I can't believe I missed this one last year...especially with Randy from Hip Christmas recommending it. I mean, sure, he's got a bit of a leg up in that Miranda Dodson is from Austin and Randy's home base is somewhere around there. Randy's got great taste, though, and, with his recommendation, why didn't I just click the darn link last year? What's the matter with me? WhatamI? Stoopid?
So, today, I finally came across Miranda while strolling through Soundcloud. Wasn't even looking for Christmas music, just trying to see what's been added lately. And in the midst of all the EDM and House (and goofs from people who should really just give it up) was this gorgeous flower blooming up through the concrete. "Christmas Glow" by Miranda Dodson. It's a sweet Indie Folk Pop number and I loved it instantly. Followed the links, as I do, to Miranda's website and, from there, to Bandcamp.
At Bandcamp, I discovered "It's Merry Christmas Time", Miranda's collection of holiday music. It's a living collection, meaning Miranda will be adding to it each year with this year's new additions being the original "Christmas Glow" and a cover of "Winter Wonderland" infused with a bit of Ska/Dub. And it's Name-Your-Price!
Me, I'm figuring there's no way anything else here compares with the beauty of "Christmas Glow". And, boy, was I wrong. The title track, "It's Merry Christmas Time" has future standard written all over it. I haven't felt that strongly about a new Christmas song in 25 years. A word to all those artists looking to record a Christmas cover that hasn't been covered to death (yet).... This is the song you're looking for. It's gorgeous, Christmasy, and I think it would sound great on an Indie, Rock, Country, Folk, Pop, Jazz, or Traditional album. Not sure about Blues, but just about anything else.
"Lo How A Rose E'er Blooming" has been reworked into an entirely new song--respectful of the original yet somehow completely contemporary and not the least bit ancient. "Peace On Earth Tonight" brought tears to my eyes from its sheer beauty and understated power.
Often, I'd head straight to "O Holy Night". It's my favorite carol and I find I'll usually either like or dislike a Christmas album based on how well they do with that one. With Miranda, I left it for last. And it is singularly about the most beautiful thing I've ever heard. Miranda's voice on this one is at its most delicate and fragile. Much opposed to the booming versions we often hear, Miranda's sounds like a prayer, delivered by someone all alone, turning darkness to light like some musical alchemist.
So, today, I finally came across Miranda while strolling through Soundcloud. Wasn't even looking for Christmas music, just trying to see what's been added lately. And in the midst of all the EDM and House (and goofs from people who should really just give it up) was this gorgeous flower blooming up through the concrete. "Christmas Glow" by Miranda Dodson. It's a sweet Indie Folk Pop number and I loved it instantly. Followed the links, as I do, to Miranda's website and, from there, to Bandcamp.
At Bandcamp, I discovered "It's Merry Christmas Time", Miranda's collection of holiday music. It's a living collection, meaning Miranda will be adding to it each year with this year's new additions being the original "Christmas Glow" and a cover of "Winter Wonderland" infused with a bit of Ska/Dub. And it's Name-Your-Price!
Me, I'm figuring there's no way anything else here compares with the beauty of "Christmas Glow". And, boy, was I wrong. The title track, "It's Merry Christmas Time" has future standard written all over it. I haven't felt that strongly about a new Christmas song in 25 years. A word to all those artists looking to record a Christmas cover that hasn't been covered to death (yet).... This is the song you're looking for. It's gorgeous, Christmasy, and I think it would sound great on an Indie, Rock, Country, Folk, Pop, Jazz, or Traditional album. Not sure about Blues, but just about anything else.
"Lo How A Rose E'er Blooming" has been reworked into an entirely new song--respectful of the original yet somehow completely contemporary and not the least bit ancient. "Peace On Earth Tonight" brought tears to my eyes from its sheer beauty and understated power.
Often, I'd head straight to "O Holy Night". It's my favorite carol and I find I'll usually either like or dislike a Christmas album based on how well they do with that one. With Miranda, I left it for last. And it is singularly about the most beautiful thing I've ever heard. Miranda's voice on this one is at its most delicate and fragile. Much opposed to the booming versions we often hear, Miranda's sounds like a prayer, delivered by someone all alone, turning darkness to light like some musical alchemist.
Miranda has been blessed with a wonderful voice, which she uses to wonderful effect. Depending upon the song, her voice can sound powerful or as fragile and delicate as a snowflake. From her bio, it sounds as though she wants to create positive and uplifting music. With her Christmas songs, at least, she is very much succeeding. These songs just fill you with holiday spirit, hope, and love for humanity and all things Christmas. There's an innocence here--clearly knowledgeable about the big bad world, but unsullied and standing strong.
Don't be Stoopid like I was last year. Head straight to Bandcamp and grab Miranda Dodson's "It's Merry Christmas Time". And share with everyone you know. As Miranda plans to continue adding a song or two each year, this will truly be a gift that keeps on giving.
Don't be Stoopid like I was last year. Head straight to Bandcamp and grab Miranda Dodson's "It's Merry Christmas Time". And share with everyone you know. As Miranda plans to continue adding a song or two each year, this will truly be a gift that keeps on giving.
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