I'm more or less taking the night off because I have other things that need to get done. Plus I want to spend a little time with Mrs. Katz, poor thing. But I figured I could at least give you something to investigate for your Sunday. So, even though this is clearly Free List material, through the luck of the draw they get a front page post. Good on ya.
Firebreath is a Nashville music management company, so their job is basically to help artists get their music heard--in as many ways and in as many places as possible. This is the second year they've issued a Christmas compilation. Last year's "All I Got For Christmas" (still available for free download) was a mere 10 tracks long. "The Wrap Album" is more than double the size and many of last year's artists return for another spin. This year's record also features a broader range of sounds. Where last year's comp was almost entirely Indie Folk, this year's features all manner of Rock and Pop, Pop Punk, Americana, R&B and even a bit of Jazz Pop. Although the record is "name-your-price", any money raised goes to the Nashville Rescue Mission, helping the homeless in the area.
The first thing I noticed about "The Wrap Album" was the name Kate Diaz. We featured Kate, here, in 2010 (and again in 2011). 13 years old at the time, Kate raised money for the National Childhood Cancer Foundation. One way she did so was through sales of her single "Christmas Smiles". So I see Kate Diaz and "Christmas Smiles" on the Firebreath record and have to know if its a new recording or the one from five years ago. Well, it's a new recording. Kate would be 18 now (if my math is good) and, all growed up, she's got quite the singing voice (its in the general range of Norah Jones and Joss Stone). Really, I couldn't say with any certainty when she was 13, but I think she's going to do quite well in the music biz. Don't forget us little people when you're rich and famous, Kate. We knew you when.
For the most part, I did the DJ preview thing. Many of the tracks, here, are covers and there's nothing that made my brain hurt. It's a pretty good record, even if some of the covers didn't leave a lasting impression. But a few tracks really did leave a lasting impression--a good one. So let's talk about those for a second.
It's pretty standard for me to head right for "O Holy Night" when I see it, as its a favorite of mine. Jacky Dustin & The Cavs get the honor on "The Wrap Album". While the arrangement is pretty straight ahead with a touch of Americana, Jacky has such a beautiful voice, I could not stop listening. She can sing, s-i-n-g. Just gorgeous.
Firebreath is a Nashville music management company, so their job is basically to help artists get their music heard--in as many ways and in as many places as possible. This is the second year they've issued a Christmas compilation. Last year's "All I Got For Christmas" (still available for free download) was a mere 10 tracks long. "The Wrap Album" is more than double the size and many of last year's artists return for another spin. This year's record also features a broader range of sounds. Where last year's comp was almost entirely Indie Folk, this year's features all manner of Rock and Pop, Pop Punk, Americana, R&B and even a bit of Jazz Pop. Although the record is "name-your-price", any money raised goes to the Nashville Rescue Mission, helping the homeless in the area.
The first thing I noticed about "The Wrap Album" was the name Kate Diaz. We featured Kate, here, in 2010 (and again in 2011). 13 years old at the time, Kate raised money for the National Childhood Cancer Foundation. One way she did so was through sales of her single "Christmas Smiles". So I see Kate Diaz and "Christmas Smiles" on the Firebreath record and have to know if its a new recording or the one from five years ago. Well, it's a new recording. Kate would be 18 now (if my math is good) and, all growed up, she's got quite the singing voice (its in the general range of Norah Jones and Joss Stone). Really, I couldn't say with any certainty when she was 13, but I think she's going to do quite well in the music biz. Don't forget us little people when you're rich and famous, Kate. We knew you when.
For the most part, I did the DJ preview thing. Many of the tracks, here, are covers and there's nothing that made my brain hurt. It's a pretty good record, even if some of the covers didn't leave a lasting impression. But a few tracks really did leave a lasting impression--a good one. So let's talk about those for a second.
It's pretty standard for me to head right for "O Holy Night" when I see it, as its a favorite of mine. Jacky Dustin & The Cavs get the honor on "The Wrap Album". While the arrangement is pretty straight ahead with a touch of Americana, Jacky has such a beautiful voice, I could not stop listening. She can sing, s-i-n-g. Just gorgeous.
The Jazz Pop I mentioned? Kirabelle Frabotta and Brian Thibault give us the original "Hipster Holidaze", which plays off "Carol Of The Bells" a bit. And, cats and kittens, this one's a keeper. In all likelihood, the single best track on the compilation. Just mesmerizing. "Hipster Holidaze" will bring the cool to your Christmas collection and/or gathering. Thumbs way up, aces, top o the pop--if you take nothing else away from "The Wrap Album", this one should make the whole thing worthwhile.
UPDATE: When I heard "Hipster Holidaze", it sounded to me like a hybrid of two songs--"Carol Of The Bells" and, uh.....and, um......"Carol Of The Bells" and.....I can't think of it. It was a Rick Perry "oops" brainfart. That kind of thing will haunt me. So, today, I finally figured it out. "Take Five" by Dave Brubeck. I could be completely wrong on all of it, but those were the two songs "Hipster Holidaze" brought to my head. I feel so much better now.
I'd throw Stephanie Grace's "Wherever You Are" in the Jazz Pop bag, as well, though it could just as easily fit a Country, Traditional/AC, Soul or Pop playlist. Fable Cry cover "Kidnap the Sandy Claws" from "The Nightmare Before Christmas". I realize I stand alone, but I hated that movie and every song in it. Everyone else will probably enjoy Fable Cry's cover. Evan Thompson's Indie Folk Pop "Holly" is truly beautiful. Loved it (your mileage may vary). Couldn't find them on the web, but Black Baby's "Ain't Gettin You Nuthin" is a great piece of Alt Pop/Pop Punk fun, though its possible you heard that one in 2012 when it was first released. And we get a nice Smooth Blues tune from Louisiana's Benny Turner, "I Want Some Christmas Cheer".
Those are the highlights, in my humble opinion, but if something else tickles your fancy, that's cool. And, by the way, where do I go to get a fancy and why would I want to tickle it? "Firebreathmas 2015: The Wrap Album" is "name your price" at Bandcamp.
UPDATE: When I heard "Hipster Holidaze", it sounded to me like a hybrid of two songs--"Carol Of The Bells" and, uh.....and, um......"Carol Of The Bells" and.....I can't think of it. It was a Rick Perry "oops" brainfart. That kind of thing will haunt me. So, today, I finally figured it out. "Take Five" by Dave Brubeck. I could be completely wrong on all of it, but those were the two songs "Hipster Holidaze" brought to my head. I feel so much better now.
I'd throw Stephanie Grace's "Wherever You Are" in the Jazz Pop bag, as well, though it could just as easily fit a Country, Traditional/AC, Soul or Pop playlist. Fable Cry cover "Kidnap the Sandy Claws" from "The Nightmare Before Christmas". I realize I stand alone, but I hated that movie and every song in it. Everyone else will probably enjoy Fable Cry's cover. Evan Thompson's Indie Folk Pop "Holly" is truly beautiful. Loved it (your mileage may vary). Couldn't find them on the web, but Black Baby's "Ain't Gettin You Nuthin" is a great piece of Alt Pop/Pop Punk fun, though its possible you heard that one in 2012 when it was first released. And we get a nice Smooth Blues tune from Louisiana's Benny Turner, "I Want Some Christmas Cheer".
Those are the highlights, in my humble opinion, but if something else tickles your fancy, that's cool. And, by the way, where do I go to get a fancy and why would I want to tickle it? "Firebreathmas 2015: The Wrap Album" is "name your price" at Bandcamp.
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