Cool Yule playlist ideas (#1) – Joan Jett’s Blackheart Christmas
December 3, 12:11 PM Digital Music Examiner Marianne Meyer

Much as the DAME loves those seasonal standards – be it artists like Sinatra and Elvis, or classic tracks like “Joy to the World” and “Jingle Bell Rock” – you’ve got to take matters into your own hands if you don’t want to hear the same holiday hits over and over. So, starting today and throughout the next few weeks, I’ll be pointing out some alternative Christmas and winter-themed tracks, more obscure songs that can liven up your holiday mixes. And many of them will be free downloads. Be sure to subscribe to the Digital Music column (the button’s up top) so you don’t miss out.

Today’s pick is “A Blackheart Christmas,” a compilation album from iconic rocker Joan Jett’s own Blackheart Records label. For true rock purists, the label is releasing the 11-track album on vinyl for the very first time. But for those of you who don’t have a working turntable, it will be available as a digital download as well as a physical CD release.

The album features artists who record for Jett’s company, which she founded over 25 years ago, making her the first woman to start her own rock label. The mix includes holiday standards from Girl in a Coma (“Blue Christmas” and “I'll Be Home For Christmas”) and The Dollyrots (“Santa Baby”) and original tunes from Seattle punks The Cute Lepers (“All I Ever Want (Under The Christmas Tree)”) and The Vacancies (“The Elf Song”). Jett herself, with her stalwart backing band, the Blackhearts, contributes a take on “Little Drummer Boy” and wraps up the album with a modern take on "Silent Night" that features Jett on vocals and guitar with special guests – the likes of Barack Obama, Joe Biden and Sarah Palin, whose speech excerpts are woven into the song.

At iTunes, you can purchase the whole album for $9.99 or buy individual songs for your holiday mixing. But I’d suggest going directly to Blackheart.com, where you can also find single tracks and get the physical CD or the entire set of downloads for just $7.00. While you’re there, check out the free media downloads (videos and desktops, TV and audio streams) and other merch goodies for the riot grrls and rock fans in your life.