Need a soundtrack for the long drive to see the relatives? A nostalgic backdrop for seeing old friends and remembering old flames? Some background noise to drown out your annual family fight? We’ve got you covered.
Jingle Jams: A Holiday Mix From NPR Music
This one covers all the classics, in addition to covers of all the classics. Dean Martin’s “Silver Bells,” Johnny Cash’s “The Little Drummer Boy, “Vince Guaraldi Trio’s “Greensleeves” (if you’ve ever seen “A Charlie Brown Christmas” you already love Guaraldi) and dozens more. Even a little Run-DMC thrown in for good measure.
Stream mix via NPR
Tony Trimm’s Winter Mix
The Chicago-based producer (Yoome, Anticon’s Serengeti) delivers these to inboxes every year, right after the first snowfall. This is an introspective one to chill out to, featuring Yo La Tengo, Mogwai, Animal Collective, Dionne Warwick and many more.
Download mix via Tony Trimm
KROQ DJ Kat Corbett’s Christmas Mixtape
This is a feel-good nostalgic throwback, featuring Otis Redding, Ray Charles and Clarence Carter (“Back Door Santa”–oh my!). Even if you don’t like holiday music, you’ll like this.
Download mix via Where is My Mind?
All Songs Considered Holiday Music Mix ’09
Another public radio joint (we hear they really like Christmas music), but this one a little more up to date. Features The Raveonettes, Frightened Rabbit, Snowden and Sufjan Stevens, among others.
Stream mix via All Songs Considered
Idelsohn Society’s Hanukkah Mix
This is a gem from the non-profit dedicated to preserving Jewish music, named after musicologist Abraham Zevi Idelsohn. Features Machito & His Afro-Cubans, Milton Berle, Neil Diamond, Ella Jenkins and more.
Stream mix via Idelsohn Society
Round Table Knights End of Winter Mix
And finally, a dance mix by the Swiss duo, albeit from last winter. It’s a thoughtful comp, and since it marks the end of the season, provides something to look forward to. Features Black Lips, Holy Ghost, Hercules & Love Affair and Poni Hoax with remixes from Crookers, DJ Mehdi and Boy 8-Bit.
Download mix via Brooklyn Vegan
This is perfect!