Randy Cassingham's Blog

Posted by Deborah, DC on December 19, 2011:

Peace to you too, Randy.

Posted by Mike from Dallas on December 19, 2011:

Mr Mojo's Christmas, sung to the Doors "The End." Pretty good. And "The Restroom Door Said 'Gentlemen'" about a wrong turn. I bought a CD called Dr Demento's Christmas or something to that effect, and there's Bob Rivers' Twisted Christmas. All pretty good. "The 12 Pains of Christmas"....

I don't know what it is about the Christmas holidays, but even when I was depressed in those times, I wasn't, really. Childhood held no "fond memories" in that regard. Even a fairly nasty divorce during the season failed to drive out the spirit. I'm told that Christmastime just augments the loneliness that some people live in. But there have been certain years of difficulty with no one to share the load; yet Christmas offered a distant hope, however melancholy.

I think that it's because the rest of the world is optimistic about it, and even when I couldn't share it, it was still available for me when I was ready. In fact, it was the holiday spirit that gave me hope that all was not wrong with the world.

Now, with just my wife and me, kids and family being a thousand miles away or more, we don't do much for Christmas celebration, but we still participate, even if just for the neighborhood. Offering that little bit of hope for, as you said, Inner Peace.

Posted by Seth in Oregon on December 19, 2011:

How about giving us the whole list, and maybe where to get the songs?

Thanks!

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I'll consider compiling the whole list, especially if I get more requests. As to where to find them, well, it took me some time to compile them all. It will take you time too, but Youtube probably has a good number of them! -rc

Posted by Dan from Illinois on December 19, 2011:

I love the songs you listed. The whole list would be wonderful to have! I have a wide variety of weird Christmas songs too. My children grew up with my very eclectic musical tastes, and have continued in that vein.

Oh, and I love the Tractors! They are certainly out standing in their field.

Posted by Marsha, Yorktown, VA on December 19, 2011:

With all the anguish and pain in our world today, I think your sentiment of "peace" is quite beautiful in its simplicity. Perhaps if more people possessed an inner peace, we wouldn't have drunk drivers taking out carloads of college kids headed home to their parents, or suicides on Christmas Eve because others felt so utterly alone. Take that extra few seconds this year to smile at someone, as trite as that sounds, to speak to them, and wish them peace in whatever fashion you're comfortable with...you may be the only one who took that time today to do it, and it could make a world of difference to a person who is otherwise completely alone this Christmas. Peace and blessings to you all.

Posted by Deborah, San Jose on December 19, 2011:

Thanks for both links. I really, really love the Blues. It's my all-time favorite music.

I too would like to have the entire list, if you are so inclined.

Until then, thanks for sharing. Peace.

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OK, I'll compile the list and post it soon. -rc

Posted by Mark, Omaha on December 19, 2011:

+1 for the whole list.

I think I can appreciate your anger over what people do or what can happen over the holidays, but I also appreciate your taking the time to share your thoughts with all of us.

I wish you and yours peace as well.

Posted by Charlie - Wexford PA on December 19, 2011:

You really owe it to yourself to check out Darryl Purpose's CD -- The gift of the Magi -- or at least buy the download of You Must Go Home for Christmas -- the best cut on the album. It's only $.99 at Amazon. I see there are several copies of the CD used for about $8 (including shipping). Hope you like it.

And yes, put me down as a request for your whole list. I love the Bowie, Crosby cut. I assume you have the whole version with the conversation at the beginning? Good stuff.

Hope your Christmases continue to get better.

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No, I just have the music for Crosby/Bowie. I'm listening to "You Must Go Home for Christmas" now -- on Youtube (not Purpose's recording, but a cover). -rc

Posted by Jeremy, Oregon on December 19, 2011:

It took me a minute to make a correlation between 'weird' and the Crosby/Bowie duet. I enjoy that particular song, mostly due to the velvety voices. Allow me to add my request for 'The List'....

Peace to all of you this holiday season; gods know I could use some... :)

Posted by l.d. Ohio on December 19, 2011:

This time of year I try to listen from inside myself. I can remember Christmases of childhood that seemed to be great ... but most had "strings attached" when I look back at them. I know, first/second/third-hand that this time of year can be killer.

That is why I have come to where I simply tell people I wish them a comfortable holiday season.

