DAVID BYRNE’S ECLECTIC CHRISTMAS PLAYLIST
A wonderfully listenable set of atypical songs that tell a more nuanced seasonal story than usual
If you follow David Byrne Radio you know the former Talking Head makes super playlists. They’re smart and wide-ranging reflecting his voracious musical passion for myriad genres. A few days ago Byrne’s first ever Christmas playlist debuted on NPR’s Fresh Air series.
If you’re listening for something seasonal that mixes a bit of edge, pathos and irreverence alongside a few of the more traditional Christmas song sentiments you’ll appreciate this 19-song collection.
Artists featured include LCD Soundstystem, Phoebe Bridgers, James Brown, Prince, Neko Case, Gaby Moreno, Paul Simon, Samara Joy, The Pogues, Tierra Whack and more.
The topics and themes include love lost (Ain’t Christmas by Alexander 23), shopping (Shopping by Joseph Washington Jr.) and pissed off disappointment (sympathy 4 the grinch by 100 gecs). The Staple Singers consider the meaning of Christmas in Who Took the Merry Out of Christmas? while James Brown’s Santa Claus Go Straight To The Ghetto tells the jolly gentleman to forget about him and give gifts to black kids in need. Tierra Whack ponders seasonal anxiety in a brief 1:25 minutes (feel good) while Samara Joy offers a beautiful version of O Holy Night.
My personal favourite is Red Simpson’s 1972 tune Truckin’ Trees for Christmas. It’s good to hear a working person’s song about job satisfaction as a proud Santa’s helper. Not your typical Xmas fare.
24 December 2023
TRACKLIST
