Killer Punk Rock Playlist for Christmas
Typically, I can be a bit Bah-humbug during the holiday season or like the Grinch despising the world and all its “buying” magic. I mean, you have ever f*cking store in the world putting on Christmas music faster than a Ramones riff. Fake Santa Clauses charging $100 for a crying baby photo. And at the end of the day, it can be too much to handle. To combat this cheerful time, I composed a nice list featuring some of our favorites playing everyone else’s favorites.
“The Seasons’ Upon Us” by Dropkick Murphys
“The Seasons’ Upon Us” is a festive and humorous song by Dropkick Murphys. Released in 2013, it captures the chaotic and dysfunctional side of family gatherings during the holiday season. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of eccentric relatives, excessive drinking, and all the chaos that comes with it. Cheers to that.
“White Christmas” by Stiff Little Fingers
By choosing to cover “White Christmas,” Stiff Little Fingers embraced the contradiction of performing a festive song with a punk rock edge. Upon its release, Stiff Little Fingers’ version of “White Christmas” garnered mixed reactions from both fans and critics. Some praised the band’s audacity to reimagine a beloved holiday classic, while others criticized the departure from the traditional arrangement. Regardless, it became a staple in Stiff Little Fingers’ live performances during the holiday season and added to their reputation as punk rock pioneers.
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by Bad Religion
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” is a traditional Christmas carol that has been covered by many artists over the years, and no one has done it as well as Bad Religion. Known for their honesty in regard to political and religious ideas, I find this song the perfect tune to blare and annoy your family this holiday season.
“You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” by The Suicide Machines
If you were to ask how I would want to hear a remix of “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” I would more than likely respond with – can you make it punk and ska mix together? And like Santa Claus handing me my wish, The Suicide Machines delivered. That aggressive voice, those trumpets – can’t beat it.
“Groovy Xmas” by The Lindas Lindas
“Groovy Xmas” is a festive song performed by the Lindas Lindas. It combines groovy rhythms, catchy melodies, and joyful lyrics to create an experience that doesn’t make me want to throw up when I think of Christmas. Good on them.
“Skank for Christmas” by Reel Big Fish
“Skank for Christmas” is a catchy holiday song by the energetic ska punk band Reel Big Fish. Released in 2014, it offers a unique twist on the traditional Christmas tune with lively horns, infectious rhythms, and humorous lyrics. While you might think “Skank for Christmas” entails a person asking for a person for the holiday it’s actually about a dance. You know, “skanking.” And shame on you for thinking the latter instead of the former. But so did I. Anywho. Listen to the song, swine.
“Xmas Has Been X’ed” by NOFX
“Xmas Has Been X’ed” is a song by punk rock band NOFX and released in 2013. The song offers a cynical take on the commercialization and loss of meaning behind Christmas. It criticizes the excessive consumerism and shallow traditions associated with the holiday season. And amen to that.
“Making Christmas” by Rise Against
“Making Christmas” by Rise Against is a cover song originally featured in the movie The Nightmare Before Christmas soundtrack. Rise Against’s version brings a more aggressive energy while still maintaining the quirky and festive spirit of the original. The band’s powerful vocals and fast-paced instrumentals make this cover a thrilling and dynamic interpretation of the Halloween-meets-Christmas anthem.
“Xmas Time of Year” by Green Day
Somehow, Green Day has captured my exact spirit during Christmas time with “Xmas Time of Year.” This droning, slow-moving voice of dread as everyone around me seems to be shopping zombies eager for another deal to consume. Anyway, it’s a cool tune.
“I Won’t Be Home for Christmas” by Blink-182
“I Won’t Be Home for Christmas” is a humorous and sarcastic Christmas song released by Blink-182. It portrays a discontented character who expresses his wish to avoid the traditional holiday celebrations and spend Christmas anywhere else but at home. Same.
“There Ain’t No Sainty Claus” by The Damned
I always knew it! There is no Sainty. No Sainty Claus! And I appreciate The Damned for pointing out this fact, especially at a time of year when it’s clear every person in this world has lost their f*cking mind.
“Silent Night” by The Dickies
“Silent Night” covered by The Dickies! A unique twist to the traditional carol with their energetic punk rock style. Their rendition is characterized by fast-paced guitar riffs, dynamic drumming, and edgy vocals, providing a playful and rebellious interpretation of the classic song. What could be better?
“Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want to Fight Tonight)” by the Ramones
“Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want to Fight Tonight)” was dropped in 1989 as part of the Ramones’ Brain Drain album. For those with a family who can’t seem to get along this is probably the anthem for you during this cheerful time of year. Puke.
“Rub-a-Dum Dum” by The Yobs
“Rub-a-Dum Dum” is a punk rock song by the band The Yobs. It was released in 1979 as part of their album Christmas Album. And if you didn’t know, Yobs were a British punk supergroup formed by various musicians from prominent punk bands of the time. Check ’em out.
“Fuck Christmas” by Fear
“Fuck Christmas” is a punk rock song by the band Fear. Released in 1982, it is known for its provocative lyrics and rebellious attitude. The song criticizes the commercialization and superficiality associated with the holiday season. And for that, we should thank them.
“Christmas Vacation” by the Descendents
“Christmas Vacation” is a song by the punk rock band Descendents. It was released in 1985 as part of their album I Don’t Want to Grow Up. The entire tune is quite depressing. Read the lyrics, if you haven’t already, and you will see. Either way, figured I’d end this thing on a sour note. Ha!