Continuing my snap judgement looks at some of this year's crop of new Christmas music. Add and skip refers to my 2020 playlist. You'll probably disagree with my takes so please check out the sample tracks where available, you might find a new holiday favorite.
Elizabeth Chan - Celebrate Me Home
The umpteenth Christmas album from Elizabeth Chan though this one is especially poignant due to the loss of someone very close to her during the pandemic. A lovely album. My favorite of the new season so far. Added.
Don Pedigo - Troubadour 364 (via Merry and Bright)
A really solid rock original, a rare thing these days. Added.
Running Lights - This Xmas (feat. Charisma) (Also via Merry and Bright)
Not nearly as keen on this pop offering. Skipped.
A Rock By the Sea Christmas Volume 11
Another welcome volume if this long-running compilation series. Rock By the Sea always offers at least a few standout tracks each year across various genres. At first blush, I’m liking Mellissa Ferrick’s "This Time of Year", Rob Fetters’ atmospheric take on "The First Noel", Joe Alterman’s solo piano version of "Feliz Navidad", Jeffery Butt’s neat arrangement of "Little Drummer Boy" and Rebecca Howell’s country-tinged "Christmas With You".
Chaise Lounge - Out Under the Sky (via Falalalala.com )
Nifty retro-flavored folky collection. I’ll be adding a few of these to 2020’s playlist.
Rachel Lauren - My Grown-Up Christmas List (Via FaLaLaLaLa)
Perfectly nice, low key, jazzy holiday E.P. Nothing remarkable enough to displace anything already in my library. That’s the problem with so many holiday releases, you can only listen to so much Christmas music and if an album is merely good, it’s not always enough to justify listening to it when you already have a lineup of great albums in your collection. Skipped due to redundancy, not quality.
Anna Bergendahl - It Never Snows In California
Decent single. It’ll take a couple of more listens to decide if it’s a keeper.
Ben and Tan - Hallelujah (Christmas on My Lips)
Catchy pop tune reminds me a bit of the Ben Haenow / Kelly Clarkson duet Second Hand Heart. Probably a skip.
Andrea Hegard - Home By Christmas
Decent retro pop but probably a skip. Not bad though, unlike that album cover...
