Jokermen Podcast

Episode: "Brian Wilson: WHAT I REALLY WANT FOR CHRISTMAS + Mike Love: REASON FOR THE SEASON"

Release Date: December 22, 2025
Hosts: Jordan, Ben, and (briefly) Ian

Episode Overview

This holiday episode of Jokermen dives deep into two Beach Boys-adjacent Christmas albums: Brian Wilson's What I Really Want for Christmas (2005) and Mike Love's Reason for the Season (2018). The hosts compare, contrast, and contextualize each offering, exploring what makes an artist's Christmas record resonate or fall flat, all while batting around the meaning, spirit, and commercial realities of American Christmas music. Along the way, they touch on personal holiday stories, audience interactions, and the enduring (and occasionally baffling) appeal of annual musical traditions.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Christmas Spirit & Personal Anecdotes

The hosts catch up on real-life holiday happenings, from gift exchanges to Hanukkah observances. Both share experiences at white elephant parties, and Jordan relays a charming encounter where his father meets a Jokermen listener at a record store ([10:45]).
- “So my father... goes to this record store in Hollywood, and the guy apparently was wearing a Lou Reed blue mask hat… and my father says, ‘my son is a music podcaster...’ and the guy behind the counter says, ‘Oh, is it Jokermen?’” (Jordan, [11:43])

Setting Up: The Two Christmas Albums

The impetus: reviewing Brian Wilson’s and Mike Love’s dueling Christmas records.
Acknowledgement that these aren't the most high-profile subjects for a wide audience, but the hosts are committed to exploring every corner of the Beach Boys universe.
- “We are gonna be spending the rest of this episode talking about these insipid Christmas albums that no one has ever heard.” (Jordan, [15:07])

Segment 1: Brian Wilson – What I Really Want for Christmas (2005)

General Reaction & Context ([13:22]–[17:04])

Ben expresses genuine fondness for the album: “I like What I Really Want for Christmas by Brian Wilson from 2005. I think that this is a good Brian Wilson Christmas album.” ([16:48])
Jordan situates the record in Brian’s solo discography—his immediate post-Smile period, with the “classic Brian Wilson band” still together.

The “Christmas Album” Tradition ([18:12]–[30:07])

Hosts riff on the perennial nature of Christmas albums and how even musical legends end up releasing humble, tradition-driven records.
They debate a scathing review by Alexis Petridis, who derides the album as “the least fascinating album of Christmas, of all Christmas.” ([22:33])
- Ben takes issue with being too harsh: “There is not so much you can do. You just can't. And that's not really a problem… a Christmas record can actually be more than a Christmas record. It can be a bad one or it can be a regular one. And I think this is a regular one.” ([25:27])

What Makes a Christmas Song “Hit” ([25:27]–[39:09])

Jordan and Ben agree that only rarely does a Christmas album transcend—mentioning Vince Guaraldi, Phil Spector’s A Christmas Gift for You, and Elvis or Frank Sinatra’s takes as outstanding examples.
The “do it again” nature of the Beach Boys reflects the broader repetitiveness—and emotional comfort—of the Christmas season.
- “There's a time and a place for Do It Again. And I think Christmas music is one of the perfect examples of Doing it again being something good.” (Jordan, [27:49])

Album Highlights, Lowlights, and Standout Tracks

Notable Originals

What I Really Want for Christmas (title track) – Praised for its sincerity, co-written with Bernie Taupin.
- “Brian sounds great. I don't know where that guy got off... I think Brian's voice at this point in time is like... primo prime Brian voice.” (Jordan, [32:48])
- [32:01]–[32:48]: Recitation of the song’s lyrics, focusing on wishing for peace, joy, and togetherness, not just material gifts.
Christmassy – Derided by some critics, defended by hosts for capturing the “feeling” rather than religious literalism.
- “There's something that happens with Christmas music where like the more literal you get, the further away from the feeling you get. …songs that are just about the mood of Christmas, they hit harder than ones that are about the facts...” (Ben, [37:27])

“Churchy” Material

The record has its share of hymns and classic carols, which the hosts find less exciting. Ben confides:
- “I have a little less patience with songs about baby Jesus... you don’t need to always be like bringing it back to... there's a reason for Christmas. …Let Christmas be a little bit of its own thing.” ([34:43])
- Jordan notes: “Was this Christmas song written by a Christian or Was this Christmas song written by a Jew? And if it was written by a Christian, you probably don't want to hear it. But if it was written by a Jewish [person], then you're gonna have a good ass time.” ([35:53])

Notable Moment

Silent Night coda, with Brian’s spoken message: “We wish all of you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.” ([39:45]) – hosts appreciate this as an intentional callback to vintage Christmas records.

