Isn't the Winter Solstice Seasonal Holiday music late this year?
When and what frequency(s)?

103 is running a promo saying they'll be playing all xmas music. Didn't catch the start date.

No, it's not late, it's just not early, thankfully.

Apparently someone did some research and found people prefer their xmas music AFTER thanksgiving.

I hope k-hits 106.7 doesn't start Christmas music the day after Thanksgiving. What are their plans for that?

As of tonight, K103 should be playing it.

Ugh!

Be careful what you wish for... Down here in Phoenix, KEZ is already in holiday mode...And it was 86 here today (89 a couple of days ago!) At least we aren't drowning like the NW has been lately, but we're starting the 10th year of a drought down here...How 'bout sending some of your rain our way?

I love the sunshine, but it's kinda hard to feel the holiday spirit. Until Thanksgiving is done, I say "Ho-Ho-Hum..."

Our station starts Christmas music 24/7 on Thanksgiving Day.

I have expected holiday music because the stores had Christmas stuff before Halloween. Typically, it doesn't show up until Thanksgiving, so we're not late, that's for sure.

The real Christmas music doesn't start until December 24.

K103 has been playing Christmas music, since 5:20 PM

This from yesterdays All Access:

PPM Indicates All-Christmas Stations Take Off After Thanksgiving.

Aribitron reports that its Portable People Meter (PPM) testing in Philadelphia and Houston has shown that stations that have changed to all-Christmas music have seen a significant impact on their ratings only after the Thanksgiving holiday.

Philadelphia: Persons 25-54, Monday-Sunday, 6a-Mid.

WSNI.......AQH
10/31/02 = 1.0
11/07/02 = 0.8
11/14/02 = 0.7
11/21/02 = 0.8
11/28/02 = 2.1
12/05/02 = 2.4
12/12/02 = 3.0
12/19/02 = 3.6
12/26/02 = 2.8
01/02/03 = 1.0

Houston: Persons 25-54, Monday-Sunday, 6a-Mid.

KODA.......AQH
11/17/05 = 0.9
11/24/05 = 1.1
12/01/05 = 1.5
12/08/05 = 1.7
12/15/05 = 2.0
12/22/05 = 1.5
12/29/05 = 0.7

It's interesting that the person who started this thread was apparently composing his post at the same time that K103 switched to All Christmas. I don't really see any other stations switching this year. K-Hits would really be hurting their momentum. It would almost make more sense for KIJZ to switch and K103 to stay on format with K103 promoting it heavily. That way, K103 listeners would have a choice, K103 would dip a little and KIJZ would go up significantly! The Fish and MOYL will probably switch but that's a different ballgame.

I think K-Hits did the Christmas stunt last year to provide cover for the format switch from K-Lite. With K-103 switching, K-Hits may feel it's best shot is with normal format, appealing to K-103 listeners who aren't ready for Christmas so early.

Notice that the Phili and Houston stations had absolutely nothing to lose by going all xmas music early. They were hovering near a 1.0 share before the stunt.

And K-Hits was the first in the market to try early all Xmas music a few years ago. K103 got caught short, and the following year was ordered to go all Xmas music over the PDs objections.

Semoochie: Regarding your K103/KIJZ idea... We have another station here, 98-7 The Peak (KPKX), that is promoting a Christmas music format on their website. They take a poke at KEZ's wall-to-wall holiday music without referring to them by name, and say you can log onto the stream for your holiday fix when YOU want. Kinda novel, I think...and The Peak gets to stay in their classic hits format until much closer to the holiday.

I may be wrong, but I thought Arbitron was going to shift the Winter survey times a bit to get a more representative sample of typical audience listening, and thereby minimizing the impact of the all-Christmas format that these stations are increasingly relying on... Could Ms. Danner refresh my memory on this? (Or maybe I should just dip into the eggnog early!)

The change occurs in 2009. Ratings will be taken over 48 continuous weeks, with a break from Dec.8-Jan.8.

