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I like Noisetrade (what's not to like about free music). But it does bother me, sometimes, that the music, there, is so homogenous. At least the Christmas music seems to be. It's mostly soft CCM Folk Pop. Not exclusively, but, you know, certainly a plurality. How many Hanukkah tunes have you seen over there (just as example)? Julie Geller did one a few years back and that's pretty much it. So finding a song that's not in that usual Noisetrade mold is always something to get excited about.
Fever Fever are an Ohio Indie Rock band. They also describe themselves as "Atmospheric Rock". And, when you listen to "New Beginnings," you'll understand that immediately. "New Beginnings" is the band's new Christmas single and it's a Noisetrade exclusive. I don't think you'll even see it on Spotify. Fever Fever have been around since 2005 and their sound has evolved a bit over the decade. I kinda like this thing they're doing now. Hopefully, we'll get some more fresh sounds from Fever Fever in 2017. |
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Another band from Austin. I swear that town would fall apart without the music industry because everybody there is in some band or another. You drive through at McDonalds and sing your order (and they sing back the cost).
Lost Cosmos is a new project of musicians who have been friends for a while, but are finally free to start their own thing together. And their own thing is a nice Power Pop outfit with lots of jingle jangly guitars and this song, at least, had me thinking a bit about the Byrds. Lost Cosmos are currently mixing and mastering their debut EP, which will be dropping in 2017. But just to give folks something before the New Year, they cut "Merry Christmastime", which you can downlod free via Soundcloud.
We've got a pair of Christmas songs from the Alt Rock/Indie Pop LA band Rat Fancy. I know these songs have gotten plenty of exposure on the other Christmas web sites, but they're far too good for me not to join the chorus. And you know something? These are ready made for a Snowflakes single, as we've got the original "You Stole My Xmas Sweater" and the cover of the Ramones' "Merry Christmas (I Don't Want To Fight Tonight)". You'll have to download each one separately but, hey, they won't even ask for your email address, so I prefer "thank you". Just get 'em while you can. You'll find "You Stole My Xmas Sweater" here and "Merry Christmas (I Don't Want To Fight Tonight)" here. Rat Fancy just signed with Happy Happy Birthday To Me Records and their debut EP "Suck A Lemon" will be coming in 2017. Keep an ear out for it. And stop by the Rat Fancy Facebook page and let the band know how much you like them.
And the lord said unto him, "Go forth and make a joyous noise.... A very loud, occasionally dischordant noise." And so he did. And so it was.
Indie Punkers Carter USM did this tune back in 1990 or '91 and it's been out of the mix for too long.
Andy Dunproofin is a DJ and master of remixes and MashUps. Or, in his own words. "Bootlegs / Remixes & General Disasters .... actually mostly general disasters. Occasional DJ. Looking for remix work and the like. General disasters assured." "Xmas Shoppers' Paradise" is a glorious sound all about the true meaning of Christmas....the transerance of wealth from the middle class to the rich--sending us all to hell and making us look forward to the trip. And Dunproofin' offers up a fine Chip Hop Punk Rock Noise Pop version that really captures the spirit of the thing. We’ve got Cabbage Patch orphans from Sylvanian Famllies Carpets. Linoleum, holy petroleum, Chemi-kaze killers, little Hitlers and Napoleans Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls The big shop is open and the world Is wonderful Andy does fail one major Christmas test, however. The song is a free download via Soundcloud. Now, that's not the true spirit of Christmas. How can it be if no money changes hands? Oh, well, might as well pick it up and put it in the shopping cart. I'm sure someone will be along with a hand out any second, now.
1. Bacio - I Can't Wake Up At Dawn
2. Ages - Kafeklubbin' 3. The Only Ghost In Town - Snowfall 4. The Classic Brown - The City, The Country and Me 5. Joy Riding - Empty Fingers 6. By Surprise - Cult of Seasonality 7. It's A King Thing - Israel and the New Breed 8. Mark Martucci - Maybe It's Still Christmas 9. Aspiga - Momentary Flashes 10. Chainsaw - Good Friend (free) 11. Dave Damm - An Audio Christmas Story Christmas, 2008 12. Endor Endor - The Meek 13. The Not Fur Longs - We Wish You a Marley Christmas 14. The Pizza Carolers - Meet Me In Dilworth Park 15. Only On Weekends - Christmastime In Kingston Falls 16. Somerdale - Merry Christmas Time DOWNLOAD FROM BANDCAMP
It's year 17 for the Arbor Christmas collection and, damn, if this ain't the best one yet. If "I Can't Wake Up At Dawn" from Bacio don't light your Christmas fire, well....what the heck is wrong with you?
