10 alternative Christmas songs for anyone sick of Slade, Wizzard, Mariah Carey and co

Weird and wonderful bands and musicians, even comedians, have had a crack at the tried and tested Christmas single.

None other than Bolton's Peter Kay, in his alter-ego as Geraldine McQueen, wrote a quirky festive track in 2008 with the help of Gary Barlow.

Once Upon A Christmas Song mocks the constant repetition of a handful of Christmas tracks, which need not be named here, as I am sure they are currently bugging you as much as they are bugging me.

So, taking inspiration from Peter, I decided to come up with 10 alternative festive songs which you can listen to without wanting to bin the Christmas tree and throw out the turkey and sprouts. Click on the names to have a listen. 

1) White Christmas - Iggy Pop

Punk legend James Osterberg, better known as Iggy Pop, offers a stripped back version of the Bing Crosby track. His trademark gravelly, husky voice is captivating in this off the wall festive offering.

2) (I Hope That You Get) Nothing for Christmas - Evil Blizzard

Who said Christmas was all about being kind and giving to your fellow man? Preston based noiseniks Evil Blizzard captivate the spirit of 'Bah Humbug' with this wonderfully miserable festive track.

3) Hark The Herald Angels Sing - The Fall

Lead singer Mark E Smith is not known for being overly festive to journalists or critics, but the Prestwich based band have released a number of Christmas tracks over the years. This cut is taken from a radio session hosted by the late John Peel in 1994, and is surreally brilliant.

4) Christmas Was Better in the 80s - The Futureheads

Sunderland based punk pop band The Futureheads reminisce over what Christmas was like as a child in this joyously upbeat fast paced number. If you want to remember that feeling of waking up at the crack of dawn and creeping down the stairs to see if Father Christmas has been, look no further.

5) Christmas Time (Don't Let The Bells End) - The Darkness

Wonderfully overblown, ridiculous glam rock with a festive theme from the leather clad four piece. This festive classic was beaten to the number one spot in 2003, and joined a number of acts including Cliff Richard and The Pogues who reached number two with well known Christmas tracks. More from Shane McGowan's mob later...

6) Merry Christmas (I Don't Want To Fight Tonight) - The Ramones

We all know the feeling. You have had one too many sherries and are full to the brim with turkey and Christmas pudding, with tensions starting to simmer while the chocolates are passed round while watching yet another repeat on TV. Well here are punk pioneers The Ramones encapsulating that very feeling with this often overlooked track.

7) Please Come Back Home - Glasvegas

Ever spent the festive period away or pining for your loved ones? Well I would recommend you don't listen to this emotional tearjerker from Glaswegian rockers Glasvegas.

8) Winter Wonderland - Cocteau Twins

This ethereal masterpiece comes from another Scottish band, the mercurial shoegaze group the Cocteau Twins. Their incomparable lead singer Elizabeth Frazer provides a dreamy, otherworldly tinge to this Christmas standard.

9) Christmas at the Airport - Nick Lowe

Nick Lowe's Christmas at the Airport is the anti Driving Home for Christmas. Change all the upbeat sentiment in Chris Rea's hit and replace it with frustrations over delays, security and baggage recall, and there you have it. And a brilliantly esoteric video to accompany the song.

10) Fairytale of New York - The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl

I detest most of the Christmas songs on repeat on the radio and in the shops, but I make an exception for this one. The ultimate festive song, Shane McGowan and Kirsty MacColl's classic is officially the most played Christmas song of the 21st century. Somehow, it never gets old.

Do you agree with our list? Which alternative Christmas songs have we missed out?