Tinsel Tunes - The Christmas Music Podcast

Jaksot

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  87: Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy 03.04.2026 50min

  This month, Duane and Scott discuss "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Songs played in this episode:Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy (Solo Piano) by VinheteiroDance of the Sugar Plum Fairy (Banjo Duet) by Fitzpatrick MediaDance of the Sugar Plum Fairy (Jazz Nutcracker) by Peter HostageDance of the Sugar Plum Fairy by Lindsey StirlingDance of the Sugar Plum Fairy (Reggae) by Is This LoveSugar Plum Funk by Kid KasinoThe Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71A — Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy by Leopold Stokowski & The Philadelphia OrchestraMr. Rogers' Neighborhood — Celesta Intro by UnknownHedwig's Theme (Celesta) by John WilliamsDance of the Sugar Plum Fairy (Club Mix) by Betty Booom & Captain MattNutcracker Suite by Brian Setzer OrchestraTetris NES — Type 1 Music by Nintendo Entertainment System OSTHere are Duane’s social media links.
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  86: Mele Kalikimaka 23.02.2026 50min

  For the first episode of 2026, Duane and Scott discuss the song "Mele Kalikimaka".Here's the documentary called "Brenda Lee: Rockin' Around" that listener Pandy told us about.These are the two versions that listener Pandy sent us of I Saw Three Ships: The first is from Maddy Prior & the Carnival Band and the second is John Renbourn of Pentangle.If you'd like to submit versions of "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" for our March episode, please use this Google Form.Versions of "Mele Kalikimaka" played in this episode:Bing CrosbyGeoff CastellucciReel Big FishLambo Lambo RockJosh TatofiKacey Musgraves and Zooey DeschanelChristafari & KapenaLucky JonesIam Tongi (live)The Petersens
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  08 - Santa Claus is Coming to Town (re upload of deleted episode) 18.01.2026 20min

  This is a re upload of a deleted episode.This was originally uploaded back in Dec 2018, but to due to copywrite claims was taken down by the host provider.
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  85: Happy New Year 2026 - Fan Driven Year 10.01.2026 5min

  Happy New Year everyone!!Duane here for a short episode where I reveal the new listener-led concept for Tinsel Tunes 2026.This listener-led season puts Christmas music fans in control, from song choices to monthly themes and special guest episodes. Your voice helps shape the year ahead.Google form link for submissions https://forms.gle/j51mso27RKyV36rq9
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  84: We Wish You a Merry Christmas 17.12.2025 44min

  For the final episode of 2025, Duane and Scott discuss the song "We Wish You a Merry Christmas". They also reveal the winner of the 2025 song battle.Check out Santa Duane and give him a follow on the socials:https://www.hawkesbaysanta.nzSongs played in this episode:We Wish You a Merry Christmas by The Holy Rocka Rollaz (Rockabilly)We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Jacob Miller & Ray I (Reggae)We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Relient KWe Wish You a Merry Christmas by The Merry Christmas Experience (Ska/Punk)We Wish You a Merry Christmas by The Blue Wisp Big BandWe Wish You a Merry Christmas by Southwell Festival Voices (Traditional)We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Celtic WomenWe Wish You a Merry Christmas by Julian Neel (Barbershop)
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  83: Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree 24.11.2025 40min

  This month, Scott and Duane discuss the song "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree". They also reveal the winners of each episode in the Great Tinsel Tunes Song Battle 2025 - please go vote for your champion using the poll: https://pollforall.com/pk7jyyjmHere's the version recommended by our Welsh listener: Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Mel & KimSongs Played in this Episode:Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Semi Werner Francis (Reggae)Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Nick Sabia (Bossanova)Yackety Sax by Boots RandolphRockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Joel Patterson (Instrumental)Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by The Brian Setzer OrchestraRockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Asleep at the Wheel (Country)Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Jimmy BarnesRockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Skinny Feelings (Pop Punk)Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by First to Eleven (Rock)Noche Buena Y Navidad by Brenda Lee (Spanish remake)
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  82: The Christmas Truce 27.10.2025 47min

  This month, Duane and Scott look at the history of the 1914 Christmas Truce and songs written about the event.Don't forget to vote for your favorite song of the episode in The Great Tinsel Tunes Song Battle 2025.Songs from the episode:I Saw Three Ships by Fisherman’s FriendsYorkshire Three Ships by Kate Rusby1914 (Christmas Truce) by Elias Dummer
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  81: I Saw Three Ships (with Tim Babb) 28.09.2025 57min

