Christmastime!!! A month of joy, compassion, giving, and love. With these emotions comes a plethora of Holiday classics. But have you ever heard of these unique versions of the seasonal paradigms?
“Christmastime Is Here” – Khruangbin
This song is a refreshing evolution of the seasonal classic. The psychedelic rock band creates an atmospheric and shockingly original audial experience. The dreamy and airy guitar and bass, paired with the almost lackadaisical groovy drum beat create a chill vibe for an even chillier season. If you ever find yourself stressed by some last-minute holiday shopping, you might wanna put on this track.
Pair With: Making cookies
“The Christmas Song” – Diana Krall
A jazzy version of the tune that features a quartet instrumentation. The rich sound of the track emphasizes a more intimate feeling with Diana Krall effortlessly weaving through the chords of the tune, highlighting rich harmonies and complex chords with her enchanting voice. All elements of the recording blend together to create a perfect jazz rendition of the classic Christmas song.
Pair With: A nice book and some warm blankets
“Wonderful Christmastime” – The Shins
A cover of a wonderful Paul McCartney song, The Shins creates a sound that is reminiscent of the McCartney version, yet still innovative. Instead of adopting the more synth-heavy sound used by McCartney, The Shins decided to emulate the original with an emphasis on acoustic instrumentation.
Pair With: A Holiday Beach Day with all your best friends
“I Bought You a Plastic Star (For Your Aluminum Tree)” by Michael Franks
A satirical take on the Christmas season. If you’re having a gloomy winter day and need a laugh, this is the song for you. The recording contains a major blues influence, featuring a soulful piano solo and some tasteful mini guitar solos throughout.
Pair With: When the Holiday Season gets to you
“White Christmas” – Andy Williams
A beautiful version of the tune, Williams’ dazzling vocals are the epitome of Christmastime crooning, backed by sweeping strings and a hearty choir. Each section is completely new and fresh, surprising the listener at every turn. I guarantee you if you listen more than once, you’ll find something new in the song.
Pair With: A warm fireplace and the company of your loved ones
