Bon Appetit's December Issue Soundtrack

From Woody Guthrie to Outkast, a Spotify playlist for our December issue

December 3, 2012

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Holidays and music: obvious pairing. Baking guru Dorie Greenspan and the Grateful Dead: not such an obvious pairing. (Although the word "baked" does come to mind in both cases...) But we like them together. Yes, we've gone way beyond "chestnuts roasting on an open fire" for this month's issue playlist. Check it out.

The Great BA Taste Test (p. 18 and p. 106)
Seal: "Crazy"
This month we introduce our Bon Appétit Seal of Approval. That's not the only Seal we approve of.
Sugar Rush (p. 24)
The Jesus and Mary Chain: "Some Candy Talking"
If the BA Gift Guide's survey of retro treats doesn't give you psycho candy cravings, you're doing it wrong.
A Cooler Cocktail Hour (p. 32)
The New York Philharmonic: "Rhapsody in Blue"
The classics are in. Gift a Manhattan (with Barker & Mills Bourbon Vanilla Cocktail Cherries). Or 1979's Manhattan.
Christmas for a Crowd (p. 51)
The Magnetic Fields: "Everything Is One Big Christmas Tree"
Stash away your yuletide hangups. For your holiday open house, follow Stephin Merritt's advice: "Stop mumbling and cheer up. Put down the book, pick beer up!"
Put a Lid on It (p. 56)
Robert Pollard: "U.S. Mustard Company"
Melissa Hamilton and Christopher Hirsheimer's family-recipe mustard is smooth and sweet with a kick. So's this jangly Bob Pollard song.
Jamaica's Hidden Treasure (p. 62)
The Congos: "Fisherman"
The reggae never overpowers the surf in the rum bars of Treasure Beach, on Jamaica's southwest coast. Better be some subtle, chilled out reggae, then.
and 8. The Tradition Starts Here (p. 70)
Joey Ramone: "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)"
Slow Club: "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)"
Take something old. Or make something new. Do what you need to make it your own, then do it year after year.
Let It Snow (p. 74)
Mogwai: "Christmas Song"
Mulled wine, roasted fresh ham, a hearth, loved ones, and that dramatic mountain view. Get cozy, already.
All I Want for Hanukkah (p. 87)
Woody Guthrie: "Hanukkah Dance"
Make sure those latkes are as crunchy as possible. Like the man said: Happy Hanukkah, 'round we go.
Cookie Deluxe (p. 88)
The Grateful Dead: "Unbroken Chain"
Beurre & Sel's signature "Jammer" cookies might make you see colors.
Seal of Approval (p. 106)
Outkast: "The Rooster"
Look for the rooster at the supermarket. When you've found your Sriracha sauce, look for the BA Seal.

The B-52s: "Rock Lobster"
Everybody's rockin', everybody's fruggin'. May your holidays be hep!

--Jonathan L. Fischer