This post is dedicated to other people like me who geek out over Christmas music every year. That being said, I’m actually really picky about holiday music, and not everything makes the cut for my playlist. However, I’m always looking for music to add each holiday season.

These are my top nine picks for my 2011 Holiday Playlist ~ they’re by incredibly talented independent artists whose music can be purchased from sites like CD Baby or the artists’ own sites.

On some of the albums, you’ll be able to preview the tunes thanks to NoiseTrade. If you find something you like, please be sure to tip the artist! Happy Holidays!

9. Who Needs Mistletoe by Julie Roberts
Seven awesome tracks featuring Roberts’ sultry blend of country, soul and jazz.
Recommended if you like: Faith Hill, Nora Jones, Trisha Yearwood, Patsy Cline

8. A Merry Mixtape by Maura Jensen, Hiram Ring, Brooke Annibale, Kurt Scobie, Joy Ike and JD Eicher & The Goodnights
Six tracks by six different indie artists ~ all tips are donated to Operation Christmas Child. To help out a child in need this holiday season, tip away!!
Recommended if you like: John Mayer, Adele, Gavin Degraw, Norah Jones, The Script

7. A Neighborly Christmas by Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors
Nashville’s version of Christmas ~ for folks who like their holiday music with a bit of twang and heartfelt emotion.
Recommended if you like: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Ryan Adams, Bruce Springsteen, Patty Griffin

6. Christmas by Anna Gilbert
Gilbert is a Portland-based singer/songwriter who does a brilliant job covering classic holiday tracks while infusing her own style.
Recommended if you like: Norah Jones, Ingrid Michaelson, Katie Herzig

5. Christmas by Attwater
Attwater draws on Northern California’s rich musical heritage (i.e. Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard and the Doobie Brothers); country meets Christmas with a healthy dose of fiddle.
Recommended if you like: Sarah Bareilles, The Band Perry, Taylor Swift, Ingrid Michaelson

4. Snow Angel by Michele de Wilton
A neo-classical take on holiday music with fabulous and moving piano solos.
Recommended if you like: Hans Zimmer, Michael Nyman, Ennio Marricone

3. Christmas the Way I Hear It by Heather McCready
Whimsical, folksy interpretations of classic Christmas songs that surprise and delight with a unique blend of classical, Celtic and bluegrass styles.
Recommended if you like: Loreena McKennitt, Alison Krauss

2. In the Light by Joe Beier
A mostly instrumental album heavily featuring electric and acoustic guitar, as well as banjo and mandolin.
Recommended if you like: Eric Johnson, John Mayer, Jeff Beck

And now, for my favorite album from this year’s playlist! Drumroll, please…

1. The Harlem Nutcracker by David Berger & The Sultans of Swing
Simply said, this is a truly swingin’ interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece. This big band holiday album is a must have!
Recommended if you like: Duke Ellington & Count Basie, Thad Jones

What holiday tunes are at the top of your playlist this year?

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and if you purchase one of the rad albums I recommend here by clicking on my links, I’ll receive a small commission. It’s not enough to retire on, but it might buy me a pack of gum! Full disclosure »

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I‘ve been grooving to some truly awesome music lately, so I’ve made it my goal to share as much as I can with you lovelies this summer. After all, one of my favorite things to do is talk about music!

To start, I thought I’d introduce you to Lost in the Trees’ 2008 debut album that was re-released last year, All Alone In An Empty House. I discovered this fabulous Chapel Hill-based group thanks to a great site called mySpoonful (more on that in a bit).

Lost in the Trees is a seven-member group fronted by Ari Picker, a multi-instrumentalist with a degree in film score. Despite extremely intimate and melancholy lyrics (inspiration drawn from Picker’s difficult childhood), All Alone In An Empty House features sweeping symphonic backing with hauntingly beautiful vocals, a sprinkling of accordion and indie folk guitar.

Although I love each and every track (a rare feat for an album), I’m repeatedly drawn to the moving instrumentation in Walk Around the Lake. It’s easily my favorite track, and I’ve no doubt you’ll love it, too.

Despite the fact that Lost in the Trees has been around for a while, I’m glad to have discovered them! I really appreciate their unique blend of indie folk with classical orchestration.

That brings me back to mySpoonful ~ a wonderful source to discover new and established indie musicians. If you sign up with your email address, you can receive a link to a new artist and a free MP3 song download several times each week. I’ve been signed up for a while and have found some great artists. With mySpoonful, “you’re always up-to-date on the latest independent music – free, legal and curated by really cool people that know their stuff.”

You can go grab the MP3 of Walk Around the Lake for free at mySpoonful!

