SOUNDTRACK: WEEZER-Christmas EP (2000).
I heard a Weezer Christmas song this weekend when WRFF in Philadelphia was playing a Christmas takeover weekend–rock bands playing Christmas songs.
I discovered the Christmas with Weezer EP, but the song they played was on this 2000 release.
That song is called “The Christmas Song” which is not any other Christmas song; it is a Weezer original.
With a heavy riff, Rivers sings a song of woe as the woman who told him she’d be there with him has stood him up and he is “waiting beside the tree all by myself.”
I like how the bridge features a note that sounds a bit like the “faaaaalll on your knees” part of “O Holy Night.” Although it is actually, “Aaaaaaaah. Could you ever know how much I care?” It’s got a very Weezer sound.
The other song on this release is called “Christmas Celebration.” It’s a faster punkier song and despite the title, it is not much of a celebration .After a run-through of things that happens on Christmas
Carolers are singing
Registers ka-chinging
And the presents are in place
But I’d rather eat some mace
Cos that egg nog always makes me sick
we get to the crux. Despite the “hoo hoo” at the end of each line, the vibe is negative. The final repeated refrain is “The pageantry is such a bore.”
Not the most sentimental Christmas songs, although they are both quite catchy.
[READ: December 22, 2019] “Government Slots”
This year, S. ordered me The Short Story Advent Calendar. This is my fourth time reading the Calendar. I didn’t know about the first one until it was long out of print (sigh), but each year since has been very enjoyable. Here’s what they say this year
The Short Story Advent Calendar is back! And to celebrate its fifth anniversary, we’ve decided to make the festivities even more festive, with five different coloured editions to help you ring in the holiday season.
No matter which colour you choose, the insides are the same: it’s another collection of expertly curated, individually bound short stories from some of the best writers in North America and beyond.
(This is a collection of literary, non-religious short stories for adults. For more information, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.)
As always, each story is a surprise, so you won’t know what you’re getting until you crack the seal every morning starting December 1. Once you’ve read that day’s story, check back here to read an exclusive interview with the author.
Want a copy? Order one here.
I’m pairing music this year with some Christmas songs that I have come across this year.
This was another of my favorite stories in the Advent Calendar. It was so unexpected and thought-provoking.
I love how it starts on seemingly familiar ground with a list of three items: “three brown dahlias, pressed and dried; a photograph of a meadow in spring; a compass.”
It is Christmas Day and this federal office is open–the only federal office open. They are open every day because you never know.
An old woman comes past security and hands over her papers. After an approval, she hands over her item–a sandwich bag full of cloud white fur. But it is denied–nothing perishable or alive.
Another list of items: an endorsement letter signed by a cardinal; a miniature compendium of prayers for the dead; a pack of condoms. (more…)