Ho Ho Ho! - Welcome to the home of Suburban Sprawl Music's annual Holiday compilation! For the past eleven years, we've been gathering up heaping helpings of totally sweet holiday music from our extended circle of friends, and giving it away for free online. 'Tis the season right?
Hey! It's totally 2012! Depending on whether or not the Mayan Apocalypse happens, this could be the last Suburban Sprawl Holiday comp! If it is, eleven years ain't a bad run.
Lots of newcomers this year, and of course some old favorites have returned as well. We're so happy we get to do this each year, and hopefully you, the world, feel the same. This year's artwork was done by the very talented and nice Angela Ficorelli.
Well, what are you waiting for? Get to listening and Happy Sprawlidays!!
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Newcomers In Fact kick off this year's comp with a nice take on Donny Hathaway's now-classic holiday jam.
No, it's not a Sam & Dave parody. Dave takes on the role of a ruthless coal magnate. Somebody has to.
The Fencemen tackle Christmas from the cowboy's point of view. Kind of like those Prairie Home Companion bits, but good and about Christmas.
Merry Christmas from LA's Andy Dick (Yes, that Andy Dick) and Willie Wisely. Freaky organ sounds on this one. Freaky.
Arranged Marriage speak for all of the December babies out there. Scott's birthday is December 15th. He likes rum. Brad likes rum too.
Lawnmower break out a Jimmy Eat World cover for Christmas. You're welcome.
Oakland, California's Love Axe just want some peace, doesn't matter if the peace is large or small. Also they would like their house in Oakland not to be overrun with toxic mold, which is why this song was mixed by Brad of Arranged Marriage. Merry Christmas!
Zach fights global warming with this holiday classic. I guess it can still snow when there is global warming but whatever. Let it snow.
Sylvan Lanes is Matt Milia from Frontier Ruckus. This is sort of a hybrid folk rap with all of Matt's trademark vivid imagery and none of the lameness that you find in other folk rappers. Also Matt is feuding with another folk rapper and it is getting bad. RIP Matt Milia.
Chris O. slams the basketball of life through the hoop of Christmas with this nasty jingle. BOOMSHAKALAKA.
Panic and his wife Sharon recently welcomed their first child into the world. Let's congratulate them by listening to this classy as hell rendition of "White Christmas."
Matthew needed some holiday inspiration, and he got it. It's that's time of year, that time of the night, and he aims to please.
Damn Gina, don't you know it's Christmas? The Kickstand Band do, and they are COMING BACK to let you know that very fact.
Desktop haven't made music in a few years, but Keith is in Russia right now, and that is very close to the North Pole, and so they decided to get the old internet collaboration back together to channel those Santa vibes. Cool.
We haven't heard from Tim since 2005. This year he lays down a really pretty instrumental. You see, since 2005, Tim has completely lost the ability to sing. Just kidding.
GOOD OR BAD? The Next Door Neighbors need to know. "Tell me what I am!" they cry each night before bed.
The Tinsel Singers want you to know that Mean Mr. Frost sleeps in the park and shaves in the dark trying to save paper.
John Nelson and his New Girlfriends tackle this Kitty Wells holiday smacker. "What's a holiday smacker?" you ask? Ask John.
From The Future decided to totally FLIP THE SCRIPT this year. They flipped the country script y'all.
Avila is a new project from Daniel and Brie Stoner. They are simple folks, Dan and Brie. Their only Christmas wish? Why, it's you.
Look, any Christmas song with a Ninja Turtles reference can't be bad. Hero proves the point.
Miranda Zeiger of LA's The Gajillionaires sings a sweet song for Santa. Santa's favorite genre? Singer-songwriter. This worked out splendidly.
AJ covers Pedro The Lion's treatment of this sneaky holiday sulker. The result? An even more classic, holiday classic. Double classic.
Duende! decided to double-down on the boogie this year, with a medley of covers. Jon Spencer and Hasil Adkins, respectively. Double down on the boogie with Detroit's Duende!.
Greatest American Beekeeper demonstrate that any song can be a Christmas song, if you just lyrically throw some Christmas on that sucker.
The Bobby Electric are newcomers to the comp this year, and we're glad because somebody had to bring the rock to the Christmas party. We were plum out of the rock and they brought the rock.
Athens, Georgia's Timmy Tumble just dosed you this year for Christmas. We're sorry it happened that way, but just go with it and you might learn something about yourself. It will last 6-12 hours depending on the strength of the dose.
Grind Scheme may be newcomers in name to this year's comp, but the band features Elle, who has been a loyal contributor in the past. We're glad to see that jail hasn't softened her commitment to independent music.
