3. The Pogues - Fairytale of New York (1987)
The first of two songs on this list from 1987. Many people still don't realise this song didn't actually get to the Number 1 spot in 87. A soulful duet, Christmas has never sounded more rugged and dirty than through the vocals of Shane MacGowan and the late Kirsty MacColl, however this duet wasn't originally planned. MacGowan was originally supposed to sing the song with Pogues bass player Cait O'Riordan. However, when she left the band in '86, another vocalist needed to be found. As if by coincidence, MacColls husband was working with the Pogues as producer, and she was suggested to take over. Was beaten to the top spot by The Pet Shop Boys "Always on my Mind". Did reach the Number 1 spot in Ireland the same year though. http://youtu.be/j9jbdgZidu8 4. The Darkness - Christmas Time (2003)
Reached number 2. A follow-up to their hit "I believe in a thing called Love", this is a catchy, rocky song, harping back to Slade and Wizard classics of yesteryear. The Darkness were huge favorites to top the charts in '03 with this song. On this occasion though, another classic would take the top spot, "Mad World" by Michael Andrews and Gary Jules took the popular vote. Made popular from the movie "Donnie Darko", it had a very melancholy, perhaps anti commercial theme, and struck a chord with many for its Darker tone. Dubbed the closest race for Christmas Number 1 in recent memory, according to chart statistics, the Darkness were actually ahead all week in sales, until the Saturday, when "Mad World" took a jump in sales. http://youtu.be/VQhuoY5h2kE