And IMHO All Christmas music may attract enough diarykeepers who run or work for small businesses who use all-Christmas music as a defacto Muzak to give the station a pop, but I think it drives "real" listeners to other stations or other media (ipod/internet) to avoid the early glut.

I notice that the Fish is now all Christmas.

Love it or hate it, you have to admit that it gets ratings. Even if all of the cume doesn't stick around, it drives the numbers high enough to help a station's four book average.

Also, Craig - the numbers you listed for Houston are AQH RATING points, not share. KODA was #1 in the market. I don't know the share but it was significant.

Thanks for sharing, Terry! I agree wholeheartedly...

And a good Thanksgiving weekend to all aboard here!

Terry, didn't they used to break for the holidays? It sure sounds familiar.

The Fish had switched to all-Christmas music sometime before 3pm yesterday.

By chance, I was in the KUPL studio at Midnight when they made the switch to all-Christmas music. First song played was "White Christmas" by Garth Brooks.

I'm surprised either of the Country stations would switch for fear that the other might have an advantage. It will be interesting to see how much of KUPL's audience stays away after the holidays.

It may just be for the weekend. We'll see.

There has always been about a 2 week break covering xmas and New Years. Listening patterns were considered abnormal during the period, so it is a perfect time to take 2 of the 4 weeks off needed for a 4 x 12 week survey schedule.

With the new PPMs rolling out, Arbi is preparing to adjust to a 4 x 12 continuous survey schedule, moving all 4 weeks off to the holidays.

The whole point behind stations' "All xmas music" going so early came from weak soft ACs (usually the second one in a market) to get a few weeks of increased cume (tgving to about the middle of Dec.) into a survey period. When it worked well for stations like KLTH the first time around, a lot of successful stations jumped the next year.

It has never been as successful as it was that first year.

And I think it will push a whole lot of "normal" listeners who aren't forced to listen to all xmas at work to their ipods, internet radio, and other sources for their usual choices in music.

Terry, I think you have to look at it market by market. There are still plenty of markets where it does well. There are also a lot of markets where people are making really bad moves. WLIT in Chicago flipped at the beginning of November which I think certainly drives a lot of "normal" people away. However, stations like KODA in Houston and EZ in Phoenix still do very well.

Last year both KLTH and K103 did very well here, and KFIS only saw marginal growth. It will be interesting to see what happens with KUPL. Has a country station ever been successful doing all Christmas? It seems more like an AC thing to me.

I believe that last year, KZLA went All Christmas. That was a Country station in Los Angeles that recently got Movin'. I don't think KUPL's format is permanent. It sounded like it was just for the Thanksgiving weekend. Of course, they could just rest it for a couple of weeks and then bring it back. The interesting thing about stations that aren't about to change format that run All Christmas is that you have to wonder what took so long for this to happen. It used to be that you could go shopping on December 23 and not be able to find any continuous Christmas music on the radio while you're completely in the mood. I never understood that.

Can someone pinpoint what year began stations doing "All Christmas"? Like Smoochie said, before that, you would only get all christmas music on Dec 24 and 25th. Was there some factor(s) that caused the change? Or was it that nobody wanted to risk it. Perhaps having multiple station groups in same market under common ownership(s) set the stage.

Did someone pay a consultant for a report that people don't want it before thanksgiving?

In 2002, KWJJ traded the positioner "Portland's Best Country" for "Portland's Best Christmas" playing only country christmas songs. The plan was all holiday tunes for the final phase of the book. A very risky gamble. With the sales people questioning the sanity of programming and listeners freaking out, the format was dumped after 2 weeks shifting to 1 or 2 seasonal songs per hour. For the country format, the holiday library is not as extensive as it seems and the repetition got on my nerves! We even created a new station logo for the website and listener e-mailreplacing the JJ with candycains & stockings. Fun experiment ... our numbers in that trend were disappointing.

62kgw: The first station to go all-Christmas music in Portland was 92.3 KGON on November 1, 1973. KGON continued the Christmas format until January 24, 1974.

