I guess with Christmas being a few days away, I should tap into that ever-fertile strain of holiday songs for this week’s collection of videos.
These are all at least a little unusual, because, I mean, do we really need another faithful rendition of Silent Night? Is that going to add anything to anyone’s life, really? (The answer is no. No, no, no. No.)
So enjoy these Christmas delights, from a new “Christmas Number One” to remembering the 30th anniversary of the meeting between Bing Crosby and David Bowie.
The Black Arts – Christmas Number One – Video
So right up front, yeah, this video is pretty weak — the whole kitsch thing just doesn’t work — but the song’s just so damn catchy, a great send up of the effort to cash in on Christmas via the record store. Performed by indie rockers the Black Arts, the song’s got huge hooks and clever lyrics that delight in “a fairy tale white merry Christmas turning into gold” courtesy of a song that, apparently, even the military couldn’t hold back, according to the lyrics.
Bing Crosby and David Bowie – Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth – TV special
Thirty years ago, Bing Crosby and David Bowie got together to sing this cleverly crafted mix of a classic song and one that was hastily written. At the time, it seemed ridiculously strange, pairing the 1940s icon with one of the founders of glam rock. However, now that Bowie’s known as much for his fashionista bent as he is for his hedonistic past, it’s — well OK, still weird. But maybe a bit less so.
Twisted Sister – Oh Come All Ye Faithful – Video
Nothing says Christmas like a Jewish hair metal band fronted by a singer with long blond curls and eye shadow, right? Are you with me? Eh?
For this power-chord take on “Oh Come All Ye Faithful,” some tight buttoned girl loosens up thanks to Twisted Sister’s Christmas album, the aptly named “Twisted Christmas.” The video basically patterns itself on Twisted Sister’s biggest hit, “We’re Not Gonna Take It.” It’s all stupid fun, working in riffs from “Hava Nagila” and “We’re Not Gonna Take It.”
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