Category: Singles/Tracks

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Hot Dad “A Christmas Shortcut” (2018)

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.

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UPCOMING: Dragon Inn 3 – It’s Christmas (10/10/2023)

American Laundromat
Buy: Bandcamp (Vinyl/Digital)

I am not usually excited by a Christmas release that is only covers, but Kansas City’s Dragon Inn 3 (featuring members of Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin and friends) has shaken this resolve. I’m a fan of their 80’s synth pop vibes, as well as their choice of songs (well… 2 of 3 ain’t bad!). I’m lowering my expectations for the “Last Christmas” cover, but the other two are far more obscure targets. You may remember the Coconut Records track, “It’s Christmas” from the wonderful 2010 Target (yes… that Target) compilation, The Christmas Gig. Solid song for sure… and certainly reason enough for me to preorder the 7″. They must be big Jason Schwartzman (Coconut Records/many Wes Anderson movies) fans because they also sneak on a cover of the tremendously short Mark Mothersbaugh piece from the Rushmore soundtrack, “Snowflake Music.” I relate to the desire to fit as much music on a disc as possible… and they no doubt had a bit more space! Should be a fun one… and since you are not a dummy like me and preordered it months ago, you now have the opportunity to grab a signed 7″ for only $2 more at their Bandcamp.

Bottom Line: I haven’t heard it, but their last record sounds great!

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UPCOMING: Lenny Kaye, Cedar Sparks – Holiday Split 7″ (11/24/2023)

La Societe Expeditio
Buy: Rough Trade

This upcoming release looks quite interesting and has the pedigree to be fantastic. Lenny Kaye, guitarist, founding member of the Patti Smith Group, and curator of the touchstone Nuggets compilation series, contributes a new song, “Santa’s Knee,” as well as scribbles his name on the cover of this Rough Trade-exclusive 7″ release. The B-side is the only known quantity from this slab of wax, as Lenny Shares the flip with Cedar Sparks, comprised of Tim Carbone (Railroad Earth) and Lou Rogai (Lewis and Clarke), as they share their 2018 folk-Christmas track, “Gathering Song.” Inspired by seasonal depression and “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Gathering Song” is infused with beautiful, melancholy violin melodies and some wonderful sing-along lyrics. I can only vouch for 50% of this release, but so far so good.

EDIT: This is also an RSD Black Friday release. So… there are a few more than the 150 Rough Trade has. Whew!

Bottom Line: This looks like a very solid Christmas 7″ for the fan and the collector – Rough Trade is the exclusive retailer of 150 green vinyl signed copies. Grab them fast!

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EDIT: Well… it appears that I may have hipped Cedar Sparks to the fact that their song was still available (for free) on Bandcamp. (And now it is gone)

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The Greeting Committee “Frosty the Snowman” (2020)

Self Released
Buy: Stream

It takes extra effort to press play on a cover of a song you’ve heard a million times. The fear and dread that fill this tiny part of my brain that writes this blog kicks into gear… and it does take a good bit of effort to clear that hurdle. Somehow, Kansas City’s The Greeting Committee have snuck something over with their cover of “Frosty the Snowman.” The beautifully understated arrangement compliments Addie Sartino’s delicate vocal delivery, providing an impressive, emotional feel to what I would normally consider a very lightweight song. Their beautiful video, compiled of Christmas home movies, adds additional oxygen to this warm fire, one which I’m happy to stumble upon.

Bottom Line: If The Greeting Committee would care to take another stab at a classic, or better yet, an original, I’m all ears.

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The Walking Who “Halloween on Christmas” (2022)

Self Released
Buy: Bandcamp

This song by Australia/Prague’s The Walking Who is equal parts epic and cryptic. Also… who the fuck cares what this song is about because “Halloween on Christmas” is fucking awesome. The song began its life in Australia back in 2019, but was only recently finished in November at a studio in Prague, with a strict palette of eastern European guitars, mics, and synths born between 1960-1985. Eastern bloc or bust! Pair this with those Toad Venom tracks and you’ve got yourself a pretty badass mix in the works…

Bottom Line: Let’s listen to psychedelic Christmas from the caves of Prague… what a great sentence to write, and what a fantastic song to jam to.

