Christmas Music Top 20 Countdown: #20-#16

I tried my best to come up with just a Top 10 list of the best (and my personal favorite Christmas songs). But man oh man was that impossible. So I went with the next best thing: 20! And it works out perfectly with the First Sunday of Advent! Each week for every Sunday of Advent, I’ll be posting 5 songs from my Christmas Music Top 20 Countdown. So here is to Christmas songs #20-16.

20.) “What’s This?”

The Nightmare Before Christmas

It’s the smartest film, in the sense that it works for both Halloween and Christmas! While it’s mostly associated with Halloween, you can’t forget this Jack Skeleton tune of Christmas discovery.

19.) “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays”

*NSYNC

‘Twas the night before I posted this blog and a dear friend of mine reminded me of this timeless classic (thanks Jencine!) In all of its cheesy glory, we can’t forget *NSYNC back in their good ol’ days, riding in a sleigh with cheesy green screen effects in the background. And who can forget good ol’ Gary Coleman as a black elf? RIP

18.) “Christmas Time Is Here”

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Let the torches be lit and the pitchforks be sharpened for what I’m about to say: I’ve never really been a Charlie Brown fan. I mean I played Snoopy in Mesa High’s You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown my junior year, but it never really meant I was head over heels in love with the whole gang. There is something so depressing about all of these grown up little kids. Every special feels so down in the dumps sad. But I will say though that this song is beautiful. Simple as that: just beautiful…

17.) “My Favorite Things”

Diana Ross & The Supremes

Technically this isn’t considered a Christmas song, but it was recorded like one way back in the day for A Motown Christmas back in 1973 (a must have for all the greats, including Stevie Wonder’s version of “Ave Maria”). The Sound of Music is a classic favorite of mine, but this Motown cover captures all the favorite things about the holiday season. Well I’m sure that girls in white dresses and blue satin sashes aren’t everyone’s favorite things, so we’ll say that this gets us to start thinking about our favorite things during the holiday season.

DISCLAIMER: While the video also includes their cover of "Silent Night", only "My Favorite Things" is being included for the countdown. Just keep that mind since a different version of "Silent Night" is on the countdown later...

16.) “A ‘DC’ Christmas Medley”

Destiny’s Child

In the spirit of including an *NSYNC Christmas song, it’s only right that I include the fabulous Destiny’s Child (post-Survivor, pre-Beyoncé solo career…so it was a golden time for the trio). Just about everyone you know has done a Christmas album, but it’s important to stay true to your own style of music, modernize as much as possible, and never lose your trademarks. Destiny’s Child is known for their playful melodies and fast lyrics, as well as for their harmonies and vocal rifts. This is the perfect example of why Destiny’s Child’s Christmas album is a guilty pleasure of mine.

GLEE REVIEW: Hot For Mash-Ups

Mash-Up time is here at last! And man oh man, did they deliver on ADELE!!!

The Good

MASH-UPS!

Glee has turned the mash-up episode into a tradition now. Tonight, they continued the trend with some outstanding and very memorable tunes. The “You & I” mash-up with Idina Menzel and Matthew Morrison was simple, yet extraordinary all at the same time. The dodgeball mash-up of “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” and “One Way Or Another” was playful and entertaining. Who doesn’t love slow motion shots of balls hitting people in the face? New Directions’ had a pretty solid number with their Hall & Oats mash-up. But the clear winner here was Troubletones and their impeccable ADELE mash-up of “Rumour Has It” and “Someone Like You”. In the past (ahem, second season) I was not a fan at all of Glee covering ADELE (good try Gwyneth with “Turning Tables”, shame on you Lea Michele and Jonathan Groff with “Rolling In The Deep”). I was skeptical of Glee’s 300^th musical number being an ADELE mash-up, but I have to say that the songs worked so well together, and especially in the context of Santana’s storyline tonight. Well done! You made not only me, but ADELE proud as well!

Shuck

Shelby and Puck are getting pretty heated. Oh boy did Idina Menzel look smoking in the opening “Hot For Teacher” number. I’m very happy that Shelby finally told off Quinn, but what’s going to happen now? Is this really true love between the student and the teacher? Or is it just another schoolboy crush?

She’s Coming Out

Maybe it shouldn’t have happened this harsh, but poor Santana really did have it coming to her with how poorly she was treating Finn. Now that it’s out in the open, here’s to hoping for nothing but the best when (and if) Santana comes out officially to her friends and family.

What to Look Forward To

Santana is coming out!

