For the last few years in the U.K., any band that didn’t come out of The X Factor hasn’t stood a chance at a Christmas No. 1. The British TV show, which Simon Cowell bought to the U.S. (it was the inspiration for American Idol), has consistently churned out winners who release their singles just in time for Christmas, and of course they never fail to claim the top spot.

This year, however, the backlash has been sizable, and a Facebook group with 750,000 members has been campaigning for Rage Against the Machine’s 1992 single “Killing in the Name.” How cheery is that? I have to admit, I do think it’s great that someone other than Cowell’s little moneymaking machines is getting a chance at the Christmas crown. I remember it used to be exciting every year waiting for Christmas No. 1, but the tradition dies a sorry death when it’s a certainty.

Although Rage are currently outselling X Factor’s Joe McElderry on Amazon, I’m pretty sure X Factor will pull it off. In December 2000, when Eminem’s “Stan” looked as if it might become Christmas No. 1, parents across the country promptly went out and bought every copy of the “Bob the Builder” theme, thus avoiding having to tell their children that the top song that Christmas was about a suicidal maniac. Even if Rage only manage to make No. 2, it will definitely be them you’ll find me moshing too this christmas. (more…)