The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the spirit than with some festive tunes? For 12 years, the Danish indie rock duo The Raveonettes have been treating fans to a unique Christmas gift – a cover of a classic holiday song, released annually on Christmas Eve. In this article, we'll delve into the history of this tradition, explore the duo's Christmas song covers, and examine what makes them so special.
The Raveonettes, composed of Sune Rose Wagner and Sharin Foo, have been making music together since 2001. Known for their blend of post-punk and surf rock, the duo has built a loyal following worldwide. In 2009, they decided to start a new tradition – releasing a Christmas song cover every year on December 24th.
The Early Years: 2009-2012
The first Christmas song cover, released in 2009, was "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)," a classic holiday tune written by Phil Spector, Jeff Barry, and Ellie Greenwich. This was followed by "Like a Drummer in a Chain Gang" (2010), "Noël, Noël" (2011), and "The Christmas Song" (2012).
These early covers showcased the duo's ability to put their own spin on classic holiday songs. Wagner's distinctive vocals and Foo's harmonies brought a new level of depth and emotion to the familiar tunes.
Experimentation and Innovation: 2013-2016
As the years went by, The Raveonettes continued to experiment with their Christmas song covers. In 2013, they released "The Starlett," a moody, atmospheric track that featured a more subdued approach. The following year, they tackled "Me and the Devils Blues," a lesser-known holiday song that showcased their ability to craft compelling narratives.
The duo's 2015 cover of "Wandering Eyes" was a haunting, introspective take on a holiday classic. The song featured Wagner's poignant vocals and a minimalist arrangement that added to the overall sense of longing.
The Later Years: 2017-2020
In recent years, The Raveonettes have continued to push the boundaries of their Christmas song covers. The 2017 release, "Christmas Song," was a lush, orchestral arrangement that showcased the duo's ability to craft sweeping, cinematic soundscapes.
The 2018 cover of "Hunt You Down" was a darker, more brooding take on a holiday classic. The song featured Foo's haunting vocals and a driving rhythm section that added to the overall sense of tension.
A Legacy of Holiday Cheer
Over the past 12 years, The Raveonettes have built a legacy of holiday cheer with their Christmas song covers. These annual releases have become a beloved tradition among fans, who eagerly anticipate each new installment.
The duo's commitment to this tradition is a testament to their dedication to their fans and their passion for creating unique, compelling music.
What's Next for The Raveonettes?
As the holiday season approaches, fans are eagerly awaiting The Raveonettes' next Christmas song cover. Will they continue to experiment with new sounds and styles, or will they return to their roots with a more traditional approach? Whatever the case, one thing is certain – The Raveonettes will continue to delight fans with their annual holiday gift.
In the meantime, fans can revisit the duo's past Christmas song covers and enjoy the holiday season with a unique and festive soundtrack.
What inspired The Raveonettes to start releasing Christmas song covers?
+The Raveonettes were inspired to start releasing Christmas song covers as a way to give back to their fans and to create a new holiday tradition.
How do The Raveonettes choose which Christmas songs to cover?
+The Raveonettes choose Christmas songs to cover based on their personal preferences and interests. They often select songs that are lesser-known or that they feel they can put their own unique spin on.
Will The Raveonettes continue to release Christmas song covers in the future?
+Yes, The Raveonettes have stated that they plan to continue releasing Christmas song covers in the future. Fans can look forward to many more years of holiday cheer from the duo.