Iiiiitt’sss Cccchhrrriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiissstmaaaaaaaaaaaaas
Hit it Frankie. “I think I’m gonna have, a shite Christmas”
There’s a shortage of Guinness because Tic Toc influ-twats have created a shit Energy Drink style panic buy of the OG black stuff (not the Brewdog pretender to the throne).
But don’t panic. No actually panic. What else are we going to dull the beginning of World War Three in the Middle East, the cradle of religion and where the little babies birth that we’re supposedly celebrating in a bit over a week allegedly happened, according to a very much delayed and hugely engorged pamphlet “How to Oppress and Control Your Serfs” rebranded “The Holy Bible”.
That went a bit dark mate. Sorry. Anyway, here’s something to cheer you up. Christmas songs. Or maybe not. Possibly either because you hate Chrimbo Songs or these are very very melancholic and about how they’ve had a terrible Christmas.
Swings and roundabouts. Happy Holidays. Don’t let the bell(s) end(s) (win).
Nina Simone – Little Girl Blue
Why we love it: It may not be a seasonal song as such, but has anyone captured what for many can be the potentially mixed emotions of Christmas time more perfectly than Nina Simone does on ‘Little Girl Blue’?
Written by Rodgers and Hart and first published in 1935, this jazz standard made a reappearance 24 years later when Simone reconfigured it as the title track on her debut album. She takes all of the loneliness, melancholy, and despair of the original but then counterbalances it against the melody of ‘Good King Wenceslas’ and the positive spirit lying at the heart of this old Christmas carol.
There have been many brilliant interpretations of this song over the years – not least that of Janis Joplin’s on her 1969 solo album, I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama! – but this version by Nina Simone remains the very best. (Simon Godley)
Sufjan Stevens – Come On! Let’s Boogie to the Elf Dance!
Why we love it: Sufjan Stevens is no stranger to the holiday season, having released over 100 Christmas songs ranging from timeless classics to original compositions. One standout addition to his festive repertoire is the delightful ‘Come On! Let’s Boogie to the Elf Dance!’ With its quirky, upbeat rhythm and infectious lyrics, it’s a delightful addition to his already expansive Christmas catalogue, offering a refreshing and playful twist on festive cheer. (Laura Dean)
Mountaintop Junkshop – Meet Me At The Light Switch On
Why we love it: Leicester’s Mountaintop Junkshop – now with new member Katie Shields on drums, Bedroom Spector production by David Fellows and violin by Natasha Pattinson) – make some of the prettiest music you’ll ever hear, and this newly written Christmas song, penned by Jon Bennett and Amy Cooper, is not only another gorgeous little gem, but all proceeds will be going to Samaritans, so not only are you getting a heartfelt festive modern folk cut, you’re also doing your bit for charity. What more could you want for a happy Christmas? – “A pretty kind of pain / every December hits me like a train“, I’m sure a lot of us can relate to those lyrics, and it’s a poignant reminder to think about those less fortunate than ourselves at this time of year. (Loz Etheridge)
Elton John – Step Into Christmas
Why We Love It: Who doesn’t love Elton John?! Elton John is one of the Five Artists You Never Disrespect In My Presence. With a unique voice and vibe, Elton John is one of those timeless acts who manage to not only keep his finger on the pulse of whatever is currently ‘cool’ and relevant, but he fits right in effortlessly. I wish I knew how he does it. ‘Step Into Christmas’ is one of those songs, too; it sounds so ‘now’ even though it was first released in the early 1970s. And so Classic Elton.
My enthusiasm for this song – and subsequent dancing – has been likened to the human equivalent of “a cat on catnip.” I don’t know if it was intended as a compliment but I’m taking it anyway. This is, quite frankly, one of the Quintessential Songs of Christmas. I don’t care what anyone says, it’s up there with ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’, and ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’. They don’t make them like this anymore. And it’s just not Christmas without Elton John. (Toni Spencer)
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – I Do, Dear, I Do
It’s not enough that Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds get my vote for album of the year (Wild God) and gig of the year (in Berlin on 29th September), but they now get themselves into our Christmas Tracks of the Week. The GIITTV Holy Trinity if you will.
The song in question is ‘I Do, Dear, I Do.’ It is an outtake from the 1997 album from Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, The Boatman’s Call. Quite how it never made it onto that record merely shows just how many fantastic songs Cave has at his disposal.
“I wish you happy Christmas, I do, dear, I do” sings Cave, reflecting upon the complexities of love, emotions often severely heightened at this time of year. (Simon Godley)
Piney Gir– Reindeer
Why We love it : In keeping with her annual tradition, Piney Gir releases a light-hearted take on The Knife’s 2001 track ‘Reindeer.‘ It’s sleek, stylish, quirky and upbeat and a real shot of elegant euphoria in the cold, soaring with lush open-hearted vocals, it’s a multifaceted gem. Piney Gir is an artist who’s been performing for well over 20 years – with her solo output receiving universal plaudits, she’s also played live internationally with Gaz Coombes’ and Noel Gallagher’s touring bands over the last few years.
As a Christmas lover, Piney Gir releases a new holiday song every year, and 2024 sees her releasing an appropriately cheerful take on a dark electronic track originally by Swedish duo The Knife. The band are now separated (with founding member Karin Dreijer enjoying solo success performing as Fever Ray), but their legacy lives on as demonstrated with this cover. Piney’s more upbeat version features her signature bittersweet vocal stylings as well as luscious strings for extra festive magic, with production overseen by Scritti Politti’s Rhodri Marsden – The single is lifted from the upcoming new compilation album from Lush Cosmetics, personally curated by co-founder and passionate music fan Mark Constantine. This slick track, rich with sumptuous harmonies, is a must for any Christmas playlist! (Carmel Walsh)
CMAT and Junior Brother – Uncomfortable Christmas
Why we love it: CMAT and Junior Brother are the real deal. Raw, authentic talent emanates from every pore and since this track was released, it’s been a joy to see their star rightfully rising. They don’t need special effects, they have the grá for music in their souls, illuminated by their epic live shows. This dazzling Irish duo are putting alt-folk and country-fused pop on the map in their own right. This one-off Christmas duet is a cracker. CMAT’s second album, ‘Crazymad, for Me,’ out in 2024, was nominated for both an Ivor Novello and Mercury Prize as well as a Brit Award and many more. She won the Choice Music prize in 2022 and deserves to have her name in lights. She is the name on everyone’s lips at the moment. She will be supporting Sam Fender next year as well as a host of high profile Festival slots. Kerry artist Junior Brother was chosen as The Irish Times’ Best Irish Act of 2019 as well as being nominated for an RTE Choice music prize. He has been making waves with his awesome visceral brand of alt folk- ancient and yet forward facing he released his second album The Great Famine album in 2022. Both CMAT and Junior Brother ooze talent constant putting on immense, deeply rooted, witty, talented, cathartic and earth-shattering live shows.
‘Uncomfortable Christmas’ is the perfect, darkly witty reflection of the Christmas season for some. I love this humorous, melancholic kitchen sink drama, with all the honesty and musical prowess of Dolly Parton. It reflects the claustrophobia of 2020 when it was released, but can, likewise, reflect the world-weary vibes of a pair that are getting on each other’s nerves. From the petty, “I didn’t wanna sit next to you” to the deep ‘Everybody laughs but it leaves us in the wreckage,” their voices perfectly complement each other; rich and heartfelt, they embody every emotion. With witty lines like, “Did this turkey die for my sins?” The track is pitch-perfect, both musically and lyrically, showcasing their undeniable talent and clearly proves that they deserve to be two of the biggest names out there. Nollaig shona daiobh! (Carmel Walsh)
Wonders of the Yukon – Christmas Not Ending
Wonders of the Yukon have deliver a dreamy ode to Christmas entitled ‘Christmas Not Ending.’ They say“close your eyes and let the season drift in like snow on a starry night. Our new track “Christmas Not Ending” is here to wrap you in its dreamy embrace. A cosmic carol for anyone who’s ever looked out at a winter’s night and felt the wonder of the universe hum back”.
I”nspired by the lush sounds of Spiritualized and Mercury Rev, the ambient glow of Brian Eno, and the timeless warmth of Bing Crosby, this is Christmas reimagined for dreamers and stargazers alike.” (Bill Cummings)
Du Blonde – It’s Christmas And I’m Crying
Du Blonde released a brilliant Christmas song last year, called ‘It’s Christmas and I’m Crying’ and we heard it on Von Pip’s frankly ace annual Christmas podcast, if there was any justice in the world, it should be a new Christmas classic. Sharing the song on their X/Twitter page, Du Blonde wrote: “I wrote a Christmas song! ‘It’s Christmas and I’m Crying’. A chrimbo bop for everyone who’s ever wanted to tear their hair out when the family come to visit.”
This darkly comic take on the Christmas song is quite frankly brilliant, a wonky sing along for scrooges everywhere dressed in a wonderful Christmas song that encapsulates the bittersweet tragedy of the festive season. “It’s Christmas and we’re all lying / To make up the chasm between us,” they sing. “It’s five o’clock, the turkey’s burnt / That lucky incinerated bird” (Bill Cummings)
