You might not imagine that I enjoy Christmas music, but I do, though several winter seasons working retail/food service has given me a hearty allergy to the lowest denominator pop-Christmas schlock.
What I do love though, is unexpected and eclectic Christmas music that both subverts and celebrates the season. Here are some albums that will spice up your Yule season...
Golau Glau
My favorite holiday artist, Golau Glau are deeply interested in the social history of the holidays, with a particular interest in the British Isles, plus all their Holiday tunes are free, giving you no reason to not pick them up... From tales of Saint Christopher's body being stolen by sailors, to the dread Yule cat, to Mummer's Plays, there is plenty of olde Christmas cheer to enjoy.
The Legendary Pink Dots
The Dots have put out mini-Christmas EPs the last few years and collected those in two Festive Compilations. Darkly whimsical, it's easy to lose yourself in the soundscapes and other-worldly narration of Edward Ka-Spel...
Joyful Noise
Independent Record Label Joyful Noise has three raucous and jolly Holiday albums to enjoy.
<PIG>
The Lord of Lard himself has given unto this world a blessed album for Christmas, with three holiday covers in the signature sleazy style of <PIG>.
Windy and Carl
Ambient pop legends Windy and Carl provide a pair of soothing songs for the holiday season.
Jethro Tull
Prog Rock legends provide some suitably flute enlivened Christmas Cheer.
The Young Tradition with Shirley and Dolly Collins
Folk legends recording traditional Christmas songs, the album was recorded in the late 60s, but not released until the 90s—despite its troubled history the songs are sweet and toothsome. Available on Amazon MP3.
John Zorn
Avant Garde jazz maestro John Zorn provides a dreamy and nostalgic collection of Christmas songs. A little bit surf rock, some vibraphones and plenty of Holiday feeling. Available on Amazon MP3.
Midnight Syndicate
Orchestral Gothic outfit Midnight Syndicate provide a slightly haunted holiday album that is darkly beautiful and still a fit for the season. Available on Amazon MP3.
Tuba Holidays
Lastly, here are a pair of Tuba Christmas albums, one more traditional and one more contemporary. Both can be found on Amazon MP3. Click the cover image for each to go to the album.
Onyx Brass - Canite Tuba: Music for Advent and Christmas
Tennessee Tech Tuba Ensemble - Christmas Tubas
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