Christmas means a lot of things to different people. For some it is a season of giving. For others- those selfish bastards- it is a season of receiving. Maybe it means family to you. Or something more spiritual.
But I think for all, there is one common denominator.
Music.
But the music isn't perfect either. Yeah, we have Deck the Halls and Frosty the Snowman, or the Carol of the Bells. You have classical Christmas music done by full blown symphonies or bare bones acoustic guitars or just kids singing away.
What we truly lack though are rockin' Christmas tunes. There are some, but sadly, not enough. So let's take a look at just what I think are the best. You may have others, and if so, let me know if I am missing something that rocks.
First, I will say that there is no Band Aid Do They Know its Christamas here. The song is ok. But it doesn't rock. Instead of letting them know its Christmas, why don't they give the hungry people of Africa a McDonalds gift card? Those kids would have have a freakin' Happy Meal instead of hearing this people sing.
Ok, onto the list. It is in no particular order. Well, kinda. I do save the one best rockin Christmas song until the end. Others are good but I don't feel the need to rank and argue which one might be better. As I said, the best is last.
First an honorable mention goes out to Twisted Sister. They just recorded Twisted Christmas. It is too early to know if any of these songs will stick, but it should be noted how they did the songs. Listen to Come All Ye Faithful. You know the music.
Ok, lets go to the most underrated rock Christmas song out there. The one usually forgotten, even by classic rock stations. The Kinks and Father Christmas. They put a nice little twist on the Christmas carol and sing about mugging Santa Claus. Does it get any better than that?
Next may be a surprise for people that know me. U2 and Baby Come Home for Christmas. I don't particularly care for U2. I find them to be boring and whiny. But they do deliver on a nice Christmas song. Definitely rocks.
Next on the list has to be Joan Jett doing Little Drummer Boy. The song starts out with a nice steady guitar riff before it jams in the end. She stays within the classic style of the song before going into a nice solo. Well done Joan.
Bon Jovi deserves a nod as well. No, not for the remake of Back Door Santa. Good, but not as good as Bells Will Be Ringing. Old Jon Bon puts his heart into that one and delivers a winner.
Let's throw in a Hanukkah song as well. Who does not like Adam Sandler and his Hanukkah tune? Good stuff. Let's go with version #3.
Ok, I am getting bored with this so let's get to wrapping it up. As I mentioned the other day, the Trans Siberian Orchestra has made an effort to pump up some classic Christmas sounds with guitars and theatrics. So much good music by them. Let me toss you A Mad Russian's Christmas as the TSO entry. Wizards in Winter is good. Siberians Sleigh Ride rocks, but a little interpretation of a Nutcracker favorite is good.
Finally, let's go with the grand daddy of them all. This may be the one song that has stuck with me all these years. Bruce Springsteen. Santa Claus is Coming to Town. A tune you loved as a kid that gets grown up. This is my vote for best rockin' Christmas song of all time.
But I think for all, there is one common denominator.
Music.
But the music isn't perfect either. Yeah, we have Deck the Halls and Frosty the Snowman, or the Carol of the Bells. You have classical Christmas music done by full blown symphonies or bare bones acoustic guitars or just kids singing away.
Jingle Bells, Batman smells
Robin laid an egg.
Batmobile broke a wheel
and the Joker got away.
What we truly lack though are rockin' Christmas tunes. There are some, but sadly, not enough. So let's take a look at just what I think are the best. You may have others, and if so, let me know if I am missing something that rocks.
First, I will say that there is no Band Aid Do They Know its Christamas here. The song is ok. But it doesn't rock. Instead of letting them know its Christmas, why don't they give the hungry people of Africa a McDonalds gift card? Those kids would have have a freakin' Happy Meal instead of hearing this people sing.
Ok, onto the list. It is in no particular order. Well, kinda. I do save the one best rockin Christmas song until the end. Others are good but I don't feel the need to rank and argue which one might be better. As I said, the best is last.
First an honorable mention goes out to Twisted Sister. They just recorded Twisted Christmas. It is too early to know if any of these songs will stick, but it should be noted how they did the songs. Listen to Come All Ye Faithful. You know the music.
Ok, lets go to the most underrated rock Christmas song out there. The one usually forgotten, even by classic rock stations. The Kinks and Father Christmas. They put a nice little twist on the Christmas carol and sing about mugging Santa Claus. Does it get any better than that?
Next may be a surprise for people that know me. U2 and Baby Come Home for Christmas. I don't particularly care for U2. I find them to be boring and whiny. But they do deliver on a nice Christmas song. Definitely rocks.
Next on the list has to be Joan Jett doing Little Drummer Boy. The song starts out with a nice steady guitar riff before it jams in the end. She stays within the classic style of the song before going into a nice solo. Well done Joan.
Bon Jovi deserves a nod as well. No, not for the remake of Back Door Santa. Good, but not as good as Bells Will Be Ringing. Old Jon Bon puts his heart into that one and delivers a winner.
Let's throw in a Hanukkah song as well. Who does not like Adam Sandler and his Hanukkah tune? Good stuff. Let's go with version #3.
Ok, I am getting bored with this so let's get to wrapping it up. As I mentioned the other day, the Trans Siberian Orchestra has made an effort to pump up some classic Christmas sounds with guitars and theatrics. So much good music by them. Let me toss you A Mad Russian's Christmas as the TSO entry. Wizards in Winter is good. Siberians Sleigh Ride rocks, but a little interpretation of a Nutcracker favorite is good.
Finally, let's go with the grand daddy of them all. This may be the one song that has stuck with me all these years. Bruce Springsteen. Santa Claus is Coming to Town. A tune you loved as a kid that gets grown up. This is my vote for best rockin' Christmas song of all time.
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