This is a great contemporary holiday tune, and last year it was released on a red 7″ screenprinted with Christmas graphics. I posted a photo of it last night on my Instagram, and I plan to give it a spin this weekend while I’m wrapping gifts and finishing up Christmas projects for friends.
December 9: New Found Glory, “Snow”
It’s not Christmas until you’ve heard a Carpenters Christmas tune on the radio. Period.
December 8: The Carpenters, “Sleigh Ride”
While I’m a huge fan of the classic versions of Christmas songs — you know, the Ella, the Bing, the Nat King Cole — I enjoy contemporary covers as well. This Cat Power jam is soft and beautiful and worth a listen or ten.
December 7: Cat Power, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”
I’m such a huge Sufjan Stevens fan. I love everything he does, and his enormous collection of Christmas music is no exception to that. I’m sure this won’t be my last time highlighting a tune from the “Silver & Gold” release, but this is my favorite, and I couldn’t wait any longer to post it.
December 6: Sufjan Stevens, “Christmas in the Room”
The Barenaked Ladies holiday album is fantastic for a variety of reasons: it has Christmas and Hanukkah songs on it, it has originals as well as classics, and it combines heartfelt sentiment with humor. My absolute favorite Christmas song is “O Holy Night,” and while I usually prefer a swelling, haunting version, BNL’s take on this tune really does it for me.
December 5: Barenaked Ladies, “O Holy Night”
You can never go wrong with Ella. She’s my go-to artist for holiday tunes, and I never tire of her magical voice.
December 4: Ella Fitzgerald, “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”
Even though it’s not explicitly a straight-up Christmas song, it’s about the holidays and gathering together with family, and it’s such a great tune. One of my favorites.
December 3: Imogen Heap, “Just For Now”
This is hands-down the best version of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” ever recorded. I stumbled upon it when I first listened to what has become one of my favorite holiday albums, “A Merry 1940s Christmas.” When I heard this track, I was in love.
December 2: Pearl Bailey & Hot Lips Page, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”
A new feature! Instead of doing the Friday Five for the month of December, I’ve decided to highlight a holiday/festive song each day. Some are classics, some are more contemporary, but all are great tunes. Check out today’s selection, and come back daily for a new track to get you in the holiday spirit.
December 1: Donny Hathaway, “This Christmas”
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