Visuals

The hosts agree the album cover is ugly, though it’s an homage to Willie Nelson’s Pretty Paper.
- “The album cover is hideous. I'm gonna give him that... it looks like it was made on a phone.” (Ben, [33:13])
- “That Willie Christmas album is amazing... it sparkles in the light…” (Jordan, [34:05])

Ratings

Both Jordan and Ben: 2/3 stars (“two stars… good stuff.” – Jordan, [43:41])

Segment 2: Mike Love – Reason for the Season (2018)

First Impressions ([43:41])

Significantly less enthusiastic; Ben admits: “It was a little bit challenging listening to this all day. I'll be honest.” ([44:00])
The album’s heavy handed “reason for the season” theme signals a more religious, less joyful experience.
- “I wanted to give people a gentle reminder that Christmas is a Christian holiday.” – Mike Love, paraphrased by Jordan ([46:00])

Production and Sound ([44:19]–[54:18])

Over-produced, sanitized, and emotionally cold: the hosts liken it to the sterile, bright lighting of modern farmhouse décor, versus the warmth and subtlety that make Christmas music feel inviting.
- “It’s very sterile. Like it’s like a doctor’s office... Christmas lights that are just bright cold white.” (Ben, [49:49])
- “Filled with just like whatever like starter pack shit you get. Where somehow there's been a mandate we can't have warm looking lights anymore.” (Ben, [50:13])

Track-Specific Notes

“Reason for the Season”

The title song is, to the cohosts’ amusement, musically a retread of “Shortenin’ Bread”.
- “Did you notice Reason for the Season? The song is just shortening bread.” (Jordan, [52:56])

Family Affair

Features Mike’s children as a band called “All Love”—Brian Love, Christian Love, Hayleigh Love, and Ambha Love—plus an appearance from Hanson on “Finally It’s Christmas”.
- “There's a Brian Love off an island in Norway... that's one of Mike's children.” (Jordan, [47:03], [48:01])
On naming his son “Brian”: “Can we spend two minutes? What Is the psychology going on there?” (Jordan, [55:45])

Covers and Redos

“Alone on Christmas Day” gets a new airing, but the hosts agree the earlier version is superior.

Notable Quotes & Moments

“Mike’s voice is barely even functional, but it’s so plumped up with silicone and cheap lipstick and stuff. Oh, God. Yeah. It feels like lip filler. This is like the lip filler Christmas. This is what, like a Trump Christmas feels it is.” (Jordan & Ben, [51:52])
On the album’s aesthetic: “Calling it a record feels funny too.” (Ben, [54:49])
Regarding the posthumous future: “I wouldn’t be shocked when the next time this happens... the posthumous Michael Love Christmas album is AI drawing from this.” (Ben, [54:27])
“I’m getting word that Donald Trump has made it illegal to listen to any Brian Wilson Christmas music. You’re only allowed to listen to Reason for the Season going forward.” (Jordan, [54:36])

Rating

1/3 star: “Let’s just give this a nice little rating of 1 out of 3.” (Ben, [57:03])
- “One celestial star... That is exactly how many stars it gets from Jokerman podcast.” (Jordan, [57:12])

Closing Thoughts & Themes

Christmas, Forgiveness, and Repetition ([58:03])

The hosts end on the notion that forgiveness is central to the holidays—maybe even forgiving Mike Love for this album:
- “If there’s one thing I want to leave this episode with, what’s the most important theme to you in a Christmas [story]?” – Ben, [58:03]
- “Forgiveness.” – Jordan, [58:16]
- “That’s what I want to end this on... we can forgive Mike Love. We can forgive that whole family for this record.” – Ben, [58:21]

Memorable Sendoff

A classic Beach Boys tradition: “Sleep in heavenly peace…” ([58:52])
Then, in Brian Wilson’s voice: “I’d like to wish all of you and your families a very merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.” ([59:02])

