B-Sides is wrapping up 2013 with the perfect holiday playlist! For those of you who are tired of the traditional Christmas music that plays this time of year, take a listen to your favorite indie artists and bands who take your Holiday music to a different level!
10.) “Fairytale of New York” by The Pogues
“Fairytale of New York” is the best song for those who enjoy punk rock music combined with holiday music that talks about drunken holiday shenanigans, especially in New York City! We hear this in lyrics, “When you first took my hand on a cold Christmas Eve, you promised me Broadway was waiting for me.” This song is perfect for those ugly Christmas sweater parties!
9.) “Jingle Bell Rock” by Rogue Wave
For those who prefer their traditional holiday music but performed in a more mellow indie rock style, check out Rogue Wave’s cover of the popular Christmas tune “Jingle Bell Rock.” The track is sung in a dream like fashion, with quiet jingle bell instrumentation and soft vocals. It is the perfect holiday song for those filled with Christmas cheer!
8.) “Blue Christmas” by Bright Eyes
For a more alternative holiday tune, one should listen to the more sad and bleak “Blue Christmas” sung by singer/songwriter Bright Eyes. The song is about being alone for the holiday season and missing someone’s significant other. We hear this in lyrics, “I’ll have a blue Christmas without you, i’ll be so blue just thinking about you, decorations of red on a green Christmas tree won’t be the same dear, if you’re not here with me.” The song is catchy with its blues instrumentation.
7.) “Winter Winds” by Mumford & Sons
For a holiday song with a bit more depth in meaning, one should listen to “Winter Winds” by Mumford & Sons. The song is about someone finding love in the wintertime but is torn between listening to his heart and mind in whether to trust this love. We hear this with lyrics, “And my head told my heart, let love grow, but my heart told my head, this time no.” It is a track that can be listened to all year round.
6.) “Peppermint Winter” by Owl City
For fans of dreampop or electronic music, one should listen to “Peppermint Winter” by Owl City. The catchy upbeat tune is great for those who enjoy joyful Christmas music and the winter season. We hear this with lyrics, “hop in the sleigh and we’ll glide away, into the night and we’ll sip on moonlight, runny nose my frosty toes are getting cold but I feel alive, so I smile wide.”
5.) “Angel In The Snow” by Elliott Smith
For an even more alternative winter song, one should listen to “Angel In The Snow” by Elliott Smith. The late singer/songwriter was known for struggling with depression and incorporating it into his songwriting as if it was a person he had always known. “Angel In The Snow” can be interpreted as a song about a love, whether it be a person or illness.
4.) “Sleigh Ride” by Fun.
For another traditional holiday cheer song, one should check out pop rock band Fun. and their version of “Sleigh Ride!” The song kicks off with an electro pop beat combined with classical instrumentation. The music combination and high pitched vocals make the song a unique song all of its own.
3.) “Santa Stole My Lady” by Fitz & The Tantrums
Fitz & The Tantrums takes Christmas back to the 1960s with their holiday hit “Santa Stole My Lady.” The song is catchy and reminds you of Motown hits that everyone loves! It is also humorous with its story about someone disliking Christmas because Santa Claus stole his woman.
2.) “Oh Holy Night” by Bastille
For a usually quiet and sweet religious holiday tune, Bastille twists this song into an eerie tune. Starting off the song with narration from a kid telling Santa Claus that he hasn’t been good a boy and has said some bad things to his family. The song then blends into a majestically church choir sound and finishes short with gun shots.
1.) “The Christmas Song” by The Raveonettes
The number one pick for B-Sides’ indie holiday playlist is “The Christmas Song” by The Raveonettes. The track is sung in a quiet and 1960s soft rock style combined with tambourine, jingle bells, and female and male vocals. It is about not wanting Christmas day to end!