This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at City London chapter.
It is 1st of December, so the Christmas season is officially open. Time to switch the radio on and to get carried away by the sounds of some Christmas classics. But being a little bit fed up with Wham!‘s Last Christmas, to save you from tears, I’m about to give you some less-known but equally cool holiday melodies that will make the season bright. Time to update your iPods!
- 1. Otis Redding, “White Christmas“: An alternative version of Irving Berlin’s song released in 1968. Actually, it was totally changed. Less jazz-like, because Otis gives it a touch of ‘soul’.
- 2. Darlene Love, “Marshmallow World“: Who does not love marshmallows? Darlene definitely does and her cover of this catchy song seems to reflect the Christmas rush and anticipation, although there isn’t even one word in the lyrics about Christmas. Interesting, isn’t it?
- 3. The Beach Boys, “Little Saint Nick“: In 1963, this song got to number 3 on Billboard Christmas charts. As The Beach Boys are so cool, the song has an extra appeal. But even if you’re not a fan, it’s just a classic with bells in the background and “reindeer” repeating in the lyrics.
- 4. Peggy Lee, “The Christmas Waltz“: Although it has been performed by Frank Sinatra on his “A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra” album, Peggy gives the song some subtlety and ‘fairy tale’ magic. And the lyrics are a perfect summary of holiday time: frosted windowpanes, candles, love and dreams coming true.
- 5. The Ronettes, “Sleigh Ride“: Isn’t it amazing that the 60s trio of divas performs the song composed Leroy Anderson at the end of the 40s? Another melody that does not include any words about Christmas, but sleigh rides seem to be like its attribute.
- 6. She & Him, “Christmas Wish“: Either if you love Zooey Deschanel in the “New Girl” TV series or you hate her for dumping Joseph Gordon-Levitt in “500 Days of Summer”, you’ll probably fall in love with the whole exceptional Christmas album anyway. But to reassure some of you, it is Matthew Ward (Him) who has the lead in this song.
- 7. The Kinks, “Father Christmas“: Okay. All these above are quite calm/sweet/cosy type of songs. For tougher-sound lovers, The Kinks with their electric guitars should be a great option.
- 8. Camera Obscura, “The Blizzard“: It is just a cool band performing a little less-conventional tune that shyly reminds of Christmas, with some tambourines behind the vocals. It just cannot be so obvious all the time with snowflakes and Christmas stockings.
Pictures from CollectorsFrenzy, YouTube, Gigwise, Allbum, Popdose, RiffRaf, Somdefora