Non Traditional Christmas Songs to Add to your Playlist
Last year inspiration struck and I created A Parademon’s Christmas. This year, I am in the middle of moving, so my more creative juices and general energy are directed towards methods of self-preservation. Happily, one of those methods is the time-honored tradition of not thinking about an upcoming stressful event by distracting yourself with other things. And the distraction of my choice has been Christmas/Holiday music. My Pandora list is mighty, my Google Play collection knows no boundaries..and so I have decided to share with you a few of my more non-traditional favorites.
Oi to the World - The Vandals. I was first introduced to this song as a result of the No Doubt version. Yes, there was once a time when I really liked No Doubt. Back when everything was kinda low budget and they were really into their Ska/punk thing, oh man, good times. Anywhoo, No Doubt was friendly with The Vandals as part of the punk scene in California at the time, so when No Doubt got a space on A Very Special Christmas 3, they opted for a cover of their pals' lesser known ditty. The song itself is fun, upbeat, and you gotta love a song that references having a sword “like the guy in Indiana Jones.” Personally, I love both versions, but No Doubt did make an adorably low budget video.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFLExwIQKto?rel=0]
Fairytale of New York - The Monarch and Dr. Girlfriend (Venture Brothers). I do feel like this one is a bit of the cheat because the original by the Pogues is quite well known. But really, using the Venture Brothers version not only allows me to bring attention to a really phenomenal song, but it it also gives me a chance to fondly remember how Venture Brothers used to release a Christmas single every year. It was bliss; they were often hilarious, and now I make it a point to add my favorites to my holiday playlist. We haven’t gotten a new one since 2011, sadly. Maybe that is because Doc Hammer and Jackson Publick never want me to feel joy again? Anyway, you can download all of the singles here.
I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas - Gayla Peevey I have found that people either love or hate this one. It’s really very much of its time and to me, that is what makes it hilarious. This video of the Gayla singing it doesn't help much with my attempts to convince people that this one is more hilarious and enjoyable than saccharine and creepy, but it might be just be the very thing for some of you out there. Just don’t look directly into her eyes and I promise that you will be ok.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Dec9Jb_Ac4?rel=0]
Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want to Fight Tonight) - The Ramones. Do I really need to explain this one to anyone? And if I do, I'm not sure we can be friends anymore. Also, you might want to write a formal apology to the Gods of Rock.
Dishonorable mentions:
Little Drummer Boy - I didn't really love or hate this song until I was introduced to The Little Drummer Boy Challenge. Now,this nationwide game of assassin has become one of my favorite parts of the Christmas season. I can tell you where I was each time I was struck down and it continues to be a great source of entertainment as I dart in and out of stores and tense up each time the holiday soundtracks move to the next track. It isn't too late to play. I got ousted pretty early this year, so I am hoping to be avenged.
The Christmas Shoes - There is something about this song that makes me angry and my skin crawl. Mostly because it’s terrible and manipulative. And then there are people who make their own video versions like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpkI7GW2V34 Watch at your own risk. If you never sleep again, it isn’t my fault.
And now comes the part where I ask for reader feedback. What songs am I missing? Which do you love, and which do you hate? Post your comments in the section below and have a great holiday!