For over twenty years, Fearless Records has been releasing their Punk Goes… compilation albums featuring punk, emo, metalcore, and post-hardcore bands performing covers. It all began with Punk Goes Metal in 2000 and each year has seen a new addition from Punk Goes Country, to Punk Goes 80s, to Punk Goes Crunk, and everything in between. Punk Goes Christmas is a thrilling and unique compilation album that breathes new life into beloved Christmas classics. Released in 2013 by Fearless Records, this punk-rock take on holiday classics is a refreshing departure from the traditional sounds of the season. From the moment you press play, you are instantly blasted with energetic and fast-paced punk renditions of well-known Christmas songs. Each track on the album embraces the spirit of punk in its own way, giving new life to timeless holiday favorites. Just in time for the holidays, Craft Recordings is giving fans the opportunity to own this collection of holiday covers and originals on green vinyl as part of their Record Store Day: Black Friday releases.
One of the standout tracks on the album is “Father Christmas” originally recorded by The Kinks and covered by Man Overboard. The band’s signature sound and Zac Eisenstien’s powerful vocals infuse the song with a sense of urgency and raw emotion. It’s a true punk anthem that will get you headbanging along with the holiday cheer. Another standout is Yellowcard’s rendition of “Christmas Lights.” The band puts their own pop-punk twist on the Coldplay original, delivering an impressive blend of melodic verses and explosive choruses. It’s a perfect reflection of Yellowcard’s musical style while capturing the essence of the holiday season. Every track on Punk Goes Christmas showcases the talent and creativity of the bands involved. From the catchy riffs of New Found Glory’s “Nothing for Christmas” to the angst-filled vocals of Crown the Empire’s “There Will Be No Christmas,” the album is diverse and captivating, ensuring that there’s something for every punk rock fan.
One thing that sets Punk Goes Christmas apart is its ability to evoke holiday cheer while still staying true to the rebellious nature of punk. The tracks maintain their edgy essence while embracing the festive spirit, resulting in a delightful and unexpected blend. However, there are a couple of tracks on the album that don’t quite hit the mark. For example, Issues’ cover of NSYNC’s “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” feels somewhat forced and lacks the authenticity found in other renditions. Nevertheless, it’s a minor setback in an otherwise strong collection of songs. This reissue also includes four songs previously only released digitally in 2015. The addition of “Home Alone Theme” by August Burns Red, “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” by Being as an Ocean and “Sleigh Ride” by This Wild Life brings an extra dose of rowdy cheer to this collection.
All in all, Punk Goes Christmas is an exciting and spirited compilation that injects a splash of punk-rock energy into our favorite holiday tunes as well as providing a good chunk of originals. It offers an alternative take on classic songs that will undoubtedly appeal to fans of the punk genre. So, if you’re tired of the same old jingle bells and looking for a fresh and lively soundtrack for the holiday season, this album is well worth a listen.
