The holidays are a splendid concoction of family time and good cheer mixed with a bit of exhaustion and thousands of tasks to get done before the big day in question. The best accompaniment to this holiday extravaganza is often the resonant Christmas music that seems to blare from the nearest speakers. Of course, while the traditional singers and song writers from the old days of yore hold their own merit, there is always a general appreciation for modern takes on classic songs or even the creativity of a new classic. After a few hours scouring the internet (and my brain), there remains only confidence that these songs will add to your holiday spirit.
Got Something - Best Coast & Wavves This delightful little tune is not only a cute newish Christmas song (it was released last year), but the fact that Best Coast’s Bethany Cosentino and Wavves’ Nathan Williams are in a real relationship with one another makes the sentiment behind it all the more sweeter.
Blue Christmas - Bright Eyes Though we won’t be hearing this band (or more accurately its lead singer) live anytime soon, their rendition of this Elvis classic creates a great need for a stiff drink. Or pretty much anything that won’t make you feel completely alone or depressed. But that’s all just part of the bittersweet magic that accompanies any Blue Christmas rendition. It’s a seasonal favorite no matter the emotional fall out that may or may not result from a listen.
Last Christmas - Jimmy Eat World Had to throw our hometown heroes in there! Not to mention that this version of the (dare I say it) Wham classic is one of the best circulating the streets of Christmas folly. Great cover, great band.
Christmas Time is Here - Mayer Hawthorne This was a favorite when Charlie Brown did it. It’s no surprise that the super smooth rendition by the soulfully eloquent Mayer Hawthorne is another great holiday tune. That voice [insert swoon] will be the perfect background soundtrack to your gift giving events this season.
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – Coldplay I purposely did not put this little gem after Blue Christmas (that would have really encompassed you in holiday depression) but it had to make the list. It is such a beautiful version that Chris Martin’s voice perfectly adapts to. Coldplay was always good at the heartbreakingly poignant, and this track is no exception.