Lansing's Regretters just received word that they have been allowed a stay of Christmas execution. Oh, joyous day. They shall live.
Jeremy Porter & The Tucos sing of Silver Bells. Long ago, Jeremy and his Tucos were known as expert silversmiths. The silversmith trade afforded them connections with a cross-section of Boston society, which would serve them well when they became active in the American Revolution.
Sunil lives in LA now. We can't be certain but Christmastime in LA seems like it would be totally weird. Sunil? Is it totally weird? Let us know.
Detroit's golden band, Woodman, spread cheer as brightly as the lights they sing of. Don't believe us? Hang out with any Woodman for any amount of time and you'll know what we're talking about.
The Bell Beat want you to know that the world is full of lies about Saint Nick. For example, did you know that he did not double the deficit of the North Pole since he took office? That is one of many lies spread about Saint Nick that the opposition trumpets every day.
R.J. makes music exclusively on his iPhone for the I_R.J. project. This year he has decided to tackle "Green Sleeves/What Child Is This?" Is R.J. man or machine? You be the judge.
This is Flip Flop's first recorded song. He has MANY yet to be recorded (hopefully soon-to-be recorded) turn of the millennium influenced nonsensical crunk rap songs. Flip Flop is a diva. He likes girls, cell phones, and animal skins. and other stuff.
No one knows who Sadam Andler is, but he must be a truly magical man.
2012 brought a new chapter in the saga of pain. SPAIN. Spanish pain.
Disc One
If Lightning Love had one wish this holiday season, it would be for you to behave yourself for heaven's sake. Is that too much to ask? Apparently so. Hm. So be it, you scoundrel.
First timers Passalacqua & Doc Illingsworth speak the gospel about the world of gifts.
Upon hearing or realizing that the New Edition Christmas album was simply no good, The Next Door Neighbors quickly assembled to record the greatest New Jack Christmas song of all time.
The Kickstand Band pay awesome tribute to John Williams, family movies and graphic violence.
Tally Hall's Joe Hawley gets a Star, becomes Invincible Joe. Joe becomes temporarily invulnerable to all damage, except to hazards that would normally be fatal, regardless of powerups (lava, pits, time-over, getting crushed, etc).
When Andrew Dost isn't playing with his band, fun., he's busy having the dumbest dreams ever concieved.
Cale Parks is thankfully a regular of our compilations at this point. This year we're treated to a tasteful Ryuichi Sakamoto cover.
Oakland, California's Love Axe take the "demystification of religion" approach to the holidays, previously and masterfully applied by Mt. Pleasant, Michigan's Love Axe.
Little known fact about Arranged Marriage. Each year, Scott & Brad get together and reenact that one Fruity Pebbles Christmas commercial with the Flintstones.
Glossies wanna know if you're finished with those sweet potatoes. They love the fixins.
Curious what Allan James believes in? Let's break it down: truth, justice, freedom, beers, buds, boots.
Johnny Headband travelled into the heart of Africa to find the missing Dr. Claus. Upon finding Dr. Claus, the Headbandeliers reportedly asked, "Dr. Claus, I presume?"
Dan's song features his friends and loved ones guesting on it, ranging from ages 8 to 88. Pretty cool idea. Even cooler? Having Frosty The Snowman bust out a guest rappity rap.
Deadbeat Beat are the first act to cover this song in our 10 year history. Isn't that weird? Hey what are Deadbeat Beat's favorite color of Christmas lights? White lights that give off white heat. Hardy har har.
Hero is just trying to get out of work at a decent hour like the rest of us. You think Santa is a good employer? He's not.
PAN!C & Sharon are newly married, which of course allows for time travel. Hence, we're able to hear this beautiful rendition of "The Christmas Song" live from the Judy Garland show.
Athens, Georgia's Timmy Tumble knows that blockages in chimneys occur for a variety of reasons. Take, for example, a normal fireplace flue. If this flue was not capped by a chimney cap, it was be extremely easy for birds, squirrels, or other critters to climb into the chimney bringing large amounts of nesting materials with them. This nesting material can completely block your flue, preventing the chimney from drafting properly.
Dr. Daddy are Seattle's Zach Norton & Greg Franklin. Christmas last year was a sonic adventure with fuzz pedals.
Ryan Allen (Destroy This Place) tracked this hip hop holiday slammer while his newborn baby peacefully slept next to him. Little known fact about Ryan's son: he is Jesus.
Oh please, check out Lettercamp's treatment of this Dr. Seuss classic. Thurl Ravenscroft on synth.
