 Still done, but I've this public service to perform. While there is no doubt that many great surprises still await--many we won't learn of until mid-December--the fact is that people who are preparing annual holiday mixes are running out of time. Generally speaking, most Christmas compers try to have a finished product by the first week in December, but nobody starts their project in the first week of December. Most have been working on them for months and are right now making their final adjustments. As it is, it pisses me off that I have to wait for next week to get access to Molly Burch and Joe Stilgoe. For me, Robbie Williams, Good Lovelies, Michelle Malone, Hamilton Loomis, Cats In Space....they'll all have to wait until next year as they're releasing too late (for me). So check the OK, So It's Kinda The List and check it twice. You don't want to miss something that's just what you've been looking for (and we've added quite a few digital releases, even going back to ones we missed in earlier months). And collectors might find some exclusives from unusual places (like Urban Outfitters). Happy, as well, to direct you to physical copies of things Amazon may only offer in digital format. It's not complete. The List has never been complete. But this year, more than others, there is a boatload of crap I can't even pretend to be interested in (and some of it is probably good, too). I do regret that I'm not going to be around to do singles for you. It won't help you none, but click on the artwork to the right for a nice one...that sadly won't be released until December (sigh). JULY 2 SAINT AMBROSE SCHOLA CANTORUM--"Restoration" (Fine choir effort from a small Indiana church) JULY 19 DAVE STRYKER--"Eight Track Christmas" (Guitar-centric Trio Jazz in the tradition of Wes Montgomery) AUGUST 23 NEW ORLEANS JAZZ BAND OF COLOGNE--"Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" (New Orleans Jazz & Blues from German 7-piece) SEPTEMBER 13 THE MONKEES--"Christmas Party" (Vinyl version of 2018 CD) THE MONKEES--"Christmas Party" (Limited Red and Green vinyl version of above) SEPTEMBER 14 VIVA ACOUSTICA--"Christmas Eve" (Blend of instrumental Jazz and Country from Russian group; there will probably be CDs, but you'll probably have to go to Russia to get them) SEPTEMBER 18 THE BEATERSBAND--"Black Christmas" (Pop Punk EP from Italy) DAVE KOZ--"Gifts of the Season" (Smooth Jazz; Melissa Manchester sings "All I Want For Christmas Is You") DONYA METZGER--"Sister Grinch" (Jazz vocals a la The Andrews Sisters...but a cappella) SEPTEMBER 20 SEAY--"A Winter Blessing - The Gift" (CD version of New Age vocalist's album released digitally in 2018) BRYNN STANLEY--"Classic Christmas" (Jazz vocalist in a classic Big Band/Lush Orchestra setting) VARIOUS--"Let's Make Every Day A Christmas Day" (Vintage R&B collection from Jasmine label) SOUNDTRACK--"Polar Express" (Transparent white vinyl issue of soundtrack to 2004 film) SEPTEMBER 27 BIG LITTLE KINGDOM--"Alone For Christmas" (Contemplative and melancholy Adult Contemporary set) ISTHMUS BRASS--"We Need A Little Christmas" (Wisconsin Brass ensemble's second holiday platter) VINCE GILL--"The Christmas Collection" (Wide release black vinyl version of 2018 Cracker Barrel Exclusive) BRENDA LEE--"Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree: The Decca Christmas Recordings" (New vinyl; old music) RAMSEY LEWIS TRIO--"More Sounds of Christmas" (First domestic CD release of Lewis' second Christmas set) RAMSEY LEWIS TRIO--"More Sounds of Christmas" (Vinyl version of above) MUSCRIBE--"Yule-Five Carols" (Instrumental Jazz...ish carols done in 5/4 time...a la Brubeck) DIANA ROSS--"Wonderful Christmas Time" (Vinyl version of last year's CD) THE TEMPTATIONS--"Christmas Card" (Vinyl re-issue of 1970 Motown release) VARIOUS--"The Ultimate Rockin' Christmas Collection" (Western Star label doubles the fun of 2016 album) OCTOBER 1 LUCIA FRITTOLI--"Holy Night (Music For Movie)" (Instrumental