Everyone knows that the holidays are meant to be a time for selflessness, love and celebration. And no one embodies the spirit of the season quite like the international chipmusic community, who year after year gift the general public with a giant Santa-sack of free music. Therefore, in keeping with tradition, I present to you four holiday-themed albums from a variety of chipmusicians that are sure to liven your holiday festivities with 8-bit cheer.

NEW ARRIVALS:

1. Rush Coil - ‘8-bit Christmas’



The newest addition to the internet’s growing library of 8-bit holiday albums, 8-bit Christmas features holiday favorites like ‘Carol of the Bells,’ ‘What Child Is This’ and ‘Auld Lang Syne’ done over in the style of vintage console soundchips… with a couple of interesting twists, of course. The album is streaming for free on Rush Coil’s website, and for a mere $4, you can download the whole thing in crystal-clear, DRM-free MP3 format. What’s more, all the proceeds from the album’s sales are being donated to Child’s Play, the children’s charity organization started by Gabe and Tycho of Penny Arcade.

Listen/Buy: 8-bit Christmas

2. V/A - ‘8bitcollective Advent Calendar’

This collection of holiday chiptune jams was assembled over the course of 24 days by artists on 8bitcollective.com, a community-based chipmusic media sharing site. It features some pretty hilarious permutations of holiday classics that certainly warrant downing a couple glasses of egg nog prior to listening. Stealthily slip a few of these tracks into your relatives’ holiday playlists during that boring family gathering and see what happens.

Download: 8bitcollective Advent Calendar

GHOSTS OF CHIPMAS PAST:

3. Doctor Octoroc - ‘8-bit Jesus’



Last year’s lo-bit holiday hit is still going strong. Assembled by arrangement artist Doctor Octoroc, 8-bit Jesus re-imagines 9 holiday favorites using the compositional styles of classic videogame composers. With insane mash-ups like ‘Carol of the Belmonts’ and ‘We Three Konami,’ this one’s sure to please holiday party-goers for years to come.

Download: 8-bit Jesus

4. V/A - ‘The 8 bits of Christmas’

Old-school 8bitpeoples! This album represents one of the earlier compilations of the artists on the 8bitpeoples netlabel. Hally, Bit Shifter, Nullsleep, Goto80, Yerzmyey, Vim, Paul Slocum and Dma-Sc deliver eight heavily-stylized jams that float and sparkle like the winter snow.

Download: The 8 Bits of Christmas

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My dearest Destructoiders: Have a safe and pleasant holiday season, and a joyous New Year. See you in 2010!