Posted by Jean in Oregon on December 19, 2011:

I've always liked Mannheim Steamroller, especially the bells. Add me to the "publish the whole list" list. May your days be merry and bright!

Posted by Juli, Colorado on December 19, 2011:

Randy, the wish for peace that you extended is very much appreciated. I would like to return the sentiment and also wish you a helping of joy to go with the peace. With Kit in your life, you obviously have love.

PS I would like that list, too.

Posted by Craig in Circle Pines, MN on December 19, 2011:

Similar Christmas experiences, Randy; meat wagon, police and fire service. The only good Christmases were those when the phone didn't ring.

Excepting childbirth, of course.

Had one call to a major mall the week before Christmas. A woman in labor on the floor in the middle of the mall had drawn a large crowd. We showed up, "Everybody, form a tight circle around the scene. Now, turn and face outward." Full compliance. After twenty minutes, the baby's cries filled the mall. Almost instantly, a flood of stuffed toys and baby blankets started flowing into the scene over the top of the crowd.

We had some good calls.

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I've only assisted in one birth (we don't "deliver babies" -- the mothers do!), and that one was at ...San Quentin prison! Another story for another time. -rc

Posted by Elias, CCEMT-P, New York on December 19, 2011:

From the days before CISD became a big thing eh?

The scars we bear from our profession rarely show. Know that all the rest of us stretcher jockeys are here for you, we do "get it" more than others can.

Shalom, Peace brother.

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CISDs are "Critical Incident Stress Debriefings" -- an attempt to avoid PTSD in emergency responders. And no, there was no such thing in my earlier career, but I've been part of CISD panels twice in recent years to help others. Elias is a CCEMT-P (as noted by his name) -- a Critical Care Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic, otherwise known to me as a "brother medic". Thanks, Elias. -rc

Posted by Jim, Minnesota on December 19, 2011:

I get Christmas Blue as well. A few days before Christmas many years ago, I was in a motel in Aurora, Colorado, chatting with the owner when a woman came in. Her English was poor, but we gathered that there was some issue in the pool area. I went with her to the pool and saw an 18 month old laying on the deck -- not breathing and blue.

I told her to call 911, which she didn't understand until I screamed at her to call 911. She went back to the office and repeated my words, which caused the owner to rush in and call from the pool. I had no training in first aid on an infant and guessed how much inflation to apply. I felt the child's pulse stop just as the medics arrived (from across the street at Fitzsimons Hospital). He didn't recover.

My Christmas Eve was spent in a funeral home with the mother and her other child. It turned out that she had come to Aurora to try to reconcile with her husband, stationed at Fitzsimons -- he didn't even come to the funeral. She didn't have enough money even to pay the bill and travel home. The motel owner, funeral director, some of the ER staff, and I chipped in.

I've gotten over the anger at a mother who would leave a child in a pool area, a father who didn't care as much as a stranger, and maybe me for not being able to do more (the docs said it was too late when I entered the room), and a huge amount of grief for that family. 30+ years later, I can still taste his vomit and tears run when I remember the last heartbeat.

However, I have gone from Christmas Blue to" I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" (Usher's rendition is on Youtube). I get that one as well. Christmas is a joyous time, partly because I actively seek people who are in a bad place where I can do something about it. Mostly that's listening.

Why write all this? I guess because I feel a bond in sharing the loneliness of a grief only "samaritans" can feel. I greatly respect the profession that can experience events like these and then do it again -- and again. Thanks for being one of those.

I wish you peace, friend.

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Thanks -- and thanks for showing that one doesn't have to be in "the profession" to have such experiences, and to make a difference. -rc

Posted by Mickey - Panama City on December 19, 2011:

Randy, I love you man, and all the work you do. I also collect and enjoy "weird" Christmas music, "Roadkill Deer" being one of my alltime favorites.

But, to another (albeit related) subject: When you mentioned "The Tractors" I thought you were talking about these guys who I absolutely LOVE!

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I have, indeed, seen that one. Sweet Georgia Brown! -rc

Posted by Seth from Oregon on December 19, 2011:

As long as we are posting our favorites from Youtube, here is mine, the classic I Am Santa Claus.

Been a premium reader for many years, first blog I have commented on, big fan of This Is True!

