Top 12 Christmas Songs

• Lori Palminteri
• Uncategorized
• December 7, 2014

12. 2000 Miles – The Pretenders

Chrissie Hynde and the Pretenders are an awesome rock band, killing it with their song 2000 Miles.  It’s a great blue rock and roll Christmas tune about missing someone, that’s great to blast in your car and sing along to.

“In these frozen and silent nights, sometimes in a dream you appear.”

11. Christmas – Blues Traveler

This song is amazing.  It’s got that classic Blues Traveler feel, but it starts out about not feeling the Holiday season, and then getting won over by all the good cheer.   If you listen to song, you can’t help but embrace the message!

10. Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis

In your typical Tom Waits fashion, this song is depressing and hilarious.  I wish Tom Waits wrote more fucked up Christmas tunes.

“Hey Charlie, I’m happy for the first time since my accident. I wish I had all the money that we used to spend on dope.”

9. Mamacita, Donde Esta Santa Claus? – Guster

Guster is my favorite band, so it’s no surprise their cover of Mamacita, Donde Esta Santa Claus? made my list.  If you listen to the song, I think it will make on your list of favorites as well.

“Oh where is Santa Clause? It’s Christmas Eve!”

8. Snoopy’s Christmas Vs Red Baron – Royal Guardsman

Classic.  Snoopy has always been the best Peanuts Character, and this song is hilarious and fun.

“Snoopy was certain that this was the end, When the Baron cried out, “Merry Christmas, My Friend!””

7. Christmas is Coming – Payolas

Another blue Christmas Song, about being poor and missing someone who is not around (possibly dead?).  This has been one of my favorites since I was a little kid.

“Christmas is coming. It’s been a long year. I wish you were here.”

6. Merry Christmas (I don’t want to fight tonight) – The Ramones

As far as I’m concerned, the Ramones have and always will be one of the coolest bands ever.  This song is super cool, and very true for anyone that comes from a dysfunctional family or an Italian family that just likes to yell a lot.

“Where is Santa? At his Sleigh? Tell me why is it always this way?”

5. December Will Be Magic Again – Kate Bush

Kate Bush – the Queen of weird- composes this amazing, haunting Christmas tune that is oddly endearing.  Another favorite of mine since I was kid.  I thank my Mom for introducing me to such awesome music as a kid, which is probably why I’m such a douchey hipster now when it comes to music.

4. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – The Pretenders

The Pretenders make the list twice!  There are many renditions of this song, but the Pretenders is hands down the best version. Once again, Chrissie Hynde’s voice brings a certain forlornness to the tune that is unmatched in any other version. I love this song.

“Through the years, we all will be together.  If the fates allow.”

3. You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch – Boris Karloff

Fuck yes, Mr. Grinch.  One of my favorite Christmas tales/movies (the cartoon version only!).  This song is hilarious, and I love every verse of it.

“Given the choice between the two of you, I’d chose the seasick crocodile.”

2. Father Christmas – The Kinks

One of the best rock ‘n roll bands, The Kinks, composes my second favorite all time favorite Christmas songs: Father Christmas.  Because I love violence, I’ll be rocking out to this song all month long.

“Father Christmas, give us some money. We go not time for your silly toys. We’ll beat you up if you don’t hand it over. We want your bread so don’t make us annoyed.”

1. Fairy Tale of New York – The Pogues

Hands down, my favorite Christmas song of all time.  This is classic Irish music.  Brilliant and depressing as hell.  I’ll listen to this song over and over my whole life and never get sick of it.  The song changes gears more than once.  While it tells a tale of passion turned south, it’s melody is soothing.  The Pogues rock!

“You scumbag, You Maggot, You cheap lousy faggot, Happy Christmas your arse, I pray God it’s our last.”