Dark Sacred Night, David Bazan (Suicide Squeeze)

Bazan is formerly of Pedro the Lion and is classed with the "emo-folk" movement by Stereogum. He's actually been releasing these tunes piecework as singles since about 2003, but this year he gathered together most of them for this 2016 album. It's just him and a piano or guitar, giving you a less holly jolly view of the holiday through his plaintive interpretations of classics like "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)," "Away in a Manger," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "Jingle Bells," "Silent Night" and "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day." Info is sketchy, but I'm guessing "Wish My Kids Were Here," "Long Way Around the Sea" and "All I Want For Christmas" are originals. Check it out for a change of pace. UPDATE: Four additional songs are included on Christmas Bonus, a limited edition one-sided 12-inch vinyl EP that includes "The First Noel," "Say It Isn't Greensleeves (A Change At Christmas)," "Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel," and "Heard the Bells On Christmas Day." FURTHER UPDATE: "Long Way Around the Sea" is a cover of Low. D'oh. Thanks, Stubby.