Another Katy Perry song to cover!

And what’s the big secret Puck is telling Quinn? And why are they cuddling?!!!

2012 Grammy Nominations (The Rap Categories)

Best Rap Performance

Chris Brown, Lil’ Wayne, & Busta Rhymes – “Look At Me Now”

Drake – “Headlines”

Jay-Z & Kanye West – “Otis”

Lupe Fiasco – “The Show Goes On"

Nicki Minaj – “Super Bass”

Chris Brown does a pretty impressive job keeping up with greats like Lil’ Wayne and the genius that is Busta Rhymes. Drake offers another solid performance. Jay-Z & Kanye West collaborating just seems to make sense here. Lupe Fiasco elevates to another level with this first single. And who can deny Nicki Minaj’s genius from rapping to singing in just one song, all on her own!

And other possibilities:

Drake – “Marvin’s Room”

Lil’ Wayne & Cory Gunz – “6 Foot 7 Foot”

Lil’ Wayne – “How To Love”

Nicki Minaj & Eminem – “Roman’s Revenge”

Wiz Khalifa – “Black and Yellow”

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration

Dr. Dre, Eminem, & Skylar Grey – “I Need A Doctor”

Bad Meets Evil & Bruno Mars – “Lighters”

Jessie J & B.o.B – “Price Tag”

Kanye West & Rihanna – “All of the Lights”

Nicki Minaj & Drake – “Moment 4 Life”

It’s safe to say that at least one of Skylar Grey’s collaborations will end up in this category, and I’m pulling for Dr. Dre’s comeback song. Bruno Mars teaming up with Eminem didn’t make sense at first, but hearing the song, it definitely seems to fit. Here’s my dream pick again, I keep pulling for my girl Jessie J and her collabo with B.o.B. Kanye West’s “All of the Lights” was extraordinary. From the video alone, to the song itself, who else can get background supporting vocals from people like Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Kid Cudi, Fergie, and Elton John among so many others?! That fact alone deserves a nomination. And let’s not forget about Nicki Minaj and Drake (even though I personally don’t feel like Drake’s verse goes along with the theme of the song).

And other possibilities:

Big Sean & Chris Brown – “My Last”

Diddy-Dirty Money & Skylar Grey  – “Coming Home”

Gym Class Heroes & Adam Levine – “Stereo Hearts”

Jay-Z, Kanye West, & Beyoncé – “Lift Off”

Katy Perry & Kanye West – “E.T.”

Nicki Minaj & Rihanna – “Fly”

Rihanna & Drake – “What’s My Name”

Best Rap Song

Chris Brown, Lil’ Wayne, & Busta Rhymes – “Look At Me Now”

Drake – “Headlines”

Jay-Z & Kanye West – “Otis”

Lupe Fiasco – “The Show Goes On"

Nicki Minaj – “Super Bass”

Rap isn’t my forte, which is why this nominations list is the exact same and the Best Rap Performance category above.

And other possibilities:

Drake – “Marvin’s Room”

Lil’ Wayne & Cory Gunz – “6 Foot 7 Foot”

Lil’ Wayne – “How To Love”

Nicki Minaj & Eminem – “Roman’s Revenge”

Wiz Khalifa – “Black and Yellow”

Best Rap Album

Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

Jay-Z & Kanye West – Watch The Throne

Lil’ Wayne – Tha Carter IV

Lupe Fiasco - Lasers

Nicki Minaj – Pink Friday

Kanye West is a creative genius, and the Grammy’s love him! Along with that, it’s easy to see his collaboration album with Jay-Z to get nominated right next to his own solo contribution. Lil’ Wayne will most likely get nominated too, just because he’s Lil’ Wayne. Lupe Fiasco deserves a nomination for his creativity and originality in this field. And of course, we can’t shut out Nicki Minaj’s well-rounded debut!

And other possibilities:

Bad Meets Evil - Hell: The Sequel

Big Sean – Finally Famous

Diddy-Dirty Money – Last Train To Paris

J Cole – Cole World – The Sideline Story

GLEE REVIEW: One Hand, One Episode, One Heart

Here comes the probably THE most controversial episode in their three years of production, and all the haters have nothing to complain about!

The Good

West Side Story Curtain Call

Lord knows how much I love West Side Story! And y’all know just how fast my heart fluttered when I heard and saw Glee’s version of “America”. And aside from the awkwardness of the regulars having Latin accents, Santana killed it, and the inclusion of everyone in the cast was wonderful! Sad to say that it’s over now, but it was a great production I would want to see in its entirety!

