Top 10 Alternative Christmas Songs

It’s that time of the year again and although I’ve been listening to christmas songs way before the first of December ( yup I’m one of those! ) I thought it was only appropriate to whip this post out as we’re really entering these festive next few weeks. 

I have to admit I’m not one for the mainstream christmas songs, although they do get you in the mood. When it comes to listening on a daily basis I do like something a little more unusual. For anyone on the hunt for some new tunes I’ve made a list of my top ten (with links to Spotify) that I belt out every 

christmas.

Party Hard - Zach Gill 

The Christmas Waltz - She & Him

Santa’s Lost His Mojo - Jeremy Lister  

Another Christmas - Amanda Jenssen 

Someday At Christmas - Jack Johnson 

Santa Claus Is Back In Town - Elvis Presley 

Christmas Blues - G. Love 

Winter Wonderland - Jason Mraz 

No Christmas For Me - Zee Avi 

Jingle Bell Rock - Rogue Wave 

Happy Listening!

Georgina

Creating & Expressing

I’ve always been fascinated by creating little movies and clips; playing around with funky music and creating something snappy. It’s a process I find really satisfying, taking a moment and trying to recreate it. When I was younger I’d crack out Windows Movie Maker on the family computer and spend hours making these silly movies, the ones where you take lots of photos to make it look as if objects are moving of their own accord - there’s probably some technical word for that!

So a couple of months back the idea of making YouTube videos to fuel this fascination resurfaced, with it quickly becoming something I actually had the time and effort for.

Since this blog is all about the expressing, creating and all that jazz I thought it was only fair to do a little post on this new channel of mine. Feel free to watch it, or not. 

Georgina

Playlists For Powering Through

  For those dreaded and much needed moments of drive and concentration ( I should mention they’re also very rare! ) I just need a bit of noise in the background to block out those suddenly super loud chirpy birds that chose to sit right by my window (maybe that’s just me?!). My favourite non-fuss way to do this is to boot up Spotify, plug in and tap on a playlist, easy peasy.  

  I’m super envious of those lucky people that can concentrate listening to any, lyric packed tunes. Instead I have to pick and choose, going for the instrumental playlists which makes things a little trickier. To help save time sifting through heaps of playlists, I thought I’d give you a little heads up as to what kinda things I love streaming, so you can spend more time actually working and less time mentally preparing for it!

Instrumental Rock 

A collection of amazing guitar solos and groovy tunes that have me jamming away whenever I need something upbeat and engaging. It’s definitely a little on the more unusual side but give it a go! You might end up loving it as much as me. 

Lost In The Woods

This has to be one of the coolest titles for a playlist I've come across, plus if you have a listen you can see why it's been named that. Full of swirling, deep songs that draw you in.. most of the tunes do have lyrics in yes, but I think the sleepy way in which they’re sung means they aren’t too distracting. 

Nature Noise 

Sometimes I actually want to hear the sound of birds twittering away in the background, or feel like I’m near the beach. For when I’m in the need of this I head on over and press play for some calming and non-distracting sounds.

These are just a few of my faves and due to my pretty frequent trawls (- is that even a word?!) through Spotify they change quite frequently too, head on over to Spotify and hit follow here to see what other playlists I have saved. 

Georgina

Chilled Music For Quiet Moments

 Music is so powerful, it can take you back to a moment in time or drastically change your current mood. When I'm in need of some peace and quiet I love plugging in and hitting shuffle on an album or two. When I say calming music, chimes and Ben Howard spring to mind - I mean who doesn't love Ben Howard and a good Himalayan chime from time to time?! I thought I'd dig a little deeper here though and search for more, some would say, alternative music that you might not normally think of, yet really work for me. 

Heza // Generationals 

This album is packed with steady beats and dreamy voices. I love the slight references to 60s and 70s music, the song Awake is one of my favourites. It's easy to get lost in the low base notes and repetitive melodies. 

Long Way Down // Tom Odell 

An honest, raw and quiet album very different to the album Heza. Each song tells its own story, it's one of those 'alone time' albums where you feel you feel you have to sit down and give all your attention to his voice and the lyrics. My favourite is Supposed To Be for it's lyrics and slow beat in the background. 

For Emma, Forever Ago and Bon Iver // Bon Iver 

I couldn't pick one album for this artist, pretty much all of his albums are so chilled I thought one wasn't enough. Listening to his music makes me want to curl up with a book and mug of tea, it's perfect for a lazy Sunday.

Happy listening.. 

-Georgina- 

Bands I Would Love To See Live

 I haven't written much on Wanderings Of A Lost Soul yet about my fashion or music tastes so I thought now was a good time to do so. Something that's so unique to everyone is their love of music, it's so rare to find someone who totally loves the same bands as you, its such a gem when you find it. I've been to a few concerts in my time and would love to keep adding to that short but sweet list. 
 I've tried to keep the artists below to current ones, I adore The Kinks, The Who, Elvis, Led Zeppelin.. the list could go on, but too my deep despair, drooling over Elvis Presley in concert isn't going to happen. Lets get real here people. 

 The Vaccines. I love the sound of this band, the lead singer's voice is so grungy and very 'rock like' which pairs perfectly with the carefree/'young and free' vibe they've got going on. Both their albums; What Did You Expect From The Vaccines and Come Of Age are consistently addictive. Their second album (Come of Age) definitely has a slightly different sound, in my opinion it's cleaner and perhaps sounds more mature, both albums however are wicked. 
 The Family Rain. I first heard this band as a support act for another artist, when they started playing I was instantly hooked. They're a similar set up to The Vaccines (I think we can see a trend developing here) and are I think they're a newer band with only one album out - Under The Volcano. My favourite songs are probably Trust Me... I'm A Genius, Don't Waste Your Time, Together and We Are In Love - the riff at the start of this song.. so feel good. 
 The Dead Weather. Another rock band, surprise surprise! (I promise I do listen to other kinds of music. haha) There are some albums here that I like more than others, they produce some pretty intense rock and I prefer some 'softer' rock if that's even a thing. Their music is so brooding you can really get pulled into the song, my favourite songs are probably I Can't Hear You, Blue Blood Blues, A Child Of A Few Hours Is Burning To Death (I Know. Cheery name) and Hustle and Cuss. 

 I could name so many more artists that I would love to see in concert but I thought I should keep my ramblings to a minimum. I hope I've helped you discover an artist or branch of music you've perhaps not enjoyed before, that can be the best feeling. I'm now going to go search for some tour dates - it's worth a try.  

--Georgina--

Love For My Record Player

  I got this cute record player for my birthday about 6 months ago (hint hint for any of those last minute Christmas pressies!) along with a bunch of Elvis records (yes, I adore Elvis). It now sits pride of place on my chest of draws, where I use it occasionally when I'm feeling a tad oldieworldy. 

 I love that crackly sound it gives off but one thing I do need more of is the actual records haha. The dream is to have stacks and stacks of them. Trouble is finding any record shops that sell them. I'm tempted by the shiny new ones they sell in HMV but a part of me loves those smaller shops with piles of the second hand ones *sighs*. 

 Anyway, the dream lives on and for the meantime I can make do with my 60s classics! 

   --Georgina--