Tag: France

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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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Arthur Satàn – I Don’t Give a S**t About Christmas (2025)

Paradise Records
Buy: Bandcamp (MP3/Vinyl)

Bordeaux’s Arthur Satàn, (The Meatards, J.C. Satàn) has just released a stunning 60’s psych/pop Christmas single, the 2-track I Don’t Give a S**t About Christmas. There’s the spacey psych of the A-side, “Nebula,” which I am honestly having a tough time parsing the lyrics of – I’m picking up “skies ablaze,” “on the brink of madness,” so I’m thinking this is a Christmas + apocalypse song (or maybe just an apocalypse song). However, I don’t have a problem connecting with that fantastic, psychedelic orchestration.

The flip is more obviously Christmas-inspired. “Christmas Might Be Over Soon” begins with a musicbox piano line, but expands into glorious psych-folk as the mantra “I begin to lose control” floats in. The lyrics are less drenched in the grandiose orchestration of “Nebula,” so I was able to get a better grasp on this track. “Too many gifts, for you and me / The others torn (?) in jealousy / No time to waste, we must consume / Christmas might be over soon.” Another dark one it appears…

I loved the description on their Bandcamp, which I happily Google translated for you:

Fresh from their “Journey That Never Was,” Arthur Satàn’s warriors are back on the offensive, but this time it’s a Christmas one!

“I Don’t Give a S**t about Christmas,” the new rallying cry from the Bordeaux-based multi-instrumentalist, features two tracks also tinged with 60s pop influences, making up this collector’s 7″ single, another brick in Arthur Satàn’s sonic and graphic edifice.

These two unreleased songs comprise a limited-edition collector’s 7″ single, whose cover art extends the visual universe of Arthur Satàn, who is also a graphic designer and visual artist: a “Ship of Fools,” populated by warriors piled high in a pyramid, brandishing swords and shields as they aim for the gift descended from heaven.

In the delicate realm of representing the “magic of Christmas,” there’s no doubt: Satàn packs a punch!

The artwork on this baby is something else for sure, which Arthur is also responsible for. And for those who like to hold records in their hands, and maybe even play them… there is a 7″ available. Unfortunately, it carries all the costs of buying records from overseas, so it would be about $35 shipped for that 7″, which I’m just not quite up for after all this Christmas shopping. Blast!

Bottom Line: Some dark Christmas psychedelia!

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Fairy Tales In Yoghourt “High on Christmas” (2022/2025)

Self Released
Buy: Bandcamp | Bandcamp (full EP)

Mark your calendars for December 10. This date commemorates Otis Redding’s passing — an artist who holds a special place in the Christmas canon thanks to his iconic 1968 performance of “Merry Christmas Baby,” as well as his influence on Will Sheff and Okkervil River’s indie classic “Listening to Otis Redding at Home During Christmas Day.” December 10 is also the release date for Nantes, France’s Fairy Tales in Yoghourt’s upcoming Wish You a E.P. Christmas, which I am very, very intrigued to hear.

The first single from the EP has already been released, currently titled “High on Christmas.” I say currently because the song was originally called “Christmas, Inc.” when it appeared with different orchestration back in 2022. I loved the song/E.P. announcement on Facebook, which provided some of that background:

“The track was discreetly released in a different production a few years ago, the real ones know, and had received a buzz that I would call minimal. This time we hired an orchestra, so it’s going to be profitable.”

That orchestra is worth every penny! It gives the song a classic sheen that contrasts beautifully with the alt-pop, even psych-pop tendencies of the band. I can’t wait to hear the rest.

Of note: since beginning this post last night, Fairy Tales in Yoghourt have put the EP up for preorder, along with another preview track — the short and psychedelic “How Does Jesus Christ Do It? (Angels Reply).”

Bottom Line: This is sounding like a winner so far! Now… do I delay finalizing my Christmas mix simply to hear the rest of the E.P….