Timestamps of Note

[11:43] — The great record store listener encounter
[15:07] — Commitment to covering these lesser-known albums
[16:48] — Ben’s endorsement of Brian’s Christmas album
[22:33] — The infamous “least fascinating album of all Christmas” review
[32:48] — Hosts praise the sincerity and arrangement of the title song
[35:53] — “Was this [Christmas] song written by a Jew or a Christian?” mini-thesis
[39:45] — Brian Wilson’s spoken Christmas greeting
[43:41] — Transition to the Mike Love album
[46:00] — Mike Love’s “gentle reminder” about the Christian roots of Christmas
[49:49]–[50:44] — Vivid domestic metaphors for the album’s coldness
[52:56] — “Reason for the Season” as a “Shortenin’ Bread” retread
[57:03] — Mike Love's album gets "1 out of 3" stars
[58:16] — “Forgiveness” as the episode’s takeaway

Summary Table

| Album | Year | Hosts' Ratings | General Vibe | Notable Comments | |----------------------------------------|------|---------------|-----------------|------------------| | Brian Wilson – What I Really Want... | 2005 | 2/3 stars | Warm, nostalgic | “Primo Brian voice… prime Wilson Christmas.” | | Mike Love – Reason for the Season | 2018 | 1/3 star | Sterile, hollow | “Lip filler Christmas… a Trump Christmas.” |

Tone & Takeaway

The episode blends earnestness and irreverence, balancing affectionate nostalgia for holiday music’s communal spirit with the hosts’ withering honesty about artistic missteps. They advocate for forgiveness and tradition in an era inundated by anodyne, AI-esque creativity. For Beach Boys fans, Christmas music enjoyers, or the Jokerman-curious, this episode serves as both a critique and a celebration—a reminder that even “insipid” albums have their season.

For more ad-free deep dives, subscribe at patreon.com/jokermen :: Follow @jokermenpodcast

Jokermen Podcast

Episode: "Brian Wilson: WHAT I REALLY WANT FOR CHRISTMAS + Mike Love: REASON FOR THE SEASON"

Release Date: December 22, 2025
Hosts: Jordan, Ben, and (briefly) Ian

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Christmas Spirit & Personal Anecdotes

The hosts catch up on real-life holiday happenings, from gift exchanges to Hanukkah observances. Both share experiences at white elephant parties, and Jordan relays a charming encounter where his father meets a Jokermen listener at a record store ([10:45]).
- “So my father... goes to this record store in Hollywood, and the guy apparently was wearing a Lou Reed blue mask hat… and my father says, ‘my son is a music podcaster...’ and the guy behind the counter says, ‘Oh, is it Jokermen?’” (Jordan, [11:43])

Setting Up: The Two Christmas Albums

The impetus: reviewing Brian Wilson’s and Mike Love’s dueling Christmas records.
Acknowledgement that these aren't the most high-profile subjects for a wide audience, but the hosts are committed to exploring every corner of the Beach Boys universe.
- “We are gonna be spending the rest of this episode talking about these insipid Christmas albums that no one has ever heard.” (Jordan, [15:07])

Segment 1: Brian Wilson – What I Really Want for Christmas (2005)

General Reaction & Context ([13:22]–[17:04])

Ben expresses genuine fondness for the album: “I like What I Really Want for Christmas by Brian Wilson from 2005. I think that this is a good Brian Wilson Christmas album.” ([16:48])
Jordan situates the record in Brian’s solo discography—his immediate post-Smile period, with the “classic Brian Wilson band” still together.

The “Christmas Album” Tradition ([18:12]–[30:07])

Hosts riff on the perennial nature of Christmas albums and how even musical legends end up releasing humble, tradition-driven records.
They debate a scathing review by Alexis Petridis, who derides the album as “the least fascinating album of Christmas, of all Christmas.” ([22:33])
- Ben takes issue with being too harsh: “There is not so much you can do. You just can't. And that's not really a problem… a Christmas record can actually be more than a Christmas record. It can be a bad one or it can be a regular one. And I think this is a regular one.” ([25:27])

What Makes a Christmas Song “Hit” ([25:27]–[39:09])

Jordan and Ben agree that only rarely does a Christmas album transcend—mentioning Vince Guaraldi, Phil Spector’s A Christmas Gift for You, and Elvis or Frank Sinatra’s takes as outstanding examples.
The “do it again” nature of the Beach Boys reflects the broader repetitiveness—and emotional comfort—of the Christmas season.
- “There's a time and a place for Do It Again. And I think Christmas music is one of the perfect examples of Doing it again being something good.” (Jordan, [27:49])

