Skip to main content

The Ramones - Merry Christmas (I Don't Want To Fight Tonight)


Around my house you might find my kids humming this tune as if it were a classic song like Blue Christmas or Silent Night. To them, The Ramones are great Christmas singers; right up there with Bing Crosby and Brenda Lee.

 Merry Christmas (I Don't Want To Fight Tonight) first appeared as a b-side to I Wanna Live in 1987.  The single failed to chart in the U.S. and U.K. However, the Ramones released Merry Christmas again in 1989 as the third single from The Ramones' Brain Drain. This would be the final record to feature Dee Dee. The video, depicting a holiday meltdown with people speaking in an authentic Long Island vernacular (maybe?), features Dee Dee's replacement, C.J. on bass.

Here's to a non-violent, peaceful and perhaps humorous holiday!



Further Listening: This year, Steven Van Zandt released a cover of the song with a 15 piece band and a new third verse. Check it out:
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/see-steven-van-zandts-video-for-ramones-merry-christmas-w514553

Comments

Post a Comment

Trending Tracks

The Alarm - Marching On (Live)

Never underestimate the power of corporeal politics. Today, hundreds of thousands of people marched through the streets of American cities demanding political action on gun control. In downtown Portland, ME thousands streamed down Congress St. and gathered at City Hall. I was there. It was powerful. When you are united with others in your community, marching, there is an energy -- a sense of unstoppable momentum. It is also reassuring. We are not alone in standing up to the insanity. We are one. I am inspired by the Americans (especially the women and young people) who have once again discovered the power of peaceful, non-violent protest. If we continue to march in these numbers, politicians will hear us. The continuing volume of our chants and rhythm of our marching feet, knocking at their door, will remind them to legislate on behalf of us -- the people. All of the money in the world can't pay back the moral deficit and heal the wounded conscience of NRA-backed legislators...
Post a Comment
Read more

Jules & the Polar Bears - Good Reason

Jules & The Polar Bears is one of those bands that you want to like, but continue to remain on the fence about even after a decade of failed listens. Recently, I've been sampling bands from the late 70s and early 80s who released fake new wave albums -- major label acts who played middle of the road rock, but disguised it in skinny ties, brightly colored sweaters and catchy, Cars-y keyboard riffs. Jules & The Polar Bears are a good example. Their first record, 1978's Got No Breeding, was compared to Dylan, The Kinks and Springsteen. Personally, I hear a quirky Jackson Browne in the songwriting. Everything sounds bearded and mid-tempo, except Jules Shear, the singer. He gives the band a distinct sound with his "singing at the top of my range" yelp. But even with Shears' interesting squelch, the songs never break out of 70s rock conformity. The guitarist's resemblance to a member of Orleans or Doobie Brothers is telling. Enter 1979's "Fenêt...
Post a Comment
Read more