With the onslaught of holiday marketing these days, the novelty of making a Christmas album has worn off. However, every year a few gems surface from some unexpecting artists (who we thought were too cool to make a holiday album). They may claim that they’re “being ironic,” but I’m sure they were laughing-all-the-way when they recorded the sleigh bells! And of course there’s always the classics to fall back on, if contemporary holiday tunes make you nauseous.
Sufjan Stevens – Silver & Gold (2012)
As one of most prolific art projects in history of Christmas, this 5 EP compilation is the SECOND box-set that Sufjan Stevens has recorded (the first was 2006’s Songs for Christmas Vol. 1-5). With guest stars, caroling harmonies, spacey artwork, stickers and temporary tattoos — this is the ultimate gift package for hipsters, and regular music lovers, everywhere.
She & Him – A Very She & Him Christmas (2011)
She’s best known from the popular TV show New Girl, but Zooey Deschanel is also a well-known indie pop singer. In collaboration with musical troubadour M. Ward, Deschanel’s timeless vocal style easily makes this a holiday favorite for years to come (much like her starring role in the movie Elf).
Andy Williams – Merry Christmas (1965)
Elvis vs. Andy Williams? No contest! I know we could debate the classics all day, but the quickest way to get in the holiday spirit is to cue up “Sleigh Ride” and let this unforgettable album spin on repeat. MAYBE John Denver’s Rocky Mountain Christmas comes in as a close second.
Vince Guaraldi Trio – A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
No surprise here. This is by far the most listenable Christmas album (since it’s mostly instrumental) and network TV will continue to air the prime-time special until the end of time. Everytime I watch it though, I always wonder if Charlie ever got to direct that school play they were working on.
Tracey Thorn – Tinsel and Lights (2012)
As one of the more underrated vocalist around (at least in the U.S.), Tracey Thorn has been turning out deep and beautiful melodies since the ‘80s. I wouldn’t recommend playing it at the office holiday party — save it for a private listening session with headphones, or for a solo singalong in your car.
To recap, it must be from 1965 or by an indie artist! Well OK, there might be a few exceptions in between. We want to hear about your favorite holiday albums in the comments below.
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Source:
http://performer-blog.gigmasters.com/christmas-albums-dont-suck/