PLAYLIST: December 2016 - GigslutzGigslutz

*Clears throat for Noddy Holder impression* “It’s Christttttmaasssss!” and the Gigslutz Editorial team have been working harder than Santa’s little elves trying to find the best new and not-so-new music to add to their December playlist. Feast your ears on the below, which includes festive corkers from Boney M and Julian Casablancas, and new music from Superglu and Hate Vessel.

Julian Casablancas – ‘I Wish It Was Christmas Today’
I don’t even need to say anything on this. Julian Casablancas, Christmas… What more do you want? (Melissa Svensen)

Johnny Marr – ‘How Soon Is Now?’ (Live)
I’ve just finished his autobiography and what struck me most other than how painfully talented and enviably self-assured he is, is that he just seems a really nice guy and an absolute dude. It also contains my new favourite piece of rock trivia: Johnny Marr has a dog called Riff. (Rob Conlon)

Loose Tapestries – ‘Can’t Wait For Christmas’
Honestly, if it was acceptable to have this on all year I would have done. Hilarious, catchy… another amazing alternative Christmas song. (MS)

Deap Vally – ‘Smile More’
Taken from my favourite album of the year, Femejism, it seemed wrong not to include this empowering and refreshingly tongue-in-cheek offering from the incredible duo. With lyrics such as “I am not ashamed of my mental state//And I am not ashamed of my body weight…”, it’s become something of a personal mantra over the year. (Mari Lane)

Blink 182 – ‘I Won’t Be Home For Christmas’
If you’re a pop-punk loving, Ebeneezer Scrooge – this one’s for you. (Kate Crudgington)

Los Campesinos! – ‘Kindle A Flame In Her Heart’
Sorry for all the Christmas, but it’s December so I think I’m allowed. I have an extensive playlist of ‘alternative’ Christmas songs, but this is so, so lovely. (MS)

Boney M – ‘Mary’s Boy Child/Oh My Lord’
It’s tricky to pick a favourite Christmas song, but I’ve always liked Boney M’s funky, traditional tune. Get your mulled wine out and pull your crackers to this one. (KC)

Jape – ‘Floating’
It’s almost ten years old, but I’ve only just heard this song after it came up on my discovery playlist recently. It’s irresistibly catchy and the first verse made me grin like a naughty schoolboy. I’m sure many of you will be able to relate. (RC)

David Bowie – ‘Let’s Dance’
I don’t think anyone will get over the death of David Bowie, but I hope this gets played at New Years Eve parties across the country, and that everyone takes advantage of the opportunity to raise a glass to his brilliance again. (KC)

LOW – ‘Some Hearts At Christmas Time’
OK, I’ll try and get in the festive spirit too… And it’s hard not to with this utterly enchanting offering from LOW. Not the first time they’ve wowed listeners at this time of year (their 1999 EP Christmas being one of the best of its kind), this track is an emotion-strewn slice of festive beauty. (ML)

Superglu – ‘Dreams’
Having premiered this track here at Gigslutz, the band have now shared a wonderfully wacky accompanying video. The track is a vivacious, joy-filled creation, oozing Superglu’s trademark buoyant energy and luscious soaring harmonies. (ML)

The Coral – ‘Holy Revelation’ (Andy Votel’s ‘Holy Mountain Picnic Massacre Blues’ De-Mix)
I’m still trying to get my head straight after being blown away by The Coral’s performance of ‘Holy Revelation’ at their gig in Leeds. I’ve never heard them sound so heavy, and the cosmic guitar solo during the wig out was so unhinged I was genuinely worried Paul Molloy was going to fire himself into space. The album version isn’t quite as ferocious, but if you listen to this remix off their new EP really loud, you might get somewhere close. (RC)

The Empty Page – ‘Wardrobe Malfunction’
Set to headline our night at The Finsbury on 13th January, this is the latest track from the raucous Manchester trio. It’s another wonderfully scuzzy, grunge-filled creation from the band – so be sure to come and see them, along with Tokyo Taboo, Young Romance and Petty Phase on the 13th! (ML)

Richard Hawley – ‘Coles Corner’
Not technically a Christmas song, but this and the whole Coles Corner album always seems essential at this time of year. Flowing with Hawley’s smooth, unmistakable croon, it oozes a heartfelt romanticism and twinkling beauty; the perfect accompaniment to a winter’s evening with a loved one. (ML)

Hate Vessel – ‘Prosthetic Minds’
We need to counteract all this festive love with a good dose of industrial/electronic hate. *Enter Hate Vessel* – Inspired by NIN and Gary Numan, ‘Prosthetic Minds’ is the first official release from this unusual and aggressive industrial outfit. (KC)

War – ‘Low Rider’
I’ve only just discovered this is what that sample is from (all will become clear!) (RC)

The Boxer Rebellion – ‘Big Ideas’
After seeing The Boxer Rebellion live again for the fourth time, I’ve gone a bit soft in the head. 2016 has been tricky, but take a leaf out of The Boxer Rebellion’s book and make 2017 the year your ‘Big Ideas’ become a reality *sentimental shoulder pat*. (KC)