Look, Santa, are you here to make friends or win? Sunil wants you to know that you're not here to make friends. You're here to win.
We'd like to think the trend of Paincakeification of popular song is the start of a career renaissance for The Paincakes.
Disc Two
Detroit's Woodman family really hope to spend this Christmas with you. They understand you are busy. They understand that you can't ask for all of the time off in the world. Whatever you can do they will appreciate.
Jason Bales & Tim McCarty are the Fur Department. "Pine Trees" is their safe word.
Would you expect anything less from a perfect mountain? No, no you wouldn't.
Here comes Flatfoot, here comes Flatfoot, right down Flatfoot lane. The dudes once traveled down a jungle river to kill Capt. Kristopher Kringle, who had gone mad with power. Things got real weird real fast. Elf heads on pikes. Horror.
On the night of December 25th, 1967, The Bell Beat performed at The North Pole for the very first time. The North Pole concert on December 25 was record breaking and one of the most famous concert events of its era. It set records for attendance and revenue generation. Promoter Santa Claus said, "Over 55,000 people saw the Bell Beat at The North Pole. We took $304,000, the greatest gross ever in the history of show business."
The Michigan Liquor Control Commission allows the sale of alcoholic beverages until 11:59 p.m. on December 24 and after 12:00 p.m. on December 25.
Boston's Greatest American Beekeeper have given you a song version of Wikipedia.
French Method is Nicole Allie. Scott Davidson plays guitar. If you're curious about the French Method, it involves hooks.
Let Ohio's Jack & The Bear captivate you with tales of the very first Christmas, which very few people know actually happened in Toledo.
Natalie Bainter and Frontier Ruckus' Zach Nichols like the old Noel better. They have all of Noel's early singles and prefer them to the more recent stuff.
RJ is kind of like a snowman, he's better in the arctic cold than under the harsh, unforgiving heat of the desert sun.
Perhaps you've heard of the Christmas Dance. Jeremy & his Tucos have been to the Christmas Dance, and the gruesome details of the Christmas Dance will haunt your very sou
Again, From The Future deliver the Christmas creepiness. When did they turn into a ICP? Last year, it seems.
Mr Ging was appointed a non-executive director of Christmas on 1 September 2009 and became chairman of Christmas on 1 January 2010. He is chairman of the chairman’s committee and attends the nomination and North Pole committees.
Child Bite visits the good king, gets in bar fight with the king, chaos ensues.
Disc One
Much like Lennon & Harrison getting together post-Beatles, Adam and Ryan Brescoe got together post-Recital and crafted this scrumptious surf tribute to the Grinch.
Long time listeners, first time callers Fireworks have hope in their hearts that their sweet boo will come back to them this Christmas.
Chris Hatfield's Love Axe project now is a straight-up real band. This tune is about not being home for Christmas, which obviously is not cool. Not cool, dudes. Not cool.
Come hither, let Lightning Love regale you with tales of the town of glass. Here's the deal though: don't even think about wearing your hot metal knife shoes in the town of glass. If you do that you will be banished from the town of glass.
The Cuban Mistletoe Crisis is Gordon Smith of The Sights and Nick Dufour of Superdollar. Ever been stuck at the airport on Christmas? They have, and let it be known: it is exactly the same as Christmas at your home.
Daniel treats the world to a really nice version of "Oh Holy Night." Listen carefully and you can hear the sound of one million angels crying tears of absolute joy.
The High Strung hate everything about Christmas. Look for their holiday-collabo track with Ugly Kid Joe in 2011.
PreciseHero's "I Can See My Breath" might be the first time we've had a hip-hop song that wasn't a joke on these comps. Peep the Local 4 shoutout. Channel 7 sucks.
The Next Door Neighbors decided to retell the plot line of A Christmas Story and cover it in nice 60's R&B wrapping paper. How delightful. Skip Denomme (The Sights) plays the drums while wearing a snow suit.
Zach Curd decided to retell the plot line of A Christmas Carol and cover it in nice 80's R&B wrapping paper. How delightful. Zach Curd wears a snow suit all day, every day.
"Christ, What An Excuse" is the product of Emily Gustafson let loose in Santa's workshop for the first time. She rings in the holiday madness with harmony and cheer.
Ever have everything that could go wrong on Christmas go wrong? Well, it happened to Old Empire. Truth. They turn everything around in the end though. SPOILER ALERT.
Arranged Marriage and Tamara Finlay (The Thornbills) offer up this Nilsson-esque holiday rumbler for you this year. Santa just returned from his lost weekend on the south pole, and he approves.
