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This Performance of “Fairytale of New York” Will Lift Your Spirits

Author adam12
(Footage by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

“Fairytale of New York” by The Pogues is an iconic holiday tune. And this version will give your holiday spirit a kick in the arse.

 

“Fairytale of New York” is an exceptional Christmas song. For me, one of the ways it’s exceptional is in that I will only listen to the original version. I have no interest in hearing anyone other than Shane MacGowan and Kirsty MacColl sing the song. OK, maybe, if I’m in the mood, I’ll let the Billy Bragg and Florence and the Machine version play. But it’s the original for me, through and through.

 

I can’t think of another Christmas song or holiday tune that’s like that for me. Gimme all the versions of “White Christmas” (especially this one from Stiff Little Fingers) and all the takes on “Silent Night” and every last “O Come All Ye Faithful,” especially the ones where they sing the first verse in Latin. “Adeste Fideles” all season long, baby! Make it a damn Gregorian chant, I’m into it!

 

This Performance of “Fairytale of New York” Will Lift Your Spirits

On November 30th, 2023, the iconic Irish singer-songwriter and musician Shane MacGowan passed away, surrounded by family, in Dublin. I could write thousands of words about his transcendent talent and his legacy and how he’s beloved by all who heard his songs and those who were lucky enough to know him. But those words have already been written. Instead, I want to show you what happened after he passed.

 

At MacGowan’s funeral in Nenagh, the musicians Glen Hansard and Lisa O’Neill performed “Fairytale of New York” in his memory. Their rendition was so heartfelt that members of MacGowan’s family and others attending the service actually stood up and danced in the aisles. See for yourself. And add this version to your holiday playlist, as it created a singular moment of the type of love and joy we all hope to experience during the holiday season.

Adam 12 is the Program Director of Boston's ROCK 92.9, heard weekdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. He's been flexing his encyclopedic rock knowledge in New England for over 2 decades, both on-air and online, at WBCN, WFNX, Boston.com, and indie617. At ROCK 92.9, he keeps you in the know on the big stories from the Boston music scene and writes about great places to eat, drink (beer), and to spend time outdoors in and around Boston.

12 Christmas Songs That Rock

My Christmas gift to you: 12 Christmas songs that rock. Well, they rock me at Christmastime. I hope they’ll rock you, too.

 

I’m using “rock” a bit loosely here. If you’ve been keeping tabs on my holiday-themed playlists, you know I’m all about diversity. For instance, my 8 Hanukkah Songs That Rock featured a bit of folk and some funny fare. And my 12 Boston Christmas Songs That Rock even had a bit of hip-hop in the mix.

 

Speaking of that last list, you’ll find one of those on this list, too. I’m not trying to kill the vibe with repeats or anything like that. It’s just that this particular song makes sense on both lists. And they’re my lists, for crying out loud. I do what I want! Even when it’s the holiday season. Heh. It’s musical equivalent of giving you a gift that I want instead of one you want.

 

Oh, and I gotta get the plug in there. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, from 10-12 on both, it’s me, Adam 12, with two hours of Christmas songs that rock. Will some of the songs on this very playlist end up in the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day playlist? You bet your red satin Santa pants they will. All the ways to listen are right here, so  you can tune in wherever you’re celebrating the holiday.

 

12 Christmas Songs That Rock

Before we move on, my usual disclaimer. Some of these songs you will know and love. A few you will not. It’s my hope with all of these playlists that you come away with that feeling of familiarity you get from a song you enjoy, but also that feeling of excitement you get when you discover something new. Happy Holidays to you. And a Merry Christmas, too. Now, let’s rock some Christmas tunes.

  • Bad Religion “Joy To The World”

    Greg Graffin doesn’t let the fact that he doesn’t know the words get in the way of delivering a spirited take on Christmas morning classic.

  • Far “Feed The World (Do They Know It’s Christmas?)”

    The Sacramento emo rockers enlist Deftones frontman Chino Moreno and proceed to turn out some pretty decent impersonations of the stars in the original Band Aid version of the song.

  • The Kinks “Father Christmas”

    “…but remember the kids who got nothin’…while you’re drinkin’ down your wine…”

  • The Murder City Devils “364 Days”

    What the hell does Santa do during the rest of the year? These Seattle garage punks attempt to answer the question.

  • My Morning Jacket “Santa Claus Is Back In Town”

    If this is what having the blues for Christmas sounds like, pour me another.

  • Nerf Herder “Santa Has A Mullet”

    I mean, have you seen Santa without his hat on? Sure, his hair is long. But don’t be fooled: it’s absolutely a mullet.

  • Passengers “Miss Sarajevo”

    If this quasi-holiday song featuring U2, Brian Eno, and Luciano Pavarotti doesn’t move you, you have a lump of coal for a heart.

  • The Pogues “Fairytale Of New York”

    A holiday tradition. Timeless. Bless you, Kirsty MacColl.

  • The Ramones “Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want To Fight Tonight)”

    You’ve probably figured out by now I’m a big fan of the punk rock holiday fare.

  • Robby Roadsteamer “X-mas In Allston”

    Boston’s beloved bard pens a holiday love letter to the city’s crustiest Christmas destination.

  • Run DMC “Christmas In Hollis”

    It’s just not the holiday season until I’ve cranked this one as loud as my kids can stand it.

  • Akim & Teddy Vann “Santa Claus Is A Black Man”

    One of the most inspiring and empowering Christmas songs I’ve ever heard; a true forgotten classic. Enjoy it and happy holidays.

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