It's the year of the pig, y'all. Happy 2019. See you back in November. Thanks for all your visits, views, downloads, tips, comments and Christmas joy.
Monday, December 31, 2018
Monday, December 24, 2018
Saturday, December 22, 2018
The latest Arbor Christmas album is released, Volume 19. And of course, there's a song by The Not Fur Longs on it. These guys are present almost every year. What I like about this band is that they come up with great song titles, are very versatile (from jangly indie to reggae), it-is-what-it-is-lyrics and that honey-drenched voice of Brooke McAleer. Here's a collection of their bestest Christmas songs from Arbor Christmas compilations:
Last year was a so-so song, this is revanche:
NFL get a bit Police-y, like this one a lot:
Heartwarming:
Cool sci-fi-intro:
Fa-la-la, pa-rum-pum:
Happ-i-i-ne-e-e-ss!
Arguably, their bestest xmas song. Yes, it lends from The Cure's 'Boys don't cry', it's very upbeat, very Christmas-y.
Sad13 = Sadie Dupuis. You might know her as part of Speedy Ortiz, or because she made 'Slugger', an album under the Sad13 moniker. And if you don't, get to know her because of this desafinado alt Christmas hit. It's a holiday song, but 'instead of a song filled with generic Christmas imagery, Dupuis gives us an illustration of her ideal holiday vacation, which involves blankets, TV and plenty of staying indoors':
Sadie made more xmas tunes, like this one. And this one.
Originally a musician from the Netherlands, Truus de Groot moved to Amercia somewhere in 1980. Here she makes electronic music and calls herself: "Early pioneer of Experimental Electronica, soulful vocalist and not your run-of-the-mill Composer". Her X-mas track is only available on Youtube: It's Christmas Time! And it's created with the Analog Reco-Synth, on one track only.
Friday, December 21, 2018
The Antwerp based Belgian label Jj funhouse likes experimental music. They just released 'Icicle', their third annual Christmas compilation. It's cassette only and mostly electronic music. Think kraut, ambient, Warp records. Tracks are mostly quiet instrumental soundscapes with lots of Christmas bells. You can listen to and check it out here.
or below
Scanned some other blogs for new Christmas music, and this is what I found, stuff you really should hear:
Funny, rambling country song by Sun Sap on Santa being daddy [VIA]:
The Greyhound Factory sound like an 80s alt rock band, think music from Sixteen Candles or Pretty in Pink-soundtracks. Which I happen to like [VIA]
Auckland's Lucky Boy^ shares a song that's apperantly an old NZ xmas classic. It's dreamy, offkey and tropical [VIA]:
Eoin Dolan makes 'sci-fi-tinged surf pop that finds a space where sadness and beauty can coexist simultaneously'. So there. [VIA]
To quote Christmas Underground, whom we trust blindly when it comes to xmas music, 'this band has CHRISTMAS MUSIC PERFECTED':
Funny, rambling country song by Sun Sap on Santa being daddy [VIA]:
The Greyhound Factory sound like an 80s alt rock band, think music from Sixteen Candles or Pretty in Pink-soundtracks. Which I happen to like [VIA]
Auckland's Lucky Boy^ shares a song that's apperantly an old NZ xmas classic. It's dreamy, offkey and tropical [VIA]:
Eoin Dolan makes 'sci-fi-tinged surf pop that finds a space where sadness and beauty can coexist simultaneously'. So there. [VIA]
To quote Christmas Underground, whom we trust blindly when it comes to xmas music, 'this band has CHRISTMAS MUSIC PERFECTED':
Thursday, December 20, 2018
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Christmas a Go Go contributer DJ Oscar is playing two instore DJ sets and a club set in Amsterdam. Please feel free to pass by and enjoy the christmas music!
- December 20, between 15.00-18.00: Yearly Concerto Christmas Special with two live acts: The Avonden and Cordon Rouge. DJ Oscar will Christmas vinyl only.
- December 22, 16.00-18.00: Black Cold (Records & Coffee) DJ Oscar plays a christmas vinyl set with hip hop, R&B, jazz and (northern)soul.
- December 27, 21.00-01.00: Nieuwe Anita (club)
- December 20, between 15.00-18.00: Yearly Concerto Christmas Special with two live acts: The Avonden and Cordon Rouge. DJ Oscar will Christmas vinyl only.
