ARTS & CULTURE

The Plant Recommends: Holiday Songs!

Santa Baby by Eartha Kitt

Through Kitt’s entrancing angelic voice, catchy brass arrangements, playful lyrics, and percussion-like baritone notes that oddly evoke My Singing Monsters, the polished yet daring atmosphere of the 50s is literally bursting out of this frisky melody that instantly became a Christmas classic. For its flirtatious lyrics deemed overly suggestive by music critics of the era, “Santa Baby” was temporarily banned in the Southern U.S. following its release in 1953. Nevertheless, this polarizing controversy did not keep Kitt’s single from becoming the best-selling Christmas song in America that year; the skeptics simply couldn’t handle the heat of this Yule banger. Because it has been featured on lists of both Best and Worst Christmas tunes ever written (irrefutable evidence of its greatness) and especially because it is the sentient embodiment of everything that is inherently wrong with our modern holiday season to the point of uninhibited irony, I can’t help but cherish “Santa Baby” with unveiled affection.

SIMONE BÉLANGER, Arts & Culture Editor

Photo VIA MICHAEL OCHS ARCHIVES

River by Joni Mitchell

Leading up to 1971, Canadian icon Joni Mitchell was coming out of a breakup with her former partner Graham Nash. What resulted was the composition of a wonderfully sorrowful and vulnerable piece titled “River,” released on her fourth studio album Blue. Mitchell’s bell-like voice will certainly tug at your heartstrings. The song, which is set during the holidays, contains melodic notes reminiscent of “Jingle Bells.” Yet, “River” is unique, as it “expresses regret at the end of a relationship, but also about being lonely at Christmastime.” Just one listen and you’ll wish you had a river so long you could skate away on.

MATHEW ANANIA News Editor & Managing Editor

I have always been a fervent believer in the supernatural aura that taints the holiday season’s crisp air. This shared implicit knowledge that a veil is being lifted, that mythical creatures become not so mythical after all, awakening under the gleam of the cold-hearted orb, ruler of the otherworldly nights awaiting us. Legends from all around the globe depict these uncanny visitors that only emerge once a year: the voracious Jolakotturinn, an Icelandic monstrous Yule cat; the devilish, bestial Krampus, instigator of a morbid dread among Austrian younglings; Japan’s Santa Kuroshu and his upsetting second pair of eyes, restlessly hunting naughty children down; or even Kallikantzaros, werewolf-like beings, tyrants of Eastern European frigid nights. Yet, these chilling omens of human animist nature are only a fraction of what makes this peculiar time of year magical. For many, the trancelike, blissful energy that characterizes the holidays is catalyzed through music, which is why, this December, The Plant wishes to share some of its beloved holiday songs. Enjoy those tacky, jolly tunes - but beware: who knows where Krampus might be lurking…

SIMONE BÉLANGER, Arts & Culture Editor

Don’t Shoot Me Santa by The Killers & Ryan Pardey

As you decorate your gingerbread houses with your friends or family in preparation for the holidays (check out the Curiosities section for a stellar recipe), The Killers’ “Don’t Waste Your Wishes” album plays. With artists such as Elton John, Wild Light, Neil Tennant, and Jimmy Kimmel featured on the album, you know that it’ll be a jolly good time!

KARA FUSARO, Curiosities Editor

We’re The Lucky Ones by The Marías

As you snuggle up in your soft fleece blankets, listen to “We’re The Lucky Ones” to be gently reminded of the coziness of the holiday season. Through the winter’s biting cold and your cheeks turning rosy red, let The Marías push your frosty fingers closer to the ones you love most. We’ve come this far with beating hearts, and though the temperature’s dropping, may this holiday season embrace you in warmth.

HANNAH DANE, Co-Copy Editor

My Favorite Things by Julie Andrews

Ever since my childhood, I have had a tradition of watching The Sound of Music every year around Christmastime despite it not being that much of a holiday movie. Nevertheless, this song has always gotten me into the holiday spirit. Whether it’s the lyrics that get stuck in your head or the holiday-like instrumental notes that back them up, this song is simply one of my favorite things!

ALESSIA VIGNA, Secretary