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PAL – Christmas Majic 2 (2025)

Self Released
Buy: Bandcamp

As the year winds down, I find my reviews get less introspective, less thoughtful, and frankly, shittier. Why mess with the formula! Here’s a crap review of a great little EP by Cleveland egg punks PAL.

Christmas Majic 2 is obviously the follow-up to their first Christmas release back in 2023. I have it in my “likes” in Bandcamp, which likely suggests that it came out when EVERYTHING was coming out, and I was frantically marking things to come back to. Thankfully, I’m not coming back to this second release and actually telling someone about it! This is the first time that PAL has written an original song, the leadoff track “One Starry Night,” and it is rawkus, synthy screed against Santa’s gift-giving fuckup. The interplay of the talk-singing and background screams is perfection. It is on my mix shortlist right now.

The next two tracks are covers, with the accordion-heavy “Must Be Santa Claus,” which I would normally dismiss as a kids’ song… but they somehow pull it out of that black hole. The attitude they bring to the track, along with choosing Bob Dylan’s version as the inspiration (the ending!), has me sitting here thinking, this might be the only version I’d listen to at a party.

The final track is notoriously my least favorite song. “Little Drummer Boy” is terrible. However….. PAL’s “Little Drummer Pal,” I rather enjoyed. This is their cover of the Red Aunts “Little Drummer Bitch,” which I am unfamiliar with, but perhaps I need to check out. Perhaps another day though… I have precious time, and seeking out more versions of “Little Drummer Boy” is just not at the top of my priorities for today.

You can also pick up a glittery cassette of both volumes of PAL’s Christmas Majic, with $5 from each cassette going to the Cleveland Area Food Bank. Solid!

Bottom Line: I think I need more egg punk in my life, and some more PAL. Also… that was kind of a long one for me right now. Wasn’t expecting to talk about all 3 songs when I started… but here we are.

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ANDEMIC – The Sick Christmas EP (2025)

Self Released
Buy: Bandcamp

When you get a hot tip from Jon Solomon, of the 25-Hour Holiday Radio Show fame, you press play. What was in store for me was extremely appropriate for my past week of sickness, a Christmas EP by Philly native (but LA-based) Andy Williams titled The Sick Christmas EP.

Woof. Hitting close to home.

Let me give you a bit more background on this Andy Williams fellow. First, it is not THAT Andy Williams – he died in 2012! This Andy was the guitarist and vocalist of the Philadelphia indie rock band Lefty’s Deceiver, and recently he’s been recording from his attic in LA under the name ANDEMIC. He’s released a few Christmas singles, which I have missed, over the past few years, and has gathered them along with five new ones on his new The Sick Christmas EP.

The Sick Christmas EP is full of originals, ranging from the driving indie rock of “Everyone is Always Sick Every Single Christmas” to the stellar Get Up Kids-esque “Massapequa Park,” but look out for the almost unrecognizable glory of battling guitars and synths that is “Jingle Bells.” This record is something else.

Thanks Jon, and howdy Andy. Nice to meet you.

Bottom Line: An indie rock highlight of the season.

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Ena Kinderlieder – Weihnachtslieder (2025)

a postage stamp with a holiday scene - a christmas tree on the left, a warmly lit house to the right, and santa and his sleigh flying above.

eleventwentyStudios
Buy: Bandcamp

Have you ever just sat there, watching the Bandcamp “Selling Right Now” feed? It is somewhat mesmerizing. Well, I did that, and I clicked on a few things that looked like Christmas records, and I ended up here, with Ena Kinderlieder’s Weihnachtslieder.

My current predicament is such: Earlier this season, I made a statement about how little I feature German-language Christmas music, and may have said it didn’t share the same musical qualities as say, French Christmas music does. I was called out by various festive friends and bloggers, and in retrospect, I was quite wrong. Indeed, German-speaking Christmas music has equal access to my love; I was just not thinking at the time.

