Hi Pal,
Welcome to this edition of Nostalgia Booth, a newsletter where I look back on some of the music I listened to in my formative years. This is a special edition where we’ll look back at some of my favourite Christmas albums.
Stick around for the updated playlist at the end. Also, you can check out the albums on all platforms using the embedded links on the titles.
Let It Snow Baby…Let It Reindeer (2007) — Relient K
Pop Punk, Alternative Rock
There’s no better place to start than here. I cherish this album because I used it as a gateway to pop punk for my roommates in my university days. This album has everything from energetic punk tunes like Angels We Have Heard on High and 12 Days of Christmas to the soothing feels of Merry Christmas, Here’s to Many More and I Hate Christmas Parties.
August Burns Red Presents: Sleddin’ Hill, A Holiday Album (2012) — August Burns Red
Melodic Metalcore, Instrumentals
I can’t believe it’s been a decade since this dropped! Before this album, I would never have thought that an instrumental metalcore project could hit this hard. I love Jake Luhrs as a vocalist, but this album proved to me that the rest of the band deserves their flowers. Listen to O Come O Come Emmanuel and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen if you want to get a feel of what this album sounds like.
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Christmas Songs (2007) — Jars of Clay
Alternative Rock, Indie Rock
Easily one of the best Christmas albums of this era, there’s something especially relaxing about the feel of this album. It’s the type of album that you can listen to on a night drive, with buoyant strings and infectious guitar runs at times, this album is near perfect for fans of this genre. Peace Is Here and Love Came Down At Christmas are two of my favourites from the album.
Oh For Joy (2011) — David Crowder Band
Alternative Rock, Fusion
Throughout their career, DCB has always been known to play around with different genres and this album is no different. From the explosive arena rock sensibilities of Carol Of The Bells/Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24) to the folksy approach of Angels We Have Heard On High, there is something in here for many fans of alternative music.
Christmas Love (2000) — Ben Tankard
Jazz, Instrumentals
This entry is probably a bit out of leftfield but it is completely deserving of a mention. Admittedly, I have not listened to as many Christmas Jazz albums as I have for Rock but I know enough about Jazz to recognize quality music and this album is a certified classic in my books. Listen to God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and O Little Town Of Bethlehem to sample this album.
That’s it for today.
Catch you at the next one!
Have you fully embraced the Christmas spirit yet? What are your favourite Christmas songs or albums?
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Interesting albums you have here. Never heard 'em but I think the Jazz album will be my first listen.
As for Christmas Albums (& EPs), I'm currently enjoying John Van Deusen's In The Bleak MidWinter. Also, Lo Sy Lo's St Fleming of Advent which I found last year. And of course, David Nevue's O Come Emmanuel piano album.
For Christmas songs in general, I have quite a ton that I love. However, I'd just say that In The Bleak MidWinter is really a beautiful song, and has a lot of meaning to it. Indulci Jubilo and O Come, O Come Emmanuel are also great songs.
David Nevue huh. Okay, I'll give that a swing.