  This month, Duane and Scott discuss the carol "I Saw Three Ships" with Tim Babb from the "Can't Wait for Christmas" podcast.Don't forget to vote for your favorite song in the Great Tinsel Tunes Song Battle 2025.Songs played in this episode:I Saw Three Ships by the Barenaked Ladies (Tim)I Saw Three Ships by Blackmore’s Night (Duane)I Saw Three Ships by King’s College Choir (Scott)I Saw Three Ships by Nat King Cole (Tim)I Saw Three Ships (Metal Cover) by Forrest Howard (Duane)I Saw Three Ships by The Irish Rovers (Scott)I Saw Three Ships by South Park and the Muppets (Tim)I Saw Three Ships by Fiddler’s Green (Duane)I Saw Three Ships (Sea Shanty Version) by the Harris Siblings (Scott)
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  80: Away in a Manger 01.09.2025 1t 1min

  This month, Duane and Scott discuss the carol "Away in a Manger" with special guest Lynnora Gilbert.Vote for your favorite song in the Great Tinsel Tunes Song Battle 2025.Songs played during the episode:MuellerCradle SongAway in a Manger by King’s College ChoirAway in a Manger by ChristafariAway in a Manger by Phil WickhamAway in a Manger by Home FreeAway in a Manger by Rob HalfordAway in a Manger by 9-year-old Claire CrosbyAway in a Manger by Nat King ColeAway in a Manger by Vermicide ViolenceAway in a Manger by James Linden Hogg
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  79: It Came Upon the Midnight Clear (with Brian Earl) 29.07.2025 52min

  This month, Scott and Duane celebrate seven years of Tinsel Tunes with our very special guest, Brian Earl from the Christmas Past podcast. They each share some versions of the carol "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear". Here's Brian's "Christmas podcast wish list" video from 2018: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fViebraVgQDon't forget to vote for your favorite song from this episode in the Great Tinsel Tunes Song Battle 2025: https://pollforall.com/pkd99o8nHere are the jazz songs that listener Adam Parker recommended:O Swing All Ye Faithful by Andrew Morgan Smith & the LifetimersGod Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen by Ezra CollectiveJingle Bells by Gabriel Latchin TrioHere are the versions of "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear" that we played during the episode:Anita BryantHall and OatesBlackmore's NightMormon Tabernacle ChoirSixpence None the RicherRobert SoulbergJulie AndrewsJars of ClayLliad Jazz Orchestra
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  78: Jazz Christmas Music 29.06.2025 56min

  This month, Duane and Scott explore jazz Christmas music.Vote for your favorite song from this episode in the Great Tinsel Tunes Song Battle 2025.Songs played in the episode:Christmastime is Here by Steve HunterRudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by New York Jazz LoungeFrosty the Snowman by Erik VeldkampGod Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen by Ramsey Lewis TrioDeck the Hall by Southside AcesThe Little Drummer Boy by Marcus MillerO Tannembaum by George Gee Swing OrchestraWinter Wonderland - Spyro GyraSilver Bells by Max AbramsJingle Bells by Diana Krall
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  77: Here We Come A-Wassailing 28.05.2025 48min

  This month, Duane and Scott explore the song "Here We Come A-Wassailing" and the tradition of wassail.Here's the link to the Tinsel Tunes Song Battle poll:https://pollforall.com/plqqxw2jSongs played in this episode:Magdalen College ChoirRockabilly version by Under The Streetlamp featuring Michael IngersollCeltic version by Carlyle FraserEnglish folk version by Ian GilesTony MeadeBlackmore's NightCalypso version by ChicagoAlternative? version by PomplamooseGower Wassail by the Oh HellosAcapella version by RockapellaBarbershop version by Bank of Harmony
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  76: Joy to the World 28.04.2025 52min

  This month, Duane and Scott reveal the history of the hymn "Joy to the World".Versions played in this episode:Celtic WomenThe Altar Billies (Rockabilly)Brian Setzer Orchestra (Big Band)Orion’s Reign feat. Minniva(Heavy Metal)Gabriel Trumpet Ensemble & The Tabernacle ChoirLift Up Your Heads (Handel)Lindsey Stirling (Modern Violin)The Petersens (Bluegrass)Christafari (Reggae)Randy Travis (Country)Mannheim Steamroller (Synth Rock)No Doubt - Oi to the world (Ska)To participate in The Great Tinsel Tunes Music Battle 2025, vote using this link: https://pollforall.com/pkvj4eyo
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  75: Good King Wenceslas 31.03.2025 49min

