Category Archives: music

Glasgow electro-poppers Chvrches (l-r): Iain Cook, Martin Doherty and Lauren Mayberry. Photograph: Katherine Rose

Everything and anything that Josh Madden picks up out of a pile of nothing ends up being my favorite thing of all. Seriously – this guy has predicted the greatness of artists long before most people know who they are…Frank Ocean, King Krule (formerly Zoo Kid) and now Chvrches.

I am obsessed with this little Scottish band! The lead singer is an adorable little sprite of a babe, I just want to stick her in a jewelry box so when I open it she sings. I’m obsessed with this track. Check them out!

The intro reminds me of that 80′s track by Nu Shooz, “I Can’t Wait”.

If you’re a weirdo like me, then you can identify with me when I say that holiday music makes me feel uncomfortable. I blame it on a childhood filled with semi-precious moments and a family filled with dysfunction. Although, as I’ve gotten older I’ve made peace with the past…I still find it hard to get in the holiday spirit. Having said that, there are some holiday tracks that I love! Check them out!

1. “OI TO THE WORLD” – THE VANDALS

Best Line: “If God came down on Christmas Day, I know exactly what he’d say. Oi to the punks and Oi to the skins, but Oi to the world and everybody wins!”

NO DOUBT’S Cover:

Best Part: The entire video! No Doubt having fun in India!

2. “CHRISTMAS IN HOLLIS” – RUN DMC

Best Line: “It’s Christmas time in Hollis Queens. Moms cooking chicken and collard greens!”

3. “ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU” – MARIAH CAREY

Mariah Carey could sing the side effects of Paxil and it would just as heavenly as anything else she sings! Despite this song being almost 20 years old, it just never loses its touch for me.

Best Part: The entire video is rad. Home-movie footage of Mariah dressed in a festive costume and running through the snow!

4. “THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY/PEACE ON EARTH” – BING CROSBY & DAVID BOWIE

This collaboration still blows my mind…Bing & Bowie?! So crazy. Sidenote: I’d still have David Bowie’s baby today.

Best Part: The intro of them “meeting” each other is hilarious!

5. “LAST CHRISTMAS” – WHAM!

Before George Michael debuted as a solo artist, he was in a group called Wham! If you don’t know their catalog, please take notes. Wham! was blue-eyed soul pop music back in the 80′s…white boys with a soulful sound before Justin Timberlake, Justin Bieber, Robin Thicke, etc. Although this song is heart-breaking, it is really catchy.

Best Line: “Last Christmas I gave you my heart and the very next day, you gave it away”

6. “HAPPY CHRISTMAS (WAR IS OVER)” – JOHN LENNON

Look, I didn’t say my Christmas song list wouldn’t be depressing. This song is definitely not filled with your typical holiday cheer, especially not the video…but, for those who need to be reminded that we should appreciate all that we have this song and video does the trick.

7. “MARY’S BOY” – BONEY M

This song has a nice island vibe to it while still focusing on a religious/Christmas note.

Best Part: This video just rules. Watch it to see what I mean.

8. “MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS” – JUDY GARLAND

This classic version is both creepy and nostalgic for me. It makes me feel like a kid all over again. It reminds me of that time as a kid when holidays were not only about gifts and family, but also a dreamlike time filled with the possibility of miracles.

9. “SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN” – ALICE COOPER

Nothing like a Christmas song by Alice Cooper. This adds a nice and different touch to the holidays!

Best Part: Somehow as he sings “Be good for goodness sake” it sounds like a super scary threat!

10. “RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER” – TEMPTATIONS

This song is the jam, it will have you doing a mean two-step in front of your Christmas tree. Who knew the holidays could be so cool and so funky!

Did I leave anything out? What are your favorite holiday songs? Share below!!!

Sisters Danielle, Este and Alan Haim (pronounced high-em) currently hold my heart. Hailing from LA, their sound is sort of a blend of Folk Music and 80′s R&B. Think: Fleetwood Mac meets Teena Marie…sort of. Aside from their sound, their look is perfection – especially at a time when most artists are trying to look like futuristic ravers (you know what I’m talking about!).