The Amazons Pick Out Their Festive Favourites

From the Beach Boys to The Darkness...

Christmas is only a short distance away, and – if we're lucky – we can hear Santa's sleigh jangling its way down from the North Pole.

But that's not all we can hear. A little bit closer to home The Amazons are making a raucous noise, with the Reading bunch threatening to mangle 2017 with their indie rock sound.

Hotly tipped, the band will play Live At Leeds next year, an always reliable barometer of good taste and emerging talent.

With ticket sales already open and with festivities ringing in the air Clash decided to get The Amazons to name their favourite Christmas cuts…

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The Pretenders – '2000 Miles'

A collective favourite of ours. The guitar motif running through the tune has this amazing feeling of nostalgia that seems fitting with the reflective nature of Christmas. I read the song was written by Chrissie Hynde about James Honeyman-Scott, the guitarist of The Pretenders who died from drugs related heart failure the year before. Beautiful track.

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John Lennon – 'Happy Xmas (War Is Over)'

At risk of sounding a little earnest or preachy, this is surely what Christmas is all about? I think John had the edge and talent needed to give sentiments like Peace and Love some real weight.

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Bruce Springsteen – 'Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town'

Recorded at a show in Long Island in 1975 but released a decade later, its fitting our favourite rendition of this classic was recorded live by one of the greatest ever rock 'n' roll performers.

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The Darkness – 'Christmas Time (Don't Let The Bell's End)'

Deliciously tongue-in-cheek. One of the best recent Christmas songs for sure.

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East 17 – 'Stay Another Day'

Nothing that really makes this a 'Christmas' song except the snowy video and bells at the end but what the hell. Great pop track.

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She & Him – 'Christmas Day'

Part of a very chilled Christmas album from Zoey Deschanel and M. Ward.

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Greg Lake – 'I Believe In Father Christmas'

Huuuge sprawling strings and production on this 70s banger. They don't make them like this any more.

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Aled Jones – 'Walking In The Air'

I guess the older you get, the harder it is to find the 'Christmas Feeling', but listening to this takes us right back into it.

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Band Aid – 'Do They Know It's Christmas?'

The definitive version of this song. The intro is so huge with all the 80s reverb and bassy synths. So many legends of this track.

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The Beach Boys – 'I'll Be Home For Christmas'

The masters of the harmonies. The group has cut a lot more Christmas songs than I first realised, this is one of our favourites.

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Live At Leeds takes place on April 29th.

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