Challenging Christmas music
October 16, 2022 7:47 AM Subscribe
What albums, artists, or genres would you recommend as being neither "traditional" (religious) nor "contemporary pop" (Mariah Carey). It CAN be either of those genres, but ideally far enough from mainstream where it still feels new.
Examples might be: "trap Christmas" or "Tim minchin white wine in the sun"
Examples might be: "trap Christmas" or "Tim minchin white wine in the sun"
Best answer: Amanda Shires - For Christmas
posted by Medieval Maven at 7:57 AM on October 16, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by Medieval Maven at 7:57 AM on October 16, 2022 [1 favorite]
This is a children's album but I legit love Winter Party which is secular Christmas/winter songs done in a traditional, folky style. It has some religious songs that have been secularized and it's fun and novel.
posted by Ideal Impulse at 8:04 AM on October 16, 2022
posted by Ideal Impulse at 8:04 AM on October 16, 2022
How about a compilation of mostly Japanese noise and avant-garde acts doing Christmas songs? Because that's what you get from The Christmas Album.
Merzbow! Secret Chiefs Three! Melt-Banana!
posted by sagc at 8:19 AM on October 16, 2022 [2 favorites]
Merzbow! Secret Chiefs Three! Melt-Banana!
posted by sagc at 8:19 AM on October 16, 2022 [2 favorites]
Best answer: Loreena McKennitt's album To Drive The Cold Winter Away is a favorite of mine. There are some traditional-style carols done in a less-traditional way, and some definite non-traditional songs as well. "Snow" is a favorite track.
My husband has a holiday playlist full of winter-themed video game music. Super Mario Sleigh Ride, the Jeuno Starlight Celebration theme from Final Fantasy XI, Phendrana Drifts theme from Metroid Prime, etc.
posted by xedrik at 8:22 AM on October 16, 2022 [2 favorites]
My husband has a holiday playlist full of winter-themed video game music. Super Mario Sleigh Ride, the Jeuno Starlight Celebration theme from Final Fantasy XI, Phendrana Drifts theme from Metroid Prime, etc.
posted by xedrik at 8:22 AM on October 16, 2022 [2 favorites]
You might find some good candidates in these previous AskMe questions.
Also, John Fahey.
posted by box at 8:49 AM on October 16, 2022 [1 favorite]
Also, John Fahey.
posted by box at 8:49 AM on October 16, 2022 [1 favorite]
Merry Christmas from the Family - Robert Earl Keen.
(If you search for this song within playlists you can find other grouchy/alternative Christmas songs.)
posted by Mid at 8:59 AM on October 16, 2022
(If you search for this song within playlists you can find other grouchy/alternative Christmas songs.)
posted by Mid at 8:59 AM on October 16, 2022
Best answer: Would Joni Mitchell's River count?
posted by Ideal Impulse at 9:06 AM on October 16, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by Ideal Impulse at 9:06 AM on October 16, 2022 [1 favorite]
A John Waters Christmas is what you're seeking.
posted by nightrecordings at 9:08 AM on October 16, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by nightrecordings at 9:08 AM on October 16, 2022 [2 favorites]
Fairytale of New York, obviously, but also the epically bad but completely hilarious Christmas in the Stars. Likewise RuPaul's Christmas album is almost unlistenable but every year I do give it a listen just for nyucks. I love this stuff.
posted by athirstforsalt at 9:16 AM on October 16, 2022
posted by athirstforsalt at 9:16 AM on October 16, 2022
Best answer: The Bobs "Too Many Santas" is a favorite
posted by rikschell at 9:25 AM on October 16, 2022
posted by rikschell at 9:25 AM on October 16, 2022
Best answer: Merry Christmas, I Don't Wanna Fight Tonight by the Ramones is a classic.
posted by brookeb at 9:32 AM on October 16, 2022
posted by brookeb at 9:32 AM on October 16, 2022
Also James Brown's Soulful Christmas might work.
posted by brookeb at 9:36 AM on October 16, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by brookeb at 9:36 AM on October 16, 2022 [1 favorite]
The songs on this album mostly fall into the two categories you don’t want, but the execution is… different. Notable for a collaboration between Lenny and Dave Grohl.
posted by kevinbelt at 9:39 AM on October 16, 2022
posted by kevinbelt at 9:39 AM on October 16, 2022
Best answer: Are you open to individual song suggestions?
Merry Christmas Everybody - Slade
No Presents for Christmas - King Diamond
posted by saladin at 9:49 AM on October 16, 2022
Merry Christmas Everybody - Slade
No Presents for Christmas - King Diamond
posted by saladin at 9:49 AM on October 16, 2022
Charming old fashioned music boxes (the large plate style) Christmas Music series presented by the Porter Music Box Company. Suitable for background or deep contemplation.
posted by a humble nudibranch at 9:53 AM on October 16, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by a humble nudibranch at 9:53 AM on October 16, 2022 [2 favorites]
Oooh - how about some tiki/lounge/surf sounds? Playlist.
posted by davidmsc at 10:13 AM on October 16, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by davidmsc at 10:13 AM on October 16, 2022 [2 favorites]
Best answer: I don't have a specific artist or album to recommend other than the "Celtic music" genre generally floats near this in various "winter" or "holiday" albums.
