The Best of Christmas Has Been Evaded

It’s that time of year to grab a hot cup of cocoa or a frosty glass of egg nog, decorate the tree and wrap the presents, all while listening to your favorite Christmas music. We figured a list of the best Christmas albums ought to help put you in that jolly mood! So grab you frosty mug, put a new needle on the record player, and invite some friends over for fruitcake because here’s our list of seven of the best Christmas albums…

7. Mistletoe and Merriment – Various (Starbucks)
It’s most likely impossible to find this exact album, but Starbucks usually does a great job of compiling Christmas music for their yearly holiday albums. Mistletoe and Merriment is just one of the many years of good music that Starbucks has put together and if you really have no idea what to buy, consider purchasing Starbucks’ latest compilation and that should at least get you started in the right direction.

6. Any Christmas Song by Sleeping At Last
If there’s one band that could make a perfect Christmas album, it would be Sleeping At Last. Currently, they have a few great Christmas classics up on their Virb page and you would do well to take a listen and download a few. Also, they are giving away a new Christmas song for free on their official site. Everything this band touches is gold, and I mean everything.

5. Songs for Christmas – Sufjan Stevens
This 5 disc, 42 song collection is an adventure in to the mind of a man that I still don’t think people quite understand. Sufjan Stevens is a genius or just crazy, and I’m not sure which. But I can say that Songs For Christmas is the kind of album you can play with your grandma in earshot. It’s the feel of a classic Christmas album with a touch of the snowy Midwest, and seasoned to taste with Sufjan’s genius (not to mention his banjo!).

4. Maybe This Christmas Tree – Various Artists
Of the 3 “Maybe This…” albums that have been released, Maybe This Christmas Tree easily takes the cake. With some of our favorites like Death Cab For Cutie, Pedro the Lion, Copeland, and a great cowboy song by Jars of Clay, this album really says “hey, I like those bands and like Christmas!” Also see: Maybe This Christmas and Maybe This Christmas Too?

3. Advent Songs – Sojourn Music
I acquired this album via NoiseTrade.com which, at the time of this writing, is offering it as a free download. Created by Sojourn Community church in Louisville, Kentucky, this album is a great addition to any Christmas collection. The classic hymns have been recreated with a great new feel and Sojourn’s original songs are something to tell mom about. I’ve seriously fallen in love with this album and recommend it to anyone looking for a new and creative take on the Christmas genre without neglecting the true meaning of Christmas.

2. A Very Rosie Christmas – Rosie Thomas
New this year is this wonderful album from Rosie Thomas appropriately titled A Very Rosie Christmas. Rosie has a way of making everything she writes seem like it’s been around for years and this Christmas album is no different. Even at my first listen I assumed this was just one of those great traditonal Christmas records people have been listening to for years. I would venture to say that if you’re going to spend money on one new Christmas music this year, it should be this one. The softness of Rosie’s voice accompanied by a piano and a small choir just makes me want to grab my cap and settle down for a long winter’s nap.

1. A Charlie Brown Christmas – Vince Guaraldi Trio
There’s no denying that A Charlie Brown Christmas truly embodies what Christmas music is. It’s the favorite of many and for good cause. In fact, it’s probably the only Christmas album you can listen to over and over and never get sick of. Every other Christmas album will always be forced to bow down in humble reverence to A Charlie Brown Christmas. With it’s jazzy and relaxed vibe, as well as the various children choir voices, it’s the perfect album to play any time of the day. The classic is a perfect way to start the Christmas season off right, and in the words of Linus Van Pelt: “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”

Other albums I have heard good things about:
Jars of Clay – Christmas Songs (2007)
Future of Forestry – Advent Christmas EP (2008)
Duvall – O Holy Night (2004)