Cut of the Week 12/21/10 - Christmas Once More...

This one I simply could not resist. What sums up what Christmas is all about more poignantly than the 1977 David Bowie and Bing Crosby duet, Little Drummer Boy/Peace On Earth? Yes, the staged encounter is terribly awkward (Bowie to Bing: "Are you the new butler?") with Bing making self-deprecating jokes at almost every turn and Bowie's what-am-I-doing-here confusion practically written on his face.

However, the worlds-apart dynamic between Bowie, who was at the height of his glam-rock powers in 1977, and Bing, representing the fading old guard (he actually passed away one month after this was recorded) doesn't belie something sweetly sad about their performance - almost like an estranged grandfather and grandson spending an afternoon together. For me, there is a quality of timelessness to this song and especially this performance. Despite how strange it may appear on paper, it just works.

Watch. Listen. Enjoy. Happy Holidays everyone!