Radio print media give credit to the beginning of the current influx of stations playing Christmas music beyond the holiday to KESZ Phoenix which began the tradition in 1996.

Okay, I threw in the X-mas new age tracks into the Crystal Ballroom playlist just moments ago -- I do this every year so, from now until just after the new year, enjoy!

http://www.live365.com/stations/skeptical3

That must have been just before KGON started with the rock format?

Craig, how about more recent, locally?

Yes, KGON switched to its Album format right after a short period off the air, on February 1, 1974.

I don't know this as fact but my guess would be K103 was the first station in Portland to play all-Christmas music well before the holiday. I don't know what year K103 would have started. Maybe Bill Minckler would know.

As I recall, the first Clear Channel "suggestion" to go all Xmas was about '02. By '03, most CC AC's, some oldies, and some other adult formats had joined the festivities. I sense a little backlash this year, but only the ratings will prove that right or wrong.

WHEN WILL IT BE OVER!!!!!!!!

Muzak started playing Christmas Music on Monday--

Echostar 7/119 deg. West
Transponder 12-12384 MHz/1134 MHz IF (Ku-Band)
Left linear polarisation
Symbol rate 20000
Error correction 5/6
Network ID #4100-12
SID #4099/Programme ID (channel) #947
DVB/Free to Air mode (Digital)

It's in Stereo, by the way.

Or if you have Dish Network, just go to channel 982...........

Was listening at my Neighbour's place earlier this week (she has a big dish and the "long-format" DVB tuner)......very festive...............

100,000 Watts is reporting their yearly Christmas count. As of 11/25/06 there are 241 all Christmas music stations nationwide.

In Oregon those stations are: KFIS, KKCW, KLTW, KNLR & KODZ.

Markets with the most all-Christmas music stations are listed below.

4 Stations: Columbus, Milwaukee, Norfolk/Virginia Beach.

3 Stations: Atlanta, Augusta, Charleston, Dallas/Forth Worth, Fort Wayne, Honolulu, Louisville, Omaha, Rochester, Saginaw/Bay City/Midland, Salt Lake City/Ogden, Springfield, Traverse City/N.W. Michigan.

Is it January 1st yet????

Kind of funny that "The Flounder" has switched to xmas music. Its TV spot is still pushing the religious music format.

They mix Contemporary Christian Christmas music in with traditional secular favorites including carols.

From All Access:
--ASCAP's Top 25 Holiday Songs Announced--

With the holiday tunes already on the airwaves, ASCAP announced it's Top 25 most performed holiday songs for the past five years, based on performance data.

1. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)
2. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
3. Winter Wonderland
4. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
5. White Christmas
6. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
7. Jingle Bell Rock
8. The Little Drummer Boy
9. Sleigh Ride
10. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
11. It's The Most Wonderful Time of The Year
12. I'll Be Home For Christmas
13. Silver Bells
14. Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree
15. Feliz Navidad
16. Blue Christmas
17. Frosty The Snowman
18. A Holly Jolly Christmas
19. It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
20. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
21. Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)
22. Carol of The Bells
23. Do They Know It's Christmas?
24. (There's No Place Like) Home For The Holidays
25. Santa Baby
__________________________________________________________

ASCAP controls most of the Christmas standards that don't fall into Public Domain. BMI still controls: Do You Hear What I Hear?, I Yust Go Nuts At Christmas & Please Come Home For Christmas.

Are there more Christmas songs than these classics?

I just feel like this covers most of the songs played during this season....

Yes many more!

What happened to "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer" ??

Must be #26.

I adore that song! Especially sung at max lung power with my sibs, our spouses and nieces and nephews. (My parents, however, despise it.)

Thanks for reminding me, I have a few voice mails to leave! Tis the season!

mary christmas darling? #27 hmm?

What ever happened to "I love how you love me" by the Paris Sisters? That used to be a Christmas song.

Haven't we discussed that stupid song enough for you over the last two or three Christmas's?

Good Grief. Go read the archives, Schtinky Poophead.

"Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer" is still controlled by SESAC.

"Merry Christmas Darling" has always been controlled by ASCAP. I'm at a lost as to why it didn't make the Top 25.

How did we survive without 24/7 Xmas music before about 2001?

Was Christmas less meaningful before this time?

And, a more difficult question: Are we making this special holiday LESS special with constant Xmas music for 30+ days before the holiday?

Just pondering...

What number are the Chipmunks?

I've always thought that SOMEONE should play all Christmas music after about the 15th of December, maybe not that early but definitely before the 20th. However, both my wife and daughter think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread! I think it's interesting that people are willing to listen to Christmas music by artists that they otherwise wouldn't be caught dead listening to! How many 25-54 year olds are big on Bing Crosby, Perry Como, Andy Williams and Gene Autry?

62kgw: You are referring to "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)" originally credited on the first issue as:

"THE CHIPMUNKS (Alvin, Theodore & Simon) With The Music of DAVID SEVILLE".

They also had another Big Christmas Hit "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" which also charted for many years after it's initial release. Both songs were licensed to ASCAP.

--ASCAP's Rankings--
Christmas songs such as Merry Christmas Darling & The Chipmunk Song are holiday songs that you would most likely hear from the original artists that made them famous. These are songs that are not recorded by many artists, so the extra plays by those other artists have limited these songs on the air. This would push songs like "White Christmas" further up on the rankings of ASCAP since the song has been recorded by many artists since Bing Crosby's original.

Semoochie:

Where does "Every Day is Christmas In the West" rank?

(I love that song)

I believe you want to talk to Craig about that. I'm not the one ranking the songs but appreciate being confused with such good company.

Awwwww! Smooches to you!

Wayner...

I don't know where you get the idea that "I Love How You Love Me" by The Paris Sisters is a xmas song. There is nothing xmasy about the lyrics and it peaked at number five on the Hot 100 on October 30, that's two months before xmas.

And Mrs. Merkin, quit being such a poopy pants about Wayner. He may be a handful but he is our handful.

onetime, you haven't been to the "other side" for a while haven't you?

I like Semoochies's Dec 15 or Dec 20 as the commencement date for 24/7 xmas tracks. Unfortunately, it makes too much sense to be a good idea to radio programmers.

I Love How You Love Me was used in a commercial airing only during the holidays the last few years.

Hey Merkin,
Are you going to let OnetimeradioFART talk to you like that??

Author: Onetimeradioguy
Tuesday, November 28, 2006 - 11:51 pm


Wayner...

I don't know where you get the idea that "I Love How You Love Me" by The Paris Sisters is a xmas song. There is nothing xmasy about the lyrics and it peaked at number five on the Hot 100 on October 30, that's two months before xmas.

And Mrs. Merkin, quit being such a poopy pants about Wayner. He may be a handful but he is our handful.

------
I know that but it has been used by Fred Meyer every Christmas so it has the effect of a Christmas song. I notice Freddies hasn't used it lately. I wonder why?

Wayne:
How many legs does a dog have if you call his tail a leg?
Four! Calling his tail a leg doesn't make it a leg.
Using a song in a Xmas commercial doesn't make it a Xmas song.

If you're interested primarily in early Stereo recordings read on:

Back in 1989 I purchased the new CD "Nipper's Greatest Christmas Hit's". It was one of the first to included "Feliz Navidad" by Jose Feliciano. This was during the period when radio stations were upgrading to the cleaner sound of CD's, so I bought a copy.

One of the monaural cuts on this album was by The Ames Brothers "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town" from their 1957 LP. I've never been a big fan of The Ames Brothers. Their sound is reminiscent of 1940's group harmonies and sound very dated. Something I wouldn't program on radio today. However this cut was also backed by Sid Ramin & His Orch. (He would later conduct the Patty Duke TV Theme). Sid Ramin's Orchestra turned "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town" into a 50's hip sound, filled with sharp horns, jazzing it way up! RCA Victor was trying to be "clean cut" but also sound 50's keen. After listening to the cut a few times, I was hooked and wondered if the entire LP was the same.

