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Yesterday I gave my list for the Most Annoying Christmas Songs. Today I’m changing it up and looking on the bright side. This is a list I’ve complied of the Top 10 Greatest Modern Christmas Songs. By “modern,” I don’t mean they were written in the last 10 years, although some were. These are simply the greatest versions of Christmas songs that have been done in my lifetime. I wanted to make sure I didn’t repeat the same song twice. I tried not to repeat the same artist, with one exception. Hopefully you’ll understand why.

10. “Angels We Have Heard on High” -  The Brian Setzer Orchestra
This is mainly instrumental, but it’s a very fun song with great guitar playing by Brian Setzer. Other songs by the band that almost made the list: “Jingle Bells” and “Jingle Bell Rock.”

9. “When a Child Is Born”  – Il Divo
This quartet of guys probably has the best set of vocals in this entire list. Absolutely amazing and stunning, even if I can’t understand most of their music (They sing in 4 different languages if I’m not mistaken.) No surprise, but these guys are another Simon Cowell creation. Their version of “O Holy Night” is amazing as well.

8. “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” – Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan
A group of Canadian guys just had to pick that name for their band, didn’t they? Ugh. I learned a rough lesson many years ago: Never ask your grandparents for a “Barenaked Ladies” album for Christmas. They had a serious discussion with my parents. Anyway, with the added vocals of Sarah McLaughlan, this is a great version of the classic song. Simple music, but a song I love to hear during the Christmas season.

Check it out here: http://bit.ly/7hb0eL

7. “Stille Nacht (Silent Night)” – Mannheim Steamroller
Now that we’re in 2009, some of the music from Mannheim Steamroller sounds cheesy, like a Midi file from the days of Windows 95. However, this soft and soothing song is a classic. It’s a very relaxing version of “Silent Night.”

6. “The First Noel” – Josh Groban and Faith Hill
I could probably put every Christmas song by Josh Groban on this list. The man is amazing! This duet with Faith Hill is the best version of this song I’ve heard. Their voices sound so pure and even the high notes sound effortless.

Check it out here: http://bit.ly/6ni4rK

5. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” – Mariah Carey
Did this one catch you off guard? People may laugh, shake their heads, or roll their eyes, but let’s be honest, it’s a great song that most everyone recognizes. It’s been covered by John Mayer, Shania Twain, Miley Cyrus, and even My Chemical Romance. You may not like Mariah Carey, but this may turn out to be a classic Christmas song that has more staying power than Mariah.

Check it out here: http://bit.ly/4vhRqU

4. “Silver Bells” – Kenny G
Who would have thought a Jewish saxophone player would make the top 5 on a Christmas song list? Although he produces some really laughable songs, this is by far one of the greatest instrumental pieces of Christmas music. When I hear it, it immediately makes me feel like Christmas is coming soon. It also reminds me of the sax playing at the end of SNL during the mid 1990s, but that’s just random.

3. “Christmas Canon” – Trans-Siberian Orchestra
I’ve always been a huge fan of Pachelbel’s “Canon in D.” TSO took a wonderful classic from the 1600s and turned it into something incredible. Although this doesn’t contain their usual screeching guitar riffs, it does contain a choir that really helps bring the song to life. In 2004, the group added to the song with “Christmas Canon Rock.”

2. “O Holy Night” – David Phelps (Live)
This is my favorite Christmas song of all time. It seems like people either master it or butcher it; there’s no in between. After listening to many different versions and arrangements, I’m convinced this is the best version you can find. And to think this is Phelps doing this live…incredible! Also, don’t over look the incredible piano part by the late Anthony Burger.

1. “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24″ – Trans-Siberian Orchestra
As you probably already know, this is a medley of “Carol of the Bells” and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” As much as I didn’t want to repeat an artist, TSO deserves to be on this list twice. With this arrangement, Trans-Siberian Orchestra took classic Christmas songs and cranked up the amps to put Christmas right in your face. This is a song that’s still enjoyable in July. Whether you love the scaling guitars, the pounding piano, or the opening lines of the cello, this is a song that can be enjoyed by everyone…or almost everyone!

