(not) Boring Christmas Music

Yes, I know the feeling very well. All you want to do is go to the grocery store. Or the bank. Or the doctor. But no matter where you go, you cannot escape the Christmas carols that make you want to pull your hair out and throw all the ornaments in the fire. Christmas music is annoying. This is why I have set out to find you the best, most original, most fun Christmas music to listen to this year. I have chosen three of my favorites to share with you today. Enjoy them! (They're really quite good, I promise.)

First of all, if you have never heard of Relient K, then you are missing out. Their Christmas album, Deck the Halls, Bruise Your Hand, is a great mix of both traditional Christmas songs (done Relient K-style) and original songs. Tracks like "Angels We Have Heard On High" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" are done in Relient K's traditional punk rock style, and they are great fun to listen to. They even do a funny version of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" that almost manages to not be annoying (but really, I think that song is inherently annoying). Their version of Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus" is just the way I like it - energetic and a bit manic! The two best tracks on the album are original Relient K songs. "I Hate Christmas Parties" is a subtle, piano-driven track that is a pleasure to listen to, even if the theme is a bit depressing. "I Celebrate the Day" is possibly the best Christmas song I've ever heard. It is heartfelt and beautiful; I'll be honest - it makes me cry a little, simply because its simplistic honesty draws such a beautiful picture of the birth of Jesus. It's great. Just great. The album is exclusively available for download online, either from iTunes or CBD.

Next up is Christmas With the Rat Pack. What do I really need to say about this album? It's Christmas songs, sung by members of the Rat Pack. Classic.

Find the album on iTunes or Amazon.com.

Lastly, my Christmas season would just not be complete without Sufjan Stevens' Songs For Christmas. Throughout the 5 EPs contained in this boxed set, Sufjan mixes some traditional Christmas songs and hymns with some very original tracks. I know some people think that all of Sufjan's music sounds the same, and it's true that Sufjan has a very distinctive sound, but these albums really show quite a variety in styles. From the banjo-driven "Amazing Grace" to the piano version of "Lo! How a Rose E'er Blooming" to the almost full-blown rock "Hey Guys! It's Christmas Time!", the albums present over two hours of music that never get boring. The second EP contains my favorite ever version of "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing", which is beautiful and a bit ethereal in its simplicity. "That Was the Worst Christmas Ever!" and "Did I Make You Cry On Christmas" are two of the best original tracks, maybe because they most effectively display Sufjan's distinctive sound. Don't buy this album on iTunes, because if you get the physical boxed set, it comes with some great extras, including a songbook with lyrics and short stories, stickers, and a poster of Sufjan. You can get the album from Sufjan's website. If you're looking for original Christmas music, this is about as original as you're going to get, so go get it! And enjoy!

Alright, enjoy the albums. Get in the festive spirit. In the words of Sufjan Stevens, "Come on! Let's boogey to the elf dance!"

Dr. J