Bob Dylan – Twas the Night Before Christmas Review
When we come together around the record player during the holiday season, what tunes do we have in mind? Are we looking for those familiar tunes filled with cheesy, hollow cheer like Band Aid’s classic? Or perhaps we’re thinking of Shakin’ Stevens and his predictable holiday vibes, all crafted to sell a hit? Actually, it’s neither of those. Instead of the usual suspects like John Lennon, Mud, and Slade collecting dust on the shelf, let’s focus on a well-known name that prompts a surprised “Really?” when you mention their Christmas song, or even a whole Christmas album. Bob Dylan doesn’t play the game of commercialized holiday music, nor does he wade into those shallow festive waters. What he does, like any true icon, is take the holiday songs from his youth and rework them into lively polka beats and spoken word performances. One listen to his version of Twas the Night Before Christmas and you might find it’s not the most uplifting addition to your holiday gathering.
That's the essence of this often misunderstood Christmas favorite. Dylan isn’t criticizing the modern holiday spirit; instead, he reflects on his own memories of the religious celebration. The electronic sounds typically found in seasonal music are replaced by a lively acoustic rhythm. What was once a beloved childhood song is transformed by Dylan's gravelly voice and his hope to infuse Christmas with thoughtfulness. You don’t need the typical jingling of bells or the elaborate production of a big record label to capture that spirit. What you really need are the joyful vibes reminiscent of John Candy’s moments in Home Alone, matched with the energy of a punk song. By embracing traditional elements, Dylan delivers a collection of heartfelt and remarkable holiday tunes.
It may never surpass the moody classics of the 1980s or the catchy tunes from Wizzard, but it definitely provides a refreshing alternative. All you need is a performance by Dylan. His Theme Time Radio Hour is fantastic, and teaming it up with Must Be Santa creates a wonderful holiday experience. While it’s certainly tense, it also shows a heartfelt and deep appreciation for the poem by Clement Clarke Moore. Dylan captures the rhythm and feel of these timeless words better than anyone. It’s a rare delight; his slightly elevated voice during those thrilling moments when Santa comes down the chimney brings back the same joy of childhood – when you could imagine someone sneaking in with an Xbox 360.
Enjoy "Twas the Night Before Christmas" solo rather than with a group. It’s best savored like a cherished passage from a beloved book. Dylan's narration of this timeless poem brings so much to the experience. His voice, along with the gentle acoustic melodies that accompany the transitions between verses, enhances an already outstanding reading. Dylan's rendition makes it feel timeless, as Christmas and this story come around each year. The way it abruptly ends is striking and a bit surprising. It’s a delightful take from Dylan, who infuses the poem with just the right energy and a playful spirit, perfect for the holiday season.
Editor-in-Chief at Cult Following | Journalist covering news and culture for Clapper, Daily Star, NewcastleWorld, and Daily Mirror | Host of the podcast (Don't) Listen to This | Drawn to chaos.