Thanks Randy, Happy Holidays to you and yours!

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Yeah, that qualifies as weird! -rc

Posted by Jennifer; Los Angeles, CA on December 19, 2011:

Randy, that was a terrible tragedy you had to deal with; it's understandable that Christmas would suck for you. I am glad it's getting better.

You are the first person who has made it "okay" to not be a part of the hustle and bustle and merrymaking of Christmas. I believe Christmas Blue feelings are intensified due to the fact that we know it's taboo to talk about them. Those who are happy do not want to hear about others' sadness and loneliness. They think if you would just go to a party, your mood would lift. Deep emotions don't work that way. It helps to know someone out there understands.

Peace to you and Kit.

Posted by Brian, CT on December 20, 2011:

Ooh, I'd love to see this list...got two to add, too!

First would be Spike Jones' All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth.

Second would be Bela Fleck and the Flecktones' extremely weird Jingle Bells and then What Child is This, both with the Alash Ensemble.

And yes, that is an electric banjo.

Posted by Meg @ Corvallis on December 20, 2011:

You have some good ones - I have to add the Christmas in the Stars album though. Partly because it's Star Wars Christmas, partly because it's Jon Bon Jovi's first recording gig.

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Here's a sample on Youtube. -rc

Posted by Maureen, NH on December 20, 2011:

Peace to you, Randy. Thanks for this and the weekly laugh you send to my mailbox!

Posted by Mike, Somewhere between Ohio and Afghanistan on December 20, 2011:

I used to not understand how people couldn't be happy during the Christmas season, but in the last few years, I've come to understand how it happens.

A few years ago, my daughter's great aunt was very sick on Christmas and passed away on the day after Christmas. The following year, my grandmother passed away a couple weeks before Christmas, and the funeral wasn't until after the New Year. Needless to say, those two Christmases were very sad for our family.

The next year, we celebrated Christmas to its fullest. In fact, my daughter (who was 16 at the time) refused to let us take down the Christmas tree until June! She said, "I didn't get the last two Christmases, so I want to keep this one as long as possible!" She really taught me something when she said that, and I'll never forget it. Christmas is another day on the calendar, and some years, that day sucks. But it helps to remember the spirit of the season, celebrate when you can, and reach out to those who can't.

I will be spending the next two Christmases in Afghanistan, 8,000 miles away from my family and new fiancee. Lots of tears are being shed as I prepare to leave, but we got to celebrate our Christmas early, and next year we'll celebrate it a little late -- after I get home. Even if we didn't get to celebrate it on the calendar day that the rest of the world does, we still get a measure of joy mixed in with the melancholy.

Thanks for the great post, Randy! (And, by the way, I saw the lyrics and have NOT listened to "Silent Night, Christmas Blue" yet. Not ready...)

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It's a beautiful song. If it doesn't make you tear up, I'll be surprised. -rc

Posted by John, Townsend GA this month on December 20, 2011:

Not what I expected from your facebook post.

Rivers Comedy project's twisted Christmas "The Restroom Door Said Gentelmen" Is one of the comedy ones that gets a laugh from me. About the only one in fact.

What I was thinking... I used to have a serious issue with what is called Holiday Depression till one year when some stuff happened. But it's a long story, so I'll cut to the chase.

Played a harmless practical joke, cost me 10 bucks, wound up donating not 10 but over sixty dollars to the Salvation Army as a result. Not only was this the kind of practical joke where nobody got hurt. But, well, Folks actually got HELPED as a result.

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Whatever it was, it sounds like it changed things around for you, which is a Good Thing. -rc

Posted by J.R, Holt MI on December 20, 2011:

About.com has a nice list of Blues Christmas albums.

I grew up with The Sinatra Christmas Album, as my mom was a big fan of Frank. His ultra-hip, jazzy "Jingle Bells" will always be on my weird Christmas songs list.

I've also been a fan of other genres taking a stab at Christmas covers. For Swing fans, I can't recommend enough the Brian Setzer Orchestra's first Christmas album, Boogie Woogie Christmas. Another of his Christmas albums, Dig That Crazy Christmas includes "Santa Drives a Hot Rod", which is just good fun.

Good, bad, or otherwise, your music can help your mood during the Holidays. Please share your whole list, as time permits, and thank you for your column.

