Riu Riu What??

So I was looking through my Christmas music selection cause I'm taking my playlist to a party this weekend (I don't really trust their music selections as I think they're all quite young, LOL, also I think there may be square-dancing or something if that gives you some insight in what I must contend with). Realized there was no Ríu Ríu Chíu, which one must have. I like this song because: it is so gorgeously distinctive and medieval, a song in Spanish is a nice break from other overplayed Christmas songs, and it has a great name (Riu Riu Chiu are supposedly the sounds of the Nightingale? Fascinating).  Did some searching, and... awesome discovery time! 

Someone has awesomely remixed this very ancient song into electronica - no longer solemn, but still quite beautiful in its own way, I think. It might be just the ticket for a holiday workout? Or jazz up your otherwise quiet holiday get-together? Do it.

I believe you can listen to the whole thing here - although at 6 minutes plus, it might be a bit long for those of you with non-electronic-drum-and-bass tastes. (This version is also available, and cheaper, I think, on iTunes and Amazon, but they limit their preview length, so this link works for that.) 

"Riu Riu II" - DJ Breaks : http://www.digital-tunes.net/releases/riu_chiu_ii?fb_share=on

Then for the slightly more traditionalists, you can hear a standard version by Chanticleer. 

Or, maybe The Monkees are more your style? I love it, this version is fantastic. Though their voices are softer than the version above, they all sound lovely together, very sweet and reverent. The song goes only about 1:33 - then the candle is blown out (cute) and the video continues with them wishing a Christmas message and bringing their crew out to thank them and etc. It's all very adorable.

What is your favorite lesser known Christmas song? I have a contribution towards those coming up (if I remember to post).

Or a favorite remix discovery? Share!

(I am working on more Hanukkah music for next week, don't worry!)