What's in your councillor's headphones?

Russ Powers, Ward 13

Ward 13 Coun. Russ Powers’ go-to for the Christmas season is Bing Crosby's Christmas Album, because it’s “symbolic of Christmases past.”

Next on his list of classics is the King – Powers is a big fan of Elvis’ “Blue Christmas.”

Rounding out a playlist of Christmas cheer is Tony Bennett and Canada’s own Michael Buble.

Jason Farr, Ward 2

When downtown Coun. Jason Farr is looking for tunes, he does so in his own backyard. Most of the time, it’s bands that are from the city or are heading here on tour.

Farr says lately, he’s enjoying Diamond Rings, Toronto’s spiritual heir to Ziggy Stardust-era David Bowie. He’s also a fan of hometown indie band The Rest.

His all-time favourites include Junkhouse, Frank Sinatra, The Clash and Ray Charles.

Farr doesn’t have an iPod, but his seven year old does. It’s loaded up with all the current hits, he says – with one exception.

“Everything but Bieber.”

Judi Partridge, Ward 15

Flamborough Coun. Judi Partridge is a big John Lennon fan – both “Happy Xmas (War is Over) and “Imagine” top her list.

“With the recent tragedy in Newtown, the music is sad, soulful, and the lyrics take on a new meaning,” she said.

Partridge is also a big fan of “The 12 days of Christmas” – the “partridge in a pear tree” line, specifically.

Bernie Morelli, Ward 3

Right now, Ward 3 Coun. Bernie Morelli is listening to “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby for the nostalgia-factor and Andrea Bocelli “because he inspires me.”

Morelli says he’s also a big fan of renowned tenor Luciano Pavarotti, and enjoys his treatment of Christmas and religious music.

Maria Pearson, Ward 10

The old, nostalgic Christmas carols get Ward 10 Coun. Maria Pearson going this time of the year – she’s all about “listening to the crooners of old singing these songs.”

She also loves Michael Buble's Christmas CD and “The Lost Christmas” by the Trans-Siberian orchestra.

“When this song comes on the radio as I am driving it’s put up full blast,” Pearson said. “Makes me feel like a kid again.”

Sam Merulla, Ward 4

When it comes to music, Ward 4 Coun. Sam Merulla is a man of few words.

His top four? Billy Joel, AC/DC and Led Zeppelin – rounded out by pop star Bruno Mars.

Chad Collins, Ward 5

When asked what councilors might have on their iPods, Collins cheekily shot back – “You might want to change the iPod to "8 tracks" for some of my colleagues to understand the nature of your question!”

Apparently Collins has a wide range of music on his iPod, but his preference is “alt-indie music.”

His current favourites? The acoustic version of “Book Club” by The Arkells with Lights, “Simple Song” by the Shins, “Under the Westway” by Blur and “California” by Delta Spirit.

Brad Clark, Ward 9

Ward 9 Coun. Brad Clark says he has eclectic tastes – and enjoys Michael Buble, pop/opera group Il Divo and singer/songwriter Ian Thomas.

Brian McHattie, Ward 1

Ward 1 Coun. Brian McHattie’s Christmas go-to is jazz staple “A Charlie Brown Christmas” by the Vince Guaraldi Trio.

He’s also a big fan of “Take Five” by the late Dave Brubeck.

Rounding out his list? Singer/songwriter Ron Sexsmith, who McHattie calls “the best songwriter ever” and roots rockers The Sheepdogs. “Love the beat, gets me hopping!”