By Emily Cassel, News Correspondent
The holidays are here, bringing with them the lights, tinsel, and cookie-cutter Christmas albums associated with the season. But for those who are tired of hearing ‘Jingle Bells’ ad nauseam, here are five albums that won’t have listeners pulling their hair out this December.
A Fine Frenzy ‘- Oh, Blue Christmas
Working under the Shakespeare-inspired moniker A Fine Frenzy, Alison Sudol has been putting out beautiful, haunting music since her 2007 debut One Cell in the Sea. The musician doesn’t stray from her usual melancholy on Oh, Blue Christmas, a six-song EP featuring traditional songs like ‘Blue Christmas’ as well as originals ‘Red Ribbon Foxes’ and ‘Wish You Well.’ Both heartwarming and heartbreaking, Sudol’s Christmas album is enjoyable and manages to avoid slipping into any holiday cliches.
Various Artists ‘- Gift Wrapped:’ 20 Songs That Keep On Giving
This 2009 compilation from Warner Brothers is a star-studded and pleasantly diverse tribute to the holiday season. Contributing artists range from The Flaming Lips with ‘A Change At Christmas (Say It Isn’t So)’ to Michael Buble on ‘Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow’ to R.E.M. with their take on ‘Deck The Halls.’ The array of talented artists on this compilation means that even after many rotations it’s one Christmas album that doesn’t get boring.
David Archuleta ‘- Christmas From The Heart
It just wouldn’t be Christmas without musical contributions from past American Idol stars, and this year season seven finalist David Archuleta is carrying the torch. Archuleta is in fine form on his second studio album, combining classic holiday favorites ‘Joy To The World’ and ‘O Holy Night’ with lesser known songs like ‘Riu, Riu, Chiu,’ a nod to his Latin roots. The simple arrangements backing Archuleta’s full voice make this album an enjoyable addition to any Christmas collection.
Sting ‘- If On A Winter’s Night…
While The Police reunited in 2007, Sting is on his own in If On A Winter’s Night…, a more somber take on the holiday season. More than just a Christmas album, Sting’s work is a reflection on the loneliness and quiet of winter. Many songs ‘- including ‘The Burning Babe’ and ‘Christmas At Sea’ ‘- are taken from obscure poems or carols, but ‘The Hounds of Winter’ and ‘Lullaby to an Anxious Child’ are Sting originals that don’t disappoint. If On A Winter’s Night offers a welcome relief from more traditional Christmas albums.
