2012′s Best Christmas Tracks

- Wayne Coyne gets into the festive spirit.

It’s that time of year again: the time when we can eat mince pies without a shred of remorse, the time for garish reindeer knits and a time for peace on Earth and goodwill to all mankind. Or, well, y’know, getting wrecked with your Nana and a bottle of Tesco Finest Sherry. But more than that, more than all the tacky flashing lights and neon Santas, it’s a time we can properly enjoy classic Christmas crackers like ‘Mistletoe & Wine’, ‘Santa Baby’ and that one song by Slade without (or with, whatever) getting awkward looks. Yes, this festive period is as much about the music as much as it is about turkey and sprouts.

We’ve heard a spectacular cornucopia of sonic treats this year, with 2012 shaping up as one of the best years for music in recent memory. This Christmas won’t break the streak, and as Sufjan Stevens prepares his annual package of Christmas delights, here are our highlights to make sure that these Christmas nights are not so silent.

Dan Croll – Just Like Christmas

Sufjan Stevens – Christmas Unicorn

Team Me – Sixteen Steps

The Civil Wars – I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day

The Killers– I Feel It In My Bones

fun. – Sleigh Ride

Glasvegas – No Her, No Hymn

Grimes – Christmas Song

The Shins – Wonderful Christmastime

SEXBEAT Christmas records sampler

Calexico – Green Grows The Holly

Hey Rosetta! – Carry Me Home

And just for good measure, here’s another one from Sufjan.