What I was not imagining was that I would find a German-language Christmas EP that was made specifically for children… and that I would find it just plain wonderful. Ena Kinderlieder (aka Ena Children’s Songs) is a “singer, songwriter, and big sister,” and she began putting out music with a song for her little brother, and has followed with a series of songs throughout this past year, culminating with this holiday EP, Weihnachtslieder. Ena’s voice, along with her simple yet beautiful orchestration, is simply gorgeous. This is not what I expect from children’s music – I expect big, expressive voices, choruses that will rot your teeth and drive you mad. This is far from that… this is just really lovely.

Of note, the Bandcamp version has 8 songs, while the Spotify version is split up between a few releases.

Bottom Line: This is as lovely and listenable as children’s music will ever be. I can’t believe I’m writing about a children’s record… but I couldn’t let it pass. Give it a listen.

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Tim Baker – Full Rainbow of Light (2024/2025)

a window surrounded by snow.

End Times Music
Buy: Bandcamp | Vinyl

You may be familiar with the excellent Canadian indie rock band Hey Rosetta!, which unfortunately disbanded in 2017. Readers of this site may be most familiar with their holiday EP, A Cup of Kindness Yet. Though… I would have thought I would have written about that record at some point, but I haven’t. So, I suppose this might be new to you as well. Check it out below if you haven’t heard it before, it is quite good.

(If you haven’t noticed, my posts are more like a conversation than a good piece of writing, and I hope you don’t mind.)

I didn’t come here to talk about the Hey Rosetta EP, I actually popped onto the site to talk about the lead singer Tim Baker’s latest LP, Full Rainbow of Light, which was initially released in 2024. The record is filled with beautiful Christmas, New Year’s, and wintery-themed songs. Yes, this is one of those special records we all hope for, one containing nearly all originals. In his initial release, there are only two covers, one traditional and the other, the contemporary classic “I’ll be Home for Christmas.” Tim expanded the record for 2025 with Full Rainbow of Light Deluxe Edition, which features 3 additional songs, including a cover of Jackson Browne’s wonderful “The Rebel Jesus.” This whole record is pretty damn beautiful, and I’m sure a bunch of you will love it.

Bottom Line: Someone in our little Christmas community with a bit more energy and eloquence really needs to take a stab at a review. I know Stubby found it last year on the forum, but that’s the only mention I’ve caught yet…

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sit stay – a very merry… (2025)

A blurr photograph of a small christmas tree.

Self Released
Buy: Bandcamp (NYOP)

Well, I’m officially sick. That means I’m home and can work on finishing my Christmas mix, but will I feel motivated? I certainly didn’t last night. Luckily, LA-based bedroom pop project sit stay have at least made my blog obligation easy with a wonderful 2-track Christmas release, a very merry. They are delicate and warm, full of the nostalgia of the young – going back home for Christmas, wondering if the carpet is the same in the friend’s home, watching VHS movies. You can almost smell the musty basement, the slippery diner floor. Pretty great bedroom pop Christmas for those who partake.

Now back to the grind. For now.

Bottom Line: Nostalgic bedroom pop that is going to be someone’s favorite release.

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ctznshp “Holiday Lights” (2013/2025)

A dreamy photo of a water tower on top of a building

Self Released
Buy: Bandcamp

Montreal post-rock band ctznship have just released a record of rare tracks titled Lost Loves (A Collection of Rarities). A mix of studio tracks, live recordings, demos and such, there are two songs on here of note to a dealer of Christmas tunes, “Holiday Lights” and “The New Year.” They may have been released yeaaars ago, as “Holiday Lights” was a b-side from their first record in 2013, which has since been extended to include “Holiday Lights.” Thus, I’m conflicted. I equally love discovering songs I missed, as well as hate that the song snuck by me for so long.

Christmas A Gogo and I have both been talking a big game about this whole shoegaze/dreampop Christmas genre that has exploded, and we may have found a (nearly) patient zero with “Holiday Lights.” Reading about the band, and this specific era of the band, they suggest that they were influence by Robyn, The Knife or Röyksopp as much as any rock band at this time. I hear that wall of sound and am left with… “really?” I certainly need to listen to the non-holiday material, but I’m on a time-crunch here. This song f*ing rocks though.

As for “The New Year,” we’ll see how burned out I am after Christmas as to whether I write about that one. But it’s pretty good too.

