More Music of Christmas – Day 12: Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy

“Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy”
By Bing Crosby and David Bowie

This is a duet that, on paper, shouldn’t work. Bing Crosby and David Bowie seem like such complete opposites. American clean-cut crooner, British new-wave rocker. Opposites may attract, but really? These two?

And yet it does. While the TV special may be awkward and make you cringe when watching it, somehow these two made magic together. It’s even more impressive when you learn David’s portion was written for him in an hour when he came to tape the special and balked at singing “Little Drummer Boy”. It’s understandable — I’m not a fan of the song, either. But the composers for the show sat down and knocked out this new countermelody that fits perfectly.

The accompaniment is 70’s schmaltz at its finest. Large orchestral sound with strings to spare. Pop standard drum set. Horns playing power chords. You can feel the polyester.

These two opposites came together and make a Christmas classic.

Tomorrow – Monday Music Monstrosity #2.