Moscow-Pullman Daily News Blogs

One of my very most favorite things about the Christmas season is the music. I love classics like “O Holy Night” and “Away in a Manger,” pop tunes like “All I Want For Christmas is You,” and ridiculous parodies like the slightly disturbing “Aquaclaus” I recently heard to the tune of Jethro Tull’s “Aqualung.”

I’ve listened to my favorite Christmas CDs and records over and over and over again through the years. I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of WIllie Nelson singing “Pretty Paper,” but there are certainly times when I want to mix it up a little.

I’m really, really cheap about buying albums, and as I’m the last of my generation not to own an iPod, I don’t download music much, either. So how to get my Christmas fix without shelling out?

Traditional radio will get you partway there. I’ve been searching for a local station that goes all-Christmas, but haven’t had luck yet. However, a few mix in fabulous Christmas and seasonal tunes with their regular lineup. KKZX 98.9 out of Spokane was where I heard “Aquaclaus,” and Hit Radio 104.3 right here on the Palouse has been throwing in a few festive songs, too.

But when I want Christmas all the time, I turn to a beautiful invention: Internet radio. More specifically, Pandora.

Chances are you’ve heard of Pandora, but you have to try it to understand its awesomeness. The program lets you enter genres, artists and songs you love, which are run through a massive “music genome project” to help select tunes you might enjoy.

I have a specially programmed Christmas station based on all my favorites, like good ol’ Willie Nelson, but Pandora brings in new tunes, too.

Of course, Internet and traditional radio aren’t just for the holiday season. The airwaves/netwaves are a great way to enjoy fabulous, free music year-round.

So Merry Christmas (and happy other holidays) readers! Enjoy the sounds of the season.