holidaze

Polyphonic Spree’s Stylish, Indie Christmas Playlist

Photo: Diego Panich

Indie-rock sentimentalists the Polyphonic Spree love the holidays. Specifically, they love Christmas — they’re from Dallas, after all — and for the last decade, as their alt-fans grew up and, like their lead singer Tim DeLaughter, had their hair go gray and became parents, they’ve made it a part of their annual December tour to do kid-friendly (and adult-nostalgic) holiday shows. Usually they’re complete with that delightfully cultish Polyphonic chorus decked out for the season, DeLaughter (dressed up like North Pole Willie Wonka) straining a bit to hit the notes of the sing-along; and, at Webster Hall this past Saturday, a heady mix of tanked-up Santacon participants and parents with their ear-plugged indie-tots. A good time was had by all, and at the end, a cascade of red and green balloons came from the ceiling. For those who have to survive the holidays with a less ironically discerning crew of relations, DeLaughter was happy to provide the Cut with a Spotify song list to get you through the festivities with good cheer. 

Click here to listen on Spotify (signing up is free). Or if you still prefer analog, you can make your own mixtape from the playlist after the jump below.

Photo: Diego Panich

1. The Polyphonic Spree - “Silver Bells” (Featuring School of Seven Bells)
2. Vince Guaraldi - “Christmastime Is Here”
3. John Lennon/Yoko Ono/The Plastic Ono Band/Harlem Community Choir - “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)”
4. The Polyphonic Spree - “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”
5. Thurl Ravenscroft - “You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch”
6. Bing Crosby/David Bowie - “Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth”
7. Bee Gees - “Holiday”
8. The Kinks - “Father Christmas”
9. The Carpenters - “Merry Christmas Darling”
10. Burl Ives - “Silver and Gold”
11. Alvin & the Chipmunks - “Christmas Song”
12. Jackson 5 - “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”
13. Paul McCartney - “Wonderful Christmastime”
14. Willie Nelson - “Pretty Paper”
15. The Polyphonic Spree - “Silent Night”

Polyphonic Spree’s Stylish, Indie Xmas Playlist