Let's be honest, most Christmas "Muzak" is usually a depressing affair. And yet, as every greedy kid knows, "X-mas" can sometimes mean video games...Finally, there is some X-mas music that combines true holiday cheer with video game love: the Christmasasaurus Vol. 2 compilation of 8-Bit covers presented by Peppermint Pony and Bubblegum Octopus. Released by netlabel Candy Mind last year, you can download it for free here. The second in a series, this compilation features 24 artists, many of whom are clearly "taking the piss," but some of whom do brilliant versions of X-mas classics.

My personal favorites: Bit Shifter's computerized ode to snowy festivities, Winter Wonderland. Peppermint Pony's breakcore version of Deck the Halls. Bubblyfish's jet-powered Sleigh Ride. Nikaena Vizukae's wonderfully inspirational O Holy Night. 8-Bit w0nder's sweet, switched-on Dance of the SugarPlum Sprites. Lameboy's glitchy and catchy Joy To The World.

But by far the best is Unicorn Dream Attack's vocoder anthem L1ttl3 Drumm3r B0y, which reminds me of Grace Jones's stunning robotic appearance on the Pee-wee's Playhouse Christmas Special. Also, like Ms. Rene states in Pee-wee's special, thankfully there is a "Jewish portion of the show" with Animal Style's version of the perennial Hanukkah standard, Al Hanisim. Lastly, to round out the year, A Beautiful Lotus gives us Auld Lang Syne.

*BONUS LEVEL*: Datashat's hilarious Santa Claus Taking Sir Paul McCartney Up the Wrong'n. He explains: "Despite 'Wonderful Christmas Time' being a thoroughly wretched piece of filth, it has some irresistably nice little bits of synth work going on, you know you love it really, you little scamp."