Baby It’s Cold: 1952 Gimme Some Lovin’

The traditional songs get strong play this year (Rosemary Clooney and Gene Autry sing ‘The Night Before Christmas’ rather than recite it–finally). But Christmas is taking on a whole new feel: romance. Sure some of that jazz and doo wop has been insinuating sex for a while, but we have got to get a genre going. Frank Loesser’s ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’ started something in 1949 (everyone from Ricardo Montalbano to Bob Hope to [my favorite] Homer & Jethro [with June Carter] recorded it that year).

Love godlet Eddie Fisher alternately belts and croons JUST FOR YOU with “You’re All I Want for Christmas.” Flipside “Christmas Day” is smooove as well, but it seems to be more about Mommy than amore.

Stern looking Jo Stafford (‘You Belong to Me’) and Mr. Rhythm Frankie Laine (‘High Noon [Do Not Forsake Me]’) collaborated on this fun and flirty swing duo “Christmas Roses.” Did it start a new gift-giving craze? Dunno, but it’s sounding like rock ‘n’ roll is around the corner.

Died. You’re Welcome: celebrity

LA DJs Kevin and Bean don’t exactly turn me on, but they occasionally sniff out a good piece of parody.

Their 1998 compilation Santa’s Swinging’ Sack came out the year Ol’ Blue Eyes passed on. Ergo, ‘Ralph Sinatra’ singing “Christmas When You”re Dead.” Yeah, i laughed. And i’m glad. (No imagery here: that seems about right.)

Died. You’re Welcome: murder (4)

American folk-singer and humorist, Loudon Snowden Wainwright III (that ‘Dead Skunk (In the Middle of the Road)’ guy) delivers on the 2nd Amendment and our God-given right to kill just like in the video games with a sweet Nat King Cole kinda tune. Remember, ammo means I Love You in Latin.