ANTI
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I know I’ve recently made the wild statement that all the best Christmas songs get released in March… but MJ Lenderman‘s leadoff single, “Rudolph,” lands this argument firmly in July. The guitarist for Wednesday, and a notable solo artist in his own right, Lenderman’s 90’s indie rock riffs and penchant for unexpected lyrics have me imagining Pavement, Modest Mouse & Kurt Vile attempting a Christmas-adjacent song. I say adjacent, as the only real connection here is the connection to Rudolph that kicks off the song:
Rudolph waking up in the road
Dew dripping off his red nose
Blue and black tire track torn
Through a beautiful doe
There is a lot to like here, and it all depends on how deep a connection to Christmas your seasonal jams have to be. This song is enough for me to need to buy his other records though… because I just really love this sound.
Bottom Line: What are your Christmas mix rules? Because this rulez! HA!
Christmas Underground 
Just diving into this year’s holiday fare, and you are my favourite seasonal filter. I say any song that makes you think holidays is fair game for that year’s playlist! Although I have been accused of taking “a too Catholic” approach to my Christmas selections and lacking in focus, but I try to leave religion out of it.
Thanks! Sounds like we are on the same page 🙂