I do have a Spotify playlist that's about half of what you're asking for as the household does not like xmas music but I need it to feel the holiday vibe. It's been described as "the weirdest Christmas playlist that actually gets the job done".
posted by fiercekitten at 10:20 AM on October 16, 2022 [1 favorite]
I do have a Spotify playlist that's about half of what you're asking for as the household does not like xmas music but I need it to feel the holiday vibe. It's been described as "the weirdest Christmas playlist that actually gets the job done".
posted by fiercekitten at 10:20 AM on October 16, 2022 [1 favorite]
Previously and previously and previously and previously and previously and previously
posted by Miko at 10:33 AM on October 16, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by Miko at 10:33 AM on October 16, 2022 [1 favorite]
I could only locate a couple tracks from A Mutated Christmas (which aren't my favorites, on that CD) but I think it's what you're looking for:
posted by Rash at 10:34 AM on October 16, 2022
posted by Rash at 10:34 AM on October 16, 2022
Kate Rusby has made several well-received albums of Christmas music in a folk style.
posted by Martha My Dear Prudence at 11:08 AM on October 16, 2022
posted by Martha My Dear Prudence at 11:08 AM on October 16, 2022
December by George Winston. This includes his Variations on the Kanon by Pachibel.
posted by SPrintF at 11:34 AM on October 16, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by SPrintF at 11:34 AM on October 16, 2022 [2 favorites]
The Good Lovelies have several Christmas albums with a range of song types. I first encountered them last Christmas and found them to be a refreshing antidote to the usual dreck. Song for a Winter’s Night
posted by Turtles all the way down at 1:16 PM on October 16, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by Turtles all the way down at 1:16 PM on October 16, 2022 [1 favorite]
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra have a number of Christmas Orchestral Rock albums that are great for 'background' as needed. Faith Noel is a nice example.
posted by ewan at 1:58 PM on October 16, 2022
posted by ewan at 1:58 PM on October 16, 2022
Two great compilation CDs from Rhino in the '90s:
Punk Rock Xmas. Includes "Fuck Christmas" by Fear, "Homo Christmas" by Pansy Division, and "Here Comes Santa's Pussy" by the Frogs.
Just Can't Get Enough: New Wave Xmas. Includes "Rudolph the Manic Reindeer", "Fairytale of New York", and They Might Be Giants' indescribable "Santa's Beard."
posted by Harvey Kilobit at 2:42 PM on October 16, 2022 [1 favorite]
Punk Rock Xmas. Includes "Fuck Christmas" by Fear, "Homo Christmas" by Pansy Division, and "Here Comes Santa's Pussy" by the Frogs.
Just Can't Get Enough: New Wave Xmas. Includes "Rudolph the Manic Reindeer", "Fairytale of New York", and They Might Be Giants' indescribable "Santa's Beard."
posted by Harvey Kilobit at 2:42 PM on October 16, 2022 [1 favorite]
Search YouTube for "Dodie Christmas"
She does weird, short versions of Christmas songs that are really very good.
Maybe for the past 4 or 5 years.
posted by Acari at 4:14 PM on October 16, 2022
She does weird, short versions of Christmas songs that are really very good.
Maybe for the past 4 or 5 years.
posted by Acari at 4:14 PM on October 16, 2022
Jon Solomon has been hosting a 24 hour Christmas marathon on WPRB for 33 years. It's a very eclectic show, and includes some original listener-submitted songs. You can see a sample playlist at https://keepingscoreathome.com/?p=4679.
I haven't found a recording of a full show; I think a lot of the individual songs he plays are hard to find.
posted by terooot at 4:30 PM on October 16, 2022
I haven't found a recording of a full show; I think a lot of the individual songs he plays are hard to find.
posted by terooot at 4:30 PM on October 16, 2022
That Was The Worst Christmas Ever by Sufjan Stevens.
posted by penguin pie at 4:55 PM on October 16, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by penguin pie at 4:55 PM on October 16, 2022 [1 favorite]
We get a lot of mileage out of the Paste holiday samplers, which generally fit your criteria.