Honorable mentions:

“The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)”
“Ave Maria” – Placido Domingo and Michael Bolton [Beautiful song, but not a fan of the translated lyrics]
“I’ll Be Home for Christmas” – Michael Buble
“Believe” – Josh Groban

Did I miss any? Feel free to add to the list!

Tomorrow: Top 10 Classic Christmas Songs

We all have Christmas songs that just annoy the mess out of us. Here’s a list of 10 that I could do without. You may disagree with me, but oh well. It’s my list

10. “Deck the Halls”
It may be a classic, but have you ever looked at the words. I don’t understand what half the song means, and the other half is littered with “fa la la’s.” And I know the meaning of words change over the course of time, but I really don’t want to “don” my “gay apparel.”

9. “All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth”
The song sounds like the kid from Up recorded a Christmas album. This video shows how “goofy” the song actually is:

8. “I Saw Three Ships”
It sounds like an old Irish drinking song and repeats itself over and over and over and over. I’m not not even sure what the song is about, except there were 3 ships, and it was Christmas.

7. “Feliz Navidad”
When every English-only-speaking American knows every single word to the song, it’s time to invent something new. The song is catchy and fun around November 29. By December 24, it’s annoying. Maybe it’s time for us to learn new Spanish songs.

6. “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer”
Have you read all the lyrics to the song? Grandma gets run over and killed and the family takes it just fine. No big deal. Apparently she was drinking too much egg nog, not taking her medication, and wandering around aimlessly. This song isn’t fun. It’s family neglect! Grandma is dead and no one cares! Very disturbing. Not to mention, it’s backwoods hillbilly music. Here’s a clip from the movie that was based off the song. Yikes!

5. “Baby It’s Cold Outside”
When I heard this song in Elf, I loved it. That was until I read the lyrics. This guy sounds like a total pervert who is bent on seducing the girl in any way possible. Don’t believe me? Check out the lyrics:

I really can’t stay – Baby it’s cold outside
I’ve got to go away – Baby it’s cold outside
This evening has been – Been hoping that you’d drop in
So very nice – I’ll hold your hands, they’re cold as ice
My mother will start to worry – Beautiful, what’s your hurry
My father will be pacing the floor – Listen to the fireplace roar
So really I’d better scurry – Beautiful, please don’t hurry
Well maybe just one drink more – Put some records on while I pour

The neighbors might think – Baby, it’s bad out there
Say, what’s in this drink – No cabs to be had out there

She’s trying to get away. He’s trying to get her to stay. And then comes the kicker: “Say, what’s in this drink?” Did he spike it? Sounds a little concerning to me! Here’s a video featuring Rainn Wilson with a funny take on the song:

4. “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”
Even though the song is innocent, in the kid’s mind, he just saw his mom cheating on his dad with Santa. But no worries for the boy. Just plenty of laughs. Riiiiiight.

3. “Santa Baby”
When I hear this song, it makes me feel dirty. It seems like it turns Santa and Christmas into something sexual and deviant aka the opposite of what Christmas is about! And sorry…but NO video for this one.

2. “The Little Drummer Boy”
“Pa rum pum pum pum” are not real lyrics. They’re not even words. Well, “rum” is, but that clearly has nothing to do with the song. I don’t know why but this song has always annoyed me. Maybe because it takes a biblical story and adds a fictional character. Maybe because I’m never seen an ox and lamb keep time. Maybe because drums can’t be used in worship (kidding). I don’t know. Here’s a very awkward encounter between Bing Crosby and Davie Bowie:

1. “Christmas Shoes” by Newsong
This is difficult to put on here because I’ve met and talked with the band many times and they are incredible guys and incredible musicians. I love 99% of their music and their concerts are always great. However, this song makes me hate shoes. I’m not big on “feel good” and “make you cry” Christmas songs. Also, if Momma is about to die, shouldn’t the boy be at the hospital and not buying shoes? And doesn’t he know Momma can’t take those shoes to heaven with her? (I’m being ridiculous. Don’t hate me.) Actually hate me if you want, but when “Christmas Shoes” is being performed live in July, I have reason to make it #1 on my list.

