If you grew up listening to Christmas songs in church—like I did—you have surely heard the dulcet tones of this age-old Christian hymn.
Now, even if you dispensed with all forms of organized religion upon adulthood—like I did—you probably still revel in the utter catchiness of O Come O Come Emmanuel. It's surprisingly unconventional with a hypnotizing, sweet somberness. The lyrics have a mystique, despite the sceptre of Christianity hanging over the song.
Well, no one does sweet and somber better than Belle & Sebastian. Stuart Murdoch and Sarah Martin stay true to the haunting melody with a stark and steady arrangement. Lovely. [iTunes, Spotify, Amazon]