Merge Records
Buy: Merge | Bandcamp
Merge Claus strikes again! They’ve been generous with us in the past, releasing one of the strongest compilations of recent memory, You Wish, back in 2019. They’re back and have already blessed us with that amazing Superchunk EP, and now a full compilation LP, Snowed In.
There is a little for everyone here – originals, covers, and classics sprinkled throughout the album. Snowed In succeeds where others often fail, serving each category beautifully and crafting a great listen from start to finish. This album is all killer, no filler.
I can’t decide whether writing a great new Christmas song is easier or harder than performing a classic that brings the baggage of years and many, many versions. I suspect the latter may indeed be tougher, so I do appreciate when someone can keep me engaged. The lead track, Charlotte Cornfield’s version of “Jingle Bells,” has enough warmth in its shuffle to make me smile, and sets a lovely tone to begin the album. Great start.
The originals are always the most exciting, and there are some stellar new additions on this record. Case Oats jumped out immediately with the propulsive “Peace on Earth,” and those (trombone?) flourishes are unexpected and truly fantastic.
Mike Krol adds another new Christmas song to pair with his stellar 2019 track, “Won’t Be Alone Tonight,” and oh boy, “How Could It Be Christmas?” does not disappoint. These two songs could be paired as one of the most indispensable indie rock Christmas 7-inch singles of all time.
There are more great original songs on here – another version of Superchunk’s fantastic “Shortest Day of the Year,” as well as a new Christmas song by The New Pornographers. If I am not mistaken, the first Christmas song by The New Pornographers since their 2007 The Spirit of Giving EP. Welsh indie rock band The Tubs also rock out with their “I Am an Elf,” giving us all the closest thing we’ll ever get to a Joanna Gruesome Christmas song (2012’s “Holiday Armadillo” doesn’t count).
There are some inspired covers here as well, such as Telekinesis’ “Christmas in Suburbia,” originally by indie legends The Cleaners from Venus. My hot take? This is better than the original, and better than any version I’ve ever heard. Come at me, Martin Newell-heads!
There is much more to be had on this record, with more great covers and classics all worth your time. I’m really enjoying this record, and could see 2-3 songs being on this year’s mix. This is a must-buy, so go buy it already! You have no choice! The spirit of alternative Christmas compells you!
Bottom Line: An indie rock holiday compilation that is enjoyable all the way through? Unheard of! Or is it… ? Go buy this record!
Edit: I had this post all ready to add single tracks where appropriate, and they turned off the preview. I’m sure all the songs will be there Friday… but for now, you’ll have to be enticed by my terrible descriptions!
