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Episode 27: Christmas Songs that Rock
Episode 27 — Christmas Songs that ROCK
We're trying something new in this podcast, folks. As Christmas approaches, we're highlighting some of the Rock and Roll Christmas songs we've heard over the years. From the sublime to the slightly corny, covers to originals, Rock music has lent its voice to the Advent season. Join us this week as we review some of the classics and deeper cuts that have made for a Rock and Roll Christmas season.
Bing Crosby and David Bowie - Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy
This song was featured in September of 1977 for "Bing Crosby's Merry Old Christmas," which would be the last of Crosby's Christmas specials. It was surreal to see the glam rock Bowie paired with American icon Crosby in this inter-generational duet. Bowie balked at performing "The Little Drummer Boy," and so creators Ian Fraser,Larry Grossman, and Alan Kohan added the "Peace on Earth" counterpoint.
Twisted Sister - O Come All Ye Faithful
Not exactly a classic of the genre here. Twisted Sister simply puts the words to “O Come All Ye Faithful,” with the music from their well known classic “We're Not Gonna Take It.”
Cheap Trick - I Want You for Christmas
Here's Cheap Trick's take on Christmas, just taking their hit "I Want You To Want Me" and converting it to a Christmas song. Not original, not a lot of staying power, but if you prefer your Christmas tunes to have a certain lounge lizard appeal, this may be what you're looking for.
Chuck Berry (and Lemmy) - Rudolph Run
From 1958, Berry takes his turn at a Christmas song which has become a standard over time. This tune was very similar to his hit “Johnny B. Goode.” Also featured is the 2008 remake by Lemmy Kilmister (of Motorhead fame), Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), and Dave Grohl (Nirvana) in a distinctly crunchier take on the compilation “We Wish You a Metal Christmas.”
Elvis Presley - Silver Bells
Jay Livingston and Ray Evans wrote this song which was originally performed by Bob Hope and Marilyn Maxwell in the movie “The Lemondrop Kid” in 1950. Presley covered this song in 1971 for his Christmas album at the height of his comeback era. Presley never performed outside the United States.
The Kinks - Father Christmas
From 1977, this original song tells the story of a department store Santa who gets beat up by some poor kids looking for money. Over time this has become a classic Rock Christmas song, covered by a number of artists. You'll hear this tune on "That 70's Show" and "Bob's Burgers."
Queen - Thank God It's Christmas
Another original song from 1984, this song was on the UK charts for 6 weeks.
Da Surfones - Waikiki Christmas
It's not the Beach Boys, but close. Because who needs a White Christmas?
Suddenly, Tammy! - Rock 'n Roll Santa Claus
Alright folks, listen to this tune and see how many snippets you can identify.
Gary Walker and the Boogie Kings - Santa's Got a Brand New Bag
And, this is not James Brown. Another Christmas take on a prior hit, this time it's "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag"
James Brown - Santa Go Straight to the Ghetto
The Godfather of Soul has to get into the Christmas spirit.
Run D.M.C. - Christmas in Hollis
From 1987, this song was played in the 1988 (arguably) Christmas movie “Die Hard.”
James Slater - All I Want from Santa (is a girl from Atlanta)
This was a big hit in metro-Atlanta when it came out in 1983. Slater wrote this song for an upcoming gig in Atlanta, and it got solid air play on 96 Rock (WKLS) at this time.
The Waitresses - Christmas Wrapping
I know what boys like...for Christmas, perhaps. This Ohio group has another hit on their hands for the holidays.
Greg Lake — I believe in Father Christmas
They said there'd be snow at Christmas, they said there'd be peace on Earth. The instrumental riff is from the "Troika" portion Prokofiev's "Lieutenant Kije"
Bob and Doug McKinsey - The Twelve Days of Christmas
Our friends from SCTV and the Great White North close out the podcast with this comedy track from 1981.
Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.
Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!
