Sigur Rós @ MoMA // Current

Do I have to write anything else? No.

I wake up to CBC Radio’s Music and Company every morning, and today, at 7am I am promptly greated with the news that Jeff Healey died. The news is somewhat surprising, even though I have no personal stake in or specific love for his music. I guess he just seemed a bit young, and he was. 41 years - complications from cancer.

As I said, I have no particular love of his music, yet he’s been in my mind for a long time. My aunt collected his records, and there’s Healey’s down on Queen and Bathurst. I think it affects me because he seemed, and was, a very genuine person, full of warmth and love for music. It’s always going to suck when people like him go.

Roadhouse Blues

And CBC played him performing a cover of this song, My Blackbirds are Bluebirds Now. I can’t find a version of Healey playing it, but I liked it so much I’m posting the next best thing.

Travelling roughly in a south-west to north-east trajectory…

India - Jolee Abraham - Mary’s Boy Child

By the time this song is over, you’ll have your right hand lifted imploringly too.

Malaysia - Lavende Chong Xuin Ee - Jingle Bells

Not a bad fiddle player, but her dance moves need a bit of work.

Vietnam - The He Tre Children - Feliz Navidad

Disturbingly saccharine music, but helpful karaoke lyrics display so we can all sing along.

Philippines - Namamasko?

I have no idea what this is, but more helpful karaoke lyrics means I can sing along anyway!

China - Unknown Old Man - Jingle Bells

The upside to a globalized economy is random hilarity.

Korea - Class of Kids - Feliz Navidad

A second rendition of this classic, done in the original Spanish.

Japan - Rainbow Pink - Happy Pink Christmas

I really have no words for this.

Mariah Carey - All I Want For Christmas Is You

Your holiday season isn’t complete without shrill histrionics by everyone’s favourite nutjob.

Paul McCartney - Wonderful Christmas Time

The worst synths of all time.

Chris Brown - This Christmas

Chris Brown showcases his electrical super-powers by turning on lights in a neighbourhood devoid of snow, and peeps into windows (which ordinarily would get him arrested, and because he’s young and black, shot). It’s a Christmas miracle!

BAND AID - Do They Know It’s Christmas?

Awesome haircuts + confusingly racist lyrical references = WIN! Thank God it’s them instead of you.

Savage Garden - This Christmas

He’s singing in space. And in space… no one can hear you scream.