  This month, Duane and Scott explore the history of “Good King Wenceslas”.Versions played in the episode:Blackmore’s NightThe Irish RoversChris HendricksTori AmosReggae All-StarsStan Kenton Jazz OrchestraMatthew Green’s Orchestral RainbowMannheim SteamrollerOdynHere's the link to the poll to vote for your favorite song from this episode:https://pollforall.com/p346dormHere’s the clip from “Love Actually”:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4-35TN6AmwThis is the 13th century spring carol “Tempus dest Floridum” that gave us the melody for Good King Wenceslas:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zv8PgukSLX0From listener Bob in Utah, here’s the link to the Majestica album “A Christmas Carol”:https://youtu.be/nq5No8qsowA?si=Y37SJX4F5g4w5cE4From listener Steve Banks, here’s a the reggae playlist “Reggae Christmas Parade”:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2ZH6rGilSmg9p4VxF2ubkU?si=IMf_S2cuSGyMYHqwDxPp7Q&pi=AO2eqAlHT0SeM&nd=1&dlsi=5cc261712ab14247
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  74: Auld Lang Syne (Revisited) 28.02.2025 56min

  This month, Duane and Scott discuss the history of “Auld Lang Syne”.Here’s the poll to vote for your favorite song from this episode:https://pollforall.com/plz67252When Harry met Sally quote:https://www.youtube.com/shorts/auaVllEHehQRod Stewart:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al7ONqrdscYBoney M:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlZRXFuh5_EHome Free (Acapella):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFcSfqYqHs4Youtuber Amy Lee:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IALSCIyUPXIGuy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians (Big Band):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ik7ktS3PqEsHighland Saga (Celtic):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xX47kd9L6ocFiddler’s Green (Folk Rock):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5jd3wjBJfQReel Big Fish (Ska):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJEP16sH3I0The Holophonics (Ska):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICbkmUHAKkMThe Herald’s Hymnal (Metal):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yK35pHIzVPIA Twist of Metal (Guitar Instrumental):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOkp81P4Mj8Die Toten Hosen (Punk):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5egd2VF5UsCooper Alan’s “Plead the fifth” (Parody):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uwxYkaH9ts
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  73: Deck the Halls 16.12.2024 50min

  This month, Duane and Scott dive into the surprising history of "Deck the Halls". Songs played in this episode: Nos Galan Nos Galan (instrumental) Deck the Hall by Cambridge Singers New Year's Night by Haydn Deck the Halls by Red Hot Chili Peppers Deck the Halls by SHeDAISY Deck the Halls/War Pigs Mashup by Aaron Gage Genre versions played in this episode: Orion’s Reign (Heavy Metal) Rob Halford (Judas Priest) Relient K (Pop/Punk) Christafari (Reggae) Chiptune Celtic Women The Myrrhderers (Ska/Punk) Sonny Vande Putte (Acapella) George Strait (Country)
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  72: New Music for 2024 Season 04.12.2024 15min

  In this bonus episode, join Duane as he unwraps 8 fresh Christmas tunes for the 2024 season, spotlighting independent and lesser-known artists. Get ready to discover your next holiday favorites! 🎄🎶 Step Carse - The True Miricle of Christmas Annie Vander - Ornamental Christmas Laura Pursell - Three Miles from Christmas Stella Cole - It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas Vanna and Me - Christmas Across My Mind Alison Wahl and Brian Berggoetz - Christmas Is the Right Time for Us Kerry Kearney - Santa’s Got a Brand-New Bag The English Assassin - Peace at Christmas What was Duane's favorite? What will be your new favorite?
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  71: You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch 30.11.2024 46min

  This month, Scott and Duane discuss the iconic song “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” Versions played in this episode: Thurl Ravenscroft Voice Play (Acapella) Small Town Titans (Rock) Brittany Smith (Contemporary Christafariband (Reggae) Famous for a Century (Metal) Matt Forbes (Jazz/Crooner) Darius Rucker (Country) Matrtrixx (Trap) Greg Kerr (Pop Punk) The Holophonics (Ska)
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  70: O Come, All Ye Faithful 27.10.2024 45min

  This month, Duane and Scott dive deep into the history of "O Come, All Ye Faithful". Songs played in this episode: Freddie McGregor (Reggae) For King and Country (Acoustic) Brett Eldredge (Country) Twisted Sister (Heavy Rock) Matthew Green's Orchestral Rainbow (Rock Opera) Luther Vandross (R&B/Soul) Jigsound (Chiptune) Bad Religion (Punk Rock) Strada9 (Ska) City High (Hip Hop) We didn't play this one, but Duane wanted to include Olivia Newton John's "reimagined" version.
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  69: Christmas with The Fizz 29.09.2024 1t 10min

  Scott and Duane are joined by Adam Parker from the Merry Britsmas podcast to listen to the 2018 album "Christmas with The Fizz".