Xmas songs raging against the X-factor

With Rage Against The Machine’s killing In The Name Of being used as a weapon To combat the drivel of X-factor that have dominated the challenge for Xmas number 1 for most of the decade and before that the very depressing Mad World keeping The Darkeness of the top spot, is it not time for an actually festive Number one? Preferably not one orchestrated by Bob Geldof. so here’s a list of actually christmassy Christmas sings competing against Mr. Cowell this year.

Scott Weiland-Have Yourself A Very Merry Little Christmas

Scott Weiland, the former Velvet Revolver frontman is well known for his rockstar excess, but not so much as a Christmas crooner. His cover of Judy garland’s festive tune is about as far away from his rocking day job as you can go. It’s so boring your gran would get bored of it before the Queen’s speech came on. And it’s not even in the name of charity the cheapskate.

Fucked Up-Do They Know It’s Christmas?

Fucked up; the punk band it’s ok for NME to like have covered Sir Geldof’s annoying as hell Xmas song and have an array of guests, including: Ezra Koenig (Vampire Weekend), Bob Mould (Husker Du), Andrew W.K., Kyp Malone (TV on the Radio), David Cross (comedian) and Kevin Drew (Broken Social Scene). Like the original it’s all in the name of charity: Justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, DTES Power of Women Group and Sisters in Spirit are all benefiting.It doesn’t sound too bad, but it’s just not the punk assault you expect from Pink Eye & Co.

The Killers-Happy Birthday Guadalope

The Killers release their fourth charity single in as many years for (RED) to raise money for AIDS sufferers. A noble cause and they can’t be knocked for it. The song itself isn’t terrible, but is about as festive as a pineapple. It sounds more like a Caribbean summer tune with it’s Spanish guitar and bit choirs.

Taylor Swift-Last Christmas

Prepare to puke. Taylor Swift is releasing a Christmas song. And it’s sickeningly sweet. George Michael should be ashamed he allowed this to happen. If you’re a 13-year-old girl than this was made for you. Otherwise avoid like the plague.

Chris Difford and The Decorations-Let’s not Fight This Christmas

BBC 1’s The One Show is supporting Chris Difford and The Decorations with this little ditty by featuring some of it’s presenters (The boring ones, no Jonno Ross here) in the video. Although it’s cheery, it’s fucking tragic, Chris sounding like he couldn’t care less. Festive songs used to be good didn’t they?

Hollie Steel – Where Are You Christmas?

The Britain’s Got Talent runner up sets her sights on the charts. There is no doubt she has a massively impressive voice for such a little girl. But there is also no doubt this song has the appeal of the X-factor song mixed with Taylor Swift. Tears guaranteed when it doesn’t reach No.1.

Sir Terry Wogan & Aled Jones / Sharon Corr – Silver Bells / Me & My Teddy Bear

Sir Terry Wogan is an institution; of that there is no doubt. And sadly this cover of Bing Crosby and David Bowie’s ‘Little Drummer Boy/Peace On Earth’ isn’t the worst on the list. It was recorded Abbey Road Studios for Children in Need and is pretty festive, but in a singing at your door kind of festive instead of actually being good.

The Soldiers – A Soldier’s Christmas Letter

Another good cause, this time Soldiers singing to raise money for the Army Benevolent Fund. Good causes are to be applauded, but why only at Christmas and why so depressing? This song is one extremely mood killing ballad. Just donate the money and save the environment too buy not buying the CD.

So there you go, a fair few festive songs being released this year. but very few originals or ones that aren’t charity or talent show related.

And so the best bit of advice you will hear before the big day:

BUY RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE’S KILLING IN THE NAME OF NEXT WEEK.