My musical tastes lean toward the eclectic (or the weird, as my teenage sister would attest), and I’m very fond of all sorts of unusual stuff. This may sound a bit hipsterish, but it’s just something I’m into– I’m constantly on the lookout for fun new music, so if you have anything to share, please send it my way. The good news for me is that many of the independent artists I enjoy frequently post their music for free on the internet– and a blog is a great opportunity for me to share some of it with you.
Which leads up to today’s post. My iTunes Christmas playlist is over two days long, contining a mix of really traditional stuff with some that is perhaps not-so-traditional. One of my favorite things to do in this season is to set my itunes on shuffle while I work. Christmas music ought to be fun, and to me, there’s a lot of fun to be had in the surprise of seeing what comes up in a randomised playlist. Assuming that you already have access to as much traditional Christmas music as you want, I’ll share a few free albums that I think are interesting. Starting With:
“Willet Snow On Christmas” by Willet
This album contains a pretty diverse blend of rock sounds, ranging from stripped-back acoustic tracks to old-school rockabilly to heavier songs that border on metal territory (their rendition of Carol of the Bells is as intense as any I’ve heard). If you like bands like Switchfoot, chances are you’ll enjoy this one.
http://noisetrade.com/willet/willet-snow-on-christmas
“The 8Bits of Christmas” by 8bitpeoples
It’s only a matter of time before I do a full post here about my obsession with chiptune music, the process of using old computers and video game systems as musical insturments to produce a very distinctive retro elecronic sound. Here is a Christmas sampler from 8bitpeoples, which is kind of a hub for chip artists to post their stuff. Not every track on here is a winner, in my opinion, but all are worth a listen, and most are quite good. The price is right, anyway.
http://www.8bitpeoples.com/discography/8BP038?show=all
“The Apple Tree” by The Sea Wolf Mutiny
Maybe I’m biased because these guys are friends of mine, but I’m a pretty big fan of The Sea Wolf Mutiny. Their sound is a little hard to define, rather unlike anyone else I can compare them to. I would describe their music as a little folky with a moody edge. Anyway, they put out a free three-song Christmas EP a couple years ago, which contains the best rendition I’ve ever heard of the classic Hymn “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent.” Do yourself a favor and give them a listen. Maybe you’ll find yourself better able to describe their sound than I am.
http://theseawolfmutiny.bandcamp.com/album/the-apple-tree
“Christmas Is In December Again” by Floorboard
I’ll wind up this (already far too long) post with a little pop-punk music, because why not? This is pure fun– ubbeat, perky, turn up in your car stuff. If you like bands like Yellow Card and Relient K, you should be pretty happy with this one.
http://noisetrade.com/floorboard/christmas-is-in-december-again
Well, that’s all for now. If I don’t post again before then, I wish you a very merry and blessed Christmas. Cheers.