It’s pretty incredible to think that the holiday season is here. It seems like just yesterday we were ringing in 2009, a year, which as we eventually discovered, would be beyond our wildest imaginations. From the scorching musical brilliance of Bonnaroo to the incredible weekend that was Lollapalooza; from our interviews with Tom Jones, Slayer, Passion Pit, Pavement, Ben Kweller, and Ms. Consequence of Sound herself, Regina Spektor, to debates over the metal heads, 311, and Albums of the Decade; from sleepless nights waiting for Coachella’s lineup to drop to caffeine filled mornings, 2009 was an incredible year for us.

And in reality, we couldn’t have done it without a wonderful staff of contributors and a dedicated and passionate readership. It is this that we are most thankful for, beyond any Christmas gift or New Years Celebration. So, thank you… and Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and a very Happy New Years! As for 2010, here’s hoping for something even better…

Now, without further adieu, here is our gift to you:

Holiday FUN:

• “It’s Christmas Time” by A Band Called Quinn
• “White Christmas” by Banjo or Freakout
• “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” by Bruce Springsteen
• “Christmas” (Baby Please Come Home) by Darlene Love
• “Sweet Hallelujah” by Hawksley Workman
• “Wishing You A Happy Christmas” by The Hush Now
• “White Snow” by Jer Coons
• “I Wish It Was Christmas Today” by Julian Casablancas
• “Santa Claus” by Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry
• “Christmas Time Is Here” by Monneypenny
• “O Holy Night” by My Morning Jacket
• “A Blue Christmas” by Orba Squara
• “Ain’t No Chimneys In The Projects” by Sharon Jones
• “Away In A Manager” by The Very Most
• “Candy Cane Children” by The White Stripes
• “xoxmas” by Woodpigeon

NEW Singles:

• “Last Drop” by Awesome New Republic
• “Gold Rush” by Basia Bulat
• “Cecilia/Amanda” by Elliott Smith
• “Sun Hands” by Local Natives
• “Pre-eXXecution” by Marco Polo & Ruste Juxx
• “Bored Beyond Oblivion” by Monster Movie
• “Stumbling 22nd St.” by Moon Duo
• “Rusty Gold” by Or, the Whale
• “Dreams” (Cranberries) by railcars
• “How Come That Blood” by Sam Amidon
• “Beautiful America” by Visqueen
• “Empty-Hall Sing-Along” by Woodpigeon

Covers, Remixes, and all that JAZZ:

• “Always More” (Yuksek Remix) by AutoKratz
• “Pass That Head Noise” (Missy Elliot) by Dan Black
• “Nuke Duke ‘Em” (Mae Shi Remix) by Dinowalrus
• “Pretty Girls” (Wale) by The Five One
• “No Epiphany” (No Age Remix) by Fucked Up
• “Temptation” (New Order) by Jukebox the Ghost
• “Oh Really” (Remix) (feat. Talib Kweli & Geo) by KRS-ONE & Buckshot
• “Inside a Boy” (Son Lux Remix) by My Brightest Diamond
• “Can’t Get You Out Of My Head” (Kylie Minogue) by Patrick & Eugene
• “Everybody Got Young” (FUKKK OFFF Remix) by Poular Damage
• “Change of Heart” (Rakamonie Remix) by Robyn
• “Army of Men” (Disco Trash Remix) by Sharem Jey
• “So The Rich Can Sleep Tonight” by Sole
• “Pull The House Down” (Skellington Remix) by Striken City
• “Clay Stones” (DJ Turbotito Remix) by We Are The World

Something to CHECK OUT:

• “Look What Love Has Turned Us Into” by Barzin
• “I Hear Things” by Constant Drift
• “Iron Man” by Gtronic
• “The Art Teacher and The Little Stallion” by Holopaw
• “Help Me” by The Laughing
• “Brother Brother” by Oranger
• “Night Guard” by Post Honeymoon
• “Part 4″ by Stray Ghost

Hat tip to Stereogum, Music Under Fire, and Pop Tarts Suck Toasted for help with our Xmas treat..

TAGGED AS: Friday Mixtape