- December 22, 16.00-18.00: Black Cold (Records & Coffee) DJ Oscar plays a christmas vinyl set with hip hop, R&B, jazz and (northern)soul.
- December 27, 21.00-01.00: Nieuwe Anita (club)
Scanned the great Stubby's Free List, and found three songs (among a lot of other cheer) that struck a nerve.
'A tattoo of her baby's feet, was pressed against my eyes' is one of the many poignant lines in the sad, slow song by Missouri singer-songwriter Dearnley, about Christmas eve in a strip club. Just a guitar, a tired voice and depressing lyrics, make a great, great song. Really.
A tad LOUDER is this track by Georgia's Eat Lightning. From 2011, but brought back to life for the holiday season. Grunge blues, if that's a thing, well, it's this:
As I wrote before, How to Make Gravy by Paul Kelly is one of the greatest Christmas songs ever written. On Saturday, it's #gravyday down under, because of the lyrics. This version by Anita Clare is stripped down to just a guitar and a back up singer. That's all it needs, really. Also on this compilation is a sweet, sexy version of Mariah Carey's AIWFC.
'A tattoo of her baby's feet, was pressed against my eyes' is one of the many poignant lines in the sad, slow song by Missouri singer-songwriter Dearnley, about Christmas eve in a strip club. Just a guitar, a tired voice and depressing lyrics, make a great, great song. Really.
A tad LOUDER is this track by Georgia's Eat Lightning. From 2011, but brought back to life for the holiday season. Grunge blues, if that's a thing, well, it's this:
As I wrote before, How to Make Gravy by Paul Kelly is one of the greatest Christmas songs ever written. On Saturday, it's #gravyday down under, because of the lyrics. This version by Anita Clare is stripped down to just a guitar and a back up singer. That's all it needs, really. Also on this compilation is a sweet, sexy version of Mariah Carey's AIWFC.
I dunno what's more impressive, the fact that Utrecht-based band The Wrong Reasons made a good countryrocking song about getting into the Christmas spirit (unironic, really what Christmas should be about), or the choir singing along with them, featuring Ken Stringfellow (The Posies), various Yearlings-members, Maurits Westerik, guys from Pondertone, Reiger, various comedians....anyhoo, give it a spin:
Alas, the track's been deleted by the label (Oddbox Records)
A cover of Sugababes' seasonal hit New Year, by indie sweethearts Darling Buds. Sounds great, no? Download for 'name your price' below, but be quick cuz it's only here until January 2.
Original version:
(VIA)
A cover of Sugababes' seasonal hit New Year, by indie sweethearts Darling Buds. Sounds great, no? Download for 'name your price' below, but be quick cuz it's only here until January 2.
Original version:
(VIA)
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
We're all for having a sexxxy xxxmas, so when a band calls its EP 'Sexxxy XXXMas', we're listening. Aracana is a four piece brassband from Chicago. Like Youngblood Brass Band and Hot 8 Brassband, they rework songs by others. Earlier, they did a pretty amazing version of Prince's Darlin' Nikki AND Rush's YYZ. But now, Christmas. The sexiness 'comes' from the fact that the carols they bring, have 'come' in the name. O Come O Come Emmanuel, O Come All Ye Faithfull, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear.
Now, I'm pretty sure you never heard those carols played in the way Arcana does 'm over. Prepare for their O Come Emmanuel version. It has an interlude about Rahm Emanuel, mayor of Chicago. Who's is not running for re-election, so to do a song about him isn't really working (apparently), so instead they sing the original latin version of that carol. Oh, and they throw some Eminem in the mix. Yes, it's THAT good:
Now, I'm pretty sure you never heard those carols played in the way Arcana does 'm over. Prepare for their O Come Emmanuel version. It has an interlude about Rahm Emanuel, mayor of Chicago. Who's is not running for re-election, so to do a song about him isn't really working (apparently), so instead they sing the original latin version of that carol. Oh, and they throw some Eminem in the mix. Yes, it's THAT good:
Every now & then we post songs in Dutch on this blog, because a) hey, we're Dutch and b) they're good stuff! Take this short but sweet, Spinvis-ish track by Leiden's Kris Kringel. Dunno who disguises behind that moniker, probably one of the guys from Smikkelbaard Records. If odd, leftfield stuff is your thing (and it should be, why are you here then?!) check out their other releases. Back to Kris now, he recorded two covers, in Dutch, of 'O Come All Ye Faithful' (aka Komt allen tezamen) and 'El decembre congelat' (aka 'Midden in de winternacht'), plus an orignal. 'Flappie in de pizza' is a story about Christmas not being a feast for everyone, especially when you're a rabbit.
