Update (Jan 2015): Freaking A… Jagaara just uploaded their cover of Winter to Soundcloud. Winning in 2015!

It’s that special time of the year again! Whoop, whoop, whoop! By the way Christmas music doesn’t suck and here are four songs to prove it!

Jagaara – Winter

So, there is a wonderful lady called Hannah Daisy who unbeknownst to me put together an awesome Christmas album last year which read like a who’s who of the British music scene. She did the same this year and I thank the stars and heavens above that I found it.

The album, called It’s Coming on Christmas 2 and is incredible. Quite frankly it has to go down as one of the best compilations of the year, easily. Rae Morris, Slow Club, Robyn Sherwell, The Districts, Summer Camp, Newton, Faulkner, Eliza Shaddad all pitch in songs. Andreya Triana’s heart-stopping Song For A Friend is featured and new discovery (for me) Layla adds a beautifully delivered rendition of In The Bleak Midwinter. I could go on because this album is f**king awesome! (shoot… I’m sorry, am I allowed to swear at Christmas?).

My favourite on the collection goes to Jagaara for their rendition of Tori Amos’ Winter. It’s full of mysterious guitars, ethereal delivery and wonderful pacing. It is a joy to listen to (and I have listened to it way too much recently).

Unfortunately, no link to the song because the album was put together for charity so you’ll have to download it to hear it. Well worth it though. Essential listening this year (and most probably every subsequent Christmas). It can be downloaded from bandcamp here. Already looking forward to the 2015 collection.

Here’s a link to Tori Amos’ version…

Dum Dum Girls – On Christmas

Full of 80s verve, gentle synths and longing vocals. On Christmas is a great record which will unfortunately be slept on because it features a certain eight letter word in the title. The Dum Dum Girls putting together this song is just another reason to love Christmas. This song is part of Converse’s little Christmas EP which is well worth the download (free) on Soundcloud.

Bonnie McKee – California Winter

Feel good, cheesy, with full sing-a-long and silly dancing potential. A song about love so good it’ll make a cold Christmas seem like California. It’s not that hard to imagine… just wish it didn’t rain so much in (Nothern) California in real life!

Andy Platts – They Say It’s Wonderful

OK, so this one isn’t technically a Christmas song. It was released as part of Mamas Gun’s advent calendar so technically it counts. This version of Irving Berlin’s They Say It’s Wonderful features Andy at his full on crooning best; channeling his inner Tony Bennett. The simplicity of the arrangement provides a captive listen and warms the soul, Think I’ve said it before, Mamas Gun really need a Christmas album. Here’s hoping for 2015.