Lite/Easy Listening) LORETTA PERRY--"The Reason For The Season" (Jazz infused Contemporary Gospel) OCTOBER 4 JONATHAN BUTLER--"Christmas Together" (2nd Xmas album from Jazz guitarist; many Smooth Jazz guests) JOSEPH FULLER--"Christmas In The City" (Live outing from Christian Classical Crossover pianist) BILL & GLORIA GAITHER--"12 Christmas Favorites" (Traditional Gospel artists; Available at Cracker Barrel) LOS LOBOS--"Llego Navidad" (First official commercial Christmas album from Tex Mex Rock combo) MIRUSIA--"Christmas Memories" (World renowned Australian Soprano and Classical Crossover star) ROSEATE--"First Christmas" (Christmas with a Bossa beat) SIMPLY SISTERS--"Christmas" (Pretty AC/Southern Gospel) VARIOUS--"The Best of Christmas Grass" (Bluegrass from the "Christmas Grass" series) VARIOUS--"Christmas Grass: The Instrumentals" (Bluegrass from the "Christmas Grass" series) VARIOUS--"NOW Country Christmas" (Latest from the NOW empire) OCTOBER 11 GERALD ALBRIGHT--"Not So Silent Night" (Jazz sax player; with guests Take 6, Bebe Winans, Jonathan Butler) DON AMERO--"Amero Little Christmas" (America release of last year's Canadian Country Christmas set) JOSE CABRERA--"O Come All Ye Faithful" (Piano set melding Classical, Jazz and Latin sounds) VANESSA CAMPAGNA--"Merry & Bright" (I believe this is the fourth Christmas set from the Pop Country singer) CHICAGO--"Chicago Christmas 2019" (37th album from horn driven Classic Rock group) CHICAGO--"Chicago Christmas 2019" (Target exclusive CD features two Target exclusive tracks) RAY CONIFF--"We Wish You A Merry Christmas" (Collectors vinyl of 1962 album; had been due last November) DELICATE STEVE--"The Christmas Album" (Multi-instrumentalist releasing vinyl version of last year's CD) D-PAD FANFARE--"Rock Man Around The Xmas Tree" (Video game music arranged for the holidays) D-PAD FANFARE--"Have Yourself A Super Mario Little Christmas" (As above) MARY FAHL--"Winter Songs And Carols" (A mix of Traditional, Folk, AC and World music) ERNIE HAASE & SIGNATURE SOUND--"A Jazzy Little Christmas" (Southern Gospel artist) HOORAY HEROES--"Xmas Album" (FREE digital EP for kids and people who have them) NE-YO--"Another Kind of Christmas" (Soulful seasonal grooves from singer-songwriter) THE THREE SUNS--"The Sound of Christmas" (Digital re-issue of 1960 Jazz Vocal group release) ANDY WILLIAMS--"Christmas Album" (Audiophile Blue Vinyl reissue of 1963 classic delayed from last year) SOUNDTRACK--"Love Actually" (Limited Edition Candy Cane vinyl from Real Gone) OCTOBER 15 BRIAN DOERKSEN--"The Heart of Christmas" (Canadian Christian artist; funded through Kickstarter) BRIAN DOERKSEN--"The Heart of Christmas" (Vinyl version of above) OCTOBER 18 ACCENT--"Christmas All The Way" (Jazz Vocal combo; hard copy CD may be available later) BLACKHAWK--"The Spirit of Christmas" (Classic Country group) THE CAPTAIN'S CREW--"An Outer Banks Christmas" (Folk/Gospel from NC; may be a digital reissue of old CD) THE COLLINGSWORTH FAMILY--"A True Family Christmas" (Southern Gospel family's third) CHARLIE DANIELS--"Christmas Classics" (Traditional fare collected from Daniels' earlier Christmas sets) LENNY DEE--"Happy Holi-Dee" (Digital re-issue of 1961 album) THE ERWINS--"What Christmas Really Means" (CCM/Worship group) KEN GRIFFIN--"Back For Christmas" (Traditional holiday and non-holiday fare from late organist) ROB HALFORD--"Celestial" (Judas Priest front man with his second Yuletide set) ROB HALFORD--"Celestial" (Vinyl version of above) JEWEL--"Joy: A Holiday Collection" (20th Anniversary vinyl reissue of Folk Pop singer's Xmas set) KEB MO--"Moonlight, Mistletoe & You" (Roots artist blends Blues and romance) DONNA KING--"All The Lights" (Nashville based Christian/Gospel artist whose 2013 set was quite enjoyable) MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER--"Christmas (35th Anniversary Edition)" (Limited Edition vinyl reissue) IDINA MENZEL--"Christmas--A Season of Love" (Second seasonal