Tinsel Tunes - The Christmas Music Podcast

Tinsel Tunes
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Tinsel Tunes Podcast – 2026 Fan-Driven Edition Now in its eighth year, The Tinsel Tunes Podcast is handing the reins to the listeners for 2026. Join hosts Scott and Duane as they explore Christmas music chosen by the fans—one month at a time. Each episode dives deep into the songs, themes, and ideas suggested by the Tinsel Tunes community. From timeless classics and modern favorites to forgotten gems and divisive tracks, no Christmas song is off-limits. The hosts bring the research, history, and musical insight, while listeners help shape the playlist and the conversation. Come join us!

  1. 18H AGO

    85: Happy New Year 2026 - Fan Driven Year

    Happy New Year everyone!! Duane here for a short episode where I reveal the new listener-led concept for Tinsel Tunes 2026. This listener-led season puts Christmas music fans in control, from song choices to monthly themes and special guest episodes. Your voice helps shape the year ahead. Google form link for submissions https://forms.gle/j51mso27RKyV36rq9

    6 min

  2. 12/17/2025

    84: We Wish You a Merry Christmas

    For the final episode of 2025, Duane and Scott discuss the song "We Wish You a Merry Christmas". They also reveal the winner of the 2025 song battle. Check out Santa Duane and give him a follow on the socials:https://www.hawkesbaysanta.nz Songs played in this episode: We Wish You a Merry Christmas by The Holy Rocka Rollaz (Rockabilly)We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Jacob Miller & Ray I (Reggae)We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Relient KWe Wish You a Merry Christmas by The Merry Christmas Experience (Ska/Punk)We Wish You a Merry Christmas by The Blue Wisp Big BandWe Wish You a Merry Christmas by Southwell Festival Voices (Traditional)We Wish You a Merry Christmas by Celtic WomenWe Wish You a Merry Christmas by Julian Neel (Barbershop)

    45 min

  3. 11/24/2025

    83: Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

    This month, Scott and Duane discuss the song "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree". They also reveal the winners of each episode in the Great Tinsel Tunes Song Battle 2025 - please go vote for your champion using the poll: https://pollforall.com/pk7jyyjm Here's the version recommended by our Welsh listener: Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Mel & Kim Songs Played in this Episode: Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Semi Werner Francis (Reggae)Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Nick Sabia (Bossanova)Yackety Sax by Boots RandolphRockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Joel Patterson (Instrumental)Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by The Brian Setzer OrchestraRockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Asleep at the Wheel (Country)Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Jimmy BarnesRockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Skinny Feelings (Pop Punk)Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by First to Eleven (Rock)Noche Buena Y Navidad by Brenda Lee (Spanish remake)

    41 min

  4. 10/27/2025

    82: The Christmas Truce

    This month, Duane and Scott look at the history of the 1914 Christmas Truce and songs written about the event. Don't forget to vote for your favorite song of the episode in The Great Tinsel Tunes Song Battle 2025. Songs from the episode: I Saw Three Ships by Fisherman’s FriendsYorkshire Three Ships by Kate Rusby1914 (Christmas Truce) by Elias DummerChristmas in the Trenches by John McCutcheonChristmas Truce by SabatonPipes of Peace by Tim PannellStille Nacht (Silent Night in the original German)Christmas 1914 (No Man’s Land) by Roy BuckleyAll Together Now by The Farm1914 - The Carol of Christmas by Military VoicesSnoopy’s Christmas by The Royal Guardsmen1914 by Mike Harding

    48 min

  5. 09/28/2025

    81: I Saw Three Ships (with Tim Babb)

    This month, Duane and Scott discuss the carol "I Saw Three Ships" with Tim Babb from the "Can't Wait for Christmas" podcast. Don't forget to vote for your favorite song in the Great Tinsel Tunes Song Battle 2025. Songs played in this episode: I Saw Three Ships by the Barenaked Ladies (Tim)I Saw Three Ships by Blackmore’s Night (Duane)I Saw Three Ships by King’s College Choir (Scott)I Saw Three Ships by Nat King Cole (Tim)I Saw Three Ships (Metal Cover) by Forrest Howard (Duane)I Saw Three Ships by The Irish Rovers (Scott)I Saw Three Ships by South Park and the Muppets (Tim)I Saw Three Ships by Fiddler’s Green (Duane)I Saw Three Ships (Sea Shanty Version) by the Harris Siblings (Scott)

    58 min

  6. 09/01/2025

    80: Away in a Manger

    This month, Duane and Scott discuss the carol "Away in a Manger" with special guest Lynnora Gilbert. Vote for your favorite song in the Great Tinsel Tunes Song Battle 2025. Songs played during the episode: MuellerCradle SongAway in a Manger by King’s College ChoirAway in a Manger by ChristafariAway in a Manger by Phil WickhamAway in a Manger by Home FreeAway in a Manger by Rob HalfordAway in a Manger by 9-year-old Claire CrosbyAway in a Manger by Nat King ColeAway in a Manger by Vermicide ViolenceAway in a Manger by James Linden Hogg

    1h 2m

  7. 07/29/2025

    79: It Came Upon the Midnight Clear (with Brian Earl)

    This month, Scott and Duane celebrate seven years of Tinsel Tunes with our very special guest, Brian Earl from the Christmas Past podcast. They each share some versions of the carol "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear". Here's Brian's "Christmas podcast wish list" video from 2018: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fViebraVgQ Don't forget to vote for your favorite song from this episode in the Great Tinsel Tunes Song Battle 2025: https://pollforall.com/pkd99o8n Here are the jazz songs that listener Adam Parker recommended: O Swing All Ye Faithful by Andrew Morgan Smith & the LifetimersGod Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen by Ezra CollectiveJingle Bells by Gabriel Latchin Trio Here are the versions of "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear" that we played during the episode: Anita BryantHall and OatesBlackmore's NightMormon Tabernacle ChoirSixpence None the RicherRobert SoulbergJulie AndrewsJars of ClayLliad Jazz Orchestra

    52 min

  8. 06/29/2025

    78: Jazz Christmas Music

    This month, Duane and Scott explore jazz Christmas music. Vote for your favorite song from this episode in the Great Tinsel Tunes Song Battle 2025. Songs played in the episode: Christmastime is Here by Steve HunterRudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by New York Jazz LoungeFrosty the Snowman by Erik VeldkampGod Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen by Ramsey Lewis TrioDeck the Hall by Southside AcesThe Little Drummer Boy by Marcus MillerO Tannembaum by George Gee Swing OrchestraWinter Wonderland - Spyro GyraSilver Bells by Max AbramsJingle Bells by Diana Krall

    56 min
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142 Ratings

About

Tinsel Tunes Podcast – 2026 Fan-Driven Edition Now in its eighth year, The Tinsel Tunes Podcast is handing the reins to the listeners for 2026. Join hosts Scott and Duane as they explore Christmas music chosen by the fans—one month at a time. Each episode dives deep into the songs, themes, and ideas suggested by the Tinsel Tunes community. From timeless classics and modern favorites to forgotten gems and divisive tracks, no Christmas song is off-limits. The hosts bring the research, history, and musical insight, while listeners help shape the playlist and the conversation. Come join us!

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