My favorite reindeer songs

Wherein don't expect a regular return though I do have another post I started before Thanksgiving and may get around to finishing


I have 15 songs about Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer. Arranged alphabetically by artist, these are my top six.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, The Chipmunks

Found on Christmas with the Chipmunks. Stuffy-nosed Rudy really shines with this melancholy tale
of bigotry and brown-nosing.

Boot-Off (AKA Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer), Bootsy Collins

Found on Christmas is 4 Ever. A few words used to describe other songs on this list: melancholy, understated, jaunty, airy. None of these apply to this song. This is crank the volume, percussive funk. This song crushes all other versions: If you fake the funk your nose will grow.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Jackson Five

Found on the Jackson Five Christmas Album. A master class of understated efficiency. A light and
airy arrangement while just soulful enough. Michael takes a back seat on this one.

Rudolph the Manic Reindeer, Los Lobos

Found on VH1: The Big 80's Christmas. A jaunty instrumental featuring accordian and soprano sax
morphing into Jimi Hendrix's Manic Depression at the end.

Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer, The Smithereens

Found on VH1: The Big 80's Christmas. The Smiths play it uptempo and rockabilly style.

Rudolph's Mixed Up NoseDive, Ella and ATOM

Found on Santastic 1: Holiday Boots For Your Stocking (Download). Pleasant electronica mashup built around Doris Day. Listen to it at this Grooveshark link.

Honorable mention

Randolph the Rouge Nosed Reindeer, Justin Wilson. Found on Merry Cajun Christmas. The tale might be bayou, but the music is swinging New Orleans jazz with a vibraphone solo.