Album Highlights, Lowlights, and Standout Tracks

Notable Originals

What I Really Want for Christmas (title track) – Praised for its sincerity, co-written with Bernie Taupin.
- “Brian sounds great. I don't know where that guy got off... I think Brian's voice at this point in time is like... primo prime Brian voice.” (Jordan, [32:48])
- [32:01]–[32:48]: Recitation of the song’s lyrics, focusing on wishing for peace, joy, and togetherness, not just material gifts.
Christmassy – Derided by some critics, defended by hosts for capturing the “feeling” rather than religious literalism.
- “There's something that happens with Christmas music where like the more literal you get, the further away from the feeling you get. …songs that are just about the mood of Christmas, they hit harder than ones that are about the facts...” (Ben, [37:27])

“Churchy” Material

The record has its share of hymns and classic carols, which the hosts find less exciting. Ben confides:
- “I have a little less patience with songs about baby Jesus... you don’t need to always be like bringing it back to... there's a reason for Christmas. …Let Christmas be a little bit of its own thing.” ([34:43])
- Jordan notes: “Was this Christmas song written by a Christian or Was this Christmas song written by a Jew? And if it was written by a Christian, you probably don't want to hear it. But if it was written by a Jewish [person], then you're gonna have a good ass time.” ([35:53])

Notable Moment

Silent Night coda, with Brian’s spoken message: “We wish all of you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.” ([39:45]) – hosts appreciate this as an intentional callback to vintage Christmas records.

Visuals

The hosts agree the album cover is ugly, though it’s an homage to Willie Nelson’s Pretty Paper.
- “The album cover is hideous. I'm gonna give him that... it looks like it was made on a phone.” (Ben, [33:13])
- “That Willie Christmas album is amazing... it sparkles in the light…” (Jordan, [34:05])

Ratings

Both Jordan and Ben: 2/3 stars (“two stars… good stuff.” – Jordan, [43:41])

Segment 2: Mike Love – Reason for the Season (2018)

First Impressions ([43:41])

Significantly less enthusiastic; Ben admits: “It was a little bit challenging listening to this all day. I'll be honest.” ([44:00])
The album’s heavy handed “reason for the season” theme signals a more religious, less joyful experience.
- “I wanted to give people a gentle reminder that Christmas is a Christian holiday.” – Mike Love, paraphrased by Jordan ([46:00])

Production and Sound ([44:19]–[54:18])

Over-produced, sanitized, and emotionally cold: the hosts liken it to the sterile, bright lighting of modern farmhouse décor, versus the warmth and subtlety that make Christmas music feel inviting.
- “It’s very sterile. Like it’s like a doctor’s office... Christmas lights that are just bright cold white.” (Ben, [49:49])
- “Filled with just like whatever like starter pack shit you get. Where somehow there's been a mandate we can't have warm looking lights anymore.” (Ben, [50:13])

Track-Specific Notes

“Reason for the Season”

The title song is, to the cohosts’ amusement, musically a retread of “Shortenin’ Bread”.
- “Did you notice Reason for the Season? The song is just shortening bread.” (Jordan, [52:56])

Family Affair

Features Mike’s children as a band called “All Love”—Brian Love, Christian Love, Hayleigh Love, and Ambha Love—plus an appearance from Hanson on “Finally It’s Christmas”.
- “There's a Brian Love off an island in Norway... that's one of Mike's children.” (Jordan, [47:03], [48:01])
On naming his son “Brian”: “Can we spend two minutes? What Is the psychology going on there?” (Jordan, [55:45])

Covers and Redos

“Alone on Christmas Day” gets a new airing, but the hosts agree the earlier version is superior.

Notable Quotes & Moments

“Mike’s voice is barely even functional, but it’s so plumped up with silicone and cheap lipstick and stuff. Oh, God. Yeah. It feels like lip filler. This is like the lip filler Christmas. This is what, like a Trump Christmas feels it is.” (Jordan & Ben, [51:52])
On the album’s aesthetic: “Calling it a record feels funny too.” (Ben, [54:49])
Regarding the posthumous future: “I wouldn’t be shocked when the next time this happens... the posthumous Michael Love Christmas album is AI drawing from this.” (Ben, [54:27])
“I’m getting word that Donald Trump has made it illegal to listen to any Brian Wilson Christmas music. You’re only allowed to listen to Reason for the Season going forward.” (Jordan, [54:36])

