees in Austin today and I saw a girl wearing a tank top and jean shorts. Hopefully Santa doesn't get confused by the warm weather and the big man still knows we are here waiting. If it's cold where you are, enjoy this slowed down and exciting version of a great song. Listen to the fire place ROAR!

Ray Charles and Betty Carter - Baby It's Cold Outside

christmas series #12: desmond dekker

I now present to you the return of the Christmas series. Today I saw a woman wearing this shirt:

UGH. Sorry, I just thought it was funnier to show the dog version. ANYWAY, it reminded me that I needed to get started sharing the most delightful holiday soul/all-around baller music I can find.

Desmond Dekker was a Jamaican reggae singer, who also looks like a total baller in a tux. (See Exhibit A.) He also has an album called Double Dekker. PUNNY. You might know him by his hit, "Israelites." It was a smash hit in 1968 and was pretty groundbreaking at the time, considering it was popular and sounded that authentic and tight. "Christmas Day" was also released in 1968, at the height of Desmond's popularity in the USA.

Heat up the Swiss Miss and enjoy the delightful sound of Desmond and his band, The Aces. I LOVE his song talking explaining the birth of Jesus H. and also the amazing back-up singing. Then that incredible "Joy to the World" part comes out of nowhere. How good is Desmond? Desmond passed on in 2006, but listening to this song during the holidays will surely help keep his memory alive.

Desmond Dekker & The Aces - Christmas Day

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

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

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

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

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

christmas series #6: otis redding

Santa is coming! Look busy, assholes! No wait, maybe that's someone else. The bottom line is: it's Christmas Eve! Somewhere, Rudolph is getting ready by drinking tons of protein shakes and pumping up on steroids. Meanwhile, I'm nursing a bloated belly from eating three pounds of mini-quiches.

I figured the best way to spend Christmas Eve, even for all you Scrooges out there, was to sit by the fire (in our Texas weather) and listen to this song with your loved ones. I mean, you can also listen to it alone, if you prefer. That'll work, too. This is a beautiful version of the timeless Christmas classic and maybe my favorite song to be featured in the Christmas Series here on the blog. I really have no issues with the Bing Crosby version of this song, but of course if you know anything about me at all, you know I want a soulful rendition of any song!

Obvi, you know Otis Redding is the biggest baller of all time. He was an amazing Stax soul singer who definitely was taken from us too soon. He died at age 26, which seems completely wrong and unfair. This song will help us appreciate Otis even more than we already do. I hope you are having a white Christmas wherever you are, because I most certainly am NOT. But's it all good. Have a wonderful night tonight, get to bed early, and don't forget to set out cookies for the big guy. Merry Christmas!

Otis Redding - White Christmas

christmas series #5: smokey robinson

Well, here we are. Christmas Eve Eve. HA! Let's face it, if you aren't totally revved up by now, then you will never be. I'm just being real. Christmas is so close I can taste it like a sweet raindrop in my mouth. I've already consumed close to 100,000 calories of whatever foods I want so I can't wait for that to continue for a few more days.

I'm done with all my shopping, too, which is a huge plus. However, in the process, I purchased about twenty items for myself. Problem? Some would say so. Shopping is no fun without throwing a little sumthin in the basket for your big mama (yourself). When I was a kid, I was perpetually peeing my pants on the 23rd. I knew the next day was the EVE and then the BIG DAY. I just couldn't wait. Everything revolved around this. I love that feeling so much that I want to share this song with you. It's also my personal anthem. Christmas every day?! Yes, please. Also, the 23rd means my birthday is exactly one month away. 25 is going to be big, y'all. Isn't quarter-life when you freak out about your receding hairline and then you buy a Porsche Turbo and a lake house? Maybe I'm thinking of something else.

Smokey Robinson is a symbol of Motown. With the Miracles, he had a ton of hits and is well known all over the world. My personal favorite is "I Second That Emotion." New karaoke song! Smokey was with Berry Gordy and Motown from the very beginning as a recording artist and songwriter. He helped bring much success to that label. It's hard not to get a smile on your face when you listen to Smokey sing. But it's even better when he's singing a song about Christmas!

Don't forget to watch Letterman tonight for the annual Christmas show extravaganza featuring Darlene Love. Also, a big Happy Birthday to Kathryn!