By the way, Smikkelbaard released a few singles from the Plurex catalogue, one of the first indie labels in the Netherlands. This was one of the very first punk singles ever released in the lowlands.
By the way, Smikkelbaard released a few singles from the Plurex catalogue, one of the first indie labels in the Netherlands. This was one of the very first punk singles ever released in the lowlands.
Monday, December 17, 2018
Nobody's called Winston, and he/they didn't play jazz. Not even as a routine. Nathan Phillips was the brainchild behind WJR, they made two albums with gentle, nicely arranged songs, sung by Phillips high voice. Though he sings differently, WJR reminds me of The Blue Nile. On a now untraceable compilation from 2007, there's a WJR song called 'Through the Snow'. I recently heard it for the first time, and I think it's really gorgeoous (I now see that Wouter put it on his TBASB-Xmas Mix in 2011). Couldn't find if Nathan is still making music, if you know more, please share.
It's here, the newest Christmas song by Dutch band Pondertone. Who, as you may recall, made this blog, this community of alt.Christmas lovers, this...world a better place with their great xmas tracks. Find'm all here.
This is the most serious Christmas song Pondertone has written. In a year rogue presidents, populist parties popping up everywhere, famine, wars, climate change and environmental problems - you need someone, a song maybe, that helps to get things right. To make a stand. To draw a line. And to help celebrate the festival of light.
This is the most serious Christmas song Pondertone has written. In a year rogue presidents, populist parties popping up everywhere, famine, wars, climate change and environmental problems - you need someone, a song maybe, that helps to get things right. To make a stand. To draw a line. And to help celebrate the festival of light.
Sunday, December 16, 2018
A follow up to the post below, more songs we forgot about, but shouldn't:
From 2012, retro-soul outta Auckland, NZ. Only single they made, according to Bandcamp. Vocalist reminds me of Levi Stubbs.
Weird 50s style waltz, deep deep horns. Think Addams Family.
Oh, how could we forget this indiepop ballad from Boston. Love that golden horn that suddenly pops up.
When you listened to a lot of Phil Spector, and indierock, and decided to give it go. Glad they did.
Actually recorded in Ecuador, but by an indierock band from Minneapolis. A bit off, but that makes it all the more charming.
OK, I'm a sucker for vocals such as these (think She & Him), and the retrovibe.
Way before Trump, this fierce rockin' track (love that organ) makes clear what Christmas should mean to all of us.
Irish sweetness, husky vocals and a guitar. Some bells. It can be so simple.
WHY ISN'T THIS TRACK ROCKIN' ALL OVER XMAS JUKEBOXES ALL OVER THE WORLD RIGHT NOW?!
The bestest Christmas track Scott Walker never wrote, or sang. What a brilliant song. Try their other xmas hit as well.
From 2012, retro-soul outta Auckland, NZ. Only single they made, according to Bandcamp. Vocalist reminds me of Levi Stubbs.
Weird 50s style waltz, deep deep horns. Think Addams Family.
Oh, how could we forget this indiepop ballad from Boston. Love that golden horn that suddenly pops up.
When you listened to a lot of Phil Spector, and indierock, and decided to give it go. Glad they did.
Actually recorded in Ecuador, but by an indierock band from Minneapolis. A bit off, but that makes it all the more charming.
OK, I'm a sucker for vocals such as these (think She & Him), and the retrovibe.
Way before Trump, this fierce rockin' track (love that organ) makes clear what Christmas should mean to all of us.
Irish sweetness, husky vocals and a guitar. Some bells. It can be so simple.
WHY ISN'T THIS TRACK ROCKIN' ALL OVER XMAS JUKEBOXES ALL OVER THE WORLD RIGHT NOW?!
The bestest Christmas track Scott Walker never wrote, or sang. What a brilliant song. Try their other xmas hit as well.
This blog is online since 2006, and in time a lot of songs moved house (from Bandcamp to Spotify, for instance) or vanished in thin air. I've been updating some dead links and lost posts all day now. There are a few songs I cannot seem to find any more. Like The Love Me Nots' version of Santa Bring My Baby Back to Me (it's on Spotify, but not available in Holland, alas). So Sad Santa by the Girl with the Replaceable Head. DCTV's Noël Interdit is gone from Soundcloud, alas.
