Here are some more first blush reactions to various new Christmas releases. Remember, these are just one man’s thoughts, heck, I may even disagree with some of my initial takes as time goes on. Don’t worry about whether or not I like something, check it out for yourself.
Various Artists - Winter Tales
Contemporary Classical-ish compilation from DG which opens with my biggest disappointment, a mediocre track from two of my musical heroes - The Eno brothers. The rest of the album unfolds much as you’d expect. given the players (Peter Gregson, Vikingur Olafsson, Balmorhea, Mari Samuelsen, Ane Brun, and Dustin O'Halloran among others), and is quite good and highly recommended.
*******
EODM Present a Boots Electric Christmas
Six-track EP from Eagles of Death Metal side project Boots Electric. A fairly spares and initiate offering in a lo-fi indie rock vein and as such it’s pretty good, especially O Holy Night, which is available in equally good regular and a capella flavors.
*******
Hiss Golden Messenger- Come All Ye Faithful
A more accessible and fully realized indie folk/rock effort. I can easily see tracks like Grace, Lights of St. Stephen, and Shine a Light ending up on a lot of a certain type of playlist this season. I look forward to living with it a while longer to see what kind of staying power it has once i integrate my perennial favorites into the mix.
*******
Morgan Evans - Christmas in the Sun
Not much of a Christmas tune but it’s fine.
*******
Lori McKenna - Christmas is Right Here
A lovely, melancholy seasonal EP from one of my favorite modern singer/songwriters. One of the best yet this year. Christmas Without Crying goes right into heavy rotation.
*******
Karla Bonoff - Silent Night
Another legendary Singer/Songwriter, another first-rate Christmas album. Bonoff’s classic tracks from the 70’s and 80’s still litter my everyday playlists so this is a real treat. Also a treat. The duet, on O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, with old friend Michael McDonald. Definitely returning to this one as the season progresses.
*******
We the Kingdom - A Family Christmas
Excellent mini-album, in the Worship-Pop/Rock genre, featuring guest turns from Chris Tomlin and Dante Bowe.
*******
Hunter Brothers - Joy to the World
Enjoyable stuff, if a bit poppy for my personal taste, from Canadian country act Hunter Bothers (and not "The" Hunter Brothers which I keep typing - I mean they are actual brothers, not just led by a dude named Hunter Brothers). Highlights include a duet with Madeline Merlo on Have Yourself a Merry Christmas and the light jazzy Santa Claus is Coming to Town.
*******
Sarah Reeves - More the Merrier
Nice retro-vibed release from pop singer/songwriter Reeves. My expectations were low, most releases from today’s pop/dance stars don’t really resonate with me, so while the jazzy, trad, stylings may not be super unique these days it was still a pleasant surprise. One of my early faves.
*******
Pistol Annies - Hell of a Holiday
Country super-trio hits the holiday trail with this fairly strong offering. The album could have used some editing (No-one needed another cover of If We Make it Through December) and the pace is uneven (but heck, who even listens to albums in order anymore, right?) . Early favorites include Believing and Snow Globe.
*******
Elizabeth Chan - Greatest of These Days
Forget those who declare Mariah the “Queen of Christmas”, the true Queen is, and has been for a decade, Elizabeth Chan. Her newest release combines some of her previous holiday hits with a flurry of new tracks. Always heavy rotation.