posted by tchemgrrl at 8:54 PM on October 16, 2022
posted by tchemgrrl at 8:54 PM on October 16, 2022
Best answer: Here’s a great Christmas album by The Good Lovelies
posted by Turtles all the way down at 9:12 PM on October 16, 2022
posted by Turtles all the way down at 9:12 PM on October 16, 2022
(edit: I didn’t realize this was all their albums; there are at least three Christmas albums here and I would recommend all)
posted by Turtles all the way down at 9:19 PM on October 16, 2022
posted by Turtles all the way down at 9:19 PM on October 16, 2022
Not challenging, but for anyone coming to this thread looking for non-sucky Christmas music, the McGarrigle clan does this in spades, including their Christmas shows if you’re lucky enough to see Martha and Rufus live, and if not this album made Rolling Stone’s top Christmas albums: McGarrigle Christmas Hour
posted by Turtles all the way down at 10:14 PM on October 16, 2022
posted by Turtles all the way down at 10:14 PM on October 16, 2022
Best answer: Sun Ra presents The Qualities — It's Christmas Time
posted by Chenko at 3:16 PM on October 17, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by Chenko at 3:16 PM on October 17, 2022 [1 favorite]
The "Bells of Dublin" album by The Chieftains, with guests. I think it's far enough from mainstream to allow for the traditional songs. It also has songs rarely heard here (at least by me), including "Il Est Né/Ca Berger" by the previously mentioned McGarrigles.
One of my favorites, though, is "The St. Stephen's Day Murders" with Elvis Costello.
posted by TimHare at 8:02 PM on October 17, 2022 [1 favorite]
One of my favorites, though, is "The St. Stephen's Day Murders" with Elvis Costello.
posted by TimHare at 8:02 PM on October 17, 2022 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Sun Ra presents The Qualities — It's Christmas Time
Nicely covered by Yo La Tengo on their Merry Christmas From Yo La Tengo EP.
They also do Santa Claus Goes Modern and Rock and Roll Santa.
Seriously though, my favorite Xmas tune lately is Chris Ligon's Christmas Eve.
posted by hydrophonic at 8:23 PM on October 17, 2022 [1 favorite]
Nicely covered by Yo La Tengo on their Merry Christmas From Yo La Tengo EP.
They also do Santa Claus Goes Modern and Rock and Roll Santa.
Seriously though, my favorite Xmas tune lately is Chris Ligon's Christmas Eve.
posted by hydrophonic at 8:23 PM on October 17, 2022 [1 favorite]
Best answer: I apologize if this is too pop, but if departure from traditional Christmas lyrics is an acceptable difference, I sure love a lot of Jonathan Coulton Christmas music - much of it's here:
https://wiki.jonathancoulton.com/One_Christmas_at_a_Time
but there are other songs scattered throughout his oevre.
My all-time favorite is Christmas is Interesting, but Podsafe Christmas Song is good, and Chiron Beta Prime is a classic (video has bonus "Christmas Is Interesting" over the credits).
(For songs on that One Christmas At A Time album page, you could try searching Youtube for the song titles - for example, here's Christmas in Jail.)
posted by kristi at 11:44 AM on October 18, 2022
https://wiki.jonathancoulton.com/One_Christmas_at_a_Time
but there are other songs scattered throughout his oevre.
My all-time favorite is Christmas is Interesting, but Podsafe Christmas Song is good, and Chiron Beta Prime is a classic (video has bonus "Christmas Is Interesting" over the credits).
(For songs on that One Christmas At A Time album page, you could try searching Youtube for the song titles - for example, here's Christmas in Jail.)
posted by kristi at 11:44 AM on October 18, 2022
OH! and if you're up for jazz, legendary San Francisco Bay Area jazz DJ Herb Wong used to do a Christmas morning show every year - I can't find any recordings online, but here's a playlist from #49:
http://jazzstreams.org/KCSM/KCSM-Herb-Wong-Xmas-49.php
"Deck Us All With Boston Charlie," "Blue Xmas," and "Jazz Musician's Christmas" are not quite your typical Christmas tunes.
(Bonus search at archive.org for jazz christmas.)
posted by kristi at 12:00 PM on October 18, 2022
http://jazzstreams.org/KCSM/KCSM-Herb-Wong-Xmas-49.php
"Deck Us All With Boston Charlie," "Blue Xmas," and "Jazz Musician's Christmas" are not quite your typical Christmas tunes.
(Bonus search at archive.org for jazz christmas.)
posted by kristi at 12:00 PM on October 18, 2022
Response by poster: If anyone is following this thread, I have compiled this and previous matching christmas threads into this spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1jGYsE2jcDrvlCytxIrSVU
Warning - very NSFW. Some cringe as well. I'm working on getting the unlistenable songs out of the list. There's a difference between "challenging" and unlistenable haha. But - enjoy!
My biggest sadness about the playlist is that jingle rock bell isn't anywhere on spotify. Someone upload it!
posted by bbqturtle at 1:08 PM on October 19, 2022 [3 favorites]
Warning - very NSFW. Some cringe as well. I'm working on getting the unlistenable songs out of the list. There's a difference between "challenging" and unlistenable haha. But - enjoy!
My biggest sadness about the playlist is that jingle rock bell isn't anywhere on spotify. Someone upload it!
posted by bbqturtle at 1:08 PM on October 19, 2022 [3 favorites]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by drezdn at 7:52 AM on October 16, 2022 [1 favorite]