Black Friday is officially behind us and Cyber Monday is underway. The holiday spirit is definitely in the air and… hell, let’s be honest. It smells more like the spirit of commercialism that’s been hanging in the air since October. All that aside, if you’re looking to get your holiday groove back we’ve got just the thing: five truly unconventional Christmas albums guaranteed to get even Santa’s well-endowed behind bumping and grinding all month long.
Ren and Stimpy’s Crock O’ Christmas
For the animation fan, Ren & Stimpy’s Crock O’ Christmas is a great way to kick off the season. Featuring the vocal talents of Billy West, who performs both Ren and Stimpy, it’s the seris’ second studio album and contains such classics as “Fleck the Walls” and “The Twelve Days of Yakmas.” There’s even references to characters like Muddy Mudskipper, Stinky Wizzleteats and Stinky the Fart!
A Twisted Christmas
If you’d instead prefer a little more head-banging as you deck the halls this year, then Twisted Sister’s A Twisted Christmas puts a heavy metal spin on some seasonal favorites. All the usual offenders are present including “Oh, Come All Ye Faithful” and “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” but each with a bit more attitude and lot more guitar riffs for those inclined to rock.
Tales From The Crypt: Have Yourself A Scary Little Christmas
Probably the best Tales from the Crypt music album of all time, Have Yourself a Scary Little Christmas has John Kassir hamming it up with warped tracks like “Moe Teitlebaum” and “‘Twas the Fright Before Christmas.” Each song takes a hysterically holly jolly jab at Christmas in typical Tales from the Crypt fashion. Not for the easily offended, but definitely for those seeking some devilish holiday cheer.
Christmas in the Stars: Star Wars Christmas Album
Okay, so I never admitted that all of these albums would actually be good. Case in point is this Stars Wars Christmas album from 1980. Nostalgic? Sure. Eccentric? Absolutely. But droids working in Santa’s workshop singing “What Can You Get a Wookie for Christmas?” Pretty dreadful. Still, if the nostalgist in you is craving some Santa-themed sci-fi action that’s not Santa Claus Conquers the Martians then this might do the trick.
8-Bit Jesus
The sweet sound of 8-bit chiptunes meets classical Christmas hymns with tracks like “We Three Konami” and “Super Jingle Bros.” Released in 2008 by this concept album is actually one of my favorite from Octoroc, whose done quite a few 8-bit soundtracks as well as animated shorts over the years. There’s evena cool digipak available featuring pixel art by Jude Buffum or you can listen to the tracks online for free!