Also, I reconnected with a few treasures from the past. Here's some blasts from years ago:
That bassline reminds me a little of Depeche Mode, the atmosphere is very New Order, and that's all good. Moody synthy-xmas.
Female psych-pop, with wobbly organs and a wall of fuzz. Great!
French Red Kross-style indierock. With bells on.
This is a song that keeps coming back to make me fall in love with it. Which I think is sweet.
By the way, DSD recorded a cool 'Last Christmas' cover this year:
Frankie Miller-style, indie-r&b (as in: rhythm & blues). Should've been a household name, now we keep this guy for ourselves.
Elizabeth is from Allo Darlin', who wrote several GREAT alt-xmas classics. This is her solo. It's sad, but good.
A James Brown-cover. Done differently, Country Junkies-style. But still works.
You recognise the vocalist in a second, if you're an 80s kid. It's Andy Partridge from XTC. Somehow, probably 'cause it's not on Spotify or other streaming platforms, this isn't a verified alt-xmas classic. It should be.
Finally found again, this indie classic, bit like an unstable Pulp:
Remember this punky girlgroupish wall of sound track?
That bassline reminds me a little of Depeche Mode, the atmosphere is very New Order, and that's all good. Moody synthy-xmas.
Female psych-pop, with wobbly organs and a wall of fuzz. Great!
French Red Kross-style indierock. With bells on.
This is a song that keeps coming back to make me fall in love with it. Which I think is sweet.
By the way, DSD recorded a cool 'Last Christmas' cover this year:
Frankie Miller-style, indie-r&b (as in: rhythm & blues). Should've been a household name, now we keep this guy for ourselves.
Elizabeth is from Allo Darlin', who wrote several GREAT alt-xmas classics. This is her solo. It's sad, but good.
A James Brown-cover. Done differently, Country Junkies-style. But still works.
You recognise the vocalist in a second, if you're an 80s kid. It's Andy Partridge from XTC. Somehow, probably 'cause it's not on Spotify or other streaming platforms, this isn't a verified alt-xmas classic. It should be.
Finally found again, this indie classic, bit like an unstable Pulp:
Remember this punky girlgroupish wall of sound track?
What's your next move when you're a comedian with a penchant for Christmas music that differs from the traditional stuff, and you have to listen to 40 new Christmas albums for an extensive review (HERE)? Well, why not write a song about it? That's what Connor Ratliff did, after his mammoth Rolling Stone review. You might remember Connor (and partner Mikey Erg) from this alt. Christmas classic and this comic Christmas album . About 'I Listen to the Holiday Radio': "It is a plea for holiday radio stations to work harder at varying their playlists, and for recording artists to be more imaginative with their song selections if they are going to record new XMAS albums. But it is written from the point of view of a person who has been driven insane by listening to the same 11 songs in nearly identical versions, over and over."
Saturday, December 15, 2018
The Bartlett is a music venue in Spokane, Washington. Artists connected to that venue release a Christmas compilation every year, this is Volume 5. And this firey hot blue eyed soul track by Super Sparkle is one of the highlights (like that opening track a lot, too):
They're back! That Band from Holland, those non-traditionalists that won't keep a promise (yes!), they recorded three alt.Christmas songs that are as welcome as a lost lost family member on Christmas Eve dinner. Rejoice, people, THIS is the spirit of alt. Christmas
Friday, December 14, 2018
Dan send us an email. He's Darien's dad, a Christmas enthusiast and a reader of this blog. He writes: 'I've been a long time visitor to your site; which has expanded my Christmas music palette - something I've shared with my family. Over the last few years, my son Darien (who will turn 20 in a few weeks), has been recording his own CDs of Christmas standards and would give them out as gifts to the family.
Last year he wrote and recorded an original Christmas song: Early December. I think it's great but I'm biased. Would love it if you could give it a listen, let me know what you think and, if you feel it's worthy, post it on Christmas A Go Go'.
'Early December', that original song, is an intriguing track. It's sparse (bells and piano, that's basically it), it has 'Sprechgesang' and there's that line 'the snow will melt and freeze again, and dogs will piss and we'll all slip and fall hurt ourselves when we least want it'. Darian has a comforting voice, this songs sounds like someone's talking to himself, watching the world turn white from a window. Intriguing, really.
