This blog has gained many new readers since I first posted my Spiked Candy Canes mixes in 2005, so I thought I'd share them again for anyone who missed out the first time around. Hopefully they'll give you an idea of the abundance of lesser-known but fun, interesting, weird or sometimes beautiful Christmas songs that are out there, and maybe introduce you to some artists you haven't heard before. If you're looking for more info and links to purchase anything that's still in print, have a look through the December 2005 and the December 2006 archives.

Pop-up player | 8tracks tips

1. Georgie Fame - Get Away (1966)
   
2. Blossom Dearie - Sweet Georgie Fame (1967)
   

Merry Christmas everyone!

Pop-up player | 8tracks tips

1. Belle And Sebastian - I Took Some Time For Christmas (2002)
2. Brian Wilson - On Christmas Day (2005)
3. Ginette Reno - Vive le vent (1967)
4. Julie London - I'd Like You For Christmas (1957)
5. Lauren Laverne - In The Bleak Midwinter (2000)
6. Marlene Paula - I Wanna Spend Christmas With Elvis (1956)
7. Nena - Wunder gescheh'n (1987)
8. Of Montreal - My Favourite Christmas (In A Hundred Words Or Less) (1997)
9. The Carpenters - Merry Christmas, Darling (1978)
10. The Shitbirds - Christmas Is A Comin' (May God Bless You) (1995)
11. Universal Robot Band - Disco Christmas (1977)
12. Yo La Tengo - It's Christmas Time (2002)

Blossom Dearie - Plus Je T'embrasse (1958)

Read about Blossom here.

Buy: Give Him The Ooh-La-La

Sisters Wendy and Bonnie Flower (their real names) recorded one album, Genesis, in 1968. Only 17 and 13 years old respectively at the time, Wendy & Bonnie wrote all the material themselves and it's stunning - in its own right, not just 'for their age'. Breezy, soft but savvy folk pop gems abound on this recording. Quite an energetic melody on some, like the track I've chosen. Float away with them with 'It's What's Really Happening' (from Genesis):

Wendy & Bonnie - It's What's Really Happening

They later worked with Cal Tjader, and can be heard singing backing vocals on this lovely soft jazz number from 1971, 'Morning' (from Descarga):

Cal Tjader - Morning