Christmas Countdown // The Maccabees :: Walking In The Air

In a valiant attempt to trump Jona Lewie's Stop the Cavalry as No Action's favourite Christmas song, perennially under-rated The Maccabees have recorded a haunting, dramatic version of Walking In The Air. Staying true to the original, it's take off at just under two minutes in is spectacular, while Orlando's voice is a perfect fit with its mix of innocence and unhinged portent.

Christmas countdown // The Futureheads :: Christmas Was Better in the 80s

A fact, which I firmly refute on the grounds that it only serves to confirm my own rapid aging but that their PR insists, is that The Futureheads are 10.

To celebrate both this anniversary and that of Jesus, the band are putting out new single Christmas Was Better in the 80s via their own Nul Records. Sounding firmly like The Futureheads have for the last 10 years, all likeable art-rock and four part harmonies, but with a twist of Christmas jingle, it's a satisfying reminder both that the band still have the verve they delivered on their debut and that not all Christmas songs are rubbish.