Last year he wrote and recorded an original Christmas song: Early December. I think it's great but I'm biased. Would love it if you could give it a listen, let me know what you think and, if you feel it's worthy, post it on Christmas A Go Go'.
'Early December', that original song, is an intriguing track. It's sparse (bells and piano, that's basically it), it has 'Sprechgesang' and there's that line 'the snow will melt and freeze again, and dogs will piss and we'll all slip and fall hurt ourselves when we least want it'. Darian has a comforting voice, this songs sounds like someone's talking to himself, watching the world turn white from a window. Intriguing, really.
This could easily be on Christmas Underground, I think, because CU digs this kind of smart, wry indie pop. Think Babybird, think Wheatus. Coach Hop (Charlie Laurence) was born American, lives in London and is best known for this track. He released two Christmas songs, one slow building, vengeful wail (below) and another one, that's only on Spotify.
Thursday, December 13, 2018
In our Ten of the Best list, we rank 'Allergic to Christmas' as the only anti-Christmas song this year worth to mention. That's...not entirely true. Because Christmas is Bullshit by JC Cassis is a good one too. Let's just copy and paste what her Soundcloud says: "Sounding like a cheery, holiday-themed collaboration between Christina Aguilera and Weird Al Yankovic, Christmas Is Bullshit is a hilarious and super-catchy anti-Christmas comedy song from singer/songwriter/producer and Christmas hater, JC Cassis. If you're sick and tired of people acting like Christmas is great when you know it's all bullshit, and you want to sneak an anti-Christmas song into the holiday party playlist that will sound right at home with all the classics, this is the song for you. It's full of gorgeous, layered background vocals, brassy horns, saccharine strings, jolly jingle bells, and witty lyrics dripping with bad attitude about how annoying Christmas and winter really are. A surefire ear worm that will keep you laughing through the snow, Christmas Is Bullshit is destined to become a new holiday classic for everyone who's done with pretending to enjoy the holidays."
It's on Spotify, iTunes and below.
It's on Spotify, iTunes and below.
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Said it before, will say it again: this is an awesome year for new Christmas music. Here's a top ten of what I think are the best xmas trax of 2018. PS: If you want most of these, and more, in one handy Spotify playlist, go HERE
1. JD McPherson - SOCKS!
No competition, this is the bestest new Christmas album of the year. It's retro and nostalgic, but with high energy, all songs sound like they're on par with 'Blue Christmas'. Yes, that's a bold statement, but it's the truth.
2. The Grapes and Friends - Ms. Claus
The bestest Christmas song Hall & Oates never wrote.
3. X-Misses - There's no Christmas in Hell
Original song from an incredible lp, featuring covers, reworks and very strong original songs. Very versatile, from punkrawk to folk, and it all works. Really, really strong.
4. Tangarine - Don't Turn Off the Lights
Lovely track from two Dutch bros with a solid reputation when it comes to writing Christmas tunes.
5. GURR & Eddie Argos - Christmas Holiday
High octane xmas rawk! How can you NOT like this?!
6. Aidan Moffatt & RM Hubbert - Ghost Story for Christmas
Christmas ain't Christmas without that brilliant Aidan accent.
7. Matt Owens - One Fuck of a Year
Brilliant title, brilliantly executed. One to sing along to for years to come. It drives away any bad thought you ever had.
8. Nicholas Burgess - Santa Planet
We like oddball xmas songs. This was the best of 2018:
9. Mud on my Bra - Allergic to Christmas
A good anti-Christmas song, we had a few, but then again, only this one's really worth to mention.
10. Whyte Horses - Next Year Will Be Mine
When it comes to production, this one takes the biscuit. How GOOD this one sounds. But also: what a great song. What a voice. What joy!
Also very good: Santa's Got A Sweet Tooth by The Dip (link); Hey Merry Christmas by The Mavericks (link); that Pizzagirl single (link); Sasha Don't Take My Toys Away by Swimfan (link); Champagne & Engelenhaar by Stippenlift (link), Merry Christmas The President is Terrible by Quiet Company (link), the full Bicyclettes de Belsize album (link), the Oh! Gunquit single (link)...such a good year!
1. JD McPherson - SOCKS!
No competition, this is the bestest new Christmas album of the year. It's retro and nostalgic, but with high energy, all songs sound like they're on par with 'Blue Christmas'. Yes, that's a bold statement, but it's the truth.
2. The Grapes and Friends - Ms. Claus
The bestest Christmas song Hall & Oates never wrote.
