Day two of musical gifts and I still got presents waiting in my bag! Hopefully you enjoyed part one of my gift-giving and are here to receive the second portion of holiday bounty that I have been reserving just for you. So never mind the bows and wrappings, dive in to eight holiday tracks that are ready to spread some cheer.
Sufjan Stevens with members of The National & Arcade Fire
On December 20, The National's Aaron and Bryce Dessner guest DJ'ed a set with Arcade Fire's Richard Parry on BBC Radio 6, and they took this as a chance to debut tracks from Sufjan Stevens' sixth Christmas EP, Songs for Christmas Vol. 6 (Gloria!). Both tracks – "Silent Night" and "Barcarola (You Must Be a Christmas Tree)" – feature the temporary DJs. That's a whole bunch of talent for just two holiday songs! You can hear "Barcarola" above and snag for keeps WAY at the bottom, and listen to "Silent Night" right here:
This player (SoundCloud) didn’t survive.
Kanye West
As if G.O.O.D. Friday wasn't enough of a gift through the past couple months of 2010, Kanye has written a fly and sexy Christmas track with Dipset, Pusha T, Big Sean, Cyhi da Prynce, Musiq Soulchild and Teyana Taylor. "Christmas in Harlem" has a sweet Motown feel peppered with the skill of these multiple rappers and can be downloaded for free here. G.O.O.D. Christmas, everyone!
Summer Camp
A cover of the 80s Christmas single by The Waitresses, "Christmas Wrapping" gets stripped of its horns to feature cascading synths crafted by Summer Camp. The vocals are extremely similar to the original, though the clarity compliments the ambiguity of the soundscapes supporting them. Download it for free here.
Idiot Glee
Sleepy and distant, "White Christmas" floats lazily like the idle flurry of snow into our ears from Idiot Glee. Backed by the slow strums of an acoustic guitar and acappella singers, this version of the Christmas classic can be downloaded for free here.
Los Campesinos!
Shortly after publishing the first issue of a fanzine, Heat Rash, Los Campesinos! bundled up their gift of literature with one of music. Full of the joyful twinkling of bells and unfettered guitar, "Kindle a Flame in Her Heart" mashes together traditional Christmas lyrics with a story of a love faraway. Hear it via soundcloud below:
This player (SoundCloud) didn’t survive.
Mayer Hawthrone
Declaring the state of the season, Mayer Hawthrone released his soulful rendition of "Christmas Time Is Here." Sigh, makes me want that Charlie Brown tree that needs just some love to make it shine, or at least a mug of hot cocoa and an excuse to snuggle up to that warm delicious voice. Download for free the re-vamped classic here.
Dent May
Ditching the uke for synths, Dent May has gifted an 80s-tastic nostalgic tune, "Holiday Face." Brush off your dance moves, Mom and Dad, you may need to break out the Members Only jacket in order to immerse yourself in the groove of this Christmas track. Hear it below via soundcloud and download for free here.
This player (SoundCloud) didn’t survive.