Bottom Line: Some more wonderful shoegaze Christmas for those of us who partake.

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Besphrenz “for christmas” (2025)

red background, green writing: the text "for christmas" makes the shape of a christmas tree

Late Work Records
Buy: Bandcamp | Apple Music | Amazon MP3

Philly’s Besphrenz have knocked out one of the most upbeat and fun “bring my baby back for Christmas” songs of recent memory with the stellar “for christmas.” This is the perfect gift of indie rock Christmas fun. It has me thinking of those stellar Crocodiles Christmas songs of the past – which is high praise in my book. This is their first Christmas song – go buy it so they make another.

Bottom Line: Stone-cold mixworthy

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Aux Caroling – December/Headphones (2025)

An impressionist painting of the sky with a moon in it.

Self Released
Buy: Bandcamp

Aux Caroling, the recording project of North Carolina’s Scott Deaver, is always singing about something he’s not singing about. From the amazing “Bulls vs. Lakers, Christmas 2011,” which framed complex familial relationships and the uncertainty of fate within the guise of talking about a basketball game on TV, to his most recent, and equally gorgeous, December/Headphones.

The first track, the A-side for those who wish to imagine this is a beautiful 7-inch record you are about to drop a needle to, was initially titled “A Long December to Remember Sales Event.” Just seeing that title made me kinda snort and smile. Now off he goes, singing about striking a luxury automotive deal. Then he slips into the chorus, which will subtly change through the song.

“Everything happens at once / that’s how you know it happened / nothing really feels that long / till your memories…”

Just gorgeous. But he dips back into those lines that are about “buying a car:”

“And it’s been a rough year / I think it’s safe to say / have not had one minute / to choose between nebula and cloudburst gray.”

There I go again with a snort, of sorts.

Scott excels in a kind of cheeky depth. He makes jokes that make it feel safe to contemplate your inner feelings of helplessness or inadequacy, or explore your family dynamic, or deal with the unknown.

The B-side is “Headphones,” a track that Scott initially intended to premiere on Jon Solomon’s 2024 25-Hour Holiday Marathon, and to never be played again. He meant for it to be heard in that one moment in time, and that was all. Thankfully, he’s reconsidered. This is simply a beautiful, touching love song. I don’t sense any subtext here; there is just a profound grateful love that the luckiest of us can relate to, in one way or another. “Found out I love you a lot / don’t think it will ever stop / don’t think it will ever stop / don’t think it will ever stop…………”

There are some bands that I like to celebrate here whose unique voice is unmistakable, and I count Aux Caroling among these. He has my ear, from now until he starts inevitably doing those stream-of-consciousness Mark Kozelek-type records. Then, I’m out.

(I couldn’t get too mushy there… Scott would have thrown in a line to take the edge off, and that was my feeble attempt to do the same.)

Bottom Line: Aux Caroling is essential Christmas listening.

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Bleu Rheine Presente La Compil’ de Noël #5

A black cover, with Compil de Noel #5 written in hot pink

Bleu Rheine
Buy: Bandcamp

I worked nearly two days in one day today, and today/tomorrow is likely the biggest release day of the year for Christmas bloggers. I’m going to do my best to feature my favorites, maybe even throw in a new find or two.

Bleu Rheine are back, making magic happen as usual. Those who can count (humble brag) have noticed that Bleu Rheine Presente La Compil’ de Noël #5 is indeed their fifth wonderful compilation of covers. Not all the songs will be Christmas songs, but let’s get busy with those Christmas tunes!

First out of the gate is Vivienne, who provides us with the obligatory “Last Christmas” cover. It’s quite a challenge to tackle a song that everyone covers, and Vivienne does it well. Her voice is lovely, and the instrumentation has me thinking this could be considered for an elusive “Dream Pop” or perhaps “Sad Girl” Christmas mix. Depending on how many covers of this you have heard so far, this may just be the version you’ve been looking for.

Now… the next track… Paris’ Princesse Gilbert busted out a cover of Pedro the Lion’s “Yellow Bike!” I mean… I admit to being a fan of “Last Christmas,” despite the overwhelming number of covers, but would I rather have choices like this? Absolutely. Princesse Gilbert does a great job, stripping back the sound and chilling it out. Truly a wonderful surprise, and a feeling I’m going to cling to for the rest of this season. Give me more choices like this.