The "Arbor Christmas" collections showcase some of the finest Indie music in Southern New Jersey. Like Santa's elves, they work on this project all year long and then there's a live show that's pretty much the biggest celebration of the season and there are actual CDs, there (and nowhere else ever again). This year's show is TONIGHT at the Holy Saviour Gymnasium in Westmont, NJ (generally 7-11). Oh, yeah, this is all for charity, yo (the money goes to The Arbor Foundation, run by The Life Raft Group, in support of those with GIST and their families and survivors, in memory and name of Jon Montague, whose idea the show originally was). Jon passed away of GIST (a cancer that attacks the GI tract) after the first two shows, but everyone had pledged that, for Jon, the show would go on. And go on it has. And when I say show, I mean show. In the early years, bands were confused, thinking they'd play full sets and that it was just music. But, every year, they write a show--an S-H-O-W, show--an original script which usually has something to do with Christmas and the year just passed. Holy Heck, I can only imagine what they'll be doing this year. For the rest of us, we get the benefit of a free collection of great Christmas music, pretty much all of it original (I'd have to check, honestly). If you're late to the party, all 17 volumes are still available, though, beyond the year of release, there is a price for the albums (in the interest of helping to raise money for The Arbor Foundation). As for this year's, I went through real quick and can't say there was anything I didn't like. Seriously, I'd hate to even mention one track, lest I not mention the others. But that opening track is killer. And it's all uphill from there. If I'm not mistaken, track 11 sounds like a bit of one of the earlier shows. Maybe not. Anyway, get this at Bandcamp and name-your-price. Feeling especially charitable? Go buy some of the other volumes of "Arbor Christmas". You really can't go wrong. This Indie (Intergalactic) Rock group takes its name from their city of residence, San Teletone, CA. I know a lot of people are played out on "Little Drummer Boy", but I'm not. And this is a good enough version. But, mostly, I'm digging the video--primarily for concept. You say you have nothing to give people for Christmas? Or maybe you just forgot about that one person (or kinda hoped they'd forget you...but they didn't). Ain't nothing wrong with a hug. Probably a better gift than most store bought crap anyway. Certainly better than a stinkin' drum solo. So lend an ear to San Teletone and, if the spirit moves you, head over to Noisetrade for "Little Drummer Boy". The single, like the hugs, is free. No audio to embed on this one, but Boston's Indie Pop/Indie Rock veteran Juliana Hatfield has created a little homemade Christmas present for you. The song is "Christmas Cactus", and its a very pretty number to help make passing the cold and lonely winter nights just a little bit easier. Juliana says she's had the music kicking around for a while, but never felt it had been "fully utilized". Head over to Juliana's "Downloads" page and click on the picture of the Christmas Cactus, or click in the text where it says "Christmas Cactus". That would be a right click and save for MAC users (I have no idea about PCs; never use 'em). The song is totally free, but, should you feel like dropping a coin in the pot, know that your donation will go to creating more music.
I came across this one over the summer and had every intention of putting it up, but you know how that goes.
The Zipper Shtick was a band (circa 1999 - 2001) that included members of The Green Apple Sea, nolte, and Hillside. The German band did some live shows in support of bands like the Owls and, in 2001, recorded a number of their songs at the Lonestar Studio in Numemberg, but those tracks have never been mixed, let alone released. But The Zipper Shtick did record demos in their practice room and released some of those through the Soundcloud feed of The Green Apple Sea earlier this year, including this dreamy instrumental "Land of Christmas" which you can download for free. Though it clearly stands on its own, I swear I can hear a hint of "Do You Hear What I Hear" in there. There's an easy joke to be made there, I know. Regardless, I love me some moody Indie instrumental Christmas music, and "Land of Christmas" is a good one, all the more lovely for it's raw qualities. If The Green Apple Sea sounds familiar to you, it might be you recall their super 2013 single, "December", which is still worth getting from Amazon or iTunes if you haven't already.
The Bartlett is a live music venue in Spokane, Washington. Not a huge place, but not a hole-in-the-wall either. A nice mid-size bar and live music place. It appears they have some appetizers at the bar, but I'm not sure what. I do know they've managed some pretty well known acts...David Bazan, Polyphonic Spree, Bonnie Pribce Billy, The Cave Singers, and more.
They opened in 2014 and, I guess to help get the word out, they put out a little free Christmas EP on Bandcamp at the end of the year. This is year 3 for "Bartlett Christmas" so now it qualifies as a tradition. My mind is telling me that the first year's was fairly folksy (but my mind does lie...a lot). Last year's collection was memorable for a couple of less folksy numbers...Wonder's "Cathedral Pearls" and Loomer's Shoegazy cover of XTC's "Thanks For Christmas". Volume 3 is a nice mix of both the Indie Folk and Indie Rock. I instantly fell in love with Folkinception's "358 Days", which demonstrates that lots of people dread Christmas for lots of different reasons. The kid who has to give up his bed for a week to his Uncle, the man who lost the woman he loved to his brother. It's been 358 days Since this godawful year began All I really want for the very next one Is for Christmas to just go away That's followed by a winning bit of Synth Pop from Lavoy, "Merry Christmas I Miss You". Americana from Prarie War and Jenny Anne Mannan is balanced by the Alt Rock of Violet Catastrophe. Mini Murders offer up a Dream Pop "Under The Ice" and the festivities close with Curran Long's heartfelt Indie spin on "I'll Be Home For Christmas". The balance offered by this year's "Bartlett Christmas" makes it a worthy entry, even if it weren't free...which it is. Grab it from Bandcamp. And pivk up the first two volumes while you're there.
