There are two types of people in this world: those who like traditional Christmas carols and those who don’t. For that reason, we’re dedicating this to those who are tired of hearing the same 5 songs on repeat this holly jolly festive season!
So, if you’re looking to have yourself a rebellious little Christmas and get into that (alternative) Christmas Spirit, check out this list of less-known Christmas tracks. Some delightful, some a little weird and some which are perfect for the indie soul. Overall, they still have that (not so cheesy) Christmas vibe.
No Doubt- Oi To The World
First up, we’ve got this upbeat cover of The Vandals ‘Oi To The World’, by none other than ska-pop 90’s band No Doubt. This cool and cocky Christmas tune pays homage to punk’s nights out-utterly liberated and somewhat reckless. Matches up with this song’s energy!
The Killers- Don’t Shoot Me Santa
This quirky Christmas bop by infamous Las-Vegas based rock band The Killers is a little bit odd to say the least. But that ‘Killers’ flare will have this song playing over and over in your head for the next couple of days.
Featuring the vocal accompaniment of Ryan Pardey as Santa, it switches tempos quite regularly throughout the song- it’s almost like a dialogue between the victim and the killer (hehe)! Keeping listeners on their toes, it’s a play on the fluctuating emotions anyone would feel if Santa had a gun pointed at their head!
Run the Jewels- A Christmas F**cking Miracle
*Disclaimer*- this is not your happy go-lucky, ‘wholesome vibes’ Christmas Song. Run The Jewel’s hard hitting bass track, with heart felt and honest lyrics shoves us straight into a state of reflection.
Taking us back in time, El-P and Killer Mike dedicate their lyrics to younger versions of themselves, looking back on where they’ve come from, primarily the injustices faced in “AmeriKKKa with the triple K.” This track is here to remind you that- Christmas is not a pleasant experience for all!
Gruff Rhys- Post-Apocalypse Christmas
This is probably the most appropriately timed song to include for the year 2020. Although we’ve (only) lived through a pandemic, not an apocalypse, I think we can still relate. Plus Gruff Rhys brings along a pretty sick bass line and some tangy psychedelic undertones to keep things zaney and fresh with this rather catchy track. You’ll be singing along to ‘Post-Apocalypse Chirstmas’ in no time!
Andrew Bird- ‘Christmas in April’
Staying on the ‘pandemic’ theme, this downbeat Christmas track by Andrew Bird was written in April, during the lockdown. Bird’s soft, ethereal vocals and gentle guitar playing paints an overall picture for what this festive season might look like. This track is here to soothe that separation anxiety some people might be feeling in Christmas 2020.
Los Campesinos!- Kindle a Flame in Her Heart
This next track is a bit of an indie Christmas love song! It’s got that mushy yet raw kind of vibe to it, leaving your heart a little bit warmer by the end of it. With sort-of cheesy lyrics like “thawing my heart like morning frost,” I recommend playing this song for your girl while cosying up this Christmas time.
Sufjan Stevens- Christmas Unicorn
If you’ve watched Call Me By Your Name, then I’m sure you know who Sufjan Stevens is. His infectious vocals and subtle instrumentals compliment this elusive yet deeply insightful Christmas tune. Touching on topics like consumerism and Christmas as a modern-day jumble of old traditions, it’s quite a thought provoker. There’s also a sneaky reference to Joy Division somewhere in this 12-minute song. Highly recommend giving it a listen- it’s pure, coffeehouse vibes.
Eels- Everything’s Gonna Be Cool This Christmas
Another ‘coffeehouse vibe track’. Eels bring forth a cool and effortless young energy with this indie rock track. It’s got a somewhat more traditional Christmas vibe to it, thanks to the accompaniment of some Christmas bells. But the rocky overtones compensate for that, so even if you’re utterly anti-Christmas tunes, you’ll probably be able to stomach this one!
Fleet Foxes- White Winter Hymnal
This song may or may not be interpreted as a Christmas track. But bring together lyrics that mention snow, echoing vocals and feel-good energy and you’ve got yourself a somewhat unorthodox Christmas track. Fleet Foxes bring their folky ambience to this track, setting the tone for unavoidable Christmas magic. I do believe that you can appreciate these harmonic melodies, regardless of where you’re coming from.
The Travellers- X’Inhu l-Milied Ghalik
And finally, we couldn’t have compiled this list without adding some local flare. The Travellers released this track in early November this year, and we’re hooked on it. They asked the essential question, “What does Christmas mean to you?” Is it a cup of tea? Spending lots of money? Is it Catholic traditions or is it an extraordinary array of Christmas lights? The answer is entirely up to you, it could mean nothing all!
Bonus Track: David Schembri- A Christmas Lament (Oh Shit, It’s Christmastime Again)
This super fresh release by local musician David Schembri creates a cold and moody ambience, ideal for late walks on cold winter nights. This raw, soft and heart-felt melody has a Bon Iver feel to it. Schembri talks about the hard-hitting reminder Christmas brings about – our lives are rolling by year after year, and there’s nothing we can do to stop it!
Check this article out to learn the Realities Behind the Festive Season