We've been streaming endless Christmas carols from the Rat Pack at Music Times -- and it's only December 4th. So we're obviously stoked to see Matt and Kim getting into the holiday spirit too, with a Secret Santa Contest like you've never heard before.
The Brooklyn-based duo has grown a dedicated fan base and produced some serious indie pop, all without taking themselves too seriously. (Streaking through Times Square, anyone?)
There's a certain electricity that transpires between Matt and Kim, which has transported them from small dives to major festivals around the world. It may seem to have happened at lightning speed, but they've stood the test of time with four studio albums since 2006, and a sound romance to boot.
From an MTVu Woodie Award for "Best Live Performance" to a bustling "Scream Team" member community, Matt and Kim know how to get their fans having a good time. That's why we've asked them which five songs are a must for the ultimate party playlist of the season. It's second best to hearing them play live before the year's end. So here it is...
Matt and Kim's top five songs for your holiday playlist:
1. "Fairytale Of New York" - The Pogues feat. Kirsty MacColl
2. "All I Want For Christmas" - Jimmy Fallon, Mariah Carey & The Roots
3. "Merry Christmas (I Don't Want To Fight Tonight)" - The Ramones
4. "Xmas Eve (She Got Up And Left Me)" - Rancid
5. "Christmas Is Coming" - John Denver & The Muppets
Notice an old-school punk pattern sprinkled throughout that shortlist? We always knew holiday songs needed an extra kick -- that must be it.
And harping on the whole holiday spirit, here are some basic instructions for the Secret Santa Contest, from Kim Schifino herself:
• You make a bad-ass Xmas list
• Send us your list!
• On December 10th Matt and I will announce three winners. Those three will get an item that was on their list -AND- a special holiday package that we have personally put together. Guys, I don't want to brag but I am really good at putting together Xmas packages...
The most important part is that they receive your list by December 6th, so literally do it now.
Even after the holidays have gone, Matt and Kim will continue playing in the snow, quite literally, at the highly anticipated X Games Aspen 2014. What Kim Schifino says they're looking foward to?
"I really hope that at the Aspen X Games we can get someone to crowd surf while strapped into their snowboard!" Kim says. "I definitely feel like some crazy shit is going to pop off there!"
For those of you who can't make the concert, try your local record store for Lightning Remixes ON VINYL. If you weren't already moving with the 2012 album Lightning, you will be now.
