A Very Milwaukee Christmas Playlist

This holiday season, we’re giving you the gift of this great music.

A KEY ELEMENT to any winter get-together is the music. But let’s be honest: A lot of the same old songs you hear at holiday parties are usually just that – the same old songs. To spice it up this year, mix these unique, Milwaukee-made yuletide tracks into your playlist.


 
 
1.

B-Free’s “Christmas Star” and “This Christmas”

For new instrumental versions of this John Williams song from the Home Alone soundtrack and the Donny Hathaway classic, check out these renditions skillfully and soulfully played on piano and flute. 


 

VOTE FOR MILWAUKEE’S BEST BEER!

What’s Brew City’s best? We’ve picked 16 of our favorite Milwaukee craft beers for a March Madness-style tournament, but it’s up to you to pick the winner! Will it be bright and hoppy? Dark and malty? A zippy lager? Every one is worthy of the title; who will claim the sudsy crown?



 
 
2.

Ian & The Dream’s “Gimme Money for Christmas”

Looking for a humorous song that puts a spin on the gift-giving tradition? Play this upbeat, unforgettable jam and see if any of your friends or family get the hint. 


 
 
3.

Wes Tank’s “’Twas the Night Before Christmas”

Made for kids but still fun for adults, this twist on the age-old tale is a rap about the late December adventures of a bird named Kris Kiwi. 


 
 
4.

L’Resorts’ “Trying to Christmas”

This 10-track album from the pop-rockers includes several catchy, sing-along songs about cold weather, winter dreams and good ol’ St. Nick that feature guitar rhythms and marimba melodies. 


 

This story is part of Milwaukee Magazine’s December issue.

Find it on newsstands or buy a copy at milwaukeemag.com/shop

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Based in his hometown of Madison, Steve is a freelance reporter and regular contributor to Milwaukee Magazine, Isthmus and many other publications. During his undergraduate studies at UW-Milwaukee, he wrote for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and The Shepherd Express. Now a graduate student at UW-Madison, he'll build on his 15 years of experience in print by focusing on multimedia reporting and data visualization.