Thursday, December 15, 2011

The Psychobaby Crew's Favorite Christmas Albums

 
She & Him - A Very She & Him Christmas

Indie darlings She & Him is made up of "New Girl" actress Zooey Deschanel and singer-songwriter M. Ward. They've released two hit albums, and in the music industry that means that they are officially qualified to record a Christmas album. This intimate collection of holiday favorites is so warm and cozy that it actually has us wishing for a little snow in Chicago.


Black Vinyl Records Presents Yuletunes

If 90's alternative and power-pop are more your style, the Yuletunes compilation is the only album you'll need this season. Featuring artists like Matthew Sweet, The Spongetones, and 92 Degrees. When this came out in 1991 it was pretty cutting-edge, but today you can hear these tunes playing in the mall while you shop. Kids these days, right?


 
A Very Special Christmas

Unlike "Yuletunes," this compilation is full of classics and original Christmas songs by some serious hitmakers. Whitney Houston, Bruce Springsteen, U2, Madonna, and even Run DMC have tracks on this one, pretty much guaranteeing that you'll find at least song to love on this star studded collection.



Bing Crosby - White Christmas

This album, and the next three on the list, are serious Christmas classics. You'd have to be a real grinch to hate on Bing Crosby's rendition of "White Christmas," which has gone on to be featured in just about every holiday themed movie of all time, not to mention that it has been awarded the title of the best selling single of all time. It's hard to remember that there are a bunch of other classic covers on this album, like "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and "Jingle Bells."


Vince Guaraldi Trio - A Charlie Brown Christmas

Basically, every song on this record is considered a Christmas classic. Even "Linus and Lucy," a piano based instrumental track, is played on loop in every department store for the entire month of December. We can't blame them, though. This album is perfect for setting the holiday mood whether you're at home or designing and selling cool and crazy baby clothes.



 
Elvis Presley - Elvis' Christmas Album

 We can't even think about this album without hearing the backup singers on "Blue Christmas" in our collective heads. It doesn't matter if you're an Elvis fan, it doesn't matter if you're young or old, this album is a timeless classic, containing a mixture of carols, classics, and rockin' "original" songs from the King when he was at his peak.


 
Nat King Cole - The Christmas Song

Like Bing Crosby's "White Christmas," and Elvis' "Blue Christmas," Nat King Cole's "The Christmas Song" is totally a holiday staple. This album has been released and re-released several times, but Nat's smooth-as-honey voice still sounds like what we imagine Santa would sound like if he was a crooner, even with all of the additional production that's gone into the releases.



Phil Spector - A Christmas Gift For You

Okay, maybe Mr. Spector was convicted of second degree murder almost ten years ago. But before he was getting into trouble with the law, he was one of the most talented and well respected rock and roll producers on the block. This collection of tracks from 60's artists like Darlene Love, The Crystals, and The Ronettes is considered one of the best rock n roll Christmas albums of all time. (Alternative Cover Pictured Above)

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