John Lucas

You know what’s been missing from this countdown do far? Don’t answer that; it’s a rhetorical question. There has been a distinct lack of indie rock, the genre of music that is probably closest to my heart.

There are actually some pretty great indie-rock Christmas tunes, but unfortunately most of them don’t have videos. Thank goodness for the Raveonettes, who provide us with not just an original song (albeit not an original title, and the estates of Mel Tormé and Robert Wells would like a word), but also a video to match. Plus a cameo appearance by Jack Skellington, sort of.

What’s “The Christmas Song” about? I have no idea, to be honest. It’s a bit of a jumble of contradictory sentiments: “I wish that I could stay” followed closely by “I wish that I could walk you home.” Also something about how “Santa’s coming into town/With a suitcase in his hand.”

What town? What’s he got in the suitcase? Is this how he delivers presents now? Not by popping down the chimney with a sack filled with toys, but by taking an Uber down Main Street with an American Tourister stuffed full of Amazon gift cards?

So many unanswered questions.