Away in a Manger by The Yuletide Lounge Band (from Martinis and Mistletoe: Cool Tunes for Your Christmas Cocktail Party, LaserLight, 2002)

Yeah, I know I used a tune from this CD in last week’s Gift Guide, but what can I say? I love those “devilish flutes”. Because as we all know, if you move the “n” in “Santa”, you end up with “Satan”. At least that’s what the Church Lady says.

Empire State of Mind by Jay-Z with Alicia Keys (from The Blueprint 3, Atlantic, 2009)

So a Cleveland station is bleeping LeBron’s name when they play this song. I’d hate to know what Clevelanders have in mind for Paul Mokeski and Danny Ferry.

Jeopardy Theme (from Classic TV Game Show Themes, Varese Sarabande, 1998)

I need no excuse to get this one on the show. And so I offer no excuse.

Hockey Holidays by The Zambonis (from Play-Off Fever!, Tarquin Records, 1997)

As tender a plea for Yuletide harmony as can be found. To wit, the lyric:

So lower your high stick
And remember jolly ol’ Saint Nick
Hey, you big idiot, Hockey Holidays

Nuttin’ for Christmas by Spike Jones and his City Slickers (from Let’s Sing a Song of Christmas, Verve, 1956)

More Spike for an appreciative listener.

Os iusti by The Benedictine Monks of Santo Domingo de Silos (from Chant, Angel, 1994)

Acrobat music!

Here Comes Santa Claus by Sam Pilafian and Frank Vignola (from Christmas with Travelin’ Light, Telarc, 1993)

Some of my compadres here at The Candy Shop chafe each year when this affable sack of Yuletide breeze opens up and tousles the sports hairdos. But I don’t care. I like any music that’s evocative, and this certainly qualifies.

Waddaya want…Nine Inch Nails?

The 12 Days of a Cleveland Browns Christmas by Elliott, Walter and Bennett (from Youtube)

Apparently this carol concerning the football team representing America’s North Coast is from an out of print 45 single. Too bad, as it’s one of those songs that remains timeless.