I'll admit it, I have extremely "hipster" taste in music. During the winter season, it can be hard to get into the holiday spirit as an indie-music lover when all you hear are the same old Christmas tunes.
I thought I would help out my fellow alternative music fans by making a list of 20 awesome indie holiday tracks.
So, put on a big sweater, grab a coffee, and bring on the holiday cheer:
1. "Come On! Let's Boogey To The Elf Dance" by Sufjan Stevens
If you love holiday songs and indie music, I highly recommend Sufjan Stevens' box set of five CDs called "Songs for Christmas." He sings both original songs and well known Christmas carols. Sufjan also just released a new album this year called Carrie & Lowell. My favorite track from it is "Death with Dignity."
2. "Cold December" by Matt Costa
You may not know Matt Costa's name, but you have probably heard his music featured in movies such as I Love You, Man. Other great tracks to check out: "Mr. Pitiful" and "Good Times."
3. "It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas" by Fruit Bats
Fruit Bats are a folk-rock band from Chicago. Their most well known song is "When You Love Somebody," which was featured in the movie Youth in Revolt. This song was included on "Holidays Rule," a yearly collection of indie, rock, pop and jazz artists.
4. "Christmas is Interesting" by Jonathan Coulton
Jonathan Coulton is a comedic singer-songwriter known for his acoustic cover of Baby Got Back, as well as a hilarious song called Skullcrusher Mountain about an evil genius who falls in love.
5. "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" by Death Cab for Cutie
Ben Gibbard, the lead singer of Death Cab for Cutie, is also the lead singer of The Postal Service. This track was featured on "Maybe This Christmas Tree," a holiday compilation album released in 2004.
6. "I Wish It Was Christmas Today" by Julian Casablancas
Julian Casablancas, the lead singer of The Strokes, released a solo album, Phrazes for the Young, in 2009. His song, 11th Dimension, used to be my jam back in high school. He is also featured in The Lonely Island's amusing track, "Boombox."
7. "Wonderful Christmastime" by The Shins
The Shins are one of my all-time favorite bands. My favorite album of theirs is Chutes too Narrow. James Mercer, the lead singer, also is the lead of Broken Bells. If you like his voice, check out "The High Road" by Broken Bells.
8. "All That I Want" by The Weepies
If you like The Weepies, check out their song "World Spins Madly On," which has been featured in movie and TV show soundtracks.
9. "Santa Claus, Go Straight to the Ghetto" by Belle & Sebastian
Belle & Sebastian are a Scottish indie pop band. They've released 9 albums. Their latest album, released in 2015, is Girls in Peacetime Want to Dance.
10. "Christmas Party" by Dr. Dog
Dr. Dog is an indie rock group from Philadelphia. Their music is full of amazing harmonies, as well as folk, soul, and bluegrass vibes. One of my favorite songs by them is "Alaska." Their 4-track Christmas album, Oh My Christmas Tree, is also worth checking out.
11. "Give Your Mom Some Pie for Hanukkah" by The Mountain Goats
The Mountain Goats are an indie folk rock band. If you're going through a rough time, I highly recommend the song, "This Year." You can also check out their rendition of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas."
12. "So Much Wine, Merry Christmas" by Andrew Bird
Andrew Bird is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and possibly the best whistler I've ever heard. For a spotlight on his wonderful whistling skills, listen to "Oh No." He has a great version of "Auld Lang Syne" as well.
13. "Spotlight on Christmas" by Rufus Wainwright
Most people only know of Rufus Wainwright because of his version of "Hallelujah" from the Shrek soundtrack. However, he also has recorded seven albums that are worth checking out. One of my favorite tracks by him is "Greek Song."
14. "Christmas Isn't Christmas" by The Boy Least Likely To
The Boy Least Likely To is an English indie pop duo. If you like their bouncy, playful pop style, check out their full christmas album, especially the track, "Happy Christmas Baby."
15. "Santa Stole My Lady" by Fitz & The Tantrums
Fitz & The Tantrums are probably the newest band on this list. They released their first album in 2010. Their style is often described as neo-soul / indie pop.
16. "The Christmas Waltz" by She & Him
She & Him is made up of Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward. They have a full Christmas album called "A Very She & Him Christmas." If you can't get enough of Zooey singing Christmas tunes, you can also watch her sing in the movie Elf.
17. "Snowfall" by Ingrid Michaelson
Ingrid Michaelson released her first album in 2005. If you want another "winter-themed" song by her, check out "Winter Song" (a duet with Sara Bareilles).
18. "The First Song" by Band of Horses
Band of Horses is an indie rock band from Seattle. The first time I heard this song I wasn't aware that it related to Christmas. Their album, Infinite Arms, was nominated for a Grammy.
19. "Christmas is Coming Soon" by Blitzen Trapper
Blitzen Trapper is an experimental country/folk band from Portland. If you like their folksy sound, check out these two tracks: "Furr" and "Sleepytime in the Western World."
20. "Christmas" by Rogue Wave
Rogue Wave is an indie rock band from Oakland, California. I first heard their song, "Lake Michigan," on a ZUNE commercial. It's funny how you can discover great music pretty much anywhere.
If you want to listen to all of these songs back-to-back, here is the full YouTube playlist. Do you know more indie holiday songs? If so, feel free to leave them in the comments section!
