Sick of sappy Christmas songs? Here’s what should be a Yuletide Classic, The Kinks’ wonderful “Father Christmas”. Do not, however, let any small children hear this song, because the whole magic Santa myth is dispelled in the first two lines of the song. On top of that, Santa is mugged for cash by a bunch of kids, who sing the sad, yet upbeat chorus. They cry out that their dad is out of work and that instead of ’silly toys’, they could really use the money … or a machine gun. The idea that we should remember those less fortunate is all the more appropiate during this credit crunchy Christmas. Not to diminish those with truly serious financial problems, but who isn’t less fortunate these days?

I love that the album cover is basically a graphic illustration of the song. Check out, what looks like, little Dave Davies(?) about to punch good ole Saint Nick! If it wasn’t so violent, it’d be cute.

   The Kinks – Father Christmas