3. X-Misses - There's no Christmas in Hell
Original song from an incredible lp, featuring covers, reworks and very strong original songs. Very versatile, from punkrawk to folk, and it all works. Really, really strong.
4. Tangarine - Don't Turn Off the Lights
Lovely track from two Dutch bros with a solid reputation when it comes to writing Christmas tunes.
5. GURR & Eddie Argos - Christmas Holiday
High octane xmas rawk! How can you NOT like this?!
6. Aidan Moffatt & RM Hubbert - Ghost Story for Christmas
Christmas ain't Christmas without that brilliant Aidan accent.
7. Matt Owens - One Fuck of a Year
Brilliant title, brilliantly executed. One to sing along to for years to come. It drives away any bad thought you ever had.
8. Nicholas Burgess - Santa Planet
We like oddball xmas songs. This was the best of 2018:
9. Mud on my Bra - Allergic to Christmas
A good anti-Christmas song, we had a few, but then again, only this one's really worth to mention.
10. Whyte Horses - Next Year Will Be Mine
When it comes to production, this one takes the biscuit. How GOOD this one sounds. But also: what a great song. What a voice. What joy!
Also very good: Santa's Got A Sweet Tooth by The Dip (link); Hey Merry Christmas by The Mavericks (link); that Pizzagirl single (link); Sasha Don't Take My Toys Away by Swimfan (link); Champagne & Engelenhaar by Stippenlift (link), Merry Christmas The President is Terrible by Quiet Company (link), the full Bicyclettes de Belsize album (link), the Oh! Gunquit single (link)...such a good year!
Trump did not get impeached, there's nobody that will take care of that traffic ticket and the ex-boyfiend did not forgive you. All you came out with was seasonal affective disorder (it's real). At least, that's what the lead vocalist of Tucson, Arizona's Foxx Bodies wails about. In a rattling short song, that reminds me of early Liz Phair. If your indie Christmas mix is not done yet, you should add this one!
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Andy Allo is best known for her collaborations with Prince (RIP), she was part of New Power Generation and wrote songs with the Purple One. Andy's a major talent, last year a Christmas EP was released with very funky reworks of soulful Xmas classics. I luuuuv her husky voice. BTW, the EP is a free download on her Soundcloud.
Friends Friends Friends (formerly A Raw Rock Christmas) is an international Christmas / Holiday compilation, open to anybody and everybody. It's based in Halifax, Nova Scotia in Canada. They have just released their digital compilation 'The Chvrch of Santa' with a variety of music and of mostly new seasonal songs. This is one of the few covers, a great acoustic version of 'Father Christmas' (The Kinks).
Monday, December 10, 2018
Norwegian label Nordpolen musikklubb does release a Christmas vinyl single each year in 300 copies. Their 5th single is 'Black Christmas" by Poly Styrene, singer of the former punkband X-Ray Spex. The song is from 2010 and was available at Poly Styrene's homepage that Christmas. She wrote and performed the song with her daughter Celeste Bell. Previous singles were all from Norwegian artists like Sonja with a song called 'Jeg gleder meg ikke til jul i år' or the Norwegian band Hvitmalt Gjerde with 'Dine lepper smaker jul'. Intriguing titles and nice sleeves!
Sunday, December 09, 2018
FANTASTIC odd, s-l-o-w cover of Greg Lake's magnificent 'I Believe in Father Christmas' by duo Bamboo. From the Upset the Rhyhtm-site: 'BAMBOO is a sublime new project from Nick Carlisle (of Peepholes, Don't Argue) and Rachel Horwood (of Trash Kit, Halo Halo). Their music is vivid and deeply poignant, locking into a magnetic attraction between Rachel's flawlessly resonant folk cadence and Nick's pristine synth pop production.'
Saturday, December 08, 2018
Great new x-mas songs keep popping up. We'll just keep posting 'm, are you exhausted yet?