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En Attendant Ana – En Attendant Ana Sings Christmas (2024)

Self Released
Buy: Bandcamp (Digital/CD/Cassette)

Today is shaping up to be quite a day for excellent Christmas releases. Couldn’t have been last week eh???? Some of us have Christmas mixes, and we have the absurd idea that we might send some to folks in the mail (if I can get off my butt to do so). Well, first up is this excellent 2-track single from French indiepop band En Attendant Ana, En Attendant Ana Sings Christmas. These two tracks are covers done right. First up is “Close Your Mouth Because Christmas is the Day”, which takes both of the Free Design’s classic underground Christmas singles “Close Your Mouth (It’s Christmas) / Christmas Is The Day” and sews them together beautifully. They are mixed up with bits of “Carol of the Bells” as well… and it is… rather amazing. An unexpected song(s) choice, beautifully done.

The second single is a cover of the Pogues’ “Fairytale of New York.” I’ve mentioned before that this year is turning out to be a good year for “Last Christmas” covers… well… perhaps we’ve got to start talking about 2024 and these excellent “Fairytale” covers as well. The orchestration and the phrasing of this cover are like no other version I’ve heard before – they really have made this song feel new. (Of note, they do use the word in this song – so depending on where you stand on it’s use, take note). The ending is absolutely SPECTACULAR… so interesting and delightful, that I don’t want to ruin it for anyone here. So get going and listen to these songs.

Bottom Line: En Attendant Ana does exactly what one should with a cover… made them feel new. A top release of the season.

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Bleu Reine presente La Compil’ de No​ë​l #4 (2024)

Bleu Reine
Buy: Bandcamp

Sometimes I get concerned that this site just ends up writing about the same folks over and over again. I suppose there are two ways to look at this – 1. I am lazy and 2. These folks know their shit and do it well. Bleu Reine are #2, and definitely know their shit as they have compiled yet another superb Christmas compilation. (I hereby grant permission for folks to clean up my language if they wish to use a quote as a “blurb.”) The fourth edition is yet again a mix of French bands covering both holiday and non-holiday songs… but you know which category I am most interested in. So… let’s dive into these absolutely killer Christmas songs.

The first, and perhaps the most surprising highlight of a truly stellar record is Summer Camp Girlfriend covering the Pogues “Fairytale of New York.” Who needs another cover of this song… apparently me! This dream pop treatment may just have enough sustain on the guitar pedals to fit on my imaginary shoegaze Christmas mix. Their musical choices feel fresh and exciting… and they don’t use the F word! This thing sounds like no other version I have heard to date – give them a follow wherever you hang (hopefully not Twitter – F* ELON).

Skip down to the middle of the record, and you find yourself with an excellent cover of “You’re a Mean One, Mr Grinch,” by Norma. There isn’t much to the simple orchestration, but Norma does a LOT with a little. She doesn’t throw a bunch of musical color to fill up the space but chooses to add a color or two along the way to the strolling guitar lines that propel the song. Norma does four verses of the original six – and hey – I do appreciate a radio edit! Quicker the better when it comes to Christmas songs… this one was a pleasant surprise.

The fuzzy wall of sound that is Rennes, France’s Eeyora’s “Snowman (The Sleepwalk)” may or may not be a cover – I truly have no idea. However, what I encountered will terrify many folks on first listen… a sonic approach that would have been like seeing space aliens to the early rock n’ roll pioneers. But dammit if it hasn’t grown on me. The seesaw between abrasion and sweetness works wonderfully. I’m way out of my comfort zone, but I’m here for it.

Finally, let’s take a look at the Bleu Reine and their inspired cover of the Love, Actually classic, “Christmas is All Around.” The song is meant to be silly in the movie, and yes, the song is silly in reality. However, Bleu Reine has managed to make it feel damn sexy dressed up in some electro/dream-pop clothes. This thing is fucking cool! How did they do that?!

