Power Pop The Holidays!

Playlist: 40 Sensational Seasonal Songs From Across The Decades

Dec 14, 2024

Ever wonder why so many power pop artists release hooky holiday singles and albums?

“Christmas songs by their very nature are pop songs. It’s not a huge stretch to play them with power pop guitar, bass and drum accoutrements,” said Bob Burger, guitarist/bassist/vocalist for The Weeklings.

“The bigger challenge is to write new holiday songs that don’t sound tired or cliched. We’ve stayed in our power pop lane for our original songs with the generous addition of colored lights and tinsel.”

The Beatles-obsessed band—also featuring Glen “Lefty” Burtnik (bass/guitars/vocals), John “Rocky” Merjave (lead guitars/vocals), and Joe “Smokestack” Bellia (drums/vocals)—just released the holiday album, Christmas (Jem Records). The collection is a mix of originals and unique takes on seasonal classics including a signature mash up of “Must Be Santa” with one of The White Album’s least festive song.

“The key and groove of ‘Helter Skelter’ was a natural fit. It really makes the track relatable to our fans, and gives a nice rock twist to a song derived from a German beer hall sing-a-long,” Burger said.

The Weeklings come from a long line of guitar pop bands who hang their hat on holiday hits, running back to the “Father of Rock and Roll” himself, Chuck Berry.

“‘Run Rudolph Run’ (which we covered) has to be the first classic rock and roll holiday song. I also love Tom Petty’s ‘Christmas All Over Again,’ The Kink’s ‘Father Christmas,’ and of course John Lennon’s ‘Happy Christmas’. The best Christmas song of all time is still The Pogues’ ‘Fairytale of New York,’” Burger said.

A few of those tracks—including The Weeklings’ “Must Be Santa”—are included on our latest 40-song playlist, “Power Pop The Holidays.” Other featured songs and artists include “Jesus Christ” by Big Star, “Power Pop Christmas” by Sue Bachner and Super 8, “Hanukkah Snuck Up On Me” by The Yule Logs, “I’m Gonna Be Warm This Winter” by Scoopski, “Auld Lang Syne” by Cheap Trick, and many more.