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Casper & the Cookies “Kiss Me Beneath The Christmas Tree” (2007/2022)

Self Released
Buy: Bandcamp

Fun indiepop from Athens, Georgia. Well, that feels about as right as deep-dish Pizza from Chicago, or Nazis on Twitter; They just make sense together. Casper & the Cookies also holds a special place for me because I have a friend who used to be in the band! (I doubt she reads my blog, but hi Suzanne!) They also have lots of connections to the Athens, Georgia scene – being part of peak Of Montreal (IMHO Satanic Panic/Sunlandic Twins), opening for the Apples in Stereo, releasing singles on Happy Birthday to Me Records, etc, etc. Their new Christmas song, “Kiss Me Beneath the Christmas Tree,” would have fit nicely in with the sexy Christmas song roundups that have been curated over at Christmas a GoGo, as this song bypasses the mistletoe and gets you horizontal, “I’ll unwrap you, you’ll unwrap me.” Santa even gets an invite to a “ménage a three,” should he show up. Tie all these playful, sexy words up in some upbeat indiepop, and you have a recipe for some silly, poppy holiday fun.

Edit: It appears this track was originally released as an MP3 in 2007. Happy to have it back!

Bottom Line: You need some silliness amidst all the sentimentality, and this’ll do the trick.

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The Natural Lines “Quiet Magic” (2022)

Bella Union
Buy: Bandcamp (NYOP)

The Natural Lines are an indie rock band helmed by Matt Pond and Chris Hansen whose debut EP, First Five, came out in October. While we wait for the full-length LP due in 2023, the band has given us the gift of “Quiet Magic.” First… let’s quickly take note of that name we might be familiar with here at Christmas Underground – Matt Pond. This new band rose out of his recent collaborations, and he felt it best to ditch the somewhat-eponymous band name to reflect the collaborative nature of this new setup. Now back to The Natural Lines, and this beautiful track, “Quiet Magic.” I love that the song gives all the weight and all the credit to the love he already feels. It is possible to dislike Christmas, yet comfort in your love for friends and family. The small moments of togetherness that he points to are so simple and beautiful, like in this passage:

If it’s real
Then I’ll take it
On the couch, with you
And the dog
Late at night
Quiet magic

Those quiet moments just enjoying the company of those you love… you don’t have to love Christmas for that.

I rather liked their own description of the song, so I’m going to share it here as well.

It might initially sound like a disgruntled yodel from the complaint department, but it’s far from it. It’s about the sensation that predates all celebrations — the love of family, the love of friends, the love of your life and the love of music. All I’ve ever wanted is the quiet magic of a love that’s real. (If that’s your thing, I hope you get some, too.)

Bottom Line: Simply beautiful.

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The Ornaments “A Cold Wind” (2022)

Folkmonger Records
Buy: Bandcamp

A seasonal staple here on Christmas Underground, this year The Ornaments (Mike Behrends and Lance Owens) cut a hole in the wall and let us hear this exchange in what might be their most devastating Christmas song yet… and they’ve sung about a holiday plane crash before. We get to observe these people, then imagine the aftermath… the emotional shrapnel… you are desperate to delete that message for him. Oh lord, that was so well done and so heartbreaking.

Bottom Line: The Ornaments paint these tiny canvases that always leave you wondering what lies outside the frame. Keep them wanting more… or fearing more, I’d imagine.

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Jacklen Ro “Wishlist” (2022)

Lolipop Records
Buy: 7Digital (FLAC/MP3) | Apple Music | Amazon MP3 | Amazon.uk MP3 | Amazon.fr MP3

Jacklen Ro has an absolutely stellar pop sensibility. Their previous season effort was 2020’s “C U Christmas Day,” is an indiepop classic and one of my favorite songs to come out of that Covid-plagued season. Their latest, “Wishlist,” is slower and sweeter, but that indiepop goodness remains as potent as ever. For some reason, I loved the line “cause you make all my bulky sweatshirts look nice.” It made me think about how my wife is often stealing my sweatshirts as she lets the dog out… and made me feel that much sweeter about her, and about the song. You know you love someone when they steal something of yours and you think it is cute, and not THE ABSOLUTE WORST.

Bottom Line: Jacklen Ro is one of those bands you’re going to fall in love with.

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Run On – Xmas Trips (1996/2022)

Self Released/Matador
Buy: Bandcamp (NYOP)

I love discovering the cool stuff I have missed… NYC’s Run On recorded “Xmas Trip” for their 1996 Matador record Start Packing, and only 5 years later I was a summer intern for Matador… So, theoretically, I could/should have come across this song, but alas, the world is a big, big place. 2022 sees a re-release of this absolutely wonderful 90’s era indie rock Christmas tune paired with a live version (hence the plural title above). Not only might you be introduced to a fantastic older indie rock Christmas jam, but all proceeds from this re-release will be donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (need help? SMS 988). So part with your money now.

Bottom Line: I really wish I had caught this before my mix was done. This is the kind of indie rock Christmas I live for.

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