Dre Babinski (Dusty Rhodes and the River Band) and Andrew Dost (fun.) decided to go the SPOOKY CHRISTMAS route this year. Andrew did just turn goth, so that might explain it. Also of note is that Andrew sent this song to us while on tour in Europe. Note to all other musicians: Andrew is way less lazy than you.
Ever been to Florida for Christmas? Pan!c and Sharon are going this year and want to know if it is a decent place to spend the holidays? Seems like it would be, but the lack of winter might be weird. Truly a tropical holiday mystery. Hm.
Boston's Greatest American Beekeeper sing about Christmas to a baby. Babies don't know what the crap Christmas is. This song also marks the first BABY SOLO in the history of these comps. BABY SOLO YA'LL!
American Mars beckon you close to their supple mouths, and demand that you remember Christmases past with a hushed whisper. What? Are you afraid of nostalgia or something? Huh, wimp? You wimp you?
The Bell Beat beckon you close to their supple mouths, and demand that you remember Christmases past with a hushed whisper. What? Are you afraid of nostalgia or something? Huh, wimp? You wimp you?
Adam Mercer and Brook Jacoby: punx 4 lyfe. Acoustic Christmas punx 4 lyfe.
MC Rallz and Apple Chack are Ryan Allen and his wife Angela. Can someone help Ryan out with a rap career for Christmas this year? Maybe P Hero can help.
The Kickstand Band got together and recorded this cover of "There's Always Tomorrow" from the Rudolf The Red-Nosed Reindeer Christmas Special. It should be noted that The Kickstand Band are secretly made of clay. They are also secretly reindeer.
Dave points out that Christmas comes, and yes, Christmas does go. We wish that it didn't though. We should all thank Dave for this weighty rumination on the nature of time and ritual.
Chris O (The Recital) did this. Yep. Imagine Chris recording the vocals to this all alone in his apartment. That is the greatest christmas image. Thanks Chris.
Disc Two
What a name! This Chicago trio (Bret Wallin, Lauren LoPiccolo, Ryan Germaine) crafted this very specific holiday tune and we couldn't be more thankful. Bret says, "Hypothetically, you've named your car 'Miles'... and then hypothetically, it breaks down and you get SEASONALLY AFFECTED.) Damn son. Daaaaamn.
Carjack Claus created what we would imagine Silent Night to sound like if it was created by Carjack. That is to say it sounds like it was made by angry robot aliens.
Travis Bravender and Aaron Quillen are Lawnmower. Aaron and Travis met in 1980 in Athens, Georgia. They started a band and then signed to the fledgling indie label, IRS records. They decided to go with IRS because of the creative freedom it would allow them throughout their career.
Matthew Milia of Frontier Ruckus steps up solo in the dance battle that is the recollection of landmarks from your childhood.
Could The Deadbeat Beat possibly rock around the Christmas tree more? No, they could not. To rock even an ounce more would be unsafe.
The Whoa Boats decided to retell the plot line of Home Alone and cover it in nice wrapping paper with people screaming on it. How delightful. They wear snow suits but only at night in the club.
You know sometimes when you were a kid and you would wrap a present by taping two big pieces of wrapping paper that didn't match together but somehow it worked? Millions Of Brazilians did that, but with song. Actually no, they made a sandwich in song form. Yes.
The story of The Tucos and The Porters is the oldest feud in history of America. Thankfully, the two sides decided to cast aside their differences and record this jam for us. Very nice.
Finian McKean used to play in The Push Kings back in the day, and now he plays in the forest on the wings of a mythical bird...wearing a santa hat.
These guys are five guys from Livonia who all live in Seattle now and play music together. Sounds like a sitcom, but it isn't. THIS IS REAL LIFE DUDE.
New York's Casey Shea put together this pretty number for the holidays. Casey requires nothing for Christmas, except you, and your very soul.
Sounds like our kind of city! KNOWWHATIMEAN. TV is the best. Anyway, Television City is Porchsleeper's Brian Raleigh. Little known fact about Brian: he is the mayor of Television City.
We noticed that AJ sounds like he's lying naked on the couch while counting off this song. Don't let that freak you out, it's a good thing. Away In The Manger, AJ soothes your soul and tames your wild wild mind.
George Jacobsen and Abbey Taylor of Société Moon wrote this song which charts a period in the life of Isabella "Bella" Swan, a teenage girl who moves to Forks, Washington, and falls in love with a 104-year-old vampire named Edward Cullen. The song is told primarily from Bella's point of view, with the epilogue of Eclipse and Part II of Breaking Dawn being told from the viewpoint of character Jacob Black, a werewolf.
