Virtual Crate Digging: Nordic Holiday

Folks are always asking about what’s new and upcoming but, as shown by the vital and venerable culture of crate digging, looking backwards can also yield unexpected results and reveal hidden gems. And boy oh boy do we have some hidden gems. Let’s dig through our virtual bins of vinyl and see what we find.

Humanizing Holiday Classics

For many, holiday gatherings can feel like the madness of “The Fishes” episode from the second season of The Bear or the overpacked commotion in the McCallister house at the beginning of Home Alone. The disarray of family gatherings combined with lofty expectations, high pressure traditions, and the dreaded holiday travel is enough to raise anyone’s blood pressure.

But each year an article about “hygge” will inevitably make its rounds across social media feeds and morning talk shows, reminding us about the Nordic attitude of embracing the coziness, quiet, and comfort of winter. Whether you take that to heart this holiday season or struggle to find a hot second to breathe, there’s something to be said for a little peace amidst the holiday chaos.

There’s no better embodiment of hygge in our catalog than Nordic Holiday (MOPM-077). The delicate piano performances bring warmth to the coldest time of the year, instilling a human touch with every melody. Hardly immune from the ice and snow, these haunting arrangements of traditional Christmas carols encourage quiet moments of reflection while touching heartwarming, nostalgic memories.

hyg·ge (hyoo-guh), noun
a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being

Led by a mellow piano and accented by swelling synths and strings, tracks like “North Sea Silent Night'' breathe new life into a classic. It’s a simple melody, but the chordal accompaniment adds dissonance to the peaceful scene. These slight augmentations help otherwise lofty and for some Sacred tunes like this feel a bit more human.

“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” has never been a particularly merry tune, but when punctuated by tension-fueled strings and synth pulses, our version basically summons the Ghost of Christmas Past. The ominous atmosphere created on this track and “O Come Emmanuel” balances the harsh winter realities with the glow of candlelight.

We hear this album finding a home in caring or charitable holiday ad campaigns, the tender moments of Hallmark Christmas movies or beloved Christmas episodes of your favorite sitcom, and nature documentaries that show the northern lights or huddled penguins. While there will never be a shortage of Christmas music, finding a more human approach reflects another side of the holidays that may still bring comfort and joy to whoever needs it.

Just don’t pass the fork, or leave any children behind before flying to France.