San Francisco-based blogger David Parrish is amazing. Not only did he send us several versions of “Last Christmas,” but he also took the helm for today’s song commentary. That means a much-needed rest for all of our ears at Last Christmas HQ. Thank you, David Parrish. Thank you…


Atomic Kitten – Last Christmas (Live)

In the pantheon of great UK girl-pop groups, somewhere in the middle lies Atomic Kitten. These long-legged ladies from Liverpool have since moved on to solo careers, but the trio were kind enough to leave us with this live + unplugged rendition of “Last Christmas”. Without the high-gloss sheen and studio pitch-correction, much of this track is delightfully off-key, in particular the “oh my God” line at 1:57, which is just, well, special.


Divinus – Last Christmas

This is basically a bunch of Portuguese guys doing “Last Christmas” in Gregorian-chant style with a cheesy synth & drum track. Oh, and sleigh bells. Pretty obvious, I know.

Available on iTunes.


Fonda – Last Christmas

Fonda are a fun indie-pop combo from LA. Back in 2001, they contributed this jangly banjo- and boy/girl-harmony-laden track to Parasol Records’ “Stuck in the Chimney” compilation. swoon

Get the track on or the whole album on Amazon.

Leigh Nash – Last Christmas

If the lilting voice and juicy-sweet production values sound ever-so-familiar, here’s why: Leigh Nash was the vocalist for Sixpence None the Richer, who made the crossover from Contempo-Christian-pop in the early 00s and were virtually inescapable during the Dawson’s Creek era. Yes, it was a simpler time. Ms. Nash has more recently embarked on a solo career, and on her just-released Christmas EP “Wishing For This” you’ll find a cover of, you guessed it, that song.

Available on iTunes and eMusic.


Mek & the X-mas Peks – Last Christmas

Danish children’s entertainer Mek Pek, also a prolific recording artist, croons & growls his way through this rockabilly cover of “Last Christmas”. He gives each verse a unique and heartfelt interpretation. Friggin great!

His stuff is tough to find in the US, but you can get this track on eMusic.


minuteman – Last Christmas

Starting out in eye-rolling, somebody-else-broke-into-Trent-Reznor’s-studio fashion, this cover by Minuteman ends up exploring all kinds of sonic territory on its way to a glorious climax. “Someone I looooooooove…….”

Available on the “It’s Not Like Christmas” comp from Izumi Records or iTunes. Album proceeds go to the UK charity Shelter.


Punk People – Last Christmas

Hamburg’s Marc Zimmerman (of Prollhead and Punkles fame) just dropped a new Christmas EP under the moniker Punk People, wherein we find a tuneful and strangely satisfying (if a bit generic) take on “Last Christmas”. By my count, this is the third xmas album released in the last 30 days that includes a LC cover.

This download-only release is available from eMusic.


X-Mas Allstars – Last Christmas (Foundation House Mix Extended)

That’s right people. Extended. House. Mix. If this isn’t enough for you, check out the whole album, on which these kids do a whopping nine (9) versions of “Last Christmas”. NINE VERSIONS!

Get it on eMusic.

I think this is the only duet of “Last Christmas” we have…