Se-bad-ass-tian

Uh-oh! We have another Glee villain! This time though, he’s going after the perfect cute couple: Kurt and Blaine. There were some serious fireworks between Blaine and Sebastian. Their sit-down talk with “A Boy Like That” interspersed in between was genius! Here’s to more trouble brewing!

Coach Beiste In Love

Not much to say here, expect for the fact that this was just adorable! She deserves to be a series regular already! She’s compassionate, real, and such a great asset. This was another tender moment from the Beiste.

Karofsky Returns

It’s sad that he has to be himself in a secluded bar away from his school, but it’s so refreshing that he is coming to terms with his sexuality and not hiding it as much anymore. That was probably the most meaningful moment from this season and especially from this episode. And here’s my thought on the subject: they introduce Sebastian as a threat to Kurt and Blaine’s relationship in the same episode where they bring back the bully who gave Kurt his first kiss. Possible relationship changes? Could we see Blaine going to the dark, slutty side as Kurt goes back to a familiar face? That’s all I’m saying…

The First Time

Alright here comes the part that a lot of you are probably wondering about (calm down now). I have to admit that there is a part of me that is a little weary about the fact that teens engaged in sex in high school is being put out there on prime time television. But at the same time (as sad as this is) that is the reality of our time now. What was very good of Glee to do was to promote safe and responsible action. My morals may be a little jumbled, and I’m not going to go into specifics about what I do believe. But let’s just say that I commend the writers for presenting realistic points of view about this subject, especially when it came for the explanation about waiting for the right person, the one you love, knowing that it’s the right time. It shouldn’t happen out of revenge, it shouldn’t happen out of competition, it shouldn’t take place when you’re drunk, and it shouldn’t take place in a car of all places. The first time needs to be a special moment. Some wait until they’re married, others aren’t married, but have waited until they’re with the right person. I don’t judge either way, and they certainly didn’t judge either last night.

And now time for the controversy behind presenting a gay couple engaged in sex. Remember back last season when Kurt and his dad had a conversation about sex? Does anyone remember how realistic and honest the talk was? Burt told his son that regardless of the orientation, it should be a special time, there needs to be protection, and he doesn’t want Kurt to throw himself around. He is one of the most wholesome characters the show has to offer. Blaine and Kurt are one of the most wholesome couples on TV right now, and everything they said about having the urge to just do it is true. You all know it is. But what people need to back up from is the actual sex. First of all, the show is on at 7pm (8pm for the East Coast peeps) so of course they wouldn’t show actual sex (although they have gotten away with a lot at this time before). They didn’t show anything but innocent touching, caressing, and the guilt-free feelings from both couples who took that big step in their relationship in last night’s episode. There was no nudity. I mean the worst that we saw was Blaine in a tank top (and trust me, I’m not complaining about that at all). We’ll see what happens now, but it was very classy and meaningful at the same time. Nothing raunchy and nothing grotesque. Great job Glee!

What to Look Forward To

The 300^th musical number is set to be a mash-up between ADELE’s “Rumour Has It” and “Someone Like You". While I’ve had my reservations about Glee covering ADELE last season, with Santana and Mercedes taking the reins on this one, I’m all for giving them another chance.

Speaking of mash-ups, it’s come to be a lovely tradition to have mash-up episode this time of year. We’ll see how these ones next week live up to the last two seasons because each year they seem to be getting bigger and better.

And finally, could we see more growth in this possible Puck and Shelby fling? Is it actually a fling? Or is this something more serious? We’ll just have to wait and see!

2012 Grammy Nominations (The R&B Categories)

Best R&B Performance

Beyoncé – “Love On Top”

Jazmine Sullivan – “10 Seconds”

Jennifer Hudson – “Where You At”

Marsha Ambrosius – “Far Away”

Miguel – “Sure Thing”

Beyoncé’s vocal aerobics hopefully are recognized in the performance category. Going up at least 4 different octaves in one song right after the next sure is worthy of a nomination. Jazmine Sullvan’s sultry and dominant voice is worthy of a nomination as well. Jennifer Hudson’s powerhouse range in “Where You At” towards the end deserves recognition (despite the very still first half). Newcomer Marsha Ambrosius deserves a nomination for her Toni Braxton-ish performance. And Miguel’s playful tone should be taken into consideration too.