Go listen & purchase on Amazon ~ All Alone In An Empty House

Disclaimer: This post contains an affiliate link and if you purchase the rad album I recommend here by clicking on my link, I’ll receive a small commission. It’s not enough to retire on, but it might buy me a pack of gum! Full disclosure »

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I don’t know about you, but I think when it comes to love songs and the perfect Valentine’s Day playlist, Barry White is overdone. However, there are classic love songs (and some newer hits) that, when given an indie spin, are just right for celebrating with your honey. I’ve picked four female recording artists who have covered some of my favorites ~ enjoy!

Love Songs for Your Valentine’s Day Playlist ~

First up is Mary Ann Redmond’s 2002 album, Prisoner of the Heart. I only just recently discovered her but immediately fell in love with her impressive vocal range and depth of emotion.

I chose her cover of Paul McCartney’s “Maybe I’m Amazed” because of her incredibly soulful, bluesy rendition. I’ve always loved this song for its rich gospel sound, and Mary Ann Redmond really lets loose on the track with raw emotion and fabulous instrumental backing.

The entire album is fantastic, and another great track for Valentine’s Day is her version of “You Send Me” (originally by Sam Cooke).

Go listen on CD Baby ~ Prisoner of the Heart by Mary Ann Redmond

Next is the just-released EP by Signe Tollefsen, Baggage. This US-Dutch folk singer/songwriter has a fantastic voice ~ she reminds me a bit of Janis Joplin ~ and her acoustic guitar playing is top-notch, too.

Her cover of “You Are My Sunshine” (first recorded in 1939 by country artist Jimmie Davis) is an incredible transformation of the highly recognizable tune. She slows down the tempo, creates rich harmonies and imparts a soulful (if somewhat melancholy) vibe that makes it a pretty remarkable cover. The EP has five other excellent tracks (“Dirty Diana” is a favorite of mine).

Go listen on Amazon ~ Baggage by Signe Tollefsen

Ingrid Michaelson’s “The Way I Am” gets an indie pop treatment on Becky Dolan’s EP, Introductions. The song is upbeat and just a tad lighter than the original.

Dolan has a sweet voice, and the tracks on this EP are simple and stripped down to the essential acoustic melodies. The other songs include “Like You Do,” “Save Me From Myself,” “My Same,” and “Maybe I’m Amazed” (quite different from Redmond’s version but also quite good and worth a listen ~ the guitar treatment is awesome).

Go listen on CD Baby ~ Introductions by Becky Dolan

Last is an all-female a cappella group out of Indiana University called Ladies First. They cover a huge range of styles, and their version of Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours” on Where my Pitches at? (2009) is a lot of fun.

I’ve always been partial to a cappella (one of my favorite genres), so this album is a great choice if you’re a fan. “I’m Yours” is charming and incredibly sweet. Their covers of “Listen” (from Dreamgirls), “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” and “Alone” are also great!

Go listen on CD Baby ~ Where my Pitches at? by Ladies First

What’s your favorite love song?

Share your ideal Valentine’s Day playlist in the comments below!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and if you purchase one of the rad albums I recommend here by clicking on my links, I’ll receive a small commission. It’s not enough to retire on, but it might buy me a pack of gum! Full disclosure »

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Sick of that upbeat, frenetic holiday music that seems to follow you wherever you go this time of year? Me too.

That’s why I was so glad to hear Oh, Starling’s Christmas EP for this year, NOEL. This Denver-based husband-and-wife indie duo takes five classic Christmas songs and imbues them with a mellow, almost wistful vibe. Just what I need at this time of year to unwind!

Dan Craig and Jessica Sonner strip down each track so the melodies shine through, giving these Christmas classics an honest and refreshing makeover.

If you enjoy acoustic albums, soulful and passionate vocals, and tasteful arrangements (when less is definitely more), you’ll want to add NOEL to your indie holiday playlist.

Track listing ~
1. Come (O Come All Ye Faithful)
2. Noel (The First Noel)
3. Bethlehem (O Little Town of Bethlehem)
4. Emmanuel (O Come, O Come, Emmanuel)
5. *Hark (Hark! The Herald Angels Sing)

A portion of the proceeds from NOEL will benefit Scum of the Earth Church in Denver to help with building repairs ~ the perfect act of Christmas cheer!

*Get your free download of Hark by Oh, Starling by clicking here »

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In Part I of my Holiday Indie Playlist, I introduced you to holiday albums ranging from Flamenco guitar to a cappella R&B. Part 2 features some extraordinary brass, a spectacular string ensemble with a violin soloist, a smooth jazz saxophonist and a jazz vocalist!

Holiday Indie Playlist: Part 2 ~

Angèle Dubeau & La Pieta is one of my favorite string ensembles. Dubeau, an incredibly talented violinist, founded the chamber group La Pieta in 1997 ~ an all-female ensemble of Canadian musicians. With all the power of a full orchestra, La Pieta brings passion and energy to everything they play. Naturally, I was thrilled when I heard Noël was being released just in time for Christmas.

The album is 20 tracks and includes three concertos, as well as several arrangements of traditional and lesser-known carols. The music is positively gorgeous and relaxing ~ perfect for the holiday season and beyond!