Fantastic yacht rock-ish single by The Grapes & Friends. Hall & Oates wish they wrote this:
Sweet Meiko from Germany wrote this cuddly little tune:
Sad, but gorgeous:
Seasonal song, about WW I:
Slow burning jazz:
We love LBdB, and this track:
Also from Germany, a cool indie track:
Want some glam in your xmas? Try this all girl quartet:
Fantastic yacht rock-ish single by The Grapes & Friends. Hall & Oates wish they wrote this:
Sweet Meiko from Germany wrote this cuddly little tune:
Sad, but gorgeous:
Seasonal song, about WW I:
Slow burning jazz:
We love LBdB, and this track:
Also from Germany, a cool indie track:
Want some glam in your xmas? Try this all girl quartet:
Friday, December 07, 2018
This is something special. London based improv jazzband Ill Considered released a Christmas album. Percussion, bass, clarinet and 'paint and brushes', those are the elements used for this take on Christmas classics like Petit Papa Noel and Jingle Bells. It's a pretty safe bet that you haven't heard these songs performed this way. Solid groove, great playing, sometimes unrecognisable, sometimes just gorgeous.
Again, there's a little controversy about The Pogues' Fairytale of New York. Read this, and this.
I've scanned Bandcamp for cool versions of the song. This one's great, it leaves out the fighting (it's not a duet), it's very gentle and it still works:
Reindeer Tribe. If you follow this blog, you know how high the esteem is we keep for this lot. It also leaves out the 'problematic' part:
A sped up punk version (with fighting!):
An even faster version:
A star studded version:
Billy Bragg + Florence Welch:
What's KT Tunstall singing instead of the f-word? 'Bludder'?
Katzenjammer & Ben Caplan:
A version with Carol of the Bells added:
Nice sweet'n slow electronic version:
I've scanned Bandcamp for cool versions of the song. This one's great, it leaves out the fighting (it's not a duet), it's very gentle and it still works:
Reindeer Tribe. If you follow this blog, you know how high the esteem is we keep for this lot. It also leaves out the 'problematic' part:
A sped up punk version (with fighting!):
An even faster version:
A star studded version:
Billy Bragg + Florence Welch:
What's KT Tunstall singing instead of the f-word? 'Bludder'?
Katzenjammer & Ben Caplan:
A version with Carol of the Bells added:
Nice sweet'n slow electronic version:
Is it a spoken word song or a song story? Anyway Dutch artists Clean Pete and Moon Moon Moon come up with a nice Christmas story about a boy and a girl who want to write a song together. Sorry, but it's in Dutch, but the long intsrumental music parts are very christmassy and the video is great, specially the second (animation)part.
Steve Hammond is one busy bee. He records under various monikers (the best being Steve Hammond & his Rabid Children), releases singles in a very limited edition (of 25, in this case) and has a lot of fun doing so. His new single features two honky tonkin' Christmas songs, in the vein of his heroes Johnny Paycheck, Hank Williams and George Jones.
CJ Ramone played bass in the famous punkband The Ramones, between 1989-1996. Last year his 'Christmas Lullaby appeared on the wonderful compilation Santa's Got A GTO Vol. 2. Now it's out as a 7 inch on Fat Wreck Records. On the B-side is this loud version of the punky Kinks classic 'Father Christmas'.
So, this track (below) was out already. And now the full album's available. Including what's probably the greatest cover of 'Lonely this Christmas' of the last ten years. Make that twenty years. Aidan is a brilliant mind, has a great voice, his dedication to write odd Christmas songs is to be cherished. Another addition to a GREAT alt.christmas year:
Here's another one:
Here's another one:
Thursday, December 06, 2018
He is 73 and just made his first Christmas album. Mitch Ryder started making music in the sixties. In 1964 he started his famous band Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels. Now there is 'Christmas (Take A Ride)' an album with only covers. Some of them surprising like 'Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer' or 'Someday at Christmas'. Best track is his rocking version from 'Santa Claus' the Yuletide anthem from garage rockers The Sonics, composed in 1965. And look at this crazy black&white video!
Holy Rollercoasters are 'inspired by the masters of rhythm and blues, the ecstasy and tragedy of love and the beauty and gothicism of the bible. Performed by non-religious soul, blues and jazz-worshipping Brisbanites. It shall be wild and you shall snap your fingers and wiggle your hips. And ye shall be healed.' See more HERE. [VIA]
Today, I talked to saxophone player/all 'round good guy Benjamin Herman about his favorite Christmas tracks. He told me that he and his band New Cool Collective recorded one very short Christmas track, once, for a movie. I didn't know, it's short but sweet and I like to share it with you:
Among his faves, Benjamin tipped me a few songs that I hadn't heard before. Like this rockabilly scorcher by Rotterdam based Ragtime Wranglers:
And this great track that I had completely forgotten, wow, what a classic!
