Welcome to Day 22 of our festive countdown! We’re nearing the big day, and frankly, we’ve had enough of the syrupy ballads and sleigh bells. It’s time to turn the volume up to 11. Today’s pick comes from England’s loudest band, the legends that are Spinal Tap.
Years before Jack Black’s Dear Santa movie made a joke out of a kid accidentally writing to Satan, David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel, and Derek Smalls were already celebrating “Christmas With The Devil”. While the track appeared on their 1992 album Break Like The Wind, it feels like it’s been haunting the festive airwaves forever. It’s a proper parody that manages to stand on its own two feet as a cracking heavy metal tune – and the track we’ve added to our lengthy seasonal playlist is a 2025 remaster.
Lyrically, it’s exactly what you’d expect from the genius minds of Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer. Forget snowmen and reindeer; we’re talking about a holiday season in the underworld where “The elves are dressed in leather / And the angels are in chains.” It paints a grim but hilarious picture with lines like “The sugar plums are rancid / And the stockings are in flames.”
Musically, it’s a stomper. With backing vocals provided by none other than Timothy B. Schmit of the Eagles, the production is surprisingly slick. It’s got that classic arena rock sound that makes you want to throw the horns up while you’re waiting for the turkey to roast.
It’s also been a massive year for the band. After decades of rumours and legal wrangling, 2025 finally saw the release of the long-awaited sequel, Spinal Tap II. Seeing the original lineup reunite with director Rob Reiner (reprising his role as documentarian Marty DiBergi) has been a highlight for fans who have been quoting the original 1984 film for over forty years. The new film saw the lads contractually obligated to reform for one last gig, bringing a host of music legends along for the ride, including cameos from Paul McCartney and Elton John.
So, if you’re tired of “Silent Night”, stick this on, crank the knob to one louder, and have yourself a very heavy Christmas.
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