Hey! I missed some of the Christmas songs! THAT is because they were in French! Sometimes I have the balls to talk about songs in another language, and sometimes I don’t. Today is a don’t! Why do I use exclamation marks with reckless abandon when I review THIS specific compilation? I DON’T KNOW!!!!

Bottom Line: Some stone-cold mixworthy songs on this comp – and it raises money for La Croix Rouge Française / French Red Cross!

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The Reed Conservation Society “Funny Christmas” (2020)

Self Released
Buy: Bandcamp | Discogs (Vinyl)

As we enter the darkest timeline, I’m going to do my best to keep moving. I’m going to provide support to those around me (you all included), and do my part to make this world just a little bit better. I’m going to try to redirect my anger and sadness and be constructive… and boy is that going to be hard because nothing seems to matter. That is going to be me on a good day. Lets hope the good days outnumber the bad.

So, on that note, let’s talk about a lovely song about depression at Christmas! The Reed Conservation Society is a French duo who for some reason has me thinking about Village Green Preservation Society-era Kinks. It could just be the “…servation society” similarity, but the orchestration is the same ballpark for sure. Throw in the Clientele as a touchpoint as well and now you’ve got an idea of where I’m going. The protagonist begins by eating oysters, cheese & crackers alone, and buying themselves “new pillows for my old dream into the sea.” The song might sound sweet, with lines like “Feeling so good to be alone now. Cheers to me, cheers to me, cheers to me.” Though follow that line with “I’ve got a special gift for free. / Médicine pills / angels talk slowly,” and everything takes on a much darker tone. It sure sounds like someone is finding a way out…

I must say, this is a lovely song. Without getting a little insight from the band, I might have thought this song was the happiest “I’m alone at Christmas” song I’d ever heard. I couldn’t quiiiite make out all the lyrics, which also kept me from knowing the true intention of the song. So… perhaps I will stick with that interpretation. Once an artist releases a song out into the world, we are all given a chance to interpret the song our own way. Perhaps “Funny Christmas” is a good barometer as to how I’m doing from day to day – is today going to be lovely and full of “David Crosby singing just for me,” or dark as fuck? Pretty much a toss-up – does today end in Y?

OF NOTE – I’m waiting on an email back from TRCS

Bottom Line: A very pretty or very dark Christmas song… a choose-your-own adventure of sorts.

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Bleu Reine presente La Compile de Noel 3 (2023)

Bleu Reine
Buy: Bandcamp

The French band Bleu Reine has released some of the best holiday comps of the past few years, while not necessarily always releasing strictly holiday compilations. The first year (2021) is choc-full of Christmas and seasonal tunes. Last year’s release has one(?) song that might be considered seasonal song, a cover of “Holidays” by Poinareff. This year reflects last year’s more than the debut, with two songs (I believe…) lining up as Christmas-mix contenders. Now, you might be wondering, why did I just say they put out some of the best holiday comps? These really aren’t holiday records… true, but the other music is good. They are enjoyable, whether they are holiday songs or not – you’ll find some great covers of Radiohead, Mark Lanegan, Phoebe Bridgers, Wings, Haddaway (ha!), Waaves, The Beatles, etc. So… they are still worth your time!

NOW to the Christmasish songs. The Marinas contribute a very pretty, lo-fi cover of Low’s all-time classic “Just Like Christmas.” (I wish I could find out more about this band – Google is not being very helpful.) There is a warble to this song that begins with the vocals, only to be accentuated by the theremin (?) that I hear in the background. Somehow, The Marinas have managed to construct a version unlike any I’ve heard before, and as this song is the alternative-Christmas gateway drug… I’m always here for a new fix.

The other song that I *believe* to be Christmas-adjacent is the track by Cecilia, “Décembre,” which is an Alex Montembault cover. I did my best (well, a solid try) to find the lyrics to get an idea of what the song is about… but alas… I failed. If can’t speak French, but I can most certainly enjoy the music! Fuzzy guitars! Catchy chorus! So I do! And so might you! Exclamation mark!

