Christmas 1979, Wild Billy Childish and the Musicians of the British Empire (Damaged Goods)

Wild Billy is actually better known in his native England as an artist than a musician, one currently going through a bit of critical reappraisal a la Robert Crumb. This is not to downgrade his musical career, though, as he has been around since the late 70s punk upheaval, first in the Pop Rivets and later in such bands as Thee Milkshakes and Thee Headcoats. Out of some 100 albums he's made in that time, this is his first Christmas recording. You garage fans are gonna love this; it's so lo-fi you'll think it was recorded in the 60s rather than in 2007. Most of the songs are original, though there is a cover of The Sonics' "Santa Claus," Link Wray's "Commanche" somehow becomes a holiday song, "Merry Christmas Fritz" throws in bits of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "Mary Mary," and "A Quick One" appears to be the Who song with eggnog on the lyrics. The title song was also a single, more punk of the title vintage than garage, concerns his dad kicking in the TV and collapsing into a coma, but not before wishing a merry, eh, Christmas to all. "Knick Knack Paddywhack (Chuck It in the Bin)" concerns the season of commerce, and poverty is examined in "A Poundland Christmas." Play this back to back with The Fleshtones.