It’s that time of year again, December, and anywhere you go, you’re bound to hear a Christmas song.

Perhaps a ‘Jingle Bells’, a ‘Do They Know it’s Christmas’, or, if you’re really unlucky, Wham’s infamous ‘Last Christmas’ (good luck to all those competing in Whamaggedon). 

Even on The Sound, we’ve snuck in a few Christmas tunes - much to the dismay of some of our listeners. 

But fear not, if you’re not a fan of ultra festive tunes, Talking Heads founder and main talent (singer, songwriter, and guitarist!) David Byrne has created a perfectly curated playlist of 32 tracks for the not-so-jolly. 

The playlist, titled ‘David Byrne Radio Presents: Christmas Music for People Who Hate Christmas Music’, isn’t a full-blown anti-Christmas list of songs (you’d just listen to regular music if you really hated Christmas tunes that much), but rather it’s a compilation of tunes that lightly jab at the season.

As Bynre described it, “This playlist is not about the solstice, nor does it have some Pagan agenda - it’s rowdy, fun songs that gently poke at and refer to the holidays. Enjoy!”

There’s something for everyone, with all sorts of genres and musical decades sprinkled in. It’s definitely unusual, but it makes for an interesting listen, and perhaps even a welcome change from the Christmas music you’d typically hear.

We get a taste of Byrne's unique range and selection within the first three songs, jumping from an upbeat Spanish track to a bit of 90s hip-hop with Run-DMC and then to a bluesy country number from Willie Nelson. 

Among the remaining 29 songs, he sneaks in a Prince hit with ‘Another Lonely Christmas’, a '60s classic ‘Back Door Santa’ by Clarence Carter (famously sampled by Bon Jovi), and closes it out with his very own ‘Fat Man’s Comin’.’

Be warned, there are a few modern songs in there too, so don’t get too shocked when you hear the likes of Phoebe Bridgers and FINNEAS (if you even know who they are). 

Have a listen below if you’re feeling brave, and don’t forget you can catch David Byrne live in New Zealand next month. Details here.

Also available on Spotify.

Full Track List