Don’t get us wrong, we love a classic Christmas tune as much as the next person. We simply wouldn’t feel quite so festive without a bit of Wham! or Mariah.
But how about we switch things up? We’re calling 2020 the year for trying out new Christmas traditions, and that means finding new material for the playlist.
The festive ‘tune-i-verse’ is a big one and the team here have been on a journey of discovery. We’ve been exploring, listening and jingling away to a few less well-known Christmas crackers (excuse the pun).
Jack Frost’s Jams ☃️
Tunes to blast while wrapping.
I’ll Be Your Santa Baby, Rufus Thomas
A funky favourite ever since we found it.
I Wish It Was Christmas Today, Julian Casablancas
A bright festive banger from The Strokes’ lead singer.
Christmas in Hollis, Run-D.M.C.
Christmas rapping for your Christmas wrapping. And ‘Deck The Halls’ sampled over a Roland 808 drum machine. It’s all good.
Christmas Eve Cosiness 🎄
Cosy tunes for colder nights.
My Favourite Things, John Coltrane
Coltrane and band’s freewheeling cover of ‘My Favourite Things’ from The Sound of Music.
December Will Be Magic Again, Kate Bush
Surprisingly hard to find, but the reward is worth the search. Re-released recently as part of 2018’s retrospective Remastered, Pt. IV, the final verse entirely steals the show.
iTunes | Available physically
Blue Christmas, Elvis
Not satisfied with just a cover of ‘White Christmas’, Elvis’s discography also features ‘Blue Christmas’. The backing vocal melodies are a treat here.
90s North Pole 💾
Wonderland and Wonderwall.
Everything’s Going To Be Cool This Christmas, Eels
Eels have two Christmas songs: ‘Christmas Is Going To The Dogs’ and ‘Everything’s Going To Be Cool This Christmas.’ Here’s the happier one.
Just Like Christmas, Low
The pioneering slowcore group delivers a characteristically beautiful, down-tempo tune.
Spotify | Apple Music
Christmas Time, The Smashing Pumpkins
An unexpected Christmas tune from the alt-rock 90s group.
Spotify | Apple Music
Ice Skate Indie ⛸️
Alternative tunes for the kitchen speakers.
Driving Under Stars, Marika Hackman
Marika Hackman’s album of Christmas covers Wonderland includes one original track: the sweet ‘Driving Under Stars’. A winter song bathed in the warmth of Hackman’s signature guitar sound.
Spotify | Apple Music
Wonderful Christmastime, The Shins
The Shins’ bright cover of the very best Christmas tune of all time. What is loses in 1970s synthesisers, it gains in contemporary charm.
Spotify | Apple Music
Christmas, Twixmas and New Year at Bedruthan
Come find a more peaceful Christmas on the Cornish coastline. We’ve still got limited availability.
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