Would it be fun to share some Christmas and other seasonal holiday tunes that we enjoy?
I have managed to find quite a lot over the years that I love to revisit each time December rolls around.
I'll start with a few and hope to hear some from the rest of you!
Emmy the Great once did an entire holiday album with Tim Wheeler (lead singer of Irish rock band Ash). There's many worthy tracks on the album but I have recently been focused on this one. Perhaps it's the synth and cheesy electronic drums reminding me of the 80s and my earliest memories of Christmas music.
Warm Digits' contribution to Memphis Industries 'Lost Christmas' dreamy chorus vocals always fill me with warmth. (The rest of the compilation is also great, FWIW)
Piney Gir recorded an excellent cover of the Knife's Reindeer last December - I am not sure if the original was written to be a holiday song, but it works so well.
Phoebe Bridgers - So Much Wine
ooh that is a lovely one! thanks for sharing.
here's one for Csar. (not available on other platforms, sadly)
https://open.spotify.com/track/5QF4h9dKGHWdP6cwRORG5h?si=0beb51dd4b1a4625
My selections are mostly bonafide classics (these are all albums):
- John Denver and The Muppets: A Christmas Together
- Vince Guaraldi Trio - A Charlie Brown Christmas (side note: my mom has a dedicated Christmas Tree with a collection of 'Peanuts' ornaments)
- A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra
Zooey Deschanel's shower scene in 'Elf' is extremely affective on me, So I suppose I kinda recommend the She/Him of "Baby, it's cold outside" though it's not as effective as the film version...
Here is one of my favorite non-traditional Christmas songs:
The Hives & Cyndi Lauper
https://youtu.be/My5Bzf0PQhc?si=p9mgDM6HOP1dwR56
And The Pogues feat. Kristy MacColl:
https://youtu.be/j9jbdgZidu8?si=OYx4qJJwBx0Uq_PF
Quote from: shakermaker on Dec 16, 2025, 05:30here's one for Csar. (not available on other platforms, sadly)
https://open.spotify.com/track/5QF4h9dKGHWdP6cwRORG5h?si=0beb51dd4b1a4625
They also did a cover of In The Bleak Midwinter for Apple Music
Quote from: shakermaker on Dec 15, 2025, 01:45Piney Gir recorded an excellent cover of the Knife's Reindeer last December -
Sounds nice.
Quote from: shakermaker on Dec 16, 2025, 05:30here's one for Csar. (not available on other platforms, sadly)
Ha, didn't know that one :) Cute (hoped for a little twist though :D)
I found it on YT since I don't do spotify.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I095rfA_UaU
EDIT: Cross-posting
Quote from: ThePumisher on Dec 17, 2025, 22:37They also did a cover of In The Bleak Midwinter for Apple Music
Sounds nice, too. You can almost never go wrong with an analogue arpeggio :). I'd love for them to incorporate more synth elements into a future album.
Quote from: Bosco on Dec 17, 2025, 19:49The Hives & Cyndi Lauper
;D Hilarious, I like it!
I'm not finding myself intentionally listening to Christmas themed music all that often as it seems everywhere during the season. But this topic reminded me of one really good album. When I was in the States I stayed for Christmas to spend the time with my hosts and their family. One day on a car ride he introduced me to this one:
Mannheim Steamrollers' - Christmas Angel (A Family Story)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTMaBMbCgoM
It was kind of surprising as it turned out to be not your "typical" Xmas themed music I was expecting an "eldery American" would show me (I'm sorry for the stereotyping) :). It's full of synthesiser elements and some different takes on one or two traditional Xmas songs.
Some of my favourites from this album:
Above the Northern Lights
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEKkltGBQw4
The Dream
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk3ZgaW_FXM
Crystal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cF1m0Ay2YY
Deck the Halls
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEIb4-n3Vzo
Messengers of Christmas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5APGFHY0LoE
While we're on the topic of Christmas: we'll be having a Listening Party for The Chemical Brothers' Chemical Chill and In Glint this Sunday on Discord to set the right tone for the holidays! Feel free to join us, I'd be very happy to see you there! :partyG
You can find more deets here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DSaZ6YRFbjP
Artwork by yours truly :•)
my favorite discovery this year is a 2012 compilation from Elefant records in Spain. It's delightful, and even multi-lingual. I know none of these artists but it really hits the tone of the season without resorting to cheesiness.
https://elefantrecords.bandcamp.com/album/a-christmas-gift-for-you-from-elefant-records
https://open.spotify.com/album/3SqYZvkP4WMh72Bd1wfpZg?si=mRUiSGWaQka5V9JbeP4Iqg
a late discovery this year and I've only had a chance to listen once, but I really enjoyed the Verve // Remixed Holiday compilation! chill and festive but also got a groove to it.
https://open.spotify.com/album/1wiGr8KkzYXIpwTk8wpkRA