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Sinatra's JB is on Youtube here. I do have a bit of Brian Seltzer in my list, which I hope to have posted by Friday. -rc

Posted by Linda, Pittsburgh on December 20, 2011:

Check out Big Bad Voodoo Daddy's Christmas Album. They do a mean "Mr. Heatmiser" rendition. Its awesome!

Thanks for all your hard work throughout the year!

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That's also on YouTube. Amazing resource, isn't it? -rc

Posted by Valerie, Memphis on December 20, 2011:

I always enjoy your posts, but have never responded before now. Thank you for voiceing the feeling many of us have around this time of year. Everyone is different and not all of us "get that giddy feeling" and we can enjoy those that do without having to be just like them.

I wish you and yours Peace, Joy and Contentment.

I love the odd christmas songs too.

Posted by Theresa, Washington on December 20, 2011:

Randy, for the many years of laughter and opportunities to think a little more, thank you. I hope to be able to subscribe to you for many more years to come.

Peace, love and harmony to you and yours, and to all your readers; their comments have helped broaden my perspective, as well.

And to add to your growing list of music -- "Snoopy's Christmas" by the Royal Guardsmen; it was on a Charlie Brown's Christmas album we had when I was a kid.

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I remember that one from my childhood too! Haven't heard it in years, but here's a video of them doing it live. -rc

Posted by Carolyn /Walla Walla on December 20, 2011:

I was in the medical profession years ago, I am 87 now. I know that you were affected by the car crash and I know I had several bad memories of Christmas blues, but I really enjoy your news notes and the follies of humanity that bring me mirth today. I face a move into a retirement facility Christmas week(!) Devastating to me, I am a china painting teacher and had to part with many antiques...sadly.

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Hopefully you (or someone!) found new homes for them, where they will be treasured for years to come. -rc

Posted by Mike from Dallas on December 20, 2011:

Many years back, I was in Beirut, Lebanon, as a civilian. This is not the forum to describe the horror I saw there, the desolation of people's homes, the bleakness of their lives, the losses of their children. And, it was not at Christmastime. Yet not long after my return, I listened to an unpublished track of "What Child Is This?" by the Moody Blues, and it superimposed over my memories of the carnage I saw in Beirut. The music now seems to be on Youtube.

A desperate plea for world peace as the charred bodies of dead children lie in the street because parents cannot go out and bury them for fear of being killed by snipers. I enjoy Christmas, but I still cry when I hear this song nearly 20 years later.

Posted by Michael, Mo. on December 20, 2011:

I drove a truck for two years. Just before the last Christmas I drove we were going down the New Jersey turnpike when a crazy man decided to use our truck for suicide. His wife and three-year old girl were with him and he was going the wrong way. We managed to almost stop because we were empty. However, his car was wedged under the truck's front bumper. He escaped with a broken arm and his wife's legs were pinned under the dash. She had to be cut out of the car. The girl was not in any restraints and was thrown up against the dash. This really took the joy out of Christmas that year. We were told later the little girl would never be the same again. This wasn't his first suicide attempt.

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Want to commit suicide? OK, that's his decision. But to involve others -- you, his family, and perhaps others -- is slimy selfishness. -rc

Posted by Marc = Chicago burbs on December 21, 2011:

For a carol nothing beats “Do You Hear What I Hear.”

For me, Christmas will always be the short, out-of-shape, middle aged, white collar working man on his way home with his Christmas bonus in his pocket. When he was accosted by the 6' 4" body builder, he quickly gave up his wallet, but the lousy, rotten perp shot him in the abdomen anyhow. He was still conscious and talking when he arrived in our ER. Despite massive transfusions and my best surgical efforts, he died on the table.

Peace ... it would be wonderful especially if we could stop killing each other without reason.

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Yep: world peace is pretty difficult, and out of the control of mortal men. That's why I wish you inner peace, Marc. That is, indeed, in our control, if sometimes difficult to achieve. -rc

Posted by Bruce, Minnesota on December 21, 2011:

I have to share MY personal favorite humorous Christmas tune. Ray Stevens Santa Claus is Watching You. It is somewhat ironic because I have a brother named Marvon and my name is Bruce. He includes those names as the first two reindeer names after he says the traditional eight. A close second is the classic by Yogi Yorgenson, I Just Go Nuts at Christmas.