Bottom Line: Just a few holiday songs amongst some other great covers… I’ll take it!

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A Very Cherry Christmas 17 (2023)

Cherryade Records
Buy: Bandcamp

Weirdo, underground Christmas music is a labor of love. Believe me, our community is quite small… small, but dedicated. It would make sense that one of the biggest flagbearers for this scene is a small compilation, released by Cherryade Records and lovingly assembled by Gareth Jones of Dandelion Radio, for 200 lucky collectors each year. This is the 17th year of the A Very Cherry Christmas series, a CD-only compilation that collects underground bands from France, America, England, Ireland, Scotland, Spain, Canada, and Japan this year. There are 16 brand-new tracks recorded for this release, as well as 9 more that have never had a physical release. Highlights for me include the punk-infused “Keep Your Christmas Tree for Burning” from perennial Christmas superstars Goddammit Jeremiah, the indie-rock fuzzy fun of “Christmas Number One” from Problem Patterns, and the percussive “I’m Not Coming Home for Christmastime” by The Photocopies. There is a lot more to dig into on this record, from surf Christmas by The Surfisticats (“Santa Bring Me a Surfboard Please”), the glitchy, electro-infused indiepop of ToyDisco (“A Gameboy for Christmas ’96”), to the oddly-touching emotional comedy of Canadians in Space (“Peace & Gravy”), there is something here for everyone. I wish I could do it justice and highlight every single band, but I don’t want to set any unattainable precedents here. All that said – keep that flag flying Cherryade, I’m here for you.

Bottom Line: It comes out today, so best of luck being one of the lucky 200. Especially if you live in the States (as I do), you best jump on this, as Europe has had the jump on you.

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Maxwell Farrington – Yuletide And I’ll Tide With Yann (2022)

Upton Park
Buy: Upton Records CD/Vinyl | 7Digital FLAC/MP3 | Apple Music | Amazon | Amazon.uk | Amazon.de | Amazon.fr

Let’s get weird. This record is going to be one of the more interesting Christmas records you’re going to listen to this year, or any other year. There are moments here that will leave you scratching your head, and others that will leave you in wonder. Aussie ex-pat Maxwell Farrington teamed up with Yann Oliver on 2020’s Maxou & Yannou Sing X-Mas, which I regretfully did not sample back then (but Christmas A Gogo highlighted earlier this year, which I also missed!). That collaboration has continued into 2022, with a properly-released full-length that adds a few songs and a new title, Yuletide and I’ll Tide with Yann. I say proper full-length LP, as it is released in LP form on both CD and vinyl, but keep in mind, it clocks in at a brief 26 minutes and change. Short and sweet indeed. I’m going to highlight a few of my favorite tracks below, and let you bask in the Scott Walker-esque weirdness and beauty. (Eagle-eyed readers might notice that one of these tracks is the closer on my latest mix, Jolly Chubby Elf.)

Bottom Line: God I need this on vinyl. This is one of the most unexpected, unique, gorgeous Christmas records I’ve stumbled upon.

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Mato vs Santa Claus “Jingle Bells Dub” (2022)

Stix Records
Buy: Bandcamp (Digital/Vinyl)

I’m not often one for instrumentals, nor have I ever really featured any dub/reggae/etc on this site. But hey, there are really no rules on Christmas Underground – I just gotta like it. Mato is Thomas Blanchot, a French percussionist who has been making some really fantastic dub records under the moniker of Mato since 2006, my favorite being his reinterpretation of Daft Punk’s Homework. This year, he’s releasing a 7″ on the Paris label Stix Records, fashioning a dub treatment of “Jingle Bells” (which you can preview now) on the A-side, with “Sleigh Ride” on the flip. I could totally see it being a great fit at a Christmas party… so while it might not fit on my largely indie rock/pop-centered mix, this Mato vs Santa Claus record is most certainly worth your time.

Bottom Line: Dipping my toes in the dub shallows… who knows what other cool records are out there to pull me farther in!

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