The "monaural only" LP which was issued in 1957 was titled "There'll Always Be A Christmas". That album had been out of print since 1975. Fast forward to 2006. This year for the first time the entire album has been issued on CD (Taragon TARCD-1109, manufactured by Sony BMG Custom Marketing Group). While I was disappointed with the album having only "Jingle Bells" & "Good King Wenceslas" in addition to "Santa Claus Is Comin' Town Town" done in that hip style, A Bigger Surprise, the album recorded June 20, 27 & 28, 1957 was in True Stereo!

As we have discussed in previous threads, Stereo records were first issued in 1958. Stereo magnetic tape recording however was developed much earlier. Wikipedia: "German audio engineers working on magnetic tape are reported to have developed stereo recording by 1943 but it was not until the introduction of the first commercial two-track tape recorders by Ampex in the late 1940's that stereo tape recording became commercially feasible." The Ames Brothers CD says:

"Tracks 1-11 are probably featured in true stereo for the first time on this package, although there seens to be indications on the recording session sheets that the LP may have been issued on a stereo pre-recorded reel-to-reel tape for Christmas 1957 release. This could not be confirmed before time of CD release. Tracks 12 and 13 were recorded monaurally."

Tracks 12 & 13 were recorded in 1954 for the RCA Victor 45rpm 47-5928 & Little Nipper Junior WY-491. Ironically the title track is monaural! The stereo on this album is very separated. One channel starts some cuts with the second channel added seconds later and there is little blending. This would be historic to have in any collection and is the earliest stereo recording in my collection.

1957 bring's the mind another RCA Victor Christmas LP. "Elvis' Christmas Album" recorded on September 5, 6 & 7, 1957. What a Stereo Boondoggle! RCA really screwed up big time taping the Ames Brothers in Stereo but not Elvis.

Speaking of older records. For the last few years, I have been looking for a Christmas album that my family used to listen to constantly during the holidays, unfortunately the album was lost (or so we thought) and no one could remember the name of it. Only a few songs; Who's that up on the roof, I want an elephant for Christmas and a few others. My father finally found it in the attic, the album is called "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" by the Caroleers. (no date on the album) the record itself was warped:-( and nowhere could I find it on print, CD or otherwise. I finally found a website devoted to Christmas records that aren't on CD (I know, this will ruffle some copyright protection feathers) but, I am not too concerned, it's not like it's the Bing Crosby Chirstmas album. If you are interested, go to: http://falalalala.com/?cat=3

That's like going through an old Christmas record bin at Goodwill!

Some really great Christmas/Holiday songs have been produced in the past 30 years. So why are we hearing that stupid Holley Jolly christmas song by old Burl Ives in the Hot rotation? There is a ton of great stuff out there that programmers need to take a listen to.....one example, those (the name slips my mind) the green, red, gold, and white cds, those, along with dozens of others contain some really good cuts.

I believe you're talking about "A Very Special Christmas" CD's made for Special Olympics. Yes, they are very good. I've been hearing cuts from them and others too. You have to remember the earlier music brings back memories of childhood Christmas' for a lot of listeners.

The Caroleers rings a bell! I'll check my mother's house.

100,000 Watts reports 345 all-Christmas music stations nationwide as of 11-30-06. Markets with the most stations are:

6 Stations: Norfolk/Virginia Beach.

5 Stations: Pittsburgh.

4 Stations: Columbus, Fort Wayne, Milwaukee, Omaha, Salt Lake City/Ogden.
3 Stations in 16 markets.

347 according to http://www.radio-locator.com/cgi-bin/finder?format=xms&s=R&sr=Y

Gee Craig, I didn't know that.

I heard a recent? version of Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late) sung by young? female singer. Instrumentation and vocal sounds like something Radio Disney might play. No reference to chipmunks, it was sung straight. I think I heard it last year also. Craig?
I heard it at Taco Bell's background music service.

Which internet stations are doing Christmas music? I listen to "Music from blue light" on live 365 which is like the musid of your life and they are doing Christmas music.

62kgw,

Could it be:

My Only Wish (This Year) - Britney Spears

A somewhat annoying, totally sing-able and 100% stuck-in-your-head type of song...it just kills me when I find myself singing along with it every year, usually in a store like Safeway(though I haven't heard it yet this year) .

Some greats that are rarely heard anymore: Please Daddy don't get drunk this christmas (j. denver), Santa Claus and his old Lady (cheeh and chong), Walk 'round in women's underware (rivers), Little St. Nick (b. boys). Ah! The traditions of the Holidays...

Love the C & C, I'm cracking up just thinking about it!

A Classic!

Britannny Spears? I dont have any idea if its her or not. Could be.
Lyrics are same as Chipmunks. Hoolahoop, plane that loopstheloop, etc (minus the interactions with Dave), so I would think it should be "Christmas Don't Be Late".

BTW, I have heard stereo version of Chipmunks. Isnt that 1957? I presume its a genuine stereo made from origional 2 track tapes? rather that a fake made by manipulating the mono back and forth.

62kgw: Yes I heard "The Chipmunk Song" also last year for the first time by the female artist. It was background music at a restaurant. Sorry I don't know who it is.

The original version was recorded in 1958 in true stereo.

Hopefully Detective Adams, aka Mr. Christmas, will bust this case wide open faster than Peter Parker and report back on the mystery dame!

Mrs merkin: Before posting my answer I did just that. First did a google search hoping something other than The Chipmunks would come up. Nothing!
Then went to the ASCAP website and did a search. Nothing again! Checked an old "Phonolog Holiday Recordings" catalog. Zip!

Just thought to check "Joel Whitburn Presents Christmas In The Charts 1920-2004" book. Found a listing for Jaci Velasquez & The Chipmunks. From her album "Christmas" Word/Epic 85780. Charted in 2001.

62kgw,

Is Mr. Christmas fast or what??? He's so darn good!

Is anyone going to "Buy It Now" from eBay?
$13.94 includes shipping!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330055087296&fromMakeTrack=tr ue

Or you can get it on Overstock.com! (Spanish Version, con los cheepmunks!)

Under $5 (including shipping) on Amazon!

Listened to her version of The Chipmunk Song on-line. This is NOT what I heard last year.

Give track #12 on this one by Powder a listen.

Good try Randy but I remember it more laid back.

I can't get past track #10.

Powder - Thats it for sure.
A Very Special Christmas 5
by Various Artists
released: 2001 on A&M Records
Randy-in-Eugene out does Craig Adams on this one. I found it here (30 second snip), and the media player actually worked:
http://www.mystrands.com/track/2557079

IS IT OVER YET????

CRIPES!

Hey Wayne! Have you checked out the 2006 U.S.P.S. Exclusive?

"A Very Special Charlie Brown Holiday Collection" CD which includes: Vince Guaraldi Trio, David Benoit Trio, Toni Braxton, Vanessa Williams & Gerald Albright. On Concord Records, Price $9.99, Item #23173043.

It's Smooth Christmas Jazz from USPS!

All Access reported Tuesday: "Media Monitors" has analyzed the songs played on 93 all-Christmas radio stations this year in 60 markets. Here are the Top 10:

04-05-06 Artist / Title
1 - 2 - 1 -Burl Ives / A Holly Jolly Christmas
2 - 1 - 2 -Nat King Cole / The Christmas Song
5 - 4 - 3 -Bing Crosby / White Christmas
10..8 - 4 -Jose Feliciano / Feliz Navidad
6 - 5 - 5 -Andy Williams / The Most Wonderful Time of The Year
12..9 - 6 -Eagles / Please Come Home For Christmas
3 - 3 - 7 -Brenda Lee / Rockin' Around The Christmas
8 - 6 - 8 -John Lennon / Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
7 - 7 - 9 -Carpenters / Merry Christmas Darling
9..10..10 -Johnny Mathis / It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

-Although the majority of songs on all-Christmas stations have non-religious (secular) lyrics, the standard Christmas carols or "traditional" music are still prevalent. The most-played traditional song is Josh Groban's version of "O Holy Night" at #16, followed by Whitney Houston's "Do You Hear What I Hear?" at #32 and Ray Conniff's version of "The Little Drummer Boy" at #49.

