The Deadweight Loss of Christmas, That Band From Holland (self-issued)

Once again our Dutch friends have posted an EP for the holidays, their third. The 2011 collection finds the band getting some help from The Left-Handed Orchestra, who are credited with three of the eight songs on here -- "Snowman," a kind of sinister creature in their telling; "Sunshine For Xmas," a rather downbeat synth-popper for the sunny title; and "Thomas Ulrich Reginal Key," the latter a parable of sustainability more than a holiday song. That Band contributes the instrumental "Snowflake," the winter warning to our avian friends "Don't Forget the Birds," the ode to companionship "Long Time No See," the harmonica-led year-end summary "Waste of Time," and "Where Can I Buy a White Christmas," an indictment of materialistic desires during the holidays. They've got an indie-pop sound, sometimes sparse and this year sometimes augmented with horns, and this will remind you of such folks as The Very Most or Low. When you go to the Bandcamp page to grab this, you'll also have the opportunity to download the previous two collections as well. (The "name your price" feature can be 0.00 euros, or you can cut the guys a little slack.)