AnOther presents a selection of tunes old and new for Christmas
Text by Harriet Baker
10. Santa Baby by Rev Run and the Christmas All Stars featuring Mase, Puff Daddy, Snoop Doggy Dogg, Salt-n-Pepa, Onyx and Keith Murray
It’s back to 1997 with this song featuring a memorable selection of rap artists. It was released as part of the annual charity album series ‘A Very Special Christmas’ in the States.
9. The Christmas Song by Andy Burrows and Tom Smith ft. Agnes Obel
A remake of what is already a perennial Christmas favourite, this song features a mesmerizing duet between Tom Smith – of Editors – and Danish musician Agnes Obel. It was released on the 2011 album ‘Funny Looking Angels’, a collaboration between Smith and Razorlight drummer Andy Burrows.
8. Last Christmas by The XX
The XX make the original track by Wham! their own in this slightly more melancholic version.
7. That Was the Worst Christmas Ever by Sufjan Stevens
Though the Michigan-born artist has released five traditional Christmas albums, he is better known for his Christmas tracks ‘That Was the Worst Christmas Ever’ – an ethereal nostalgic track about a family Christmas – and ‘Sister Winter’.
6. Christmas in Harlem by Kanye West
Containing samples from Marvin Gaye and Shuggie Otis and released as a single in December 2010, the song was Kanye’s response to Run-D.M.C.’s ‘Christmas in Hollis’.
5. Sleigh Ride by TLC
Here is a little '90s R&B nostalgia with a non-traditional 'Sleigh Ride’ from dungaree-clad girl group TLC.
4. Everything’s Gonna Be Cool This Christmas by Eels
This song, released on the EP ‘Not For Airplay’ in 1993, is often considered alongside another weird and wonderful Christmas track from Eels, ‘Christmas is Going to the Dogs’.
3. December Will Be Magic Again by Kate Bush
With some seriously great crimped hair, Kate Bush’s Christmas song of 1979 conjures fantastical realms of husky dogs and ice.
2. Home for Christmas by Maria Mena
This little-known gem from Norwegian artist Maria Mena will induce a serious case of the goose bumps. Released in 2010, the ballad sings of returning to the places of our childhood for a time reserved only for family.
Christmas songs have been blaring out in the supermarket since the last week of November, but it’s Christmas Eve and the festivities have begun. Forget Mariah Carey and Keith Richards, as AnOther has created a playlist with a mix of some old favourites and a few more unusual festive tracks to get you in the spirit
1. Silent Night by Beyoncé
Beyoncé, dressed in a flowing white gown and singing with the backdrop of Disneyland behind her, is enchanting in her take on this traditional song, released in 2001 on the album ‘8 Days of Christmas’ by Destiny’s Child.
