So last week we saw Aimee Mann's Christmas show at the Birchmere. It's the third time she's doing it and the third time we've seen it -- always a hoot. Which reminded me that I should post some Christmas music on this fine website you are now perusing. Just a couple of songs related to the show.

In his stand-up bit, Paul F. Tomkins mentioned a pet peeve of mine. Song: It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year. Line: "There'll be scary ghost stories..." No. There's really only one Christmas-related ghost story. Don't exaggerate. But despite that line, I actually enjoy that song. It's as American of a Christmas song as you can get: big, happy, and full of hope. It's not really the most wonderful time of the year - the weather sucks, it's stressful, and full of obligations. But during the song, you actually believe that it is.

Here's the original by Andy Williams:

And here's a Shrift remix version (a bit less saccharine):

And Nelly McKay, another singer at the show, has a really catchy and sweet Christmas song, Take Me Away.