“November” by Kylie V

If you’ve been around here during the holidays before, you may know that I’m not always a big fan of Christmas music… which is why all of my favourites are songs that are not immediately or obviously about the holidays.

And to that end, the new single from Kylie V, “November” seems more of a “seasonal” song. I might not have even thought to include it here if it wasn’t written specifically for the latest installment in the annual Oh! Canada's "Ho! Ho! Ho! Canada" series, curated by Ro Cemm over at The Line Of Best Fit.

Much like their debut album earlier this year, Big Blue (which, spoiler alert, is definitely going to appear on my best of the year list), “November” is a gorgeous song, with Kylie’s heartbreaking vocals driving the slow and melodic opening to a grand finish.

Kirk

“Indie Rock Christmas” by Hawksley Workman

Funny enough, Kirk and I presenting you Christmas songs by Canadian indie artists and Hawksley Workman released a song with that very title.

It is VERY “We Didn’t Start The Fire” by Billy Joel, but listing all the things indie rock lovers want for Christmas, and I’m here for it.
(PS Santa, I’d like some Hawksley Workman vinyl, please!)

Christine

“Home Alone” by Kandle (feat. Debra-Jean Creelman)

Inspired less by the Chris Columbus classic and more by the likes of Sinatra and Elvis, “Home Alone” sees Kandle teaming with Debra-Jean Creelman for a nostalgic look at Christmases passed.

Kandle & Creelman say: "Inspired by a true story of Kandle’s parents brilliantly tricking her into believing in Santa just a little too long, here is Home Alone! Once again recorded in Kandle’s bedroom and written in about 30 minutes with an acoustic guitar and piano. Like most (semi) grown-ups, we’ve left behind the traditions and trappings of Christmas, that as children we took as an absolute. But the music that was playing during what was most often a harmonious and magical time in our young lives has passed the test of time. “Christmas Mourn”, and “Home Alone”, are love letters to an era of music that has influenced and provided comfort for both of us for our whole lives. Hopefully our songs can soothe a few other weary souls this year."

Kirk

“In The Bleak Midwinter” by Catherine MacLellan

Funny enough, when this post goes live, I should be somewhere over the middle of Canada, on my way to Ontario to hopefully have a white Christmas,

This cover of “In The Bleak Midwinter” by Catherine MacLellan, off of her holiday EP aptly named Holiday, is the perfect song to listen to while you sit by the fireside with a warm beverage in your hand.

Check out her original song “Calling You Home (for the Holidays)” as well (it’s got major “Blackbird” vibes).

Christine

“Christmas Eve Day” by Matt Mays

“Christmas Eve Day” is a song that Matt Mays wrote a few years back, “out on the cold road. I felt like now would be a good time to release it because so many people have been forced to be apart. Separating love is a fool's errand but somehow, under these strange and extenuating circumstances it feels tougher. Anyway ...Happy Holidays everyone. May we all be together...at least in song!”

The single features some good friends of matt, including Damhnait Doyle, Loel Campbell (of Wintersleep), Matthew Angus (from Fast Romantics), Adam Baldwin, and also some of his friend’s kids!

Kirk