volume 124 - are carolers satan’s helpers?

a Run It Back tradition: Xmas songs round 3

editor’s note: surprise! Run It Back regular Ryan is back for a third community feature highlighting songs to get you in the mood for Christmas. you can feel him speaking from the heart through his words.

enjoy :)

editor’s note v2: next week, there’ll be a special edition where we take a peek behind the curtains of the newsletter. regularly scheduled programming will resume in the new year starting with my favorite songs from 2022! 🙏

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Hey Run It Back family – I’m back with the third edition of the Christmas newsletter. In past years we’ve covered the general sentiments of Christmas and the holiday season: Being with loved ones, everyone is happy, optimism, and the hyper-commercialism that’s attached to this time of year.

I wish I had something super bright and cheery to bring you this year, as I truthfully am stoked it’s Christmas time again, but these past few months have been tough.

If anything, sitting down to attempt to write this edition, pick out a few songs, and synthesize some form of thematic thought was cathartic in many ways.

First and foremost, it is nice to remember that we are all part of the Run It Back community, and our love for music creates a bond that strong communities are built on. Writing this also highlighted to me the stark reminder that sometimes the holidays can be tough for folks.

Whether it is missing a loved one, not being able to be near your support system, or struggling with financial uncertainty, there can be a lot of pressures and challenging scenarios that pop up. So if you see someone who isn’t full of joy at all times, just remember there may be something below the surface going on. And instead of jumping to judgment, I’d encourage us all to lend a hand.

With that all in mind, I hope that this holiday season brings some joy and warmth to you and yours.

I’m ready to say goodbye to 2022 heading into the new year! I’m truly appreciative of y’all and the space Claudio has created for us to share our interests. Merry Christmas and happy new year!

- Ryan

this week’s music ⤵️

1. I Won’t Be Home For Christmas
   blink-182
   Released: 2005

Outside the carolers start to sing
I can't describe the joy they bring
'Cause joy is something they don't bring me

In my opinion, this is the best seasonal song that blink-182 has ever put out. It kinda nails the “Ugh, it’s Christmas time again?” vibe that I’ve been feeling in regards to 2022 these last few months.

At its core this song is classic blink: High energy, Travis Barker doing things on drums, and a little bit chaotic.

My first exposure to this song, believe it or not, was at the Vans Skatepark in the Potomac Mills outlet mall here in Northern Virginia. I didn’t know Christmas could ever go (pop) punk, but ever since hearing it I dreamt of more punk Christmas songs. Thankfully Santa read my letter and in 2014 we got Punk Goes Christmas.

2. Christmas Is
   Run-D.M.C.
   Released: 1992

Christmas is the time for giving not for the type
So open, your pockets, your heart, unlock it
Dollars train from Hollis, I give it like I clock it

We previously experienced “Christmas in Hollis” by Run-D.M.C. and honestly I couldn’t be happier to be featuring them again this year. If you haven’t listened to A Very Special Christmas and A Very Special Christmas 2, I can’t recommend them enough. There are some hidden gems on there if you’re looking to mix things up a bit.

Outside of just loving most things that Run-D.M.C. has done, “Christmas Is” continues to hold up year after year. Keeping inline with the themes from above, it touches on some financial themes that come along with Christmas, and how that impacts some communities harder than others.

3. Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree Feat. Grace VanderWaal
   Ingrid Michaelson
   Released: 2018

Rockin' around the Christmas tree
Let the Christmas spirit ring
Later we'll have some pumpkin pie
And we'll do some caroling

In the first Christmas edition of Run It Back, I sang the praises of Brenda Lee’s version of the song. Ultimately I think that’s still the chart topper here, but Ingrid comes in with a great interpretation of a classic. I also love the fact that the music video features some great clay animation, and gives off strong Christmas vibes.

Finally, for me this version hits a lot of highs sonically – Primarily the big band, swing feels you get as you power through this track. If I close my eyes, I can almost picture this being a hit in the 1940s when swing and bands were jamming throughout the country.

4. all i want for christmas is you
   Eden Elf
   Released: 2022

I don't want a lot for Christmas
There is just one thing I need
I don't care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree
I just want you for my own

Look, we all know Mariah kills this version. You didn’t need me to tell you that.

What I like about this version is it’s just a portion of the song. Clocking in at 57 seconds, you get the intro and that’s about it. Just enough to tease you, and leave you wanting for more.

Beyond that, Eden Elf has a really interesting space-y and dreamy sound. Paired with strong vocals, and minimal production on top of things, you’re left with a great interpretation of a Christmas classic.