Self Released
Buy: Bandcamp (NYOP)
I don’t normally do funny Christmas songs; I file them away with songs that have a children’s choir under “not quite what I am looking for,” then go about my business as one of American’s preeminent dumb people who have a blog. Austin, Texas’ Hot Dad has somehow snuck around the digital circular file, tricking me into loving his wonderful brand of emotional comedy synth pop by being just too great to dismiss. “A Christmas Shortcut” is a song about the unbearable wait to open your presents, a feeling that many of us have certainly experienced in our youth. It captures those big, somewhat irrational feelings with clever lyrics and a driving synth-pop sound. While it took me a few listens to love it, once I found my way into Hot Dad’s world, I decided I enjoyed the weather a whole lot. Perhaps you will too.
Bottom Line: The lead track to last year’s mix, this song (as well as his other Xmas offerings) offers some levity without being silly.
Christmas Underground 