No Sunil, '11 doesn't have to be heaven, but it would nice. Right? Or no?
No her name isn't Baby, it's Miss N if you're nasty. Which you are decidedly not.
Ol' CoachMahler, reports from the wilds of Omaha, Nebraska. Make sure to stick around until the synthesizers take everyone to heaven, Koresh-style.
Straight-up, no lie? From The Future made probably the most offensive Christmas song we've ever recieved in the history of these comps. Puts the NSFW in NSFW, so uh, remember it's not safe for work. Did we mention this is truly filthy? Because it is.
Frontier Ruckus' Zach Nichols doesn't provide the name of The Christmas Chord. So, for reference, The Christmas Chord is EbSus2 with an F in the bass.
Jason Bales and Tim McCarty combined digitally to create this ode to the crappy Christmas gifts you would give Jesus to celebrate his own birthday. I guess that would make them birthday presents? Aight.
Nolan (formally of Joiya) sent this pretty rendition "Silent Night" combined with a Nada Surf song. Thanks for the Christmas combo Nolan!
The family band known as Woodman are here to provide an entire family for you in case you don't have one this Christmas. Charitable!
Elle of Elle & The Fonts fame goes by 3773 for her solo work. We think that's some sort of online internet website thing maybe? Perhaps.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Beers. This is also the remix to Ignition, hot and fresh out the kitchen. Thanks dudes.
Disc One
The Barrettes offer up a wonderful barbershop styled holiday tune to kick off this year's comp!
From The Future are from the future, which is a pretty intense thing to realize when you meet them. They know when you've been sleeping or awake, and when you're going to be sleeping or awake because they are prophets.
Orlando, Florida's Mumpsy contribute this Beulah-esque pop gem to set your Christmas heart ablaze.
And your Christmas bird can sing? It sure can. Those Transatlantics return for the first time since 2004. What's new in 5 years? Some sweet horn action.
A gorgeous doom and gloom orchestral workout from Chris Hatfield. Also: check the musical "Peter and The Wolf" quote in this one. Nerds love stuff like that.
New comers Pan!c (of Johnny Headband) and Sharon try to imagine Vince Guaraldi and Herbie Hancock gettin' freaky, Christmas style, in 6/8 time.
2 minutes of holiday pop punk courtesy of Mr. Curd. Remember college? Also: check the musical "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" quotes that bookend the song. Nerds love stuff like that.
A tasteful and tasty treatment of the emo-y-ist of all holiday songs. Fall on your knees, and pick up the change with XxThexX XxSpleexX.
Alec Jensen and crew cooked up this Kinks' Christmas classic for 2009. Hopefully they weren't beaten up by rogue Dickensian children afterwards.
Even Santa needs some motivational help this year. Bet you didn't think Chris O. would be taking on that task did you?
A mix of Javelins, Computer Perfection and Lightning Love invite you to sit around the fireplace for tales of time signature changes of yore.
Fun's Andrew Dost brings us a tasteful take of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas." Check the piano to guitar transition, smooth. SMOOTH.
Angela Duncan, Lisa Norton, Phil Southern and Sara Dixon are The Amish Girls. They know you're busy, so 30 seconds of Merry Christmas wishes probably seemed apt.
Long ago, Daniel Zott asked Santa how to properly record drums. Santa delivered, and the rest is history. Also: check the musical "Jingle Bells" quote in this one. Nerds love stuff like that.
Adam moved to Hawaii last year, so his obsession with Polynesian culture peeks through on this epic surf tune.
The Canadian Dollars last appeared on SSMXMAS2005, and The Canadian Dollars is Andy Thompson. Much like the Canadian Dollar, Andy has increased in value since 2005.
Ryan Allen, Dave Graw and Erik Maluchnik moved to Jamaica last year, so their obsession with Jamaican culture peeks through on this epic dub tune.
We were very happy to see that Lightning Love could send in a song again this year. They went the "let's sing about the season instead of the holiday" route. While bold and rare, the move was indeed a smart one.
Dr. Yates paints a picture of a future where the earth is ravaged by a second ice age and people don't understand ice cream. Will intends on compiling his research into a powerpoint presentation entitled "An Icy and Undelicious Truth." In theaters in 2010.
Father and Son (Brad and Scott) Allen mixed some Wilburys, harmonies, rum and cursing into 2009's Christmas gumbo.
Dave and Darin sing about the very best gift winter can bring. No, not soggy pant legs, snowdays.
