Gentle Readers,

Today’s song selection, You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch,  caused a bit of a dust up with some of our fans. Dr. J. didn’t post the original because it’s mashed together with narration in between. He went with the most song-ish version of it. As there are a couple of ‘dudes with loud guitars’ versions, he went with his most favorite covers.

Operative KH writes in on a lump of coal…

Good evening, Doctor, 

I am likely not the first to contact you, but the singer on the original “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” is actually Thurl Ravenscroft(also voice of Tony the Tiger, I think); Boris Karloff, the great Karloff did the narration. 

Best, Operative KH

Dear Operative KH, you are the second to point out that Thurl Ravenscroft was the designated singer for Boris Karloff. Nevertheless, Dr. J. stands by his prior statement that he prefers the melodic strains of the lovely Leigh Nash’s singing voice over that of Boris Karloff.

For Halloween, GorT took the Gormos back to October 31st, 1931 for cocktails at the Stork Club in NYC. Ole Boris had a few too many and was singing ‘As Time Goes By…’ at the Piano. Not pretty. Great chap, though, did lots of charity work, too.

Here is a sample of his singing on the Dinah Shore show. Go to 3:32 for his vocals.

Boris Karloff & Dinah Shore sing by NilbogLAND

No compare this to Sixpence None The Richer

Dr. J. rests his case.

Dr. J.’s twitter buddy @Jedmo writes in as well, sharing his list of Christmas hits.

DR J 

Kudos on the list and the good natured ball busting. I would give my list in no particular order: 

Kinks – Father Christmas 

Emerson, Lake & Palmer – I still believe in father christmas 

The entire Charlie Brown Christmas album – Vince Guaraldi’s masterful piano work and jazz theme is just divine 

The Waitresses – Christmas Wrapping 

John Lennon – Happy Xmas (War is over) always had a soft spot for this one. Melissa Etheridge’s version should be banned 

Bing Crosby – Christmas Carols sung by the Binger and beating your children ring in the Crimmus Spirit 

Nat “King” Cole – 7 packs of cigarettes a day contributed to velvety smoothness. 

Any song Carol of the bells – love any choir doing this 

and for my sensitive caring (non-conservative side) Sara McLachlin [sic] – The River (manhood could be called into question on this selection-I am aware of this) 

Handel’s Messiah 

The Trans-Siberian albums. I saw them live and those guys can play. Music is spectacular.  

Not a huge fan of the Manheim Steam roller but some of the stuff is ok. 

Bing Crosby/David Bowie – Do you hear what I hear – interesting duo That’s all I can think of for now. 

@JEDMO

Dear @Jedmo,

Thanks for writing in. We’re only on day five, so Dr. J. is sure that there may be some Venn diagramage. Please note, though, that when Sleestak broke into the Advent Calendar he got a boot to the gut (or 10) from Mandy. We aren’t going to be tilting our hand prematurely, either, for your safety. You simply will have to stay tuned and then pour the haterade on Dr. J. as you see fit. We aren’t going to make a list of our entire iTunes playlist. Just some sentimental favorites. What is nice is to see our readers take an interest in the choices!

Dr. J.

Dr. J.