-Hall & Oates version of "Jingle Bell Rock" jumped from #21 in '04 to #14 in '05 to #11 this year and for the first time is receiving more airplay than the original by Bobby Helms, which has dropped from #4 to #12 to #14.

-There are 55 versions of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas", more than any other holiday song airing on these all-Christmas stations.

-Johnny Mathis (45 songs), Amy Grant (28 songs) & Harry Connick Jr. (20 songs) have the most number of different holiday songs being played in 2006.

I always programmed christmas music that fit my formats, with a few exceptions. There is a lot of christmas music that can transition most formats, but some just does not belong. For example, yesterday, on another station, I heard Nat King Cole's great Christmas song out of Nickleback. I like the Nat King Cole song, and Nickelback, I also like Sushi and Chocolate cake, but the two don't mix. I think, for most stations, playing Christmas music is like buying a last minute cheapo gift for somebody you really don't like that much. Not much thought or caring goes into it. But if you don't do it, your are branded as non-caring or "godless". And another thing, more Christms novelty songs need to be on the air. Why is everybody so solemn during this festive time of year? Let's rejoice, let's party. RAdio stations in general have become such "sticks in the mud" when we used to be the life of the party. (:

"The Christmas Song" by Nat King Cole is tricky. It has a weird introduction. For most songs you're coming out of, you can't fade into Nat, otherwise the transition sounds terrible most of the time. Letting Nat stand alone is the best choice I've found.

craig, yes, I see your point, but wouldn't an "All Nat-all the time" format get boring after awhile? (:

In Stores now while they last! The December 11-17, 2006 "TV Guide". Attached to the front of each is 1 of 4 Elvis Christmas CD-ROMs, each featuring a picture of the King at Christmas time. You have your choice of Elvis picture periods. The last being outside Graceland with a Christmas Tree.

The CD-ROM has a previously unreleased version of "It Won't Seem Like Christmas Without You" from Sony/BMG. The TV Guide cover says the CD-ROM "Includes - Unreleased song - "Blue Christmas" video - Exclusive photos." Look for the banner at the top "FREE ELVIS CD-ROM" and the Elvis TV Guide header "Viva LAS VEGAS! - Elvis rocks a special holiday episode". Pictured are Josh Duhamel & Molly Sims.

Bought all four CD-ROM pictures but haven't looked at one. You would have to break the plastic seal and there goes the value, if any in the future.

Sorry to digress, but this is why I just cannot be a collector!

Don't 'ya really want to check it out?

I suppose buying two would take care of that, but still... How do you do that?

Craig:

The value on collectables is based on scarcity and demand. Having been given away free with every TV Guide eliminates the scarcity. There may actually be more of those than of any of the less successful Elvis LPs.

As a point of reference, I just checked the availability and price of the "Princess Diana Beanie Baby" which were selling for hundreds of dollars in the weeks after their issue. (A GM I know paid $500 for 2!) There are 44 of them on eBay right now for an average price of five dollars.

[[On the other hand, some years back I was able to trade Shaun Cassidy and Cher (Star) satin pillowcases (received as a promo while at KGW) to a rock memorabilia shop in L.A. for 4 original Filmore Posters from the Bill Graham private collection!! (The shop was called Chick-a-Boom. I believe its gone now. ]]

Terry: I've got Christmas cassette singles from the late 1980's of "Feliz Navidad" Jose Feliciano and "Jingle Bells" The Singing Dogs among others and they've never been opened. Just picked them up for collectability. Now they're no where to be scene in stores.

Inside Radio reported yesterday, 402 all-Christmas stations nationwide. That's the most ever.