Some holiday staples recommended by our staff for your stockings
By Wax Trax staff
There’s only one thing that can salvage our souls under the layers of Christmas consumerism this time of year, and it’s our deep love for a quality holiday tune. So whether you’re looking for a soundtrack for your yuletide eves, or something to spin and sync with twinkling lights, our staff’s got ya with their holiday picks this year.
The Chess Records Christmas Album
Various
Duane’s Pick
Featuring Chuck Berry, Etta James, Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Howlin’ Wolf, Bo Diddley, etc. This one roars like Santa Ditched the reindeer for a ’59 Cadillac, fishtailing down South Michigan Ave with Muddy riding shotgun and Etta James blowing the windows out. This is blues for people who like their holidays with some bite: spiked nog, scorched cookies, and a reminder that beneath the tinsel beats a heart that knows heartbreak, lust, trouble, and maybe one more drink than strictly necessary.
Vince Guaraldi
Sam’s pick
There’s nothing more Christmas-conic than a Charlie Brown record, and the 60th anniversary zoetrope featuring your favorite characters in action (best viewed through flash phone filming) – I’ll be picking our favorite animations with my three young kids and beautiful wife as a new Christmas Eve tradition.
Grinch EP
Tyler, The Creator
Ethan’s pick
Music Inspired by Illumination & Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch EP, aka Grinch EP – It’s festive enough to make the holiday season feel a little brighter, but isn’t TOO in-your-face with the holiday theme. Bonus points if you check out the two songs that actually made it on the Grinch soundtrack by Tyler. 🙂
Christmas Dreamers: Yuletide Country (1960-1972)
Various
Erica’s pick
Hard to decide between this one and A Very She & Him Christmas… check out both.
It’s Christmas Time with Gary Wilson
Gary Wilson
Nick’s pic
It’s the creepiest xmas album of all time!
A Very 1999 Christmas (Deluxe)
Jschlatt
Jess’s pick
Fun story behind the album, and I love the cover for the deluxe. Also he sounds great, really got that classic Nat King Cole/Bing Crosby/Sinatra sound down pat.
Spirit of Christmas
Mahalia Jackson
Gillian’s pick
Someday I will be schooled on Christmas releases but not yet. I guess this is one that my aunt loves from 1962?
Get your tidings in order with these slammin’ Christmas jams. If there’s no sugarplums dancing in your head with these, take a look at all our available holiday records.
Happy holidays from Wax Trax!
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