Review: Christmas tunes with a twist

A few brave radio stations began playing Christmas music Nov. 1 here in the U.S. By Thanksgiving Day, many more joined the ranks and vowed to play hours and hours of holiday music uninterrupted. For those — like me — who have never said “Bah, humbug!” to a Christmas tune no matter what time of year, it’s pure bliss. However, for those sick of hearing “Silver Bells” and “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” for the umpteenth time, Christmas Day can’t come soon enough, when radio stations revert to playing the top singles of the week. In the spirit of the season, I ask you, though, to keep your heart open just a little while longer. Instead of the merriest of tunes, I offer you some non-traditional sounding songs sure to satisfy the Scrooge in you while giving your inner Tiny Tim a glimmer of  Christmas cheer.

A Blackheart Christmas
Anyone who has been a rock ‘n’ roll fan in the last three decades knows who Joan Jett is. The ultimate rocker chick who brought the world classics like “I Love Rock N’ Roll” and “Crimson and Clover” now brings the world this holiday album full of a few Christmas songs performed with a twist. They’re definitely not tunes your grandparents would’ve listened to.

A Blackheart Christmas features bands from Jett and Kenny Laguna’s label, Blackheart Records. It’s 35 minutes — and 11 tracks — of rock that won’t make you feel guilty for being just a little naughty with typically sweet-sounding holiday classics.  Girl in a Coma and The Dollyrots definitely spice things up and bring out edgier sounds in songs like “Blue Christmas, “Santa Baby” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Think Letters to Cleo, and the “good girls gone bad” sounds produced by these two acts make the songs easier to swallow. My favorites, though, are by The Vacancies and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. The Vacancies showcase a punk rock vibe that’s hard to shake and makes you want to sing along, while Joan Jett and her band produce the most traditional-sounding tunes on the album. “Little Drummer Boy” and “Silent Night” get a little rock edge to them, thanks to killer, yet simple, guitar melodies. Jett proves it’s okay to sound traditional (with a few updates) on these two tracks. All in all, it’s a solid album for rock lovers tired of cheery songs.

The album is available on Blackheart Records’ site (click here). It’s $7 for the entire CD or $.99 per song.

Push Play
This is my favorite holiday tune I’ve heard thus far this season. Then again, I’m a sucker for pop rock bands with catchy, guitar-driven songs fronted by male singers with crystal clear singing voices. The quartet’s contribution this holiday season is “Stay Here This Christmas.” This tune is also free, but only for AT&T mobile customers in the U.S. Sorry, iPhone users, you’re excluded from this offer. For more details on how to download this song, click here and get details from the band’s Web site. The freebie offer lasts until Dec. 31, and not only will the song be sent to your phone, but you’ll also get an mp3 file sent to your e-mail. Since the band is being doubly generous this holiday season, why not spread your own seasonal cheer and share the song with friends?

The 88
Okay, so I had to throw one lyrically sappy song in the mix, but it’s free, so I think you’ll forgive me. “All I Want For Christmas Is You” is definitely not a tribute to Mariah Carey’s 1994 version. The 88’s upbeat rock song has a twist of ’60s flair and foot-tapping swing to it. And it’s available free on iTunes (click here) through Monday, Dec. 21. If you like the band’s tune “Go Go Go,” you’ll be sure to love their Christmas ditty.