American Mars realized that Michigan economic woes, pedal steel and winter combine into a tasty SADNESS MCFLURRY.
If you're going to do this, it's best to go all the way and pull no punches. Buffay certainly did that.
The Wise Men are the kind of dudes pop nerds love, and in-laws are the kind of thing pop nerds hate. Also, it's a short joke song. This is like the super soldier serum of songs for pop nerds.
The Paincakes sing christmas carols a la Glenn Danzig. God this was such a good idea. You are most welcome.
Disc Two
Current Brooklyn resident and Detroit ex-pat Alyse Schneider records as The Smoots. Get ready for a one wild ride through a computer!
We were told Buttermilk Daydream is an "obscure Martian Muppet band," but since that was sent by a dude in Computer Perfection, it's safe to assume Buttermilk Daydream is one of them.
Randy Bishop and crew crush your heart and soul with 100 pounds of year-end delight.
Elle Sawa and Aaron Saul: like a good cup-a-nog and a smile.
Zach Nichols (of Frontier Ruckus) and Natalie Bainter treat the world to a tune about myrrh-bringing magi.
Holiday comp vet Jon Cendrowski teamed up with Sean Higgins to impersonate Irish dudes and sing about Christmas, all Irish style, all up in your Irish.
Returning from the instrumental madness of 2008's "Sore Afraid On The Road To Bethlehem," the band brought mighty tales from the city of salt. They also brought vocals.
Kevin Mahler captivates a pack of his devout followers. Side effects of bearing witness to Coach Mahler include religious epiphany, hallucination and the ability to levitate.
Grandma wants peace. Is that too much to ask? The Wise Men don't think so.
Sunil is a ravishing post-modern man who documents his creative process on his website. And we just documented that. The universe. Wooooooosh.
John survived the Hazel Park Tanker Explosion, like a true survivor, Jeff Probst style.
This is the tale of five young musicians (Nicole Allie, Angela Duncan, Katie Galazka, Liz Wittman and Elle Sawa) who hiked into the Black Hills of Burkittsville, Maryland to record a song that subsequently went missing. The five were never found, although their sound equipment (along with most of the music they recorded) was discovered a year later.
These Brandeis Politics PhD candidates get all sadness-warrior on your ass. Cover your hearts, for that is what their wicked arrows doth desire.
Jason Bales records as Lookout Mountain. As a childhood kazoo prodigy, Jason was the first American kazooist to tour the former Soviet Union in 1986.
Alan Scheurman now records as Jaguar Medicine. Both Al and Jaguars were seen as a symbol of power and strength in Pre-Columbian culture.
When the Kingdom of Prussia was established in 1701, a tremendous fun fest occurred. Nobelmen from far and wide rode great stallions through mountainous terrains to attend the fun fest. Prussia wrote a song about it, except in the future? About fucking?
Ever seen a reindeer do a kegstand? The Wise Men have. Totally wicked.
A deep cut from the Motown holiday songbook from Computer Perfection. Once the apocalypse arrives in 2012, purple snowflakes will cease to be notable.
The SubSprawl holiday debut of Fidrych's Jeremy Porter. Also the SubSprawl holiday debut of scarves as a holiday song topic.
The Hard Lessons want you to know that just because someone has a beard, it doesn't make them Santa. Truly, the hardest lesson ever learned for millions of children each year.
Jon Cendrowski and Karen Turk treat the world to their version of this holiday classic. When this song was recorded, Jon was in the shower at the mall, and Karen sat on the counter in an elf costume singing along. Jon was surprised to see Karen in there, and was all like, "WHY WERE YOU IN THE MEN'S BATHROOM?" and Karen was all like, "I DIDN'T KNOW YOU WERE NAKED." True story.
Ian Saylor wants to know what your wish was. Not that one, that one is not cool. Yeah, the other one. That one. Yeah.
If you ever find yourself stuck in the chimney, just get Darius to pipe this tune up there and the song will act as a lubricant, oddly enough.
Disc One
What happens when you stop getting excited about the Ventures proto-mashup holiday jams? If you are Adam Kempa, you create your own. Adam adds: "I prefer to think of this as weird Ventures fanfic."
Scott Allen and his father, Brad, offer up this Nilsson-esque holiday ditty. Dig those samples!
Will Yates is a man of invention. He has created a new genre: glitch-piano-pop, and it is good.
Sea of Japan have plans to meet you on Christmas Eve. Don't be late. They are busy dudes.
Reborn as DANIEL, Dan Johnson offers up a soulful version of "What Child Is This?" To answer the question, the child is Daniel, and he is a beautiful child.