Rating

1/3 star: “Let’s just give this a nice little rating of 1 out of 3.” (Ben, [57:03])
- “One celestial star... That is exactly how many stars it gets from Jokerman podcast.” (Jordan, [57:12])

Closing Thoughts & Themes

Christmas, Forgiveness, and Repetition ([58:03])

The hosts end on the notion that forgiveness is central to the holidays—maybe even forgiving Mike Love for this album:
- “If there’s one thing I want to leave this episode with, what’s the most important theme to you in a Christmas [story]?” – Ben, [58:03]
- “Forgiveness.” – Jordan, [58:16]
- “That’s what I want to end this on... we can forgive Mike Love. We can forgive that whole family for this record.” – Ben, [58:21]

Memorable Sendoff

A classic Beach Boys tradition: “Sleep in heavenly peace…” ([58:52])
Then, in Brian Wilson’s voice: “I’d like to wish all of you and your families a very merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.” ([59:02])

Timestamps of Note

[11:43] — The great record store listener encounter
[15:07] — Commitment to covering these lesser-known albums
[16:48] — Ben’s endorsement of Brian’s Christmas album
[22:33] — The infamous “least fascinating album of all Christmas” review
[32:48] — Hosts praise the sincerity and arrangement of the title song
[35:53] — “Was this [Christmas] song written by a Jew or a Christian?” mini-thesis
[39:45] — Brian Wilson’s spoken Christmas greeting
[43:41] — Transition to the Mike Love album
[46:00] — Mike Love’s “gentle reminder” about the Christian roots of Christmas
[49:49]–[50:44] — Vivid domestic metaphors for the album’s coldness
[52:56] — “Reason for the Season” as a “Shortenin’ Bread” retread
[57:03] — Mike Love's album gets "1 out of 3" stars
[58:16] — “Forgiveness” as the episode’s takeaway

Summary Table

Tone & Takeaway

For more ad-free deep dives, subscribe at patreon.com/jokermen :: Follow @jokermenpodcast

Brian Wilson: WHAT I REALLY WANT FOR CHRISTMAS + Mike Love: REASON FOR THE SEASON

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Summary

Jokermen Podcast

Episode: "Brian Wilson: WHAT I REALLY WANT FOR CHRISTMAS + Mike Love: REASON FOR THE SEASON"

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Christmas Spirit & Personal Anecdotes

Setting Up: The Two Christmas Albums

Segment 1: Brian Wilson – What I Really Want for Christmas (2005)

General Reaction & Context ([13:22]–[17:04])

The “Christmas Album” Tradition ([18:12]–[30:07])

What Makes a Christmas Song “Hit” ([25:27]–[39:09])

Album Highlights, Lowlights, and Standout Tracks

Notable Originals

“Churchy” Material

Notable Moment

Visuals

Ratings

Segment 2: Mike Love – Reason for the Season (2018)

First Impressions ([43:41])

Production and Sound ([44:19]–[54:18])

Track-Specific Notes

“Reason for the Season”

Family Affair

Covers and Redos

Notable Quotes & Moments

Rating

Closing Thoughts & Themes

Christmas, Forgiveness, and Repetition ([58:03])

Memorable Sendoff

Timestamps of Note

Summary Table

Tone & Takeaway

Summary

Jokermen Podcast

Episode: "Brian Wilson: WHAT I REALLY WANT FOR CHRISTMAS + Mike Love: REASON FOR THE SEASON"

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Christmas Spirit & Personal Anecdotes

Setting Up: The Two Christmas Albums

Segment 1: Brian Wilson – What I Really Want for Christmas (2005)

General Reaction & Context ([13:22]–[17:04])

The “Christmas Album” Tradition ([18:12]–[30:07])

What Makes a Christmas Song “Hit” ([25:27]–[39:09])

Album Highlights, Lowlights, and Standout Tracks

Notable Originals

“Churchy” Material

Notable Moment

Visuals

Ratings

Segment 2: Mike Love – Reason for the Season (2018)

First Impressions ([43:41])

Production and Sound ([44:19]–[54:18])

Track-Specific Notes

“Reason for the Season”

Family Affair

Covers and Redos

Notable Quotes & Moments

Rating

Closing Thoughts & Themes

Christmas, Forgiveness, and Repetition ([58:03])

Memorable Sendoff

Timestamps of Note

Summary Table

Tone & Takeaway