Christmas is coming up quickly, and we don’t blame you if you’re not exactly looking forward to hearing the same five Christmas songs from the 1950s on repeat everywhere you go. That being said, not all Christmas music has to be cheesy. In fact, we think these four indie Christmas cover songs aren’t cheesy and are actually pretty solid modern renditions of classic tunes. Let’s take a look, shall we?
Videos by American Songwriter
1. “Last Christmas” by The XX
If you were around during the indie sleaze era of the late 2000s, you probably know The XX by their song “Teardrops”. However, the indie rock-tronia band also has a Christmas cover in their discography.
Back in 2012, the band performed for BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge shortly before Christmas and decided to cover “Last Christmas” by Wham! It’s a glittering, hard electronic rendition of the classic, usually more upbeat tune.
2. “Stay Another Day” by Chvrches
“Stay Another Day” by East 17 is a Christmas classic across the pond, and some Americans may not be aware of it. Still, it’s a staple holiday tune in the UK and worth mentioning. It makes sense why Scottish synth-pop outfit Chvrches decided to cover it.
This version has its own special, notably haunting vibe that is quite different from the boy band original. Lauren Mayberry has always been a fantastic vocalist, but she’s at her very best on this cover.
3. “Must Be Santa” by Kurt Vile
Kurt Vile is easy to love, and his own cover of Bob Dylan’s Christmas tune “Must Be Santa” is a real delight. It’s even better with the addition of his two young daughters on the track. While Dylan’s song might not be a Christmas “classic” or traditional holiday song, it’s still a delightful piece of work. And Vile’s rendition is actually pretty heartwarming.
“I thought I’d do an acoustic version and have my daughters sing backup, but then it turned into more of a weird synth version with their vocals, which is really the hook,” said Vile of the song.
4. “Hark The Herald Angels Sing” by The Fall
This post-punk band, most notably Mark E. Smith, has no time for nonsense. Still, they aren’t certified Scrooges, either. “Hark The Herald Angels Sing” by The Fall is one of the best Christmas cover songs that aren’t cheesy on this list. It’s a lovely (and somewhat groovy) reimagining of a Christmas classic, complete with The Fall’s notable angst and manic vocals.
Photo by Harry Herd/Redferns
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