2007 in Alternative Christmas Music
The two alternative Christmas songs I've been listening to so far this season are "Don't Shoot Me Santa" from The Killers and "Christmas in Fallujah" by Cass Dillon (words by Billy Joel).
"Don't Shoot Me Santa" (video) is a strange topic for a Christmas tune (and yes, the lyrics are about exactly what it sounds like...Santa threatening to murder someone), but perhaps that is what makes it so interesting. It's also pretty catchy, and worthy of the .99 download price at iTunes if you like The Killers, especially when the proceeds go to Bono's Product (RED) campaign to fight disease in Africa.
The second song, "Christmas in Fallujah"(video) is much more controversial, with many people characterizing it as an anti-war song. Personally, I don't think it is anti-war so much as pro-G.I. Joe, it being the story of Christmastime in Iraq as told from the perspective of the average solider. Take a listen (follow the video link above) for yourself and decide. And if you decide to download it, also 99 cents from iTunes, proceeds benefit the organization "Homes for Our Troops" which seeks to provide homes for injured veterans.
Also making onto my iPod from this year's Christmas releases are "12 Days of Christmas " and "Handel's Messiah" by Christian rock group Relient K. Both tracks are fun rock retoolings of songs we've all heard countless time.
Classic tracks on my holiday playlist include perennial favorites "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town" and "Merry Christmas, Baby" by Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, "Merry Christmas (Please Come Home) by U2, and "Come on Christmas, Christmas Come on" by Ringo Starr. For a generic 'winter' tune, check out Bob Dylan's "Winterlude" from his 1970 release New Morning.
Note: I'm gearing up for my "Best of 2007" posts, of which there will be a music post, a movies post, (maybe a TV post), and of course, Hero/Hack of the Year. Send me your nominations!
"Don't Shoot Me Santa" (video) is a strange topic for a Christmas tune (and yes, the lyrics are about exactly what it sounds like...Santa threatening to murder someone), but perhaps that is what makes it so interesting. It's also pretty catchy, and worthy of the .99 download price at iTunes if you like The Killers, especially when the proceeds go to Bono's Product (RED) campaign to fight disease in Africa.The second song, "Christmas in Fallujah"(video) is much more controversial, with many people characterizing it as an anti-war song. Personally, I don't think it is anti-war so much as pro-G.I. Joe, it being the story of Christmastime in Iraq as told from the perspective of the average solider. Take a listen (follow the video link above) for yourself and decide. And if you decide to download it, also 99 cents from iTunes, proceeds benefit the organization "Homes for Our Troops" which seeks to provide homes for injured veterans.
Also making onto my iPod from this year's Christmas releases are "12 Days of Christmas " and "Handel's Messiah" by Christian rock group Relient K. Both tracks are fun rock retoolings of songs we've all heard countless time.
Classic tracks on my holiday playlist include perennial favorites "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town" and "Merry Christmas, Baby" by Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, "Merry Christmas (Please Come Home) by U2, and "Come on Christmas, Christmas Come on" by Ringo Starr. For a generic 'winter' tune, check out Bob Dylan's "Winterlude" from his 1970 release New Morning.
Note: I'm gearing up for my "Best of 2007" posts, of which there will be a music post, a movies post, (maybe a TV post), and of course, Hero/Hack of the Year. Send me your nominations!
Labels: Music
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