Our Winter Holiday Playlist
It’s a hybrid kind of holiday season this year, isn’t it? We’re yearning to return to our fondest traditions. Yet we’re also a bit changed from the past year and a half. Maybe a little humbler, appreciative of simple gifts, open to fresh takes on old customs. This year, our best presents to each other may be our actual presence… around a table sharing a meal, cooking and being cozy together, visits, even parties, clinking glasses, sipping hot beverages by the crackling fire, reflecting the warm glow in our hearts. Faces we’ve missed. Reunions and hugs.
Let’s find the magic in this restart of sorts. While all may not be quite how it was, maybe that’s okay. We can celebrate new twists on old traditions. Familiar refrains but served up in an unexpected way.
- Hope you enjoy this month’s Winter Holiday playlist tinyurl.com/2p8a2z5f
Holiday Road
Matt Pond PA
Nostalgia’s a common theme this time of year. Disguised in slower soothing tones, comes this cover of Lindsey Buckingham’s rollicking original. If you grew up in the 80's, like me, you’ll remember this song from the first Chevy Chase "Vacation" movie.
Sing It Now, Sing it Somehow
The Flaming Lips
Always quirky and earnest, the Lips bring an offbeat, imperfectly perfect tribute to celebrating what is here and now, however we can… which feels very appropriate as we dust off our holiday spirits.
Hallelujah
HAIM
This LA based sister trio gorgeously finds hope, angels, and a hallelujah no less amid the everyday, in places we least expect…
Christmas Time Is Here
Khruangbin
This Texas band eases us into the first of some more familiar holiday tunes, but quietly, tentatively, like an echoey memory from down the hall, served with a side of surf guitar twang.
Snowfall
Idealism
Crackling vinyl, or the wood of a roaring fire? Tinkling keys, or clinking of glasses? Idealism sets a perfect chill-hop backdrop for decorating, dining, or just unwinding.
The Christmas Song
The Raveonettes
Whether the more guitar heavy, or the colder, stripped down version, this Danish duo kicks our holiday wishes into higher gear, their two-part harmonies, guitar and simplicity of 50s/60s rock feels at once nostalgic and fresh.
Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
Miley Cyrus
With a twist of country swagger, Miley slings us this classic in a new old-fashioned way.
Jingle Bells
Preservation Hall Jazz Band
As the heat turns up in the kitchen, this N’awlins jazz funk version of the American song loved round the world will spice up any recipe.
The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting)
New York Jazz Trio
First recorded by Nat King Cole, countless artists have lent their voices to this gem. But here’s an instrumental take that jazzily conjures those warm sweet scents coming from the oven.
Frosty the Snowman
Fiona Apple
Just when you thought you’d never need to hear Frosty again, here comes the genius of Fiona Apple’s endearing version, which feels like a 40’s throwback.
Carol of the Banjos
Beta Radio
The popular “Carol of the Bells" composed in 1914 and based on a Ukrainian folk chant has been performed in many genres… here’s a charming banjo perspective.
By Your Side
Sade
As we draw close to those we love, let’s raise a thankful toast to those who are by our side, and those who comforted us during this last long period.
Christmas Song
Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds
Amid any darkness or disagreements, DMB’s stripped-down acoustic offering serves a reminder of our shared humanity and shared search for love.
Auld Lang Syne
The Cast
This traditional song always rings out the old and welcomes in the new. Last time we shared Andrew Bird’s cover. This year's, from The Cast, celebrates the tune's Scottish roots.
Winter
The Rolling Stones
And finally, as the lights and decorations are taken down and we brace for the cold season ahead, The Stones wind the party down properly for our long winter’s nap. I’d love to know about your favorites! Email me sharonjohnsonnyc@yahoo.com Instagram @sharnyc1. Stay warm, safe and we’ll see you in the Spring…Cheers to you and yours!
