Black Segel Rock...
Hot-on-the-heels of the Little Drummer Boy/Peace On Earth remake by The Priests and Shane MacGowan, (11.13.2010 NEWS: NOW MACGOWAN AND PRIESTS DO LITTLE DRUMMER BOY) comedy actors Jack Black and Jason Segel, (co-stars of new movie Gulliver's Travels) have also had a go at the medley made famous by David Bowie and Bing Crosby.
It's a strange performance considering the two men involved. On first listen I found myself waiting for a punchline that never arrived, and while it doesn't mock the original, neither does it seem sincere.
Bowie's undoubted sincerity came across quite clearly during his performance with Bing Crosby in 1977 and there's not a trace of irony in his heartfelt delivery. This at the height of punk rock in the UK when cynicism, boredom and a general negativity seemed to be taking over the nation's youth.
Of course this is precisely why the original can never be bettered. By doing the exact opposite of what would seem to be the right thing on paper, Bowie and Bing, (whether knowingly or not) created one of the coolest musical duets of all time.
Having said this, I don't want to come across all Grinch-like. The Jack Black and Jason Segel version is endearing and its heart is in the right place, particularly as US sales of the track will be donated to Blue Star Families.
The track is out now as a download on iTunes and there's also an animated video of the track over on the