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Holiday Music When You Are Sick of Holiday Music

Dec 1, 2009

by ariajuliet

The holidays are approaching quickly, and some may say prematurly. Starbucks and Bristol Farms already have all their Christmas decorations up, and are blasting the Christmas decorations. As someone who has "All I Want for Christmas" by Mariah Carey on a yearlong playlist, I do appricate all the cheer, but I also worked in retail, where Holiday music is MANDETORY from Thanksgivng to the second week in January. So, after playing Bing Crosby on repeat 20 times, try some of these albums that are totally Holiday appropiate, I assure you they will fit the ambiance just as much as the classics.

Boyz II Men: Motown: A Journey Through Hitsville USA

This is a great album because every generation in your family can love it. It covers all the classics such as "I'll be There" and "Just My Imagination" as well as a version of their hit single "End of the Road." This is my soundtrack I listen to while cooking dinner with my mom.

Know By Heart

I'm never sure how to describe this CD, one of my favorites that I stumbled upon in college, but Amazon.com describes it as low-key indie rock. But its more complex then that, and so much more interesting. American Analog mixes guitar, soft vocals and electronic beats. I listen to this CD when I need to chill out, so I would think its the perfect evening mix to put in after the company has gone.

La Revancha del Tango

Gotan Project is Tango + Electronic music inspired by tradition Latin and Jazz music. At times it sort of reminds me of lounge music, slow tempo, minimal vocals (in Spanish.) It's a very "sexy" music, and would be great for a cocktail party or a romantic dinner. My most favorite track is "Una Musica Brutal", which was featured in the movie Shall We Dance with Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez.

In Between Dreams

I can't think of any musician more universally uplifting then Jack Johnson. I gave my mom all of his CD's for one Christmas, which may be why it reminds me of the holidays, but it really is light feel-good music that is so easy to enjoy. I would probably play this during post-present opening or during lunchtime. It is also music that kids usually enjoy listening to, so its perfect to distract them from "Jingle Bells, Batman Smells"

Rod Stewart As Time Goes By: The Great American Songbook Volume 2

Regardless of the time of year, this is my parents go-to CD when we are entertaining guests. It's a bunch of classic songs, most of which I heard FIRST though his cover CD's. I really enjoy listening to them.

Where The Wild Things Are: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Where the Wild Things Are Karen O And The Kids

This soundtrack is so fun and youthful, I can't wait to play it this year when I am baby-sitting. It's good background music. Not so good for driving.

And if you're looking for the song playing in the trailer, its not on here! That song is Wake Up by Arcade Fire, which I have heard is good, but I've only heard that one song.

The Definitive Vince Guaraldi

OK, so this CD does have some Christmas music, but its only delightful, instrumental Christmas music. Guaraldi is best known for the Charlie Brown soundtracks, and this CD has all of those songs, plus many many more including "Girl From Ipanema" and "Moon River"

Best of Ka'au Crater Boys

Being from Hawaii, Hawaiian music musicians like Ka'au Crater Boys and Israel Kamakawiwo'ole were part of my musical education as Michael Jackson and U2. Many people might think its funny to listen to Hawaiian music during Christmas, but I think its perfect. It will warm you up even if its snowing outside! The Ka'au Crater Boys are contemporary Hawaiian music group. This is a great introduction to contemporary Hawaiian because many of the songs are in English, plus they do amazing covers of Brown Eyed Girl and Still the One.

Facing Future

Israel Kamakawiwo'ole is probably the the most well known contemporary Hawaiian musician outside of Hawaii. You've heard his rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/Wonderful World" somewhere between MasterCard commercials and various movie soundtracks. I recommend this CD, one because its the best selling Hawaiian music album of all time, and two, because it has all of his best tracks. Many songs have only Iz's voice and his ukulele.

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djevoke November 23, 2010

Great list! I'm probably going to have to use quite a few of these in my Thanksgiving playlist I'm compiling :)

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MelissaAq December 02, 2009

I need to check out Ka'au Crater Boys. I don't know anything about music from Hawaii, except maybe Hoku. GROAN.

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Scotman December 01, 2009

The best instrumental Christmas music actually is from The Ventures from the Sixties, where they mix rock music into Christmas music standards.

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Scotman December 01, 2009

I did a list like this too, but yours is better. Thanks.

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devora December 01, 2009

This would be a nice spin on this rule! Great list, Aria! :)

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About the list creator

Aria Juliet Castillo (ariajuliet)
Ranked #47

I'm a graphic designer, originally from Hawaii and now I'm living it up in L.A. I've been a vegetarian my entire life, but I am still obsessed with fast food, and I love eating … more

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