Okay okay okay, ghosts for Christmas hearken back ‘A Christmas Carol,’ the Dickens story that restored his popularity in 1843. Mean anti-christmasser gets a tweak from his conscience so repents. No Jesus whatsoever, just humanness, then forgive and forge ahead.
“Marley’s Ghost” by Manual Cinema introduces the 1st of the 4 haunters with indie synth aplomb. Sad old tormented soul. Boo hoo, y’know.
“Ghost of Christmas Past” strangely uses ‘Hark the Herald’ to tear open old wounds. Majestica fronted by Tommy Johansson metal-pops the journey of redemption. Long solos. [Diggin’ dat? Check out the whole A Christmas Carol album from ’em.]
Also awesome is A VHS Christmas Carol with the introductory ear worm “I’m the Ghost.” It’s the Scrooge story updated with pop music anachronisms like we like.
New Age affect from the ever ethereal Enya makes “The Spirit of Christmas Past” extra spooky.
Elizabeth Chen fills out the pop with “Ghost of Christmas Past.” This is a metaphor for a failing loveship with only memories to bolster it. Sad sad sad.
Erin Zindle & The Ragbirds appeal to the “Ghost of Christmas Future” during the Pandemic in order to determine how Christmas will pass in 2020. Symphonic pop with an edge.
Dance time! The Yule Logs tear up the floor with “Walking with the Ghost of Christmas.” Sampling ‘Rocking Around’ they get caught up in the visitation and just go with it.
Comedy time! TV’s Kyle resuscitates Carol with his bebopping pop “Ghosts of Christmas.” Existential crisis! Will you repent?
Canned Hamm and Friends get borderline sacrireligious with their homage to “Father Son and Holy Ghost.” This pop monster explains the holy trinity like it’s a law firm. Hilarious.