Christmas Songs That Don't Suck: Part II

So the season hops along, and what's happening in the Valley? Snow in Scottsdale? Madness indeed. Perhaps it's an overload of crappy Christmas tunes driving the folks at Weather Control crazy. Let's fix that with some quality tunes, shall we?Last week Up On the Sun brought you Part I of...

By Christopher Hassiotis

December 9, 2011

Audio By Carbonatix

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Last week Up On the Sun brought you Part I of our weekly series "Christmas Songs That Don't Suck."

In this week's installment, a little sadness courtesy Low, and some old-school jams alongside brand-new delights. Read on, children, read on.

Low, "Just Like Christmas"

A particularly cheery turn, at least for a band many consider a downer, this rendition of the classic is unusually poppy. If you prefer the band's more Slowdivey stuff, check out "Long Way Around the Sea," also on its 1999 EP Christmas.

Kurtis Blow, "Christmas Rappin'"

A disco beat and yuletide rhymes, and Santa goes straight to Brooklyn circa 1979.

Clarence Carter, "Backdoor Santa"

The blind soul singer whose hit song "Strokin'" raised a few eyebrows delivers a tune about some backdoor gift delivery courtesy a guy who comes more than just once a year. What, he's just talking about sneaking in while a husband's out... honest! Y'all got dirty minds.

Run-D.M.C., "Christmas in Hollis"

A bag of goodies, a dude with a beard, and Santa's lost his wallet! The Queens rap heavyweights sample "Backdoor Santa," "Jingle Bells" and "Frosty the Snowman" on this 1987 jam.

Diamond Rugs, "Christmas in a Chinese Restaurant"

This brand-new indie supergroup hasn't even released its debut album yet, but here's a fresh-out-the-oven holiday tune assembled by the band which boasts members of Deer Tick, the Black Lips, Los Lobos, Dead Confederate and Six Finger Satellite.