Carol Of The Bells - The Bird And The Bee

If this song looks familiar, you probably already have it.  It was a free Holiday iTunes download last year.  If you're not into iTunes, or aren't familiar with this peculiar piece, keep reading.

Edging away from typical Christmas renditions, The Bird And The Bee give already fantastical song Carol Of The Bells an even quirkier feel.  Lead singer Inara George's uses her artistic liberty to rewrite some of the melody.  Although it may be a turn off at first, her eerie, breathy voice makes this unique song work.  The way her voice is plastered on top of itself, in some places four at a time, gives this song another level of weirdness.  Listen for the complexish bass riff too.  

Silver Bells - Relient K

Who's excited for the holidays? I know pop-punk band Relient K is. After releasing Christmas album Let It Snow Baby... Let It Reindeer at the beginning of Fall last year, they recorded three more covers of classics and rereleased it mid-November. One of those classics happened to be sing-along friendly Silver Bells.

Adding their own touch, and their own verse, Relient K's rendition is very catchy and sure to put you in the spirit of the season. I love the piano base in the verse with the subtle palm muting electric. Especially stunning is the vocal layering during the chorus. 

Angel - Massive Attack

The pioneering force behind the rise of trip-hop, Massive Attack were
among the most innovative and influential groups of their generation; their hypnotic sound - a darkly sensual and cinematic fusion of hip-hop rythms, soulful melodies, dub grooves, and choice samples - set the pace for much of the dance music to emerge thoughout the 1990s, paving the way for
such acclaimed artists as Portishead, Sneaker Pimps, Beth Orton, and Tricky, himself a Massive Attack alumnus.

Play it Loud - Mxpx

GO BARONS!

SEE YOU AT THE GAME!

Triceratops - HEALTH

HEALTH is an experimental noise rock band from Los Angeles, California. They found fame after their song, "Crimewave", was remixed by good friends Crystal Castles. HEALTH's self-titled album gets through 11 songs in less than 30 minutes and achieves its unique sound from the zoothorn, a guitar pedal/microphone mashup. It was recorded at one of their favorite venues, The Smell, where they frequently play. Because of this, HEALTH is often referred to as a "Smell band" along with other L.A. based noise groups No Age, Mika Miko, Abe Vigoda and The Mae Shi.

Their full album can be heard for free at http://www.last.fm/music/HEALTH/HEALTH

So Much Love - The Rocket Summer

The Rocket Summer is a one man band -- Bryce Avary. Bryce is one musically talented genuis mastermind. In his albums (Calendar Days, Hello Good Friend, The Early Years, and most recently, Do You Feel), he plays and performs all of the vocals and instruments -- guitar, bass, electric, drums, piano, and most importantly, sings. Whenever you're feeling down or in need of some fun, easy-going music for the road, give Bryce a listen. He's known for his upbeat funk and optimistic outlook on life. I've actually had the opportunity to go see him live (!!). He is absolutely amazing, possibly better live than from the speakers of my stereo, which, let alone, is already wonderful. I promise you (and hope) that he will put a smile on your face! (: