Strange New Christmas Holiday Songs
Killers, The Hives & Cyndi Lauper, George Michael Christmas Tunes
Dec 6, 2008
For all the splendor of the season, some of the holiday music can rot teeth faster than Granny’s candied apples. So if Christmas still gives the urge to rock around the Christmas tree to the likes of Bing Crosby and Elvis, it’s time to ask Santa Baby for some brand new tunes.
The Killers with Elton John and Neil Tennant - Joseph, Better You Than Me
Since Christmas 2006, The Killers have released a brand new holiday themed track with proceeds going to the (Red) charity. In 2006 they stuffed stockings with “Great Big Sled” while in 2007 they decked the halls with “Don’t Shoot Me Santa”.
In 2008 the Las Vegas disco rockers drop not only a diamond of an album with official release Day & Age, but just a week after their new album appeared, they team up with rock royalty Elton John and The Pet Shop Boys’ Neil Tennant for the new yuletide collaboration “Joseph, Better YouThan Me”.
While it’s hardly destined to become a classic, and one would expect more from the other boys, it’s a fun jam nonetheless. Guaranteed to have eggnog smitten dancers donning elf shoes for more than one traipse among the starlit snowflakes. Available soon from (RED) Wire and iTunes (weirdness included).
The Hives & Cyndi Lauper - A Christmas Duel
Speaking of weirdness, listening to "A Christmas Duel" by the Hives and Cyndi Lauper gives new meaning to Ho Ho Ho. In this case it means hoedown and reminds everyone what the holidays are for – domestic disputes and insults.
The rocking duet of brilliant one-ups has The Hives and Lauper reading their naughty lists aloud instead of chilling by the fire roasting their chestnuts. “I bought no tree this year and I slept with your brother. I wrecked your daddy’s car and went down on your mother,” Lauper belts nonchalantly in this amusing, yet addictive holiday treat.
No stranger to Christmas sprit , back in the 80’s, chameleon Cyndi Lauper used to dye her hair green and point it in the shape of a tree for the holidays – oh the 80’s. But it wasn’t until 1998 that she released Merry Christmas...Have a Nice Life! followed by the discount disc Feels Like Christmas in 2001.
Of their new track, Lauper told Pichfork "This goes to show even rat sideswipers can have a good Xmas too."
Have a nice life then.
George Michael - December Song (I Dreamed of Christmas)
And finally, fresh off his final world tour, George Michael feels in the holiday mood and plans to celebrate with a free Christmas track on Christmas Day. “December Song (I Dreamed of Christmas)” is available for download from George Michael’s official website.
The new Christmas track is Michael’s first musical sleigh ride since recording “Last Christmas” with that other guy way back in 1984. “December Song (I Dreamed of Christmas)” was recorded for the American television series Eli Stone which features themes around George Michael songs and re-occurring appearances from the star.
Other stars such as Enya have recently released Christmas albums, each one interpreting the season in their own way.
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