The Smiruldes, whom I cannot seem to find any info on, provide a lovely cover of Les Classels’ “Le Sentier de neige.” If you recall, I’ve already written about Klô Pelgag’s beautiful version, and this one shares some similar DNA. They are both quiet, thoughtful, and beautiful, though The Smiruldes play their guitar, and Klô Pelgag her piano. Either way you go, you can’t go wrong – this is gorgeous.

I’m going to talk about the Diane track, though it isn’t necessarily a Christmas song… it is really more like a Jesus song – hence the title “Jésus Christ.” It is one of the more delightful songs about Jesus I’ve heard, as it is incredibly short (bonus) and finishes with the repeated line – translated to English for you: “I wonder if Jesus was funny.” This’ll sneak onto a mix or two, I’m sure.

Sure seems folks are trying to make Elliott Smith’s “Angel in the Snow” a modern indie Christmas staple, kind of like the Fleet Foxes’ “White Winter Hymnal” or something of the sort. Of note, the Fleet Foxes also covered “Angel in the Snow” this year for the Oh. What. Fun. soundtrack. But I digress… Neon Bay really put their mark on this one. It really doesn’t feel like the Elliott Smith song, which I give them credit for. They roughed it up, and I liked that a whole lot. And the stripped back ending.. phenomenal.

Yet again, Bleu Rheine delivers us some fantastic French indie Christmas covers, and as long as they are putting in the effort to put these records out, I’ll be here for them. Even when I’m quite tired, they help me find the spirit.

Bottom Line: There may only be a few Christmas tunes, but I’ll bet you’ll like the normal covers too. Let’s support Bleu Rheine and keep these coming! And hey – it benefits Association MaMaMa, which helps single and isolated mothers!

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Kristian Noel Pedersen – Bullshit & Gift Wrapping (2025)

A photo of a christmas tree, and a man sitting in a chair looking at the light up tree.

Self Released
Buy: Bandcamp

I recently listened to a podcast featuring indie-Christmas legend Kristian Noel Pedersen (KNP), the always wonderful 12 Songs of Christmas hosted by Alex Rawls. It was a great conversation and a peek behind the curtain of our most prolific Christmas-creative. KNP has released sixteen albums of original Christmas music, and after his most recent trio of beautiful, hilarious, and genuinely touching records centered on the fictional, aging pop star Saul McCartney, I was under the impression he was planning to strip things back a bit. Sometimes plans change, though, because we’ve got a mini-album of six new songs (plus some voicemail interstitials), and if the first two tracks are a taste of what’s coming… consider me hungry.

The record opens with “Bullshit & Gift Wrapping,” which might be the best title for a Christmas song I’ve heard in ages. The track is packed with bitterness, profanity, jangling guitars, and—strangely, but in the best possible way—a Gin Blossoms vibe? I don’t know what I ate for dinner, but that’s the only comparison my brain wants to make right now. And I low-key love the Gin Blossoms, so I’m here for it.

KNP has also previewed the second track, “Christmas on Your Own,” where the guitars get fuzzier but the attitude—and profanity—stick around. He paints these small scenes across a few Christmases, following someone leaving a bad relationship and starting over. The song feels frayed at the edges, from the loose feel in the instrumentation to the lo-fi (well, lower-fi) vocals, and that roughness fits the emotional journey perfectly.

While we only have two tracks so far, any longtime reader will immediately clock track six: “Winter,” featuring vocals by Winterval, another prolific and supremely talented songwriter I’ve featured here many times. I absolutely cannot wait to hear that one.

The rest of the record drops on Friday, December 5th, along with probably every other major indie release of the season. Why? Bandcamp Friday—when Bandcamp doesn’t take a cut and the artists get every dollar (minus credit-card fees, I imagine). So add this one to your cart now… and wait until Friday to check out!

Bottom Line: Two songs in, and I’m singing the same songs of praise for the latest Kristian Noel Petersen joint.

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