**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
View all episodes
By Rob Marbury, Wayne Rowan, Bruce Fricks, John Lynch
4.9
4747 ratings
Episode 27 — Christmas Songs that ROCK
We're trying something new in this podcast, folks. As Christmas approaches, we're highlighting some of the Rock and Roll Christmas songs we've heard over the years. From the sublime to the slightly corny, covers to originals, Rock music has lent its voice to the Advent season. Join us this week as we review some of the classics and deeper cuts that have made for a Rock and Roll Christmas season.
Bing Crosby and David Bowie - Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy
This song was featured in September of 1977 for "Bing Crosby's Merry Old Christmas," which would be the last of Crosby's Christmas specials. It was surreal to see the glam rock Bowie paired with American icon Crosby in this inter-generational duet. Bowie balked at performing "The Little Drummer Boy," and so creators Ian Fraser,Larry Grossman, and Alan Kohan added the "Peace on Earth" counterpoint.
Twisted Sister - O Come All Ye Faithful
Not exactly a classic of the genre here. Twisted Sister simply puts the words to “O Come All Ye Faithful,” with the music from their well known classic “We're Not Gonna Take It.”
Cheap Trick - I Want You for Christmas
Here's Cheap Trick's take on Christmas, just taking their hit "I Want You To Want Me" and converting it to a Christmas song. Not original, not a lot of staying power, but if you prefer your Christmas tunes to have a certain lounge lizard appeal, this may be what you're looking for.
Chuck Berry (and Lemmy) - Rudolph Run
From 1958, Berry takes his turn at a Christmas song which has become a standard over time. This tune was very similar to his hit “Johnny B. Goode.” Also featured is the 2008 remake by Lemmy Kilmister (of Motorhead fame), Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), and Dave Grohl (Nirvana) in a distinctly crunchier take on the compilation “We Wish You a Metal Christmas.”
Elvis Presley - Silver Bells
Jay Livingston and Ray Evans wrote this song which was originally performed by Bob Hope and Marilyn Maxwell in the movie “The Lemondrop Kid” in 1950. Presley covered this song in 1971 for his Christmas album at the height of his comeback era. Presley never performed outside the United States.
The Kinks - Father Christmas
From 1977, this original song tells the story of a department store Santa who gets beat up by some poor kids looking for money. Over time this has become a classic Rock Christmas song, covered by a number of artists. You'll hear this tune on "That 70's Show" and "Bob's Burgers."
Queen - Thank God It's Christmas
Another original song from 1984, this song was on the UK charts for 6 weeks.
Da Surfones - Waikiki Christmas
It's not the Beach Boys, but close. Because who needs a White Christmas?
Suddenly, Tammy! - Rock 'n Roll Santa Claus
Alright folks, listen to this tune and see how many snippets you can identify.
Gary Walker and the Boogie Kings - Santa's Got a Brand New Bag
And, this is not James Brown. Another Christmas take on a prior hit, this time it's "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag"
James Brown - Santa Go Straight to the Ghetto
The Godfather of Soul has to get into the Christmas spirit.
Run D.M.C. - Christmas in Hollis
From 1987, this song was played in the 1988 (arguably) Christmas movie “Die Hard.”
James Slater - All I Want from Santa (is a girl from Atlanta)
This was a big hit in metro-Atlanta when it came out in 1983. Slater wrote this song for an upcoming gig in Atlanta, and it got solid air play on 96 Rock (WKLS) at this time.
The Waitresses - Christmas Wrapping
I know what boys like...for Christmas, perhaps. This Ohio group has another hit on their hands for the holidays.
Greg Lake — I believe in Father Christmas
They said there'd be snow at Christmas, they said there'd be peace on Earth. The instrumental riff is from the "Troika" portion Prokofiev's "Lieutenant Kije"
Bob and Doug McKinsey - The Twelve Days of Christmas
Our friends from SCTV and the Great White North close out the podcast with this comedy track from 1981.
Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.
Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!
**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
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