Guest Post | Alternative Christmas Playlist

Hey, I’m Shannon! When I’m not pestering Abbie on Facebook Messenger with details of the abundance of weird things that happen in my life or perfecting a university deadline right up until the last minute, I write my own blog about new music over at: rock2therhythm.blogspot.co.uk. If you like indie and rock music then it might be your kind of thing, so feel free to check it out!

For now though I’ve curated an alternative Christmas playlist to get you in a festive mood but also offer a break from some of those Christmas classics which have been played maybe a little bit too much already…

I hope you enjoy it!

The xx – Last Christmas (Wham! Cover) 

For those wanting to have a chilled Christmas, this cover by The xx may be the perfect soundtrack. The atmospheric synths and soothing have become a trademark aspect of the trio when it comes to their own material, however this cover proves when applied to a Christmas classic, it still works. 

Julian Casablancas – I Wish It Was Christmas Today 

Mr Casablancas is the lead singer of indie rock outfit The Strokes. The New York band have influenced so many of today’s new rock bands, but back in 2009 the frontman decided to go it alone and record this Christmas cracker. 

The Maccabees – Home Alone Medley 

The Maccabees tackled the theme song for one of the most ubiquitous Christmas films of all time when performing a session for Zane Lowe a few years back. Home Alone is synonymous with the festive time of year, and the quintet’s rendition is hauntingly beautiful. 

Rizzle Kicks – Santa Claus Is Coming To Town 

Injecting a bit of festive fun into this playlist is Brighton duo Rizzle Kicks. The pair tackled this track back in 2011 and added their own Christmas rapping (not wrapping!) to the proceedings with a full on brass section in tow too!

Peace – Last Christmas (Wham! Cover) 

This may be the second Last Christmas cover in the playlist, however they’ve both been executed so differently they create the illusion of being different songs! This time Peace have taken on the classic, in a festive and fun video that was used to advertise their winter tour a couple of years ago from the Birmingham boys. 

Hurts – All I Want For Christmas Is New Year’s Day 

If Christmas isn’t your thing – then you probably hate this playlist so far, but this could just be the track for you. Hurts’ have recorded an ode to a sad and lonely Christmas, which wouldn’t be surprising if you’re familiar with their other work. Perhaps not the most joyous track for this time of year, it’s still rather spectacular listening to frontman Theo Hutchcraft’s impressive vocal range. 

Amy Winehouse – I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus (Jimmy Boyd Cover) 

Ms Winehouse’s talent will never go unnoticed and this rendition of I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus displays that talent vividly. Crooning the lyrics with her soulful, jazz-infused vocal just goes to show how much the music industry has been left with a void without this amazing singer.  

Bastille – Christmas Mash Up 

Indie pop princes and masters of mash ups Bastille compiled this Christmas crusade through several classic songs including East 17’s Stay Another Day and The Darkness’ Christmas Time two years ago, and it has since become a staple track in any Christmas playlist. 

Summer Camp – Christmas Wrapping (The Waitresses Cover) 

Husband and wife duo Summer Camp have applied their perfect electro-pop sound to this track originally by The Waitresses. The song is impeccably executed with sparkling synths and Elizabeth Sankey’s rich vocal – so much so that it could sneak onto any of the band’s three studio albums.

Slaves – Last Christmas (Wham! Cover) 

The third and final rendition of Last Christmas in this playlist comes from Slaves. The punk rock duo have taken their brazen and boisterous approach with this cover and turned it into an anti-Christmas anthem somewhat.