Yes, Christmas has come and gone, and a new year has begun. Yes, I’ve given this particular Pet Shop Boys release a mention in a previous post. And yes, Yes is the name of the duo’s most recent album. (Happy to know that you’ve been following along.)

But though the red and green have been boxed away for another year, I’m still unwrapping, er,playing the Pet Shop Boys Christmas EP. The 5-track package remains relevant beyond December 25 because Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe included smart covers of Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida” (a medley with their own “Domino Dancing”) and Madness’ “My Girl,” a 1979 single for the ska/pop band. So though the holidays may be over, the stomping brilliance of both renditions bears repeating well into 2010.

Purchase Pet Shop Boys – Christmas EP via iTunes, Amazon MP3.