... and the Bells Were Ringing Out For Christmas Day: Top 5 Alternative Christmas Songs

My Top 5 Alternative Christmas Songs

Tis’ the season everybody, and if you’re getting as sick of Shakin’ Stevens and Macca (when he stopped caring) as I am, then here are a few little ditties to keep you sane through this holiday period!

5. Proper Crimbo – Bo Selecta

The ultimate Christmas anthem with contributions from Michael Jackson, Elton John, Craig David and many others... well, not really, but it’s as close as we’re ever going to get. Nevertheless, this festive effort from Avid Merrion and his gaggle of misfits (Matthew Wright, Denise Van Outen and Bob Geldof to name a few) come together to produce a truly hilarious parody on the celebrities of the day and on Christmas as a whole.

4. Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want To Fight Tonight) – The Ramones

Christmas at its most hectic. The punk pioneers’ festive classic is best set to the most calamitous of Christmas mishaps: the kids are screaming, dad’s electrocuted himself on the Christmas lights but mum is too preoccupied with the burnt turkey. However, through all the power chords, leather jackets and greasy mops the Ramones are a bunch of softies at heart and the proof is in this sentimental – bordering on schmaltzy – serenade.   

3. Don’t Shoot Me Santa – The Killers

Brandon Flowers is weird man. I don’t know what Christmas is like in a Mormon household but I’m sure it’s not enough to engrain images of jolly old St Nick bludgeoning you in your bed in your head. Well, we’re just going to have to hope that Mr Flowers is a special case. Aside from unresolved childhood emotional issues, the Killers are able to produce this hilarious tongue-in-cheek plead to Father Christmas not to blow their brains out at this most holy time of the year.

2. Christmas Time (Don't Let the Bells End) – The Darkness

For me, the Darkness have always been one of the most underrated bands in recent memory. A brash throwback to the 80’s; perhaps, but with a collection of dazzling riffs and the banshee cry of Justin Hawkins, the Darkness are easily one of the hardest rocking acts of the 21^st Century and ‘Christmas Time’ is no exception. Yep, they didn't even take a break for the holidays. Who knew distorted guitar harmonies and choir boys were a match?

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           1. Fairytale of New York - The Pogues & Kirst MacColl

The most mainstream alternative Christmas song ever and probably the best. The big break for the Pogues that turned them from folk cult heroes into household names. Even through all its exposure, this song still remains the outsiders’ Christmas anthem. Honestly, I really can’t think of many top 5 hits that have the line “you scumbag, you maggot, you cheap lousy faggot”. I know it’s become a bit of an old anorak everyone, but this tale of inner city love and dashed dreams is a melancholy celebration to sing with your loved ones. Preferably after a few mulled wines though.