1. The Diamond Center - Christmas Is Here
2. Soft Science - Marshmallow World 3. Bummer & Lazarus - A World Without Christmas 4. Josh Goodman - Christmas In The Valley 5. Bright Ideas - When You Think About Christmas Time 6. 2014 - You Gotta Love Christmas 7. Dylan Barnes - O Holy Night 8. Red Hot Fire - I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm 9. Knock Knock - White Christmas (Fog Version) 10. Charles Albright - White Christmas Minority 11. Gangee - Festivus (For The Rest Of Us) 12. The Strange Party - N(eg)ativity 13. Andy Tate - All I Want 14. Dylan Barnes - White Christmas 15. Danny Offer - The Christmas Party 16. Kittens Having Kittens - It's Warmer When You're Near 17. The Crow Canyon Boys - You Left Me On Christmas 18. The Enlows - Winterman 19. Matt Crap (from The MOANS) - Scary Christmas To All (And To All A Ghoul Night) 20. White Women Love Jazz - Yule Shoot Your Eye Out 21. The Ninja Family Orchestra - Jingle Bells DOMESTIC HONEY BLOG 22. Dylan Barnes - Carol Of The Bells FREE DOWNLOAD FROM BANDCAMP 23. The Croissants - Corn Cob Pipe PURCHASE CASSETTE FROM BANDCAMP 24. Tell el-Armana - First To Arrive 25. Han's Father - Christmas On Tatooine 26. The Caganers - (Poo Poo) Caga Tio 27. The Four Eyes - The Christmas Mash 28. Dylan Barnes - Silent Night
Remember this one? "A Christmas Comp For You From Sacramento" was the subject of a post we did years ago called "Stubby's Holiday Screw-Up". Feel free to look back at laugh, if you have a free moment. Earlier this year, the guy who put this together contacted me (having just learned that we had featured him back then). He had long wondered, he said, how people from all over the place had ever heard about this very, very local project done for fun. Well, he seems to think Stubby's had something to do with it. Maybe, maybe not. But the BIG news is that the comp is FREE TO DOWNLOAD AGAIN! YAY! And they had a new supply of cassettes, but they've been selling well and I see they're down to 3 remaining. If you must buy, run right over. If a free download'll do ya, well, hell, run right over. You never know when I'm going to screw up again. And, rather than write it up new, here's what I originally said about the album before I screwed up.
I have to say this is one of the most fun collections of Christmas music I've heard this year [2014]. Domestic Honey is, according to his profile, "just a dude in Sacramento that tricks his friends into recording stuff he can put out." It was as recently as September that this "dude" (Cody Scott) decided to go for it--get a bunch of local Sacramento musicians and bands to write and record Christmas music. So they definitely made good time. The music covers the Indie waterfront, with most of it tending toward Rock and Pop (but there's lots of variety). With so little time to pull it together, there's a raw sound to the compilation, with a few tracks in the Lo Fi range. And every song has its charm. This reminds me of a lot of early Indie Pop and Indie Rock. The spirit's there. I can't even tell you the highlights. It's easier to tell you the tracks I don't like......there were none. On a collection of 28 tracks, do you know how hard that is to pull off? It's a million to one shot. The songs are mostly short (some clocking in at under a minute) and Dylan Barnes' organ interludes are a special added delight.
Zombie lovers, there's a track for you from Matt Crap of the Moans. Star Wars fans, you're covered. And there's Lo Fi Alt Bluegrass from The Crow Canyon Boys. Or maybe its Punk Bluegrass. Who even knew there was such a thing? Electronica? Yeah, we got that from White Women Love Jazz (and, ok, that was my least favorite). Bummer and Lazarus rework a Peter & Gordon classic into "A World Without Christmas". The Four Eyes give a spritely Alt Rock version of "The Monster Mash". And the "Silent Night" closing is priceless ("Dylan, keep going damn it, I'm not done"). "A Christmas Comp For You" has got something for just about everybody. Now, true enough, I like more things than I don't. But I think even the biggest Grinch is going to find at least 6 or 7 tracks, here, that they absolutely love. And, if you can't find just one--just ONE--song, here, to use on your mixtapes, I dunno; I'd have to guess you're too conventional for my taste. It's free, for crap sake. Just download it and try it on for size. You'll find "A Christmas Comp For You" on Bandcamp. |
The FREE ListHere we hope to direct you to some of the Christmas music on the web that can be yours absolutely free. We will not direct you to mp3 or sharity sites, here, but only to artist sites, label sites, and other authorized and unquestionably legal locations. Archives2010 FREE List Categories
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