Christmas Songs that Rock part VI

What the Riff?!?

What the Riff!?! delves once again into the great (and not so great) Christmas songs to add a little cheer as you rock around the Christmas tree this year.

“Carol of the Bells” by Mannheim Steamroller
Mannheim Steamroller covers a Ukrainian carol from 1922. They highlight a 3 against 2 polyrhythm that is present in the original song, and add a major key change that is not present in the original. This is off their second Christmas album released in 1988 entitled "A Fresh Aire Christmas."

“O Come O Come Emanuel” by Bad Religion
This fast-paced rendition takes an 8th century song and puts a punk twist to it. It is a quick song, like most bad Religion tracks.

“Yellin' at the Xmas Tree” by Billy Idol
Rocker Billy Idol reminisces about times with his drunk father yelling at the Christmas tree. "Oh the Christmas bells are ringing and the carolers are singing, but Daddy, he don't hear 'em, he's yellin' at the Christmas tree."

“Space Christmas” by Shonen Knife
This Japanese punk-pop band was inspired by the girl groups of the 60's and the Ramones. This sci-fi Christmas track has a "bubblegum pop" sound with a punk edge.

“Taking Care of Christmas” by Bachman Turner Overdrive
When Rob covered "Bachman Turner Overdrive II" earlier this year we discovered this Christmas remake of their classic single. It is surprisingly catchy for a song overhauled for Christmas. Randy Bachman did an all-Christmas album in 2008 including this song.

“Christmas All Over Again” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
This original song was penned by Tom Petty on a ukulele in 1992. It was used in the motion picture "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York," and also appeared in "Jingle All the Way." Jeff Lynne co-produced the song, played bells, bass, timpani, sang background vocals, and wishes for a Chuck Berry Songbook in the song.

“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” by the REO Speedwagon
REO Speedwagon keeps the original feel of the carol in their rendition of this classic. It was released on their 2009 album, "Not So Silent Night...Christmas with REO Speedwagon." The original English carol dates back to the 1650's.

“Santa Claus” by The Sonics
This song with a fuzzy guitar appeared on the debut album from The Sonics back in 1965. The Sonics were a garage band out of Tacoma, Washington in the 60's, and influenced the punk and grunge movement. They are likely best known for their party song, "Louie, Louie."

“Santa's Messin' with the Kid” by Eddie C. Campbell
Blues guitarist and singer Eddie C. Campbell was well known in the Chicago blues scene and learned guitar from Muddy Waters. This song was released on his 1977 Christmas album.

“What Christmas Means to Me” by Stevie Wonder
This original song was released on Tamla records in 1967 on Wonder's eighth studio album entitled "Someday at Christmas." It was the final track on the album which consisted of a mix of Christmas standards and original music.

“Merry Christmas Darling” by the Carpenters
No Christmas playlist would be complete without Karen Carpenter's voice. This song was originally recorded by The Carpenters in 1970. The lyrics date back to 1946 when songwriter Frank Pooler wrote it about a love interest at the time. He had The Carpenters perform it when they were his music students at California State University, Long Beach.

“White Christmas” by Bing Crosby
Bing Crosby originally performed this song composed by Irving Berlin in 1940. It was performed for the first time in December 1941, and appeared in the motion picture "Holiday Inn" in 1942.

(and there might be a bonus song...)

We at What the Riff?!? wish every one a blessed and Merry Christmas!

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