Both help make the Christmas season more enjoyable. Merry Christmas to all.

Posted by Michael, Florida on December 22, 2011:

I completely understand what you mean about anger during the holiday season.

I am a police officer who specializes in DUI enforcement. Especially and specifically drug impaired driving. Having investigated many fatalities due to this, I can understand the anger. I have found though, that many things are out of our control. We do the best we can to make this a better place to live, to educate, and to help others. At the end of the day though, everybody makes their own decisions. Try as we may, we cannot stop people from making stupid decisions. All we can do is educate and enforce, and sometimes, unfortunately, pick up the pieces.

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Yeah, I let the anger go many years ago -- but the memories remain. Thanks for your efforts to prevent it all, and for helping to pick up the pieces of those who won't listen (and their victims). -rc

Posted by Chip, Berkeley Lake, GA on December 23, 2011:

Thanks for the song recommendations. We will definitely look for some of those on your list that we don't already have.

Brian Setzer's "(Everybody's waiting for) The man with the bag" is also a favorite - even if it's not a blues number.

Another tune you might check out this year is the version of Jingle Bells that Steve Miller is giving away on his website (yes, that Steve Miller!). It's a jazz inspired take -- but it's fabulous, and all they ask is for your e-mail address.

Merry Christmas to all!

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I'm wary of sites that "just" ask for my e-mail address. If I want to hear from them regularly, fine. But it's rare that I do. Check their privacy policy before giving up your address. -rc

Posted by Darryl in Toronto on December 23, 2011:

I have to say that my favorite is Carol of the Bells as that I play the English handbells. I love listening to them. Of course I find this Muppets rendition.

I also love Weird Al's two forays into Christmas with "Christmas at Ground Zero" and The Night Santa Went Crazy. I can't watch "Christmas at Ground Zero" here in Canada...sucks...but anyways, search for it and enjoy.

Peace to you and your family.

Posted by Robert in KY on December 24, 2011:

I am really enjoying the various suggestions for great Christmas songs- I only wish I could find decent copies (not YouTube, as a rule!) of "Santa Got a DWI", "Five Pound Box of Money", "Christmas is Revolting and So Are the Elves", and "Mail Me Home For Christmas". Not very likely, but it is something to search for every year about this time. Merry Christmas to all you music lovers out there!

Posted by Bruce, Minnesota on December 24, 2011:

Randy, you posted the link to the Royal Guardsmen doing the Snoopy vs the Red Baron song. That is the original, not the Christmas version. Here is the sequel.

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Actually, someone else posted the link, but I'm glad to have the "correct" one. -rc

Posted by Anita, California on December 24, 2011:

Thanks for all you do. I know I love the odd songs and all the stories have helped me through some tough times. God Bell

Thank you.

Posted by Michelle, NY on December 24, 2011:

Randy, now you have to put a "Like" button in your comment sections. Every one of these comments struck a chord. Everyone has a story. I loved all of the songs listed. Thank you for your insight. A Christmas present to you: One additional Premium Subscriber. Thank You & for all you do. :-)

Posted by rewinn, Mercer Island on December 26, 2011:

Best wishes for you and yours, and may I never need your emergency services!

The Bob's Christmas Album is worth a listen, especially their Christmas In Jail. (And thanks to YouTube's habit of recommending related videos, I've got a whole lotta twisted holiday music to listen to!)

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Don't worry: Washington is a bit outside my response area. -rc

Posted by Stan, Scotland UK on December 27, 2011:

I hate myself for mocking, but the comment from Dan of Illinois cracked me up when he wrote about The Tractors being out standing in their field!

Posted by Roy, NE on December 27, 2011:

Merry Christmas to you and all of my co-subscribers, Randy!

Thank you for sharing such interesting music/lyrics with those of us who may not have been familiar with the genre :)

I appreciate your thoughtfulness in every commentary you post.

Happy New Year and hopefully many, many more to come!

Posted by Tom in Amherst NH on December 27, 2011:

Got to love Bob Rivers and Twisted Christmas -- classics like "Chipmunks Roasting on an Open Fire" and "Walking 'Round in Women's Underwear", and a whole lot of others. I too have the Dr. Demento Christmas collection and some other weird holiday music. "Rusty Chevrolet" by Da Yoopers (who, I believe, are from the upper peninsula of Michigan) is a major favorite.

