"Put on your yarmulke, it's time for Hanukkah...

 ...So much fun-ukkah to celebrate Hanukkah!"
I'm tired of the same old Hanukkah songs. Dreidel? Oh Chanukah? Lame, lame. It's all a little old, so, since I can't possibly send chocolates to every one of you on this first night of Hanukkah, I thought I might share the gift of my favorite contemporary Hanukkah tunes and a couple of fun photos.

Adam Sandler: "Hanukkah Song Part 1"

Although the remainder of this post is in no particular order, this video is my absolute favorite and therefore, must be first. Adam Sandler is by far my favorite Jewish comedian, and perhaps my favorite comedian overall (although we might have a tie with Robin Williams). This is his first Hanukkah song which originally aired on Saturday Night Live December 3, 1994.
Just one not enough Sandler for you? Here is Part 2 (I can't find part 2 live - sorry!) and Part 3

The LeeVees: "How do you Spell Channukkahh"

The Leevees, comprised of Adam Gardner (from one of my favorite bands, Guster) and Dave Schneider (of the Zambonis) decided that there weren't enough good Hanukkah songs and were frustrated that even great Jewish songwriters such as Irving Berlin wrote Christmas songs instead. So, they set out to create a Hanukkah album. It's an indie-pop type album with every song dedicated to Hanukkah. Some of my other favorites of theirs include: Goyim Friends and Gelt Melts (skip ahead to 1:16). Some other favorite titles, but are tough to find decent recordings of are: Applesauce vs. Sour Cream, Kugel, Latuke Clan, and Jewish Girls (at the Matzo Ball).

Erran Baron Cohen: "Hanukkah oh Hanukkah"

Erran Baron Cohen wrote all of the music for his controversial comedian brother, Sasha Baron Cohen's films (including Borat and Bruno). If you know the Cohen brothers' work, this won't surprise you. This song is off his album, Songs in the Key of Hanukkah. Another good one off this album is his rendition of "Dreidel" (which makes dreidel sound like a pretty epic game).

Tom Lehrner: "Hanukkah in Santa Monica"

This one is an oldie but goodie for me. I sang this early on in my music career at the ripe old age of 8 with the synagogue's Makheilah (children's choir). I actually still remember all the words perfectly.

Chevonne: "My Menorah"

Jews are known for lots of things: comedians, food, Nobel Peace Prize winners... but being sexy? Not so much. Chevonne fills the Jewish sexy void with this innuendo heavy Hanukkah song as she welcomes in 8 suitors - one for each night. "Every night I spin my dreidel, but I'm never satisfied. I need Jew in my life." (Someone please try that line this week and let me know if it works).

We're going to pause the videos for a moment to throw in a Hanukkah tee shirt:

South Park: "Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel"

South Park is my favorite show for oh so many reasons. One of which is their fantastic use of music in their episodes (speaking of which: anyone want to buy me tickets to see Book of Mormon?). As Kyle teaches his brother to play dreidel, he keeps getting interrupted until the song gets out of control and Courtney Cox is involved. My favorite part? Mrs. Brovloski's "When you learn to make the dreidel spin, you know our people always win"

Matisyahu: "Miracle (Hanukkah Song)"

I really enjoy Matisyahu. His music is really fun to listen and dance to, and it's fantastic to have some Jewish reggae/ska (that even feels kind of weird to write. Definitely not something you hear every day). This was recorded before Matisyahu's break with Hasidic Judaism last year. He recently performed his song, "Happy Hanukkah" on Jay Leno (the song is available for purchase online, and all proceeds go to the Hurricane Sandy Fund.

Maccabeats: "Candlelight"

This song, recorded by Yeshiva University's all male a capella choir, has become such a hit that even many of my gentile friends have heard it and know all the lyrics better than I do! It puts a Jewish spin onto the popular song. (They also have a great recording of Matisyahu's Miracle).

South Park: "Lonely Jew on Christmas"

 (Disclaimer: South Park tends to air on the crude side. some of it is bleeped, but maybe don't watch this one at work, with the kiddies, or if you're offended by crude language and humor. There's some Christmas poo plot development until the song starts at 1:10)
South Park pulls it off again with this hilarious tune. Since I have yet to find more Jews in Seattle to spend Christmas with, I too will be a lonely Jew with my traditional Chinese food and a movie. "I'd be merry, but I'm Hebrew".


From my family to yours,
Jewish or gentile,
I wish you a happy December!