Former Natural Monuments members Travis Bravender and Aaron Quillen team up with their friend Ashleigh New for a pretty synth-pop jam, CHRISTMAS STYLE YA'LL!!
Not The Dead Bodies, but real close. HAWAIIAN CHRISTMAS STYLE YA'LL!!
Love Axe's Chris Hatfield's move to California's Bay Area hasn't hurt his holiday mojo one bit.
No one ever thinks about what Rudolph feels. No one cares about that guy, EXCEPT DAVE LAWSON.
Em News' Trevor Naud, Kathleen Bracken and Matt Rickle return to the subsprawl holiday comp with an intergalactic holiday space hymn.
Not only is this a collaboration between members of Serenity Court, The Pop Project and The Hard Lessons, but it is also a collaboration between roommates, which you will quickly realize while listening to this song.
Cale crawled into a dark room filled with synthesizers, and emerged with his own rendition of McCartney?'s Christmas megajam.
Friendly Foes offer up more considerations of positivity for the holidays. You should be glad.
Graceful and charming holiday sentiments from subsprawl holiday vet Andrew Dost of Fun.
Kevin Mahler assumes a new identity for a sizable dose of Michigan-centric insanity.
Lightning Love laments their personal connection with Christmas. If this is the soundtrack to holiday disconnect, humanity isn't so doomed afterall.
Shawn (Knight) and Christian (Doble) offer up the deepest cut with a song from the Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer television special. This deep cut cuts real good.
Holiday comp newcomers, Silverghost offer up a tune that is equal parts 4AD and Phil Spector.
Walk with Zach Curd into a holiday dreamworld where autotune and DeBarge meet at the Rhodes break of Minnie Riperton's "Inside My Love."
The Next Door Neighbors take their concept songs even further with musical interpretations of real letters sent to THE BIG MAN. Not Clarence Clemons, but Santa.
K & Ju is a new and refreshing collaboration between The Word Play's Kevin McGorey and Javelins' Julian Wettlin. The result is a dreamy and frantic holiday jambo.
Kiddo's Lizzie and Christian wrote this together about being in love in their messy house during the holidays. Cute!
Ex-Casionaut Jon Cendrowski goes solo and brings all of Ferndale with him to cover John Lennon's holiday classic.
Indianapolis' Everthus The Deadbeats are so into Christmas, they happen to know a Christmas song featuring their namesake!
Blasé Splee put on their own spin on the title theme to a modern film classic. Mavis Staples has got nuthin' on these guys.
The Paincakes shed the progressive excess of the past few years and get down to what Christmas is all about: ordering Santa around.
Disc Two
A song so nice, it's here twice! Lennon's track gets the lady/dude combo treatment this time courtesy of Teleportation Please.
Beaverton, Michigan's own Jeremy Vallender hears angels. Angels sound like key changes, synthesizer polyrhythm and a voice of pure velvet.
Ex-Sight Bobby Emmett, the UK's own Spencer Cullum, ex-Hard Lesson Christophe Zajac-Denek team up, INTERNATIONAL STYLE YA'LL!!
Prussia remind us of what Christmas is all about for some. They also remind us that The Beatles are so good.
Newcomers Allan James & The Cold Wave heard the bells, and those bells are sad.
The Lickity-Splits' and Dark Meat's Timmy Tumble humbly offers up the only song in mono on this year's compilation.
Local blogger and musician Elle decides to drop the Fonts and pick up a Foe in the form of Friendly Foes' Brad Elliot.
The Silent Years' Ryan Clancy normally plays the drums, but decided to play the heartstrings this year for you. Nay, for the world.
Insanity from Brandeis University faculty.
Rangoon Online's Joe Ging decides decides to use his holiday song to hold Zach Curd over the hot fires of devastating satire.
Mystery track! We have no idea who this is, or if you could even consider this a song.
Few people dare to go the "I'm going to sing about winter and not just Christmas" route. Hugs And Kisses doth dare. They doth dare.
The Cartridge Family rolls deep in a field of Christmas cookies. Yum!
Lansing's Flatfoot decided to drop the twang and go all Luke 2:9 on your ass, instrumental style this year.
The Darts might not be as drunk as Santa, but it's a safe bet that they are more drunk than you.
The OFC take the reigns and ride a sled towed by 8 Latin Christmas devils.
Zach Curd: Slowly working his way towards recording the Christmas equivalent of Gentle Giant's 'Knots.'
Introducing the new project by ex Army/Navy members Chris Hatfield (also formerly of Those Transatlantics) and Heath Johnson. Bryan Robb plays guitar and also co-wrote the song.
