Christmas songs have a tendency to be beat-you-over-the-head literal. Whether they tell the story of Jesus or of Santa, the narrative arc leaves limited room for creativity. John Cale’s “Child’s Christmas in Wales” provides a refreshingly poetic counterpoint. The Velvet Underground alumnus first released this holiday downer on his 1973 album Paris 1919, basing the tune off a Dylan Thomas story of the same name. “Ten murdered oranges bled on board ship” proves a bit more thought-provoking than “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire” (though you may think twice about inviting Mr. Cale to your Christmas party). Continue reading »