For your listening joy: 8 Christmas songs that don't suck

In general, I'm not a big fan of Christmas music, because -- by and large -- most Christmas music sucks. And I don't mean in a kitschy, so-bad-it's-good kind of way (newsflash: it's not!) -- I mean that most Christmas songs are generally cheap, cheesy, and just not as good as other songs. But. There are exceptions of course, and not mentioning them would be a travesty to holiday playlists everywhere. Thus, I present to you: 8 Christmas songs that don't suck.


1. Best Coast + Wavves, "Got something for you."


Ok, so it's an obvious choice, given my love for both these artists, as well as beach pop in general -- but I deeply love how this doesn't feel sappy, even though it's a motherf-cking Christmas duet. Best new holiday song of '10!

STREAM "Got something for you" at the Fader.


2. The Beach Boys, "Little Saint Nick"

Sort of the original beach pop Christmas song -- at least in my mind -- I remember my dad playing this in the car driving to my grandparents house down the shore Christmas morning. Best Coast + Wavves' offering is nice -- but no one does it like the Beach Boys.


3. The Kinks, "Father Christmas"

It's certainly no surprise that The Kinks can rock, this song features some mean guitar-shredding. Not to mention Ray Davies in a Santa hat!


4. The Black Lips, "Christmas in Baghdad"


A holiday track from Atlanta's most raucous bad boys? It's hard to believe -- but then again, "Christmas in Baghdad" is hardly your average holiday song. I mean, who can worry about mistletoe or naming all of Santa's reindeer when you're tying to avoid shrapnel? I mean come on people, amirite?

STREAM "Christmas in Baghadad" at Hypem


5. The Ramones, "Merry Christmas, I don't want to fight tonight"

Not only is this pretty much a punk classic, but the video rules hardcore. Check out the passion behind those vocals, and and the dude slapping his girlfriend's boob at 1:41.

(Note: Underwater Explosions does not condone violence in any way, but rather appreciates a good bit of bad acting.)


6. Crocodiles & Dum Dum Girls, "Merry Christmas Baby (Please don't die")


Another jangly piece of garage magic, recorded just days before Christmas '09 when both bands holed up in the studio and produced this lil nugget of Christmas cheer, all awash in reverb. Just how I like it!

STREAM "Merry Christmas baby (Please don't die!)" at the Fader.


7. Wham, "Last Christmas"

Yes, it's cheesy, and so so '80s (just check out the hairdos in this video!!)-- but who doesn't love a good George Michael offering? (No seriously -- tell me! I want to meet the person without a secret weakness for unabashed party pop.)


8. The Carpenters, "Merry Christmas darling"


A classic. Karen Carpenter's voice is magical.

STREAM (the music only) at Youtube.


Do you have another favorite Christmas song that doesn't suck? Let me know about it in the comments!

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