Santa's Sequel Sellouts - December 4: The Chanukah Song
Sequel to: The Chanukah Song (Song, 1995)
I featured Adam Sandler's "The Chanukah Song" back in the 2002 edition of Steve's 25 Days of Christmas Music. Following the rules of the 25 Days, once a track is featured one year, it cannot be included again in future installments. This has made it rather difficult to avoid repeat performances in the 303 songs showcased over 12 years. (See, it's actually hard work to pull these off!)
Today's song is more of a sellout rather than a sequel, and we have to thank Neil Diamond for that. For some ridiculous reason, he decided to perform his own version of The Chanukah Song back in 2009… and it's weird. I'm not sure what he was thinking in following-up the original from Sandler, but the style is all wrong. There are also subtle changes in the lyrics, such as discouraging use of marijuana. Additionally, a line is changed from "Tom Cruise isn't but I heard his agent is" to "Tom Cruise isn't, but Jesus Christ is."
So thank you, Mr. Diamond, for allowing me the chance to share this song again during our celebration of those who thought they could make a quick buck by cranking out a follow-up to something originally successful. You have kept the benchmark of sequels low!
Play The Song
Download The Song
- Neil Diamond – The Chanukah Song (Released 2009, 3:54, 5.9 MB)
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From the Archives: December 4
- 2002:
- Boogie Woogie Christmas by Arthur's Perfect Christmas
- Christmas at the Rockhouse by The D's 3
- 2003: Suzy Snowflake from Suzy Snowflake
- 2004: Medley: Up On The Housetop/Jingle Bells by Floyd Cramer
- 2005: Winter Wonderland by Eddie Dunstedter
- 2006: Emmanuel, God With Us by Amy Grant
- 2007: Rock-A-Billy Christmas by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
- 2008:
- Once In Royal David's City by Peter Ostroushko
- Once In Royal David's City by Sufjan Stevens
- 2009: Macarena (Christmas Mix) by Los del Río
- 2010: Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! by Rosemary Clooney
- 2011: Mary Had A Baby! by Robert Shaw and Chamber Singers
What's This All About?
New to Steve's 25 Days of Christmas Music? Take some time to read the explanation and introduction!
I agree that it's the wrong style. While I could say plenty about Adam Sandler (much of it not good), he projected "hip" when he sang this. Neil Diamond projects "old guy trying to be hip" with this song. However, I have to smile with the reference to Jesus. Plus, there is an Adam Sandler rendition of the song where he specifically says, "Don't smoke your marinjaunika" Guess it depends on the crowd
Until Tony Bennet covers "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer"….