Scott (Thunderbirds Are Now!) and Brad (Thunderdads Are Brad!) revisit Chipmunks holiday classic. Dig the mandolin and laser beams solo.
Adam Kempa spends a few days each December methodically working towards his ultimate goal of recording a complete tribute to the Ventures' Christmas album. This year's installment is more of a departure from the source material than normal, but it's only a minute long. Tough it out.
Brooklyn's Sean Higgins and Friends sing about spite, in like, the most beautiful way.
Annette (Serenity Court) sings a plaintive finger-picked tune with backup from Matt Balcer (The Codgers) on mandolin and Emily Gustafson (Serenity Court) on thumb piano.
Aloha's Cale Parks goes deep. Tis the season to be JAHly.
Aaron Quillen and Travis Bravender of Natural Monuments present a tight-ass rhythm section for the holidays.
Ryan Allen and friends jam out on positive vibes for the holidays. Praising quality time never sounded so fierce.
Trevor Naud (Zoos of Berlin), Matt Rickle (Javelins), and Kate Bracken (formerly of Those Transatlantics) come together once again to stir the christmas pond.
Daniel Johnson (Judah Johnson, The Elanors) slam dunks another solid track. Write Dan and tell him to come out of retirement, Jay-Z style.
Three key elements all add up to one thing: the Christmas Unspirit! Dave Lawson (The Pop Project/The Drinking Problem) and Darin Ficorelli (ex-Wafflehouse) are veterans to the holiday music circus - burned out on narratives. Angela Duncan joins in on clarinet.
Lansing twangers have fun, sing about baby Jesus. Just in case you were wondering, yes, he is very sweet.
Javelins offer a unique cover with original music, lyrics from an Elvis classic and also from 90's CCM chart-toppers PFR. And no, that sound you hear is not a pig.
Will (The Pop Project/Zoos of Berlin) plays a deep cut from the caroling book on piano while we celebrate Shawn Knight and Ryan Allen's birthdays in the reverbed distance.
Lisa Norton (El Boxeo) freaks out about the future. Her brother, Zach Norton (Child Bite/El Boxeo), ditches their usual Whoa Boats cohorts Zach Curd and Danny Sperry in favor of fake drums and a bass synthesizer pedal to accompany his festive fuzz bass.
Shawn Knight & Christian Doble (both of Child Bite) enlist the help of drummer Mike Durgan (formerly of Thunderbirds Are Now!) for their 3rd installment to the annual compilation. Inspired by the Hawaiian Christmas sub-genre, this year's contribution is their first as an original composition.
More sadness for Christmas from Kevin (The Word Play), featuring trumpet courtesy of his bro Colin McGorey.
The French Skeletons are powerful microorganisms that wreak havoc on the body, making it stronger. Ethereal voice achieved via intense effects masking.
Ypsilanti transplant Tim Schreiber (ex-Cornish in a Turtleneck, current Lickity Splits) sent this song from Athens, GA which he describes as 'Ozzy sings Christmas, which isn't necessary bad.'
Another fun track from Jacuzzi 2.0. This dude lives in Livonia, but no one here has ever met him. Weird.
Andrew Dost (ex-Anathallo) rides a white steed into the city of light, brings power-pop joy, elevates the universal soul of mankind.
Jason Bales (ex-Flatfoot) moves to North Carolina, sings Christmas song, the world rejoices.
Recording the handclap track on this song must have annoyed the crap out of Brook's Chicago neighbors.
Paincakes: an annual tradition, Suburban Sprawl's label founder gets drunk in front of a microphone. Thank the Lord.
Zach Norton (Child Bite / El Boxeo) honors guitar legends Zakk Wylde and Jimi Hendrix with a very special Christmas tribute.
Jon (ex-Casionauts) pays homage to one of his lifelong inspirations: public nudity.
Ryan Clancy (The Silent Years / ex-Rescue) sings about Zach Curd and some other stuff for about 5 minutes.
Mike Hardin (Joiya) turned this in, and I'm not exactly sure how it relates to Christmas. I don't think he's even Greek.
Zach Curd stretches his musical wings and flies high with Annie Moss.
Jeremy writes the some of the spookiest and prettiest music you've ever heard, all from the depths of rural Mid-Michigan.
(members of Javelins, The Pop Project)
(Ryan Balderas of The Casionauts)
(members of The Sights, The Hard Lessons, The Pop Project)
This song has been retired for inclusion on Windy & Carl's Rarities compilation 'Introspection.' Go buy it!
