I'm always looking (and listening) for cool new Yule tunes. Over the years, I've gathered a collection of songs that have a unique way of getting me in the holiday mood. I am a huge fan of Squirrel Nut Zippers' "Sleigh Ride." I always smile when I hear The Vandals' "Oi To The World." And last year, I got a huge boost of Xmas cheer from Fountains of Wayne's "I Want an Alien for Christmas."

I need these songs, because it seems that no matter where I go this time of year, I end up hearing a thousand different (and all crappy!) versions of "This Christmas." (And what kind of a refrain is "Shakeahandshakeahandshakeahand?" How 'bout we just refrain. Period...) I need to come home, put in the Zippers' Carolina Christmas and sit in front of the tree. It's recharging and refreshing.

So, imagine my surprise, whilst dining at Quizno's last weekend (and after, I kid you not, Ruben Studdard's version of "This Christmas") I heard a FABULONORMOUS version of the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy that took my breath away. The sandwich was good, too. But the music was better. Slinky drum set, paired with a slightly tinny, modern riff on the Fairy's dancin' sequence. I put down my extra sauce and tried to remember the nuances so I could find it when I got home.

It was kind of hard to track down. Though the journey was a reward in itself. I learned about Duke Ellington's excellent Jazz interpretation of the entire Nutcracker, I found the Brian Setzer Orchestra's minute take on the minuet, and then...I found...Christmas Remixed 2 featuring the Berlin Symphony Orchestra's Confectionary delight. I don't know Mr. Red Baron (except as a dude that hangs out with Snoopy on another one of my fave Christmas songs), but I really like what he's done here....

If I ever get bored with Soulwax, I'll check him out, I think.

In the meantime, fall in love with the Fairy all over again. And give the Duke and Brian some listenage, too. It's worth it.
But give Berlin/Baron your full attention. Or give them a gift, if so moved...

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