Christmas (2004) | Very Cool

Very Cool Christmas is the perfect palate cleanser for anyone who loves the holiday spirit but wants a soundtrack with a bit more edge. Twenty years later, it remains one of the few Christmas albums that you can actually listen to from start to finish without reaching for the "skip" button.

"Little Drummer Boy" (A psychedelic take on a classic). Very Cool Christmas (2004)

"Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" (Pure choral joy). Very Cool Christmas is the perfect palate cleanser

"I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday" (A glam-rock essential). "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" (Pure choral joy)

It features a perfect blend of legends and then-emerging indie stars. You get everything from The Raveonettes ’ fuzzy "The Christmas Song" to The Shins ’ iconic cover of "Wonderful Christmastime."

Instead of being overly sentimental, the album leans into surf-rock, lo-fi, and upbeat pop-punk. It feels more like a snowy road trip or a late-night holiday party than a formal dinner. The Standouts: