You probably have not heard most of these Christmas songs, but it would sure be a shame if you will not be aware of them!
Many of these non-traditional Christmas songs are parodies and others just great songs. I always loved Christmas parodies in addition to rock classics and traditional Christmas/holiday music.
1. Stan Freberg – Green Christmas
Stan Freberg’s take on the commercialization of Christmas was a very controversial song when it was first released in 1958. Capital Records initially refused to release the record because it was deemed offensive to the advertising industry. The song was rarely played on the radio and some advertisers would not allow their ads to air within 15 minutes of the song being played.
2. Bob Rivers – Be Claus I Got High
A great parody based on Afroman’s “Because I Got High”. Bob Rivers is the master of Parody songs. He was a DJ in the northeast and northwest for many years. The LP from which this song is on, “Twisted Christmas” was certified gold.
3. Robert Earl Keen – Merry Christmas From the Family
The ultimate Texas Christmas song from Robert Earl. Robert Earl always tells a great story with his songs.
4. Steeleye Span – Gaudete
Maddy Prior has such a wonderful voice. This rendition of the traditional song, “Gaudete” is the best ever. The song was first published in 1582.
5. Blackmore’s Night – Emmanuel
This is the most beautiful song ever, Christmas or otherwise. Candice Night does remarkable vocals and her husband Ritchie Blackmore, of Deep Purple fame, is superb in his accompaniment.
6. Greg Lake – I Believe in Father Christmas
Another song protesting the commercialization of Christmas. Some considered this song to be sacrilegious. Greg Lake said it best in an interview with Mojo magazine: “I find it appalling when people say it’s politically incorrect to talk about Christmas, you’ve got to talk about ‘The Holiday Season’. Christmas was a time of family warmth and love. There was a feeling of forgiveness, acceptance. And I do believe in Father Christmas”
7. Bruce Springsteen – Santa Clause Is Coming To Town
Yes, this song is on most top ten list of Christmas songs. There is a reason for that. It makes you feel good.
8. Willie Nelson and Stephen Colbert – The Little Dealer Boy
This one is from Stephen Colbert’s “A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All” released in 2008. It is a fun lp. Willie and Stephen do a funny and meaningful parody of “The Little Drummer Boy”.
9. Weird Al Yankovic – Christmas at Ground Zero
This song is meaningful to those of us in the 60+ age bracket. It is also relevant with the recent loose talk about nuclear weapons. The video mostly clips from 1950’s-60’s civil defense videos. Did you know that if the big one is dropped near you, that all you have to do is duck and cover to survive a nuclear bomb? That is what we were taught when I was young.
10. Cheech and Chong – Santa Claus and His Old Lady
Even though this song was released 45 years ago, it is still one a timely commentary on Santa Claus fitting in with today’s society.
I hoped you enjoyed this list and unlocked some new Christmas tunes you was not aware of. And if it was not enough for you, you are welcome to discover an infinite more, in my non-traditional Christmas music BeatRoom.