When it comes to Christmas music, I'm a Scrooge. But there is one song I haul out every year - sometimes even in July - to give a listen: "Santa Claus" by The Sonics.
Maybe it's due to brain damage, but The Sonics have been my favorite band since I was 14 years old. So here's my Christmas present to you...
You'll recognize "Santa Claus" as owing a debt to the garage-rock classic "Farmer John" by the Premiers. But it's better. "Louie, Louie" is a prime example of The Sonics' BOOM. "Psycho" was one of the band's big Northwest hits back in 1965, and a fitting anthem for my teenage state of mind. And "Keep A Knockin'", one of the most ferocious of all Sonics songs, is a tribute to the true King of Rock and Roll, Little Richard. 'Nuff said. Just listen.
"Santa Claus" by The Sonics
"Louie, Louie" by The Sonics
"Psycho" by The Sonics
"Keep A Knockin'" by The Sonics
First Chuck Berry, then Elvis, then Little Richard.
ReplyDeleteI'd make Elvis the Prince and Chuck the Duke.
ReplyDelete