Among his faves, Benjamin tipped me a few songs that I hadn't heard before. Like this rockabilly scorcher by Rotterdam based Ragtime Wranglers:
And this great track that I had completely forgotten, wow, what a classic!
Wednesday, December 05, 2018
It's not a new song. But what a great Xmas message in this swinging number about a Hanukkah party and Christmas. About peace and understanding for everybody: put pot in your Latkes (sort of potato pancakes)! Female MC Flow does a great job:
"This time of year’s about those we love dearly
The season for singing and dancing with friends
For showing our gratitude, making amends
If you’re Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Christian
This season’s for family, so hug em and kiss em!"
"This time of year’s about those we love dearly
The season for singing and dancing with friends
For showing our gratitude, making amends
If you’re Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Christian
This season’s for family, so hug em and kiss em!"
We all know the song 'The 12 Days Of Christmas'. Two crazy Americans, animator Joren Cull and musician AJ Ing, extended the song to 179 days! Thus created a song that last nearly 9 hours!!!! It even has a videoclip! See how long you can bare listening to the song. All other versions of '12 Days Of Christmas' will never be the same after listening to this one.
Tuesday, December 04, 2018
Robert Grashaw is a (song)writer, Tracy McDowell an actress and singer (see her perform, here) together they made three lush ballads, in a Julie London-style, about Christmas. 'Christmas eve at the Laundromat' is, to me, the best offering, love that long acapella-intro. Take a listen HERE, or find 'm on Spotify.
Slightly more sixties, yet tapping into that nostalgia vibe, is this track by (duo) Frankie & the Lake Country Collective:
Monday, December 03, 2018
The Weapons of Brass Destruction helped build this song by Dead End Streets into a stormer. It has a swampy groove, funny lyrics ('The globe is warming, there’s no denying/But your frigidness keeps me from frying') and BOTH tracks on this single are worth a spin. And best of all, all proceeds go to a good cause. If yer in South Pittsburgh around Dec. 14, go see 'm play.
Delicate Steve is the aka for the American multi-instrumentalist Steve Marion. In 2011 he released his first album. His fourth album, 'The Christmas Album ', is out now on Anti-. It contains nine instrumental versions of traditionals where his sologuitar takes the role of the vocalist. It all sounds a bit twangy, like this 'White Christmas' with a funny video.
Most, not all, new Christmas songs posted here (and elsewhere) are collected in this handy Spotify playlist. For your pleasure.
So, thanks to reader Dan, here's the original version of THIS track by Megan Schroder we posted a few years back (and above). Megan sang it, Steven wrote and produced it. No secrets here. Dan writes: 'Every time I heard it I was like, "this is a cover of another song I KNOW IT." But no other titles showed up. Finally after about a week I realized it was an update of a 2008 song by Steven Hardy called "If I Kill Myself This Christmas," which as you might imagine is quite a bit darker.' It sure is. You can check it out here or download the mp3 temporarily from HERE.
And a little ukelele never hurts on Christmas, don't you think? Especially when played by the highly charming Marlena, aka Ukulena. She wrote a naughty rockabilly-ish original, and covered that great Elvis xmas track by Marlene Paul. Enjoy!
We @ CAGG take Christmas music very seriously, and we like to have a laugh as well. Take Dutchie Al Season; some might say this indie xmas song is a dull as the non-moving video below, others (like us) love the cosy vibe, the steenkolenEngels, the true spirit of Christmas itself, y'all:
(it's on Spotify as well)
(it's on Spotify as well)
Saturday, December 01, 2018
The Dutch Snowflakes Christmas Single Club is the Amsterdam based label from Robert Voogt. He is a big lover of Christmas music and he likes to collect as many Christrmas 7 inch singles as possible. Since 2013 he has released a couple of Christmas singles, in well designed sleeves, every year, see his website. All these singles contain specially for him newly recorded songs. The 2018 bunch of three contain a variety of music, original songs on the A side and nice covers Covers on the B-side. Covers like: a great version with horns, of The Sonic's 'Don't Believe In Christmas' from Oh! GunQuit. A 60s Britpop psychedelich 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen' by Green Seagull. Rachael Dadd does a quiet version of the Brit traditional 'The Holly And The Ivy'.
You can listen to all the lead tracks below.
You can listen to all the lead tracks below.
"It’s possibly the sleaziest Rock n Roll Christmas Song you may ever hear!", so writes Rocking Magpie. Well, we can think of a sleazier xmas songs or two, but yes, this dirty boogie sure's nice:
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