If you're planning a party or just need some fresh Christmas tunes to soundtrack your gift wrapping, holiday baking, etc. over the next week, here are some suggestions...
Various Artists
A Dualtone Christmas
(Dualtone)
Released as the November pick for Dualtone's Magnolia Record Club, this fine Americana collection features several of the Nashville label's past and present artists. Available digitally and on red vinyl LP, the album is highlighted by Delta Spirit's quick and upbeat, Motown-inspired "Santa Claus in Coming to Town," the Lone Bellow's harmonious "Marshmallow World," The Lumineers' contemplative acoustic guitar and piano-based "Blue Christmas," Amos Lee's soulful original ballad "Holiday Song" and Kathleen Edwards' realistic lyrics on her own "It's Christmastime (Let's Just Survive)," complete with meowing backing vocals. Purchase the LP here: magnoliarecord.store
Oak Ridge Boys
Down Home Christmas
(Lightning Rod/Thirty Tigers)
The veteran country vocal group's eighth holiday album since 1982 finds them re-teaming with Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb (Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpson, Chris Stapleton), who also helmed their last studio effort 17th Avenue Revival. Jamey Johnson and Buddy Cannon co-wrote the relaxed "South Alabama Christmas," which has a sitting-around-the-fireplace vibe. Aaron Raitiere had a hand in penning half a dozen originals and his are the standouts here, including the fun, Fifties-styled "Reindeer on the Roof," featuring boogie-woogie piano; the title track, containing lyrics about a family gathering and the humorous, rollicking Anderson East collaboration, "Don't Go Pullin' on Santa Claus' Beard."
Various Artists
A Prog-Rock Christmas
(Purple Pyramid/Cleopatra)
Sherwood, the current Yes bassist, was at the helm for Prog-Rock Christmas, where he called on members of that band as well as Asia, Utopia, Hawkwind, Renaissance, Curved Air and others for this interesting holiday collection. Standouts include present Yes singer Jon Davison's idyllic and sprightly "Run with the Fox," Sherwood's brimming with positivity pairing with Patrick Moraz on Paul McCartney & Wings' "Wonderful Christmastime," Steve Morse's rocking instrumental "Carol of the Bells" and Geoff Downes' nimble piano work on the theme to "A Charlie Brown Christmas." His late former bandmate John Wetton adds gravitas to a stately take on John Lennon & Yoko Ono's "Happy Xmas (War is Over)."
Bryan Adams
Christmas EP
(Badams Music)
This digital EP contains three of Adams' past holiday tunes, newly remastered: the earnest 1985 acoustic ballad "Christmas Time" (I used to own the original green vinyl 7" single upon release), its spirited 1984 flip side "Reggae Christmas" (I always remember the zany music video shot with MTV VJs and Pee-Wee Herman at the cable station's studio) and a great doo-wop-leaning "Merry Christmas." There are also two new ones. "Joe & Mary" is a midtempo Chuck Berry-esque rocker about a road trip; the whimsical "Must Be Santa" features call and response vocals from children.
Josh Rouse
The Holiday Sounds of...
(Yep Roc)
Written over the course of the past decade and inspired by label/tourmate Nick Lowe's 2013 holiday album Quality Street - A Seasonal Selection for All the Family, Rouse crafted the laid back and breezy Holiday Sounds with an eye toward it being listened to year-round. Mixing Americana sounds with some jazzy and European touches (Rouse used to live in Spain), the satisfying release often recalls the beach vibe that Jack Johnson and Kenny Chesney do so well.
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