Jan Terri, "Rock N Roll Santa" Opinions are divided on this Chicago outsider's vocal delivery, but there's no denying the endearing goofiness of her '94 single (or Yo La Tengo's cover).
Ramones, "Merry Christmas (I Don't Want to Fight Tonight)" It's the holidays; put the knives away. As Joey sez: "Christmas ain't the time for breaking each other's heart."
Paul Simon, "Getting Ready for Christmas Day" Simon's accounting of holiday stresses and revelations is delivered as bouncy, irresistible folktronica.
Joni Mitchell, "River" While not technically a Christmas song (even though "Christmas" is mentioned in the lyrics), it fits right in with the best holiday tunes: It's full of quiet longing on dark, cold days.
Darlene Love, "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" Rolling Stone rated this 1963 standard first on its list of "Greatest Rock and Roll Christmas Songs." A good choice.
Sufjan Stevens, "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" Don't like this heartfelt, banjo-driven rendition of an 18th-century hymn? That's OK: Stevens has 99 other holiday songs for you.
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, "8 Days (of Hanukkah)" Make your nightly candle lighting groovy with this 2015 classic from the late, great soul singer, who name-checks the shammas, the Maccabees and the dreaded Manischewitz.
Low, "Blue Christmas" This cover, first popularized by Elvis,is achingly lovely—especially paired with a pour of whiskey.
Run-D.M.C., "Christmas in Hollis" This 1987 classic serves two important roles: as the best of the hip-hop holiday jingles, and as the unofficial theme of stealth holiday perennial Die Hard.
Paul Bley, Art Blakey & Charles Mingus, "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" At the beginning of the track you can hear the musicians teaching themselves the chords of this chestnut. They jump in before they know them, with glorious result.
The Killers, "Don't Shoot Me Santa" Is it a noir, this tale of Santa confronting a kid who's been "killing just for fun"? Or is it just Vegas' own having a goof with their tour manager Ryan Pardey, who also plays Santa in the video? Either way, we're in.
John Prine "Christmas in Prison" This 1973 gem, from a poet for the people, has a lighthearted tune with some very melancholy lyrics. Prine keeps it real and so should you, so play this during your bougie holiday party as you pass the canapés.
