What’s up, dudes? It was 1989, and the Griswolds had an amazing and quirky holiday staycation adventure with fantastic music woven throughout! Kevin Williams from ‘Tis the Soundtrack joins me to discuss the fabulous song selection and Badalamenti’s orchestral score to “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation!”
Synopsis
A supposed 10th Anniversary Edition soundtrack CD was released by Warner Brothers in print-on-demand kiosks for their Six Flags Magic Mountain theme park. Apparently, only seven thousand of the twenty thousand allotment were sold, and so the rest were shipped back to Warner Brothers. Consequently, a company acquired the lot in a bulk sale, and decided to sell them online. Or did they? Spoilers: of course the entire story was a hoax to help sell bootleg copies of the album. One piece of music—a Christmas Medley—allegedly by Badalamenti is actually by John Williams from the “Home Alone 2” score!
The score to the movie was indeed composed by Angelo Badalamenti, known for his eerie, synth-heavy, atmospheric work with director David Lynch. Badalamenti wrote an unobtrusive orchestral hit peppered with comedic polkas and uptempo motif-laden piano trios. Similarly, the glockenspiel Advent calendar theme is ethereal, while the orchestra weaves traditional carols through search section seamlessly.
The needle drops are timed to perfection with hits by the Moonglows, Bing Crosby, and Gene Autry. As well, Mavis Staples flawlessly sings the gospel-tinged pop titular song “Christmas Vacation.” It’s a shame there hasn’t been an official release!
Animated intro music? Check. Sweet string melodies? Got ‘em. Tuba lead over a guy in a bathrobe? Definitely! So grab your Discman, put on your headphones, and listen to this episode on the music of “Christmas Vacation!”
‘Tis the Soundtrack
YouTube: @TisTheSoundtrack
IG: @tisthesoundtrack
[…] Listen to this episode of Totally Rad Christmas Author: Gerry D / Kevin Williams Title: Christmas Vacation Score and Soundtrack (w/ Kevin Williams) […]
Great insights on the soundtrack! I’ve always thought “Christmas Vacation” had such a unique musical vibe. It’s interesting how Badalamenti’s music gives that film its distinct atmosphere.
Quick question though—wasn’t that story about the 10th Anniversary CD just a marketing gimmick? Seems a bit wild. Anyway, your discussion with Kevin Williams makes me want to revisit the movie’s music again.
For those traveling to California around the holidays, this link about prices there might help, though I’m not sure how current the info is: https://world-prices.com/en/usa/prices.
Thanks for this nostalgic trip down memory lane!
It sure was just a gimmick. Super bummer though, because I’d love an actual remastered release. Ah, well…