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Do we start hearing Christmas music just a little too early every year? Yes, we do. And do we grow perhaps a bit weary of holiday songs by the time Christmas day rolls around? Perhaps we do. But in between those times—that’s where we are now—are a glorious few weeks in which we cast aside our fickle obsessions with trap music or emo-pop or whatever the flavor of the moment might be in favor of timeworn songs of snow, Santa, presents, family, and good cheer.
That’s the plan, at least. But let’s face it: Sometimes this soundtrack gets slightly repetitive, a bit wearisome. And while one person’s perennial vibe might be another’s audio kryptonite, it’s safe to say that we can all use a refresh on the season’s songs.
To be clear: The greatest Christmas song of all time remains David Bowie and Bing Crosby’s version of “The Little Drummer Boy,” and the best Christmas album will likely forever be A Christmas Gift for You From Phil Spector. And of course one person’s new discovery will occasionally be another’s old favorite—but that said, here’s a handful of albums worth queuing up for, followed by a custom playlist of more recent songs to deck your halls. Our broad parameters: No gimmicks—while there’s a host of, uh, unexpected takes on Christmas out there, you’ll find no dubstep Christmas albums here, no reggae—and we’ve limited our selections in both albums and singles to mostly traditional tunes broadly suitable for the whole family.
She & Him, A Very She & Him Christmas
The quirky but lovely duo of Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward—who bonded on the set of The Go-Getter over their shared love of Phil Spector’s production—have recorded not one but two Christmas albums. Both are wonderful, spare, and beautiful, though this one’s our favorite.
Willie Nelson, Pretty Paper
Willie was flush from the critical and commercial success of his standards album, Stardust, when he released Pretty Paper in 1979 (the title track, written by Nelson, was a 1963 hit for Roy Orbison). (It’s also my broad experience that any large family gathering, in any locale, features at least one aunt or uncle who pretty much lives for Willie.)
Dean Martin, A Winter Romance
Skip all of the great number of Frank Sinatra Christmas compilations; heck, skip The Dean Martin Christmas Album. This one—while not exclusively composed of Christmas songs (and that’s a good thing, as far as we’re concerned)—has more feel, better orchestration, and a few more surprises.
Low, Christmas
This indie-rock duo from Duluth, Minnesota, is renowned for the quiet intensity of its compositions, and this Christmas EP is no different. Cue this up for late nights sitting by the fire—or staring out the frosty window. Hauntingly beautiful—but, alas, not your party soundtrack.
Chet Baker, Silent Nights
Cut in New Orleans just a couple years before his untimely death, Chet Baker’s collection of Christmas songs (with a few gospel songs added to the mix for variety) is another spare, evocative, meditative soundtrack—aside from Baker on trumpet, the songs feature only a saxophone and some drums.
Sometimes, though, it's tunes that make the occasion, not albums. This playlist is culled from the last decade or two and features everyone from Wolf Alice and Courtney Barnett to Sia and Phoebe Bridgers. Happy holidays—and happy listening!
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