Check ‘em out if you like: Classical chamber music

{listen now at Amazon.com}

Dayve Stewart approaches holiday classics with smooth, lush saxophone melodies backed by a fabulous jazz vibe in This Christmas. Stewart is currently on tour with Reverend Al Green, and he says his style is a result of his Cuban and Jamaican background.

I normally shy away from the likes of Kenny G when it comes to holiday fare (I always think of elevator “muzak”), but I think Stewart’s style is perfectly suited to the genre. The album begins with This Christmas and concludes with Auld Lang Syne, and Stewart’s top-notch musicianship and soulful saxophone skills really shine through on each song.

Check ‘em out if you like: Dave Koz

I’m also a longtime fan of The Denver Brass, which is why I particularly enjoy their 2001 holiday album, O Holy Night. The Denver Brass is more or less a pops group, featuring 11 brass and 3 percussion players as well as vocal soloists, full choir and even organ. Because of the orchestration, listening to The Denver Brass is really unique ~ not quite a band, not quite an orchestra.

The album starts out strong with a really cool fugue rendition of Deck the Halls and progresses through classics like O Holy Night, Joy to the World and others with class and panache. Sleigh Ride, in particular, is a favorite of mine.

Check ‘em out if you like: Canadian Brass and Boston Pops Orchestra

Homemade Christmas by Jaclyn Brown is a jazz album titled as such because it was recorded, mixed and mastered in Brown’s father’s (musician Jeff Lisenby) basement! You wouldn’t know it to listen to it, though. Brown’s jazz vocals are a refreshing choice for holiday tunes. She does a fantastic cover of one of my favorite holiday songs of all time: Joni Mitchell’s River.

Brown even created the album’s packaging herself from recycled paper and stamps ~ definitely a “Homemade Christmas!”

Check ‘em out if you like: Diana Krall and Norah Jones

What’s your favorite holiday album?

Share your favorite new artists and albums in the comments below!

Obligatory disclaimer for the FTC muckety-mucks: This post contains affiliate links and if you purchase one of the rad albums I recommend here by clicking on my links, I’ll receive a small commission. It’s not enough to retire on, but it might buy me a pack of gum! Full disclosure »

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Kick off the holiday season with some of my favorite Christmas albums (new and old) from lesser known artists! There’s a little something for every taste – big band brass, a cappella R&B, Flamenco guitar and jazz vocals!

Holiday Indie Playlist: Part I ~

Music & Mistletoe has 18 tracks of richly arranged, jazzy Christmas standards. The brass and rhythm ensemble provides a non-traditional but fantastic sound for a wide variety of styles, including big band swing, bossa nova, Latin, funk and classical.

Wayne Bergeron is a Grammy nominated L.A. musician who plays trumpet and flugelhorn. Grammy nominee Tierney Sutton provides vocals on several tracks. I love their take on God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing in particular – they’re very upbeat and catchy.

Check ‘em out if you like: Chris Botti, Tierney Sutton and big band/swing brass artists

Ball In The House really shakes things up with Believe, an urban-style, 100% vocal album for the holidays.

The album starts out with Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel, which is revisited three more times – each a slightly different iteration of the last. Jon Ryan provides amazing vocal percussion and beatbox, Ryan Chappelle provides smooth, rich bass vocals, and Dan Szymczak, Dave Guisti and Aaron Loveland provide the upper voices.

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen is an excellent track (my favorite, in fact) that showcases the group’s talents and distinctive R&B and gospel flair.

Check ‘em out if you like: Boyz II Men

A Christmas Guitar Album is a great choice for relaxing background music for holiday entertaining. The Flamenco guitar style lends holiday classics like Ave Maria and Joy to the World a beautiful harmonic richness, as achieved by flurries of notes. Adam Schydlower’s renditions are quite different than your standard acoustic guitar thanks to the bright, percussive nature that’s typical of this traditionally Spanish performance style.

Check ‘em out if you like: Gipsy Kings and Ottmar Liebert

Kate Davis’ A Kate Davis Holiday is a must-have for vocal jazz fans. She masters holiday classics like Christmas Time Is Here and We Three Kings while breathing new life into older tunes like 2000 Miles and What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?. Her accompanying jazz piano, rhythm section and strings are simply fabulous, as well – go listen!

Check ‘em out if you like: Diana Krall and Norah Jones

What’s your favorite holiday album?

Share your favorite new artists and albums in the comments below! We’ll have four more holiday albums for you to check out soon!

Obligatory disclaimer for the FTC muckety-mucks: This post contains affiliate links and if you purchase one of the rad albums I recommend here by clicking on my links, I’ll receive a small commission. It’s not enough to retire on, but it might buy me a pack of gum! Full disclosure »

© IndieSpotting, 2010. | Permalink | Follow IndieSpotting on Twitter | Join us on Facebook | Hang out on Google+