Whew. I love a classic holiday jam as much as the next guy, but after 2 solid weeks and still 2 more to go until Christmas, my ears and patience are tapping. But what are the ones I could hear any time of year, and still crack a smile? That's easy.

The Top 5 Christmas Songs of All Time:

5) Little Drummer Boy - Bing Crosby and David Bowie.

The tension is palpable here, and while it's not bombing as bad as the cumbersome 'Dancing in The Streets' fiasco with Mich Jagger, Bowie is clearly outclassed by Crosby. But somehow it works, if only because at the end of the song you want these two to get along, and believe that they are. Hope on the horizon for all of us, eh?

4) I Believe In Father Christmas - Greg Lake

Who sings with more empathy than Greg Lake? Nobody. If he sang, "I am Woman," I would buy it hook line and sinker. But this is closer to home for him, and me. Disillusion wrapped in doubt, and finally having the guts to say what we all know is true. If you got less than you wanted, it's probably what you deserved.

3) Happy Xmas (War Is Over) - John Lennon

Isn't it the wish of everybody EVERY year? Okay, maybe not the profit-takers who make money on the killing, but the rest of us? Think I've had too much egg-nog? Then answer me this; Who has re-made this song with anywhere close to the same energy and feeling? Right. Nobody. Although in fairness the Jingle-dogs version is close.

2) Santa And His Old Lady - Cheech & Chong.

If Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong can, through the haze of their highest-grade dope, see the real meaning of Christmas, and in that same haze, articulate it to me in my haze...well, that's saying something.

1) Santa Claus Is Coming To Town - Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band.

What's not to like? Clarence and the "Ho, Ho, Ho's", Bruce at his goofy best, laughing with and at his band and the audience at the same time. Plus, points for the song intro only lasting about one-third the length of the song...a rare moment of holiday cheer for the Boss.

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