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Also available on Youtube. -rc

Posted by Deborah, San Jose on December 27, 2011:

Randy, thanks for adding lots more of your fave Christmas songs. I've enjoyed them so much I've listened to them over and over.

Happy New Year!

Posted by Craig - Calgary, Alberta, Canada on December 28, 2011:

"Weird Christmas songs" kind of jumped out at me while reading the latest issue of "This is True," so I had to check to see if one of my favourites was included. It wasn't, so I thought I'd mention it.

It has the geeky yet whimsical title "A Spaceman Came Traveling" and was created by Chris de Burgh over a 1/4-century ago. My baby brother (he's been Mormon for over 15
years, now ) and I (born Jehovah's witness but I'm a human being now) both love it; it's a nifty re-telling of the nativity story with an almost "Chariots of the Gods" (if you aren't old enough to recognize that bit of newage, look it up in your local library) point of view. It's still awfully sweet, albeit weird. You can find the lyrics here.

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And on Youtube here.

Posted by Bob - Milford NH on December 28, 2011:

Second the comment re The Bobs -- my fav is Rasta Reindeer (reggae version of Little Saint Nick by the Bleach Boys).

Brave Combo has a Christmas album -- my favs are O Christmas Tree (Brazilian street samba) and Little Drummer Boy (latin jazz). They also do O Holy Night Cha Cha (not on the Christmas album).

The Three Stooges also covered I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas.

Oh, and, yes, my alltime fav Christmas song is Silent Night Christmas Blue by the Tractors.

Posted by Josie, Kansas City area, KS on December 28, 2011:

I'm surprised no one has yet mentioned "A Christmas Carol" by Tom Lehrer. Written and recorded over 50 years ago, it's still entirely valid today.

Another one that rips on commercialization of Christmas is Greg Lake's "I Believe in Father Christmas" (lyrics by Pete Sinfield). This is one that keeps getting played at Christmas, even though Lake himself didn't consider it a Christmas song. The original video, which the link goes to on YouTube, is not particularly light-hearted, especially the scenes using Vietnam War footage.

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Both songs are in my collection. -rc

Posted by Mike from Dallas on December 28, 2011:

An addition in recent years, Joe Diffie's country rendition of Leroy the Redneck Reindeer, who had to stand in for Cousin Rudolph one Christmas

Yeah, and "Porky Pig's" rendition of Blue Christmas. Now I can't listen to ANY version without hearing "I'll have a bidee bidee uh bidee b-b-blue Christmas w-without you...".

Posted by Ron McC., Chester, NJ on December 30, 2011:

I stumbled into your Christmas music list at 1:30am. Gotta check out those, esp. Porky Pig, but not tonight. :)

I have maybe 150 Christmas CDs, mostly straight, but some "different" ones, too. In the meantime, I recommend The Night Before Christmas by Timothy P. Irvin and The Rocky Mountain Stocking Stuffers

For the past ten years a group of Denver area musicians has performed this bluegrass version of "The Night Before Christmas".

Keep up the good work!

Posted by Korey in Tucson on December 30, 2011:

Red Nosed Reindeer Blues (and 194 other songs) by the Asylum Street Spankers can be found on their myspace page. As a word of warning, do not click on their cover of Lucille Bogan's "Shave 'em Dry" if you are easily offended by racy lyrics.

Their entire "A Christmas Spanking" album can be found here at Yellow Dog Records.

Posted by Dave, S.C. on January 2, 2012:

Might I recommend Twangles, the Christmas Squid, by Jason Morris?

Posted by Jeff in Missouri on January 3, 2012:

Krista Detor's groundbreaking (Christmas?) CD "Winter Wood" has the kitchy Sheriff Santa from Montana and the wonderfully weird 'One Too Many Christmases'.

These are like old friends, they get better each time.

Posted by George, Upstate New York on January 17, 2012:

Hi..I was an Army MP, so I also had my share of holiday disasters. Hang in there.

One of my favorite all time oddball xmas songs is Root Boy Slim & The Sex Change Band's "Christmas at K-Mart"...an under-appreciated gem if ever there was.