Chelsea Lankes has already given us one of the best gifts of the year, emerging from a year-long hiatus –
following the release of her self-titled EP last year – with the brilliant newbie, “Matches”. A gorgeous synth-pop sizzler, the song was inspired by an unfaithful ex and is the culmination of, what Chelsea calls, a “journey of self-discovery, destruction, and ultimately empowerment.”
Now, being the gift that keeps on giving, she’s also crafted us a special festive playlist featuring all of her fave alternative Christmas tunes. From Wolf Alice to The Shins, it’s got all you could ever want to soundtrack your holiday and will no doubt make a nice break from playing Michael Bublé’s album for the eighth time on repeat. Crack out the mulled wine and have a listen…
Phoebe Bridgers – “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”
She is one of my favourite artists that I’ve discovered this year; I love her take on this classic because it still has that old romantic feeling, but it’s uniquely her sound.
Bahamas – “Christmas Must Be Tonight”
This band’s signature guitar sound and vocals always make me want to slow dance in a living room with just the candles lit. This song is spiritual but it still is the perfect vibe to just sit back and hang in your soft clothes and drink a hot (adult) beverage.
Wolf Alice – “Santa Baby”
Though I’ve never been a huge fan of this song in the past, Ellie Rowsell’s voice is just cool no matter what she sings. They kept it simple and old school, which I love.
Rogue Wave – “Jingle Bell Rock”
I like this laid back version because it almost makes it feel more nostalgic than the original.
Phoenix – “Alone on Christmas Day”
This song was originally written by the Beach Boys co-founder Mike Love and Ron Altman in 1977, and was never released! I love this version because not only am I a huge Phoenix fan, but it features Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman, Paul Shaffer, and New York Dolls’ David Johansen which makes me feel like a little kid on Christmas day.
Julian Casablancas – “I Wish It Was Christmas Today”
JC is forever a rockstar and an original that stands the test of time. I like this song because it’s Christmas-y but still has a punk/rock spirit. Let’s be honest, some Christmas songs are just not cool and this could be played at any one of his shows and it would still fit in and I would be jumping around and head banging like an idiot.
The Shins – “Wonderful Christmastime”
Paul McCartney is my favourite Beatle so naturally this song has to be on the list. You can hear his influence in so many bands, like The Shins, so I feel like this cover is very fitting for them. This song is timeless.
Nelson Can – “On Christmas Night”
I love her voice and I think it’s really hard to write an original Christmas song that isn’t a complete derivative of a holiday classic that has been sung for years. She nailed it.
Marika Hackman – “Driving Under Stars”
This song is a total breath of fresh air and a complete jam. Even if it came on during the hottest day of the summer, I’d still listen to it on repeat!
CODY – “It’s Christmas”
This band sounds like a group of Sufjan Stevens clones doing covers of Crosby, Stills & Nash and I’m not mad about it.
