So, it’s finally December, which means I am now actually open to the idea of listening to Christmas music (unlike some people who like to start November 1st).

Through the years, I’ve collected various abstract Christmas and other holiday songs from different artists, and I thought I’d share some of my favorites. I’ll start with EPs and albums.

Jon Foreman - Winter EP (2008)

Although it’s not technically a “holiday” or “Christmas music” album, Jon Foreman’s Winter EP is one of the most appropriately-themed November through February releases around. From the thin, crisp, acoustic guitar chords in “Learning How to Die,” all the way to the final, echoing chants in “In Love,” Foreman does a stellar job recreating the complexity of the winter season. The arrangements are perfect and the production makes the music imagery palpable without taking away any of its natural glory. 

Michael Bublé - Let It Snow! EP (2003)

What are the holidays without some classy, Sinatra-style tunes? Michael Bublé’s Let It Snow! EP is that and much, much more. It includes such classics as “White Christmas,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” and, of course, “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow.” The EP also features a wonderful cover of Amy Grant’s “My Grown-Up Christmas List” and a jazzy rendition of the well-known “[The] Christmas Song.” If Bublé floats your boat, this will certainly make for a great addition to your holiday collection.

Relient K - Let It Snow Baby… Let It Reindeer (2007)

Some of you may have your own opinion about this one already, but Relient K has made a pretty decent little Christmas album; well, actually two. The first was kind of a hard-to-find album called “Deck the Halls, Bruise Your Hand,” which was a big underground success. About a year ago, Relient K went back in and recorded more songs and ended up with this 20 song collection of holiday tracks called Let It Snow Baby… Let It Reindeer. Ranging from the punky, energetic version of  ”Sleigh Ride,” to the moderately-tempoed “Silver Bells,” and then even to an intimate, original song (one of many on this release) called “I Celebrate the Day.” It’s different, but if that’s what your Christmas needs, this album has many great songs that should do the trick.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Christmas Eve and Other Stories (1996)

Yes, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra is like the KISS of Christmas music, but can you blame them? There are already thousands upon thousands of similar-sounding holiday albums, all quiet, calm and roasting on an open fire. And then there’s TSO. With dramatic crescendos and screaming guitar solos, this might be one of the biggest-sounding Christmas records out there. Lots of classics (”The First Noel,” “O Come All Ye Faithful / O Holy Night,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” etc.), but also lots of epic story pieces (”An Angel Came Down,” “A Mad Russian’s Christmas,” etc.), all rejuvenated with giant, rock opera soundscapes. If you’re into that kind of thing, TSO’s Christmas Eve and Other Stories album is a solid choice.

Sufjan Stevens - Songs for Christmas (2006)

Sufjan Stevens’s Songs for Christmas is something of a Christmas CD for the indie fan. This album holds a total of 42 beautifully crafted, acoustic folk versions of new and old Christmas songs, arranged both fully and instrumentally. It’s kind of like a concept Christmas album with its stunning consistency and smooth flow. Not only will you get a pleasant earful of commonly-heard Christmas songs, but also, you will see classic hymns transformed into a wintertime tone, giving the songs a whole new meaning. Track highlights include “O Come O Come Emmanuel,” “Put the Lights on the Tree,” “Joy to the World,” “Holy, Holy, Holy,” and “Come On! Let’s Boogey to the Elf Dance!”

Sixpence None the Richer - The Dawn of Grace (2008)

It’s been a long time since fans have heard from Sixpence None the Richer, an alternative pop duo comprised of Leigh Nash and Matt Slocum. Their recent reunion has brought about this collection of holiday music, all arranged in that unique, innocent manner that Sixpence has always been the master of. Dan Haseltine of Jars of Clay lends his voice on “Silent Night,” which adds a nice sense of wintertime unity and depth. The funky, folky “Christmas Island” is a lesser known song, creating a nice variation among new and traditional songs on the album. Another high point in the album is the Nash-penned “Christmas for Two,” which has a blissful swing and thoughtful lyrics. Especially if you are a Sixpence fan, The Dawn of Grace is a must-have Christmas classic.

There are also many great individual holiday songs, available digitally and otherwise.

• First of all, you’ve got to have some U2. Their timeless rendition of “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” is irreplaceable on any Christmas mix. Bono’s honest vocals and the Edge’s bright guitar create a U2-flavored masterpiece, all the way keeping it upbeat and wintery. Anberlin also covers this song on their Lost Songs album, and it’s not too shabby either.
• Copeland’s rendition of “Do You Hear What I Hear?” adds their haunting, ambient blend to the simple, tasteful structure of the ageless song, resulting in a surprisingly sweet recording. It’s something of an acoustic version, but with plenty of surprises to keep it interesting.
• Although, again, not specifically a holiday song, Jack’s Mannequin’s à cappella take of their song “Holiday From Real” somehow reminds me of winter. Its earthy vocal tones and icy arrangement reveal a feeling of December, despite its “California in the summer” lyrics.
• Even Queen recorded a decent holiday tune before the late, great Freddy Mercury passed away. “Thank God It’s Christmas” is somehow a lesser known Christmas song, which surprises me because of its impressive quality and craft. Good.
• Indie/alt/rock group As Tall as Lions has the most glorious rendition of “O Holy Night” I think I’ve ever heard. If you can find it, it’s really beautiful and powerful.
• Indie Rock group, the Eels, have their own holiday original called “Christmas Is Going to the Dogs.” Now, it’s not the most uplifting of Christmas songs, but it’s got a little bit of sarcastic humor to help lighten it up a little and a good melody to boot.
• Classic rock group, The Eagles, also have a great song for the holidays entitled “Please Come Home for Christmas.” If you like the Eagles, a bluesy sound, Christmas music, or all three, you’ll like this too.
• I like to listen to Counting Crows’ “A Long December” around this time of year as well. Not only is it fitting lyrically, but it’s also got that snowy, almost movie-like feeling of the winter. It’s good during the rest of the year too, but just a little more so in December.

I feel like I’m missing a lot of other big ones, but, for now, there is a little list of some great holiday music to check out. Enjoy the holidays everyone!

/ Posted: Dec 05, 2008
/ Written by: Matt S.
/ Category: Feature Articles
/ Artist(s): Copeland, Counting Crows, Jack's Mannequin, Jon Foreman, Michael Bublé, Relient K, Sixpence None the Richer, Sufjan Stevens, The Eels, Trans-Siberian Orchestra