Smokey Robinson and The Miracles - Christmas Everyday

christmas series #4: charles brown

I started listening to this song back in September just to prepare for the upcoming holiday season. You know how I do! This is the perfect Christmas song, I think. It's so great. Soulful and awesome and TIGHT as heck. Hot dang.

Charles Brown is a soul and blues singer who also knows how to accurately pose for great photos. He's also from Texas! Holla. This guy plays piano in such a soft and sweet way that it almost melts my cold and dark heart. His piano style has influenced many of the greats, such as that little known artist Ray Charles. He has released a couple of Christmas albums, which makes him #1 in my book. Charles went to the clouds in 1999, so drink some eggnog for him tonight while you listen to this song by the fire. If this tune doesn't make you want to hug your S.O. or just kiss a stranger on the street, then you have no soul.

I got this song from a download I did of one of Bob Dylan's radio shows. So, as an added bonus, you get to hear Bobby speak a little about Charles at the beginning of the song. Not that that should be a problem.

Charles Brown - Please Come Home For Christmas

christmas series #3: darlene love

Darlene Love is a Christmas fixture to me, mostly because she performs every year on Letterman. I'm talking every single year since like 1986. She sings the song I am sharing with you today and always knocks it out of the park. Everyone f-ing loves it and has a great time. I always think about Christmas and Darlene belting it out when I hear her name.

Darlene started her career as part of a girl group called The Blossoms. What a bunch of pistils! Get it? Anyway, she worked with that crazy murderer (allegedly) Phil Spector on several popular songs and made a name for herself as a vocalist. The Blossoms sang back-up on "Johnny Angel." Great. Now you will have that song stuck in your head for the next two weeks. DON'T KILL ME FOR THAT. Darlene has dabbled in acting and keeps on singing to this day. Her voice is awesome. Please watch Letterman's last new show before the holidays to see her sing this year. It's just a good tradition to start for yourself.



Darlene Love - Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)

christmas series #2: stevie wonder

Nothing like a little Stevie Wonder to get you ready for egg nog and sweaters! Welcome to the second of the Christmas series. Sometimes Christmas music gets me real emotional and I have to take a private moment. I start thinking about the birth of Jesus H. and I get all watery-eyed and stuff. Sike! But still, the songs can get touching. Like, the ones about war heroes returning for the holidays and junk. Whatever, I want to dance! Let's make Christmas one big party, y'allz.

As you know by now, Stevie Wonder is a supreme badass. Did you know his birth name is Stevland? That is true. I couldn't make that up. I'm so pissed! I'm changing my name to Annland. Everyone get on board! Stevie is blind and plays like a billion instruments better than you or I ever will and is also an amazing songwriter. I'm getting more pissed by the second. Anyway, he penned this great song as a tribute to my favorite holiday, so I hope you enjoy.
What Christmas means to me is everyone getting real super pissed at one another, then someone slamming a door, then eating cold leftovers while struggling to stay awake as football blares in the background.

Also, I want to give a big shout-out to reader Alicia. She and hubby Adam just had a bouncing baby boy! Unfortch, they did NOT name him Tight, but I can deal. Congrats to you guys. It seems like only yesterday I sat sweating my ass off at your wedding. Touching.

Stevie Wonder - What Christmas Means To Me

christmas series #1: brook benton

Oh hey! It's just me, Brook Benton! I'm leaning on a chair and smiling. Beneath my smile, I'm saying, "Merry Christmas!"

What a baller. I love this song and it's my first of the "Christmas Series" on Is This Tight. My obsession with Christmas does include music, as well. This is one of my favorites. Nothing like a soul Christmas song to keep you in the mood. Here's the deal. Brook Benton is definitely a soul and R&B singer that was fairly popular in the early sixties. Before this, he was a songwriter that had mild success writing songs for people like Nat King Cole. Ain't no bidness like show bidness! After charting dozens of singles, Brook released "Soul Santa" in 1971. This song is one of the tightest things to put on wax! It's totally brill, because it suggests what Christmas would be like if Santa happened to be a black dude. However, no matter what, Santa really does have SOUL. I love this. This song never charted and I could kinda see why, I guess. People aren't ready to consider this option. Also, people can't sit still long enough to actually listen to some good silk in their ear holes. Take my advice and lap this up. You won't be disappointed!

This song is also helping to bring me out of my stomach flu 2008. Yes, I have been turned upside down by some bug, and this explains my lack of posting. But I'm back! 200GREAT!

Brook Benton - Soul Santa