Top Five Britpop-Era Christmas Singles That No One Plays Anymore

The Britpop years (roughly 1993–1999) were full of swagger, parkas, and bands who genuinely believed they could rewrite music history — but when Christmas rolled around, even the coolest acts couldn’t resist releasing something festive, ironic, or just plain odd.

And while Fairytale of New York, Slade, and Mariah get wheeled out every year without fail, these Britpop-era Christmas singles… don’t. Some were great. Some were bizarre. Some were clearly written in 20 minutes between festival gigs.

Here are five that once made festive headlines — and now live only in the memories of late-night VH1 viewers and people who still have a box of CD singles in the loft.

5. The Boo Radleys – “It’s Lulu” (1995)

Not a traditional Christmas single, but marketed heavily during the festive season — and boy does it feel very mid-’90s.

It’s a jangly, upbeat slice of Britpop oddness that landed in December, sounded vaguely Christmassy, and then evaporated the minute the New Year’s fireworks stopped.

Still charming, still very Boo Radleys — but not exactly a Tesco playlist staple.

4. Sleeper – “What Do I Do Now?” (Christmas re-release, 1995)

Sleeper’s hit was pushed again over Christmas ’95 in the hope it might get a festive chart bounce.

It didn’t.

Despite being a genuinely brilliant track, it isn’t remotely Christmassy — which might explain why it never became a seasonal favourite.

A forgotten gem that deserved more plays than it ever got.

3. Pulp – “Razzmatazz” (1994 Christmas reissue)

Before Different Class, before “Common People”, Pulp re-released “Razzmatazz” during the Christmas season in a last push for chart recognition.

It’s a brilliantly bitter, sneering breakup song — perfect if your festive mood tends towards “mulled wine and mild resentment.”

But Christmas classic material?

Not quite.

2. The Bluetones – “Slight Return” (1995 Christmas run-up single)

Released just before Christmas and shoved onto every radio playlist going, this single felt inseparable from December ’95.

But despite its wintery vibes and melancholy chords, it somehow never made the leap to long-term festive rotation.

Today, you’re more likely to hear it in a ’90s pub quiz round than on a holiday soundtrack.

1. The Charlatans – “Crashin’ In” (1994 Christmas period)

A single that landed smack in the middle of the festive chart battle… and then disappeared like leftover sausage rolls on Boxing Day.

It’s a cracking track — big, confident, very Britpop — but lacking the sleigh bells, choirs, or misery required for true Christmas immortality.

Now it’s basically a time capsule of December ’94, best enjoyed with a warm can of lager at an indie disco.