So much of the Christmas season, for me, is all about the music. I have no problems with you if you want to start your Christmas celebrations a little early. After Halloween seems excessive. After Thanksgiving is fair game. Then let’s bring on the real Christmas songs and the fake ones, too. I don’t discriminate. From Dec 16-31, it’s all Christmas music playing on Mental Jukebox.

I believe Christmas is far better off without having to hear the Boss’ version of “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” incessantly. After Mariah Carey’s commercial darling, it’s probably the Christmas song of the season I loathe the most. That’s why “Merry Christmas Baby” is so important. Because Springsteen is so important. He’s still the accomplished singer-songwriter with a knack for performing on stage. “Merry Christmas Baby” as a live recording is a powerful reminder of this without the over-indulgences of his more popularized Christmas tune.

“Now you see, I feel real good tonight. And I got music on the radio. And I feel good tonight.”