There are many other songs that could have made the list, especially if I journeyed outside the realm of “classic” Christmas songs. Things like “Last Christmas” by Wham, “Do They Know It’s Christmas” by Band Aid, and “Please Daddy (Don’t Get Drunk This Christmas)” by John Denver could all make a list somewhere.

What Christmas songs do you find most annoying?

(P.S. The 10 greatest versions of Christmas songs coming tomorrow)

We’ve heard it said: “The church is full of hypocrites!” That statement is made more often that anyone would like to admit. And sadly, it’s true to an extent. But what specific things cause people to label Christians as hypocrites?

This is something I’ve been thinking about. I’m not looking for answers like “Because Christians ARE hypocrites!” I’m looking for specific answers. What is it that the world sees Christians doing that causes them to label Christians as “hypocrites?”

Is it cussing? Drinking? Drug use? Road rage? Being a jerk. Living contrary to Jesus? Adultery? Pornography? Cheating on taxes? Cheating on a girlfriend or boyfriend? Dishonesty? Materialism? Lack of tithing? Going to clubs? Arrogance?

I really want some feedback on this. Feel free to post anonymously if you wish. I’m not concerned with who answers…just looking for some answers.

What causes people to label Christians as hypocrites?

Like many guys, I enjoy sitting in front of the TV and watching Sportscenter. It’s great seeing highlights of your favorite team win and keeping track of your fantasy football players without having to change the channel.

But lately I’ve been getting pretty sick of Sportscenter, ESPN, and most sports coverage. It’s seems as though the Worldwide Leader in Sports has turned into TMZ rather than a highlight real.

Case in point: Tiger Woods

Since Friday, all of sports coverage has been dedicated to Tiger Woods. If he just won a major, a Grand Slam, broke a record, etc I could understand. But no. Coverage has been dedicated to him because of his minor car accident that has resulted in information about an affair or affairs.

Sadly, our media can’t get enough of it probably because we can’t get enough of it. We love the coverage. We love the rumors. We love the allegations. We love seeing a falling star. Gossip feels great because it’s fueled by speculation and up-to-the-minute updates.

But let’s be honest: IT’S NONE OF OUR BUSINESS!

Are extramarital affairs wrong? Yes. There’s no doubt about it. But would you want your dirty laundry aired on cable TV 24/7, discussed by radio hosts across the country, written about in every paper and online site, and a trending topic on Twitter. No way. We need to get out of it. It’s not our battle. It’s not our fight. This is between Tiger Woods and his wife.

The solution to stop the nonsense is easy: Quit talking about it. But that doesn’t happen in our society. Some may even argue that I’m fueling the fire by writing this. But my point is simple: this is none of our business. It doesn’t need to be talked about on TV, radio, the newspaper, etc.

Let’s pray for these people; not broadcast their personal lives across the wire.

It’s time for ESPN to get back to what it does best: Sports. For some reason, the network seems to think we all deeply care about are Tiger Woods, Derek Jeter, the Lakers, and Tom Brady. Sadly they may be right.

But when it comes to tabloid mania, it still remains none of our business.

We hit a milestone this week on The Brink Podcast. We have officially gone over the 2000 download mark. As a thank you to all of those who have downloaded and listened to the podcast (or even downloaded and never listened), we want to give you a free issue of The Brink Magazine for Winter 2009-10.

Simply listen to this week’s Brink Podcast and we’ll give you the email addy where you can send your mailing address. Maybe you’ll even find it amusing! This week we discuss Bill Cosby, Casting Crowns, 50 Cent, Cyber Monday, and much more! So check it out!

You can find The Brink Podcast by visiting www.thebrinkonline.com/podcast or going to iTunes and searching for The Brink Podcast. If you use iTunes, don’t forget to subscribe!

You can also find it by clicking on the magazine above…the very same magazine you can receive.

Enjoy!