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Music For: An Alternative Christmas
Indie | Wednesday 19th November 2014 | Osh
It’s happened. Christmas has taken over. From shop window displays to controversial adverts to that sickeningly repetitive Starbuck’s Christmas soundtrack, there’s no shortage of the holiday spirit. It can get old fast; luckily there’s plenty of alternative Christmas music out there to shatter the musical monotony that Christmas can bring.
Earth, Wind & Fire - ‘Joy to the World’
It may have taken 43 years, but the undeniably danceable RnB group have finally graced us with a Christmas album. Holiday is a perfect collection of boogie-woogie takes on classic Christmas songs, with ‘Joy to the World’ as a definite favourite.
Christopher Lee - ‘Jingle Hell’
The 92-year-old actor famed for his role as a really bad wizard in Lord of the Rings also has a series of heavy metal albums. With his 2013 Christmas song ‘Jingle Hell’, Lee became the oldest person to have a chart hit. What could be more metal than that?
The Kills - ‘Silent Night’
Fans of Alison Mosshart’s particular raw vocals will love the duo’s take on a religious Christmas classic. The Kills’ secular rendition of the typically religious tune is much more personal and moving, particularly for those not with their loved ones on Christmas.
The Ramones - ‘Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want To Fight Tonight)’
An injection of pure punk rock energy, The Ramones’ Christmas hit even has a hilariously acted short film in their video. Silly, fast paced, and typically Ramones, ‘Merry Christmas (I Don’t Want to Fight)’ is 3-and-a-half minutes of pure fun – unless of course you’re that couple.
Tom Waits - ‘Christmas Card From a Hooker in Minneapolis’
Soulful, mournful, and, let’s face it, depressing as hell, Tom Waits’ ‘Christmas Card From a Hooker in Minneapolis’ is a beautiful Christmas lament. The song speaks for itself.
Death Cab for Cutie - ‘Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)’
Out in full force, Death Cab for Cutie’s Christmas original song is the quintessence of their instantly recognisable sound. Luckily, it’s also a great song. Warning, those with broken hearts should stay clear – the song will undoubtedly make you cry.
Weird Al Yankovik - ‘Christmas at Ground Zero’
Always satirical, hilarious, and brilliant, Weird Al must be included in the Christmas playlist for his sheer cheek.
She & Him - ‘Little Saint Nick’
Despite her polarising sound, it’s hard to deny that Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward have managed to embody a certain sickly sweetness that is perfect for Christmas.
Bright Eyes - ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’
Rereleased this year as a white vinyl and is also available online, the 2002 Christmas Album proves that Conor Oberst can make anything depressing. Worth giving a listen to, Bright Eyes seem to be poising themselves for a comeback.
Run D.M.C. - ‘Christmas in Hollis’
The paragon of Christmas hip hop songs, Run D.M.C.’s ‘Christmas in Hollis’ is a perfect balance of comedy and rap. For classic hip hop, look no further.
By Gabriella Geisinger
