There’s only so many times you can spin Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas (JK—it’s the gift that keeps on giving), so when you’re in need of something different, we’ve compiled all the new classics that will keep you warm this winter season.
Happy holidays!
“Oh Lonely Night” by Los Angeles Police Department
Ryan Pollie writes and records really excellent lo-fi pop under the alias Los Angeles Police Department, and also happens to have put out one of the best debuts of 2014. A fitting treat at the end of a long year, Pollie puts a sad twist on an Xmas classic that bears repeating all season and beyond. Also? The artwork is a Christmas tree smoking a J, which is a perfect lead-in to…
“I’ll Be Stoned For Christmas” by Dent May
In a lot of ways, there’s nothing stranger and familiar than returning home for holidays. Especially once that place isn’t your “home” anymore. Dent May returns to family and friends for Christmas and heads out to party with high-school pals—”Fill my cup to the top / Light me up til I’m hot.” ‘Tis the season!
“I Believe In Father Christmas” by Mark Kozelek
Mark Kozelek is probably definitely on Santa’s naughty list after the 2014 he had, but on his recent album, Sings Christmas Carols, the grinch redeems himself a bit with a series of Christmas classic and covers that, while perhaps won’t keep you warm, definitely inspire feelings of yuletide spirit.
“Hang An Ornament” by Grandaddy and Band of Horses
Band of Horses released this sedate holiday single last week with the very festive news that they’re in the studio working on their follow-up to 2012’s Mirage Rock with Grandaddy leader Jason Lytle as producer. With the powers of Lytle and Band of Horses combined, we’re really looking forward to 2015.
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Sam Smith
We had to include one straight-up sentimental ballad on this list, and Sam Smith makes a mark on a classic that’s been sung famously by Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, Ella Fitzgerald, and many, many others.
“On Christmas Eve” by Field Report
Field Report released a new record, Marigolden, this year, and on the occasion of the holidays, spins a seriously tragic tale of a car wreck “On Christmas Eve.” Yikes, man. It’s Christmas…
Pure Holiday 7″ by Ice Choir
Take it from a band called Ice Choir, to craft some really lovely odes to the yuletide season. With a twinge of ’80s synth sheen (not a bad thing!), the Brooklyn group have released a holiday 7″ called Pure Holiday. You can stream both tracks (“It’s Different Now”/”Cut Down the Tree”) above, and consider buying the disc, proceeds of which go to Coalition for the Homeless.
“On Christmas” by Dum Dum Girls
Dee Dee Penny and Dum Dum Girls celebrate the trademark nostalgia of the holidays, remarking, “On Christmas / Every Christmas / How I miss us,” on this elevated, gauzy pop jam. Pour some extra peppermint schnapps for this one.
“Before December (You’re Alive)” by GRMLN
Yoodoo Park released a great sophomore record this year as GRMLN, and for “Before December (You’re Alive),” the punk-leaning, lo-production outfit offers the idea that simplest facts are the ones celebrating most. FL
You can listen to (almost) the entire holiday playlist over at Soundcloud.
