District Carols
Christmas music tends to be pretty polarizing, but we're firmly in the Love It camp. A bunch of local musicians have been keeping themselves busy in the pursuit of holiday music, too. Here are a few gems we've found from our local reserves — from bands that are still knocking around local clubs and those long gone by. Enjoy, and let us know if you know of any others.
Each year at this time, Middle Distance Runner reminds us about their excellent song, XMas Party. And we, in turn, remind you.
D.C. DJ Triobelisk remixed Norwegian indie rock artist Stina Stjern's Christmas song, "Give Me Christmas Time", and turned it into "Give Me Christmas Time To Dance." Take a listen here.
He's from Philly, but Adam Arcuragi plays with the guys from These United States from time to time, so we're counting him as local for the sake of sharing his wonderful tune, "The Christmas Song".
Photo by SuperTopher
Jukebox The Ghost recently covered "What's This?" from The Nightmare Before Christmas (don't forget to catch their show tomorrow night at the Rock and Roll Hotel; although, as is now a tradition, the Federal Reserve -- featuring members of These United States and Vandaveer -- are also hosting a holiday show on Friday night at Iota. Those bands sure do love to split a crowd.):
Jukebox The Ghost - What's This? / We Survived (Live at the Knitting Factory) from Ray Concepcion on Vimeo.
Vandaveer is giving away his lovely holiday EP for free over here. If you've heard Vandaveer's music before, you'll know that a holiday album from him is something not-to-be missed. It's three covers of standards -- "The Little Drummer Boy", "Silent Night" and "Auld Lang Syne". Mark says, "I have a limited # of handmade copies that we'll be selling at IOTA on 12/12 for charity and at Vandaveer's last show of the year at IOTA on 12/22 (w/ Evan Dando)... you can also buy the physical copies at Propper Topper here in DC."
Deleted Scenes have some words of advice off of their new album: "Get Your Shit Together for the Holidays".
If you have some time to scour record stores, the out of print Velocity Girl/Tsnuami split 7" Season's Greetings from 1992 is worth your effort.
One of my personal favorite songs, Christmas or otherwise, comes from D.C. natives The Walkmen (now spread out along the eastern seaboard). "The Christmas Party" (this seems to be a very common way to name your indie rock Christmas song, doesn't it?), with its jingle bells and piano, will make long for falling snow and crumpled wrapping paper.
One of the most beloved disbanded D.C. groups, The Dismemberment Plan, did take the time to record a cover of "This Christmas" when they were still kickin'. And for that, among so many other things, we thank them.
The late, great, Marvin Gaye was born in the District, and so, we'll recommend his Vietnam-era song, "I Want to Come Home For Christmas".
And, there's one more thing to look forward to. The Hsu sisters (Emily and Susan), of Exit Clov, Laura Burhenn and May Tabol (collectively named e.l.m.s.) are working together to record a holiday song, "inamorati", that will be delivered as a belated Christmas gift to everyone on New Year's Day here.