Christmas: From Post Modern Jukebox

On their website, Postmodern Jukebox announced:

Even though holiday repertoire doesn't necessarily fit the typical PMJ mold of "new song turned vintage," there's something timeless about holiday songs that evoke the same feelings of nostalgia that we also try to give listeners.


It's hard to think of a more nostalgic holiday than Christmas, so on the off chance you're looking to add some "vintage" versions of…well, "vintage" songs to accompany your holiday, here are five Postmodern Jukebox remakes of holiday classics, plus one solo piano video from yours truly.   

Here are five more classic Christmas carols,
performed Postmodern Jukebox style.

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
& Angels We Have Heard On High 

The words "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" were written by Charles Wesley, the brother of the founder of Methodism, John Wesley. The tune was initially composed by Felix Mendelssohn in 1840 for the second chorus, "Gott ist Licht" ("God is Light"), of the cantata Festgesang ("Festival Song").

"Angels We Have Heard on High" is generally sung to the hymn "Gloria," a traditional French carol arranged by Edward Shippen Barnes. In England, the words of James Montgomery's "Angels from the Realms of Glory" are usually sung to this tune.

YouTube comments:

  • Christmas and Jazz, like Holly and Ivy.
  • We need to have more Dave Koz....soon. 
  • Robyn could sing the phone book, and I would watch.

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing & Angels We Have Heard On High 
(ft. Robyn Adele Anderson & Dave Koz)

Baby, It's Cold Outside 

In 1949, "Baby It's Cold Outside" was used in Neptune's Daughter. It was performed twice, once with Ricardo Montalban trying to persuade Esther Williams to stay and again with Betty Garrett trying to detain Red Skelton. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song that year.



YouTube comments:
  • I love tap dancing.
  • The loveliest version of that song so far.
  • It was the dog cameo that really made this for me.
  • Ashley Stroud probably has the silkiest voice I've ever heard.
  • I really expected the dog would stand up and start tap dancing.
Baby, It's Cold Outside
Michael Buble (Tap Dance Christmas Cover) 
ft. Ashley Stroud, Alex MacDonald

I'll Be Home For Christmas 

"I'll Be Home for Christmas" was written by Walter Kent (music) and James Kimball "Kim" Gannon (words). Though Kent and Gannon collaborated on other songs, none reached the same popularity as "I'll Be Home for Christmas." 


YouTube comments:
  • Sara is always excellent! Thanks for the great music!
  • This cover felt really sweet and cozy, perfect for Christmas.
  • I came for the great music and stayed for the relentless eye contact from the bass player.
  • This is music. No vocal effects, doubling, or chorus effects. Pure singing and accompaniment.
  • PMJ has produced far more exquisite musicians than any big-name label. They are just incredible.

I'll Be Home For Christmas 
Bing Crosby / Michael Bublé 
(Postmodern Jukebox Cover)
ft Sara Niemietz

Joy To The World 

"Joy To the World" is significant for its widespread use throughout Christian denominations and for the musical stature of the people who created it. The scripture-based words are by the great hymn writer Isaac Watts who based them on Psalm 98 in the Bible. It was first published in 1719 in his collection The Psalms of David: Imitated in the language of the New Testament and applied to the Christian state and worship.


YouTube comments:
  • Von Smith AND the Tambourine Guy? Now it's Christmas! 
  • Von Smith is ridiculous. How is he not a massive star? More of this guy!
  • Freakin' Tambourine Guy, you are the embodiment of The Christmas Spirit. 
  • Consider selling Tambourine Guy motivational posters as merchandise. 
  • As a straight male, I can still say with 100% certainty that the tambourine guy is my soul mate, and I want to marry him. 

Joy To The World
Nat King Cole (Motown Christmas Cover)
ft. Von Smith & Tambourine Guy

What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?
Postmodern Jukebox ft. Rayvon Owen & Olivia Kuper Harris

The Orioles, a pioneering doo-wop group from Baltimore, Maryland, was the first to have a hit recording with this  Frank Loesser's 1947 love song, landing at number 9 on the R&B chart. Loesser was a Broadway legend known for writing and composing music for shows like Guys and Dolls and How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying. He also penned the wintry classic "Baby It's Cold Outside."


 YouTube comments:
  • The clarinet sounds excellent!
  • Beautiful timewarp. I love it!
  • Kylo Ren killed It on the guitar.
  • More Olivia Kuper Harris  Yes, please, as much as possible!
  • Nothing warms the heart more than a PMJ post-Christmas due. Nothing.
What Are You Doing New's Eve? 
Postmodern Jukebox
ft. Rayvon Owen & Olivia Kuper Harris

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