By Joanna Robinson | Lists | December 12, 2013 |
By Joanna Robinson | Lists | December 12, 2013 |
It’s that time of year. Time when the never-ending rotation of The Ronettes, Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong swing out the year every where you go. I’m a huge sucker for the holidays. Not the presents or even the religious aspect, but the other trappings. I love the cold weather and warm drinks or the twinkling lights and the smell of evergreens. I love all kinds of Christmas songs, too, from the cheesy nonsense to the over-earnest chorale music to, well yes, Bad Religion if you must know. But I appreciate that’s not everyone’s cup of hot cocoa laced with peppermint schnapps. For our own listening pleasure, last night, my boyfriend and I crafted a playlist of modern/alterna/indie Christmas music so I could listen to my tinsel-strewn heart’s content without making him sick. We’re actually really disgustingly pleased with it, so go have a listen if you’re so inclined.
But here’s a collection of new classics (most on that playlist, some not) that won’t make you go into sugar shock this holiday season.
Christmas Treat — Julian Casablancas
Christmas In The Room — Sufjan Stevens
Christmastime — Aimee Mann
Christmas Wish — She & Him
Merry Xmas (Says Your Text Message) — Dragonette (I know, I know. But it’s catchy as hell.)
Just Stay For The Night — Key & Peele
Miracle — Matisyahu
Christmas Is All Around — Billy Mack
I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day — Wizzard (Okay not so modern but how in blazes could I resist this video?)
Cry Cry Christmas — The Sweptaways
Present Face — Garfunkel & Oats
Come On Santa — The Raveonettes
Twinkle (Little Christmas Lights) — JD McPherson
The Blizzard — Camera Obscura (SADNESS ALERt: Don’t listen too closely to the lyrics.)
Just Like Christmas — Low
All My Bells Are Ringing — Lenka
Christmas All Summer Long — Deer Tick
No Christmas For Me — Zee Avi
All I Want For Christmas Is You — Mariah Carey, Jimmy Fallon, The Roots and Some Kids
White Wine In The Sun — Tim Minchin (This is the ultimate. Minchin gets right down into the heart of why I love Christmas. It’s perfect.)