Heading this list are a trio of Swedish pop girls - Kin, in her uniquely cute and slightly batty way, asks Santa what it takes to make his 'nice' list; El Perro Del Mar brings to her Christmas tune her signature style of creating a haunting, melancholic atmosphere using cheery 60s girl group sounds; and Bobby Baby surprisingly refreshes a tired old standard, making it pretty and icy, yet somehow warm and cosy too.
The Pipettes also bring new life to 'White Christmas', proving that as smart as they are at reinvigorating catchy pop for the 21st century, they can also do traditional very nicely. Their voices sound lovelier than ever here.
Rounding off the pack and the oldest cut here is Billy Childish's garage girls Thee Headcoatees' take on The Sonics' 'Santa Claus'.
Kin via last.fm.
Bobby Baby via her site.
El Perro Del Mar and The Pipettes via Memphis Industries' Christmas album.
Thee Headcoatees via the BBC's Alternative Christmas Playlist.
Once again this year, I haven't had a chance to post anywhere near as much Christmas stuff as I'd like! But there's always next year...
Merry Christmas everyone!
ion
bruno
Christine