And other possibilities:

ADELE – “He Won’t Go”

Beyoncé – “1+1”

Beyoncé – “Best Thing I Never Had”

Chris Brown – “She Ain’t You”

Jennifer Hudson – “No One Gonna Love You”

Jill Scott – “So In Love”

Ledisi – “Pieces Of Me”

Marsha Ambrosius – “Hope She Cheats On You (With A Basketball Player)”

Monica & Rick Ross – “Anything To Find You”

Raphael Saadiq – “Good Man”

Raphael Saadiq – “Stone Rollin’”

Best R&B Song

Beyoncé – “Best Thing I Never Had”

Jazmine Sullivan – “10 Seconds”

Marsha Ambrosius – “Far Away”

Miguel – “Good Thing”

Raphael Saadiq – “Good Man”

When looking at writing for an R&B song, Beyoncé’s head above water presence in “Best Thing I Never Had” rises above bitterness and goes straight to thankfulness for not going into the wrong relationship. Jazmine Sullivan’s countdown has angst and power in all the right places. Marsha Ambrosius proves that absence does in fact make the heart grow fonder. Miguel’s playful lyrics have a lot going for him in this category (almost like an R&B Bruno Mars). Rapahel Saadiq’s retro groove deserves recognition as well for its serious tone.

And other possibilities:

Beyoncé – “1+1”

Beyoncé – “Love on Top”

Chris Brown – “She Ain’t You”

Jennifer Hudson – “Where You At”

Jill Scott – “So In Love”

Ledisi – “Pieces Of Me”

Raphael Saadiq – “Stone Rollin’”

Best R&B Album

Beyoncé – 4

Jennifer Hudson – I Remember Me

Jill Scott – The Light of the Sun

Marsha Ambrosius – Late Nights & Early Mornings

Raphael Saadiq – Stone Rollin’

Beyoncé better be getting recognition in this category. It would be a shame without her presence here. Jennifer Hudson delivered a solid sophomore album, and seeing as how her first album won this award a couple years back, it would be hard not nominating her this time around. Jill Scott seems like a great addition in this category for another solid contribution to the world of R&B. Hoping that Marsha Ambrosius gets nominated for Best New Artist, that means her album is sure to get nominated in this category as well. Rapahel Saadiq is another personal favorite, offering another 60’s/70’s throwback album, a lot more solid than his last effort The Way I See It.

And other possibilities:

Chris Brown – F.A.M.E.

Jazmine Sullivan – Love Me Back

Keri Hilson – No Boys Allowed

Miguel – All I Want Is You

2012 Grammy Nominations (The Dance Categories)

Best Dance Recording

Britney Spears – “Till The World Ends”

Jennifer Lopez & Pitbull – “On The Floor”

Lady GaGa – “Born This Way”

LMFAO, Lauren Bennett, & GoonRock – “Party Rock Anthem”

Maroon 5 & Christina Aguilera – “Moves Like Jagger”

It’s hard NOT to nominate one of Britney Spears singles from her Femme Fattale album since every song on there was made for the dance floor. “Till The World Ends” feels like the obvious choice however. No comeback was greater in my eyes than Jennifer Lopez’s return to the clubs with the explosive single with Pitbull. Lady GaGa is another obvious choice for this category. And the last two were both summer anthems that are sure to get recognized as well. LMFAO’s is an actual anthem for partying. Maroon 5 & Christina Aguilera will once again surely get recognized.

And other possibilities:

Britney Spears – “Hold It Against Me”

Britney Spears – “I Wanna Go”

Chris Brown – “Yeah 3X”

David Guetta & Usher – “Without You”

Dev – “Dance In The Dark”

Enrique Iglesias & Ludacris – “Tonight I’m Lovin’ You”

Pitbull, Ne-Yo, Nayer, & Afrojack – “Give Me Everything”

Rihanna – “S&M”

Rihanna – “We Found Love”

Best Dance/Electronica Album

Britney Spears – Femme Fatale

David Guetta – Nothing But The Beat

Lady GaGa – Born This Way

LMFAO – Sorry For Party Rocking

Pitbull – Planet Pit

As mentioned before, Britney  Spears’ Femme Fatale is sure to be nominated since there are no signs of slow songs on the tracklist. David Guetta delivers a solid album complete with amazing guest stars. Lady GaGa is sure to be nominated in this category again with her artistic and electronic approach, mixing heavy metal, pop, and techno into one. LMFAO might be getting a nomination for their dance-heavy album as well. And let’s not forget this dance theme with Pitbull’s own contribution.