Timber and Steel

One of the greatest, kitschiest parts of the whole Christmas experience is that of the Christmas song. And given that folk music has been intrinsically linked to Christmas from the very beginning (most of the best loved Christmas songs from “Jingle Bells” to “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” are in fact traditional folk songs) we thought it was our duty to share some of the best folk-tinged holiday tunes released this year. So turn on your twinkly lights, make sure your eggnog is nice and strong and prepare yourself to get into the Christmas spirit.

The Priests feat. Shane MacGowan – “Little Drummer Boy/Peace On Earth”
The Pogues’ Shane MacGown was involved in probably the best modern Christmas song of a generation. Sadly this isn’t it. But it is certainly a different take on the classic Christmas song “Little Drummer Boy”. Although there’s something about teaming a group of opera singing priests with Ireland’s most famous drunk that sounds a little too close to a plot from Father Ted

Kate Miller-Heidke – “White Wine in the Sun”
What got lost in the controversy surrounding Kate Miller-Heidke’s version of Tim Minchin’s ode to Christmas Day is just how perfectly it captures the Australian holiday experience. No matter where you sit on the religion fence you have to admit that “White Wine in the Sun” really is exceptionally touching.

Paul Simon – “Getting Ready For Christmas Day”
We have to warn you – Paul Simon’s Christmas song is very … earnest. But it’s free to download from his web site so if you like what you hear you don’t have to go far to own it.

Emily & The Woods – “O Little Town Of Bethlehem”
Our favourite UK folk blog For Folk’s Sake have released their first ever Christmas album titled For Folk’s Sake It’s Christmas. It’s jam packed full of awesome indie folk goodness but one of the best has to be this gem from Emily & The Woods. Just simple vocals and guitar. Gorgeous.

Sufjan Stevens – “Silent Night”
Sufjan Stevens has never been one to shy away from Christmas songs and this year is no different. This version of “Silent Night” also features Aaron and Bryce Dessner from The National and Richard Parry from Arcade Fire (I’m pretty sure you can’t get any more indie than that) and is part of an unreleased EP titled Gloria! Songs for Christmas Vol. 6 that you can listen to here.

John Conolly – “I Am Christmas”
For the tradionalists amongst you “Fiddler’s Green” writer John Conolly has produced the lovely “I Am Christmas” from his album The Grumpy Old Men of Old England.

Liz Frencham – “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”
According to the YouTube blurb for this track “This is what happens when you get Vince & Tan for an afternoon close to Christmas and then you add some beer & Sauv Blanc”. It’s kitsch and Christmassy and just wonderful.

And if that’s not enough for you make sure you head over to A Folk Song A Day where Jon Boden has been featuring some of the best in traditional Christmas music.

Merry Christmas!