outing from star of stage & screen) LEON REDBONE--"Christmas Island" (Import CD reissue of the late singer's Christmas set, feat. Dr. John) DIONNE WARWICK--"And The Voices of Christmas" (Album of holiday duets from Iconic diva) VARIOUS--"Carols: The Sounds of Christmas" (Smooth Jazz collection from Trippin N Rhythm label) VARIOUS--"Christmas At Birdland" (Jazzy cabaret featuring Klea Blackhurst) VARIOUS--"Justin Time For Christmas, Vol. 6" (Comp from Canadian Jazz label's stable of artists) VARIOUS--"A Kool Kat Kristmas, Vol. 3" (Power Pop and 60s Pop Rock sounds; Kool indeed) VARIOUS--"My Ultimate Pop Christmas Mix 2.0" (Urban Outfitters EXCLUSIVE vinyl comp; ltd to 3000) VARIOUS--"Rock By The Sea Christmas, Vol. 10" (Florida charity raising money for cancer sufferers) OCTOBER 23 VARIOUS--"A Taste of Christmas Pudding 2019" (Mostly Indie Rock from Alice Cooper's annual benefit concert) OCTOBER 25 4th + MAIN--"Imagine Christmas" (Modern Country from Nashville based group) 92 KEYS--"Christmas" (Pop/Classical Crossover duet of piano and violin) 92 KEYS--"Christmas" (IF there's a CD, as I suspect there will be, it should be available here) BOOKER T & THE MGs--"In The Christmas Spirit" (Barnes & Noble exclusive red vinyl of 1966 classic) JIM BRICKMAN--"Celebration of Christmas" (Yet another Xmas set from Easy Listening artist) DAVID CARNES--"A Christmas Journey" (Based on title, a reissue of 1999 set from virtuoso pianist) CELTIC WOMAN--"The Magic of Christmas" (Celtic Pop/Classical Crossover group's latest seasonal effort) ELIZABETH CHAN--"If The Fates Allow" (8 years, 8 Christmas records from the reigning Queen of Christmas) CKB MAGNETOPHON--"First Christmas On Mars" (Electronica Chill; call me crazy, but I like it) TATIANA EVA-MARIE--"Wintertime Dreams" (30s style Parisian romance via Gypsy Jazz) ORLA FALLON--"A Winter's Tale" (Second solo Christmas set from Celtic harpist/singer of Celtic Woman fame) MAGNE FURUHOLMEN--"White Xmas Lies" (Alt Rock/Alt Pop from former A-Ha keyboard artist) MAGNE FURUHOLMEN--"White Xmas Lies" (Vinyl version of above) ANA GASTEYER--"Sugar And Booze" (A mix of Jazz and humor from from SNL cast member) ANA GASTEYER--"Sugar And Booze" (Vinyl version of above) KEITH & KRISTYN GETTY--"Sing! An Irish Christmas" (Northern Irish Christian duo) DOMINIC GLOVER, GARY JAMES CROCKET, JASON GLOVER--"Vintage R&B Christmas" (Production music) DANNY GOKEY--"The Greatest Gift" (CCM performer and former American Idol contestant) THE HAPPY RACERS--"A Merry Very Christmas" (CD of last year's digital set of Rock for Kids...of all ages) LATERAL BLUE--"This Christmas" (Bluegrass group from Green Hill Music) RACHAEL LEAHCAR--"Together For Christmas" (Australian Pop and Classical singer) TRINI LOPEZ--"My Christmas Gift To You" (Re-issue--with different title--of singer's 2017 Christmas album) VICTOR MANUELLE--"Memorias de Navidad" (Puerto Rican Latin Pop/Salsa artist) MARC MARTEL--"The Christmas Collection" (The best from Marc's Christmas EPs, plus some new) McLEOD NINE--"Christmas Wish" (Gypsy Jazz) LEA MICHELE--"Christmas In The City" (Former Glee star) SCOTT MILLER--"Mountain Frontier Christmas" (Green Hill release featuring hammered dulcimer) JOHN JACOB NILES--"Folk Songs of Christmas" (Remastered digital re-issue of 50s Folk recordings) OAK RIDGE BOYS--"Down Home Christmas" (Country act's EIGHTH holiday album) ROCKY PATERRA--"Naughty List" (Pop Rock artist; lead single is "Icicle") MELANIE PENN--"Immanuel: The Folk Sessions" (EP featuring Bluegrass/Folk flavor) PENTATONIX--"The Best of Pentatonix Christmas" (Collection of past favorites, plus 4 new tracks) PUSS N BOOTS--"Dear Santa" (EP from female Alt Country band based in Brooklyn) SALLY SAPPINGTON--"On This Christmas Night" (6-song EP from teenage Indie singer/songwriter) SINGING CONTRACTORS--"Building A Christmas To Remember" (Don't know, don't want to know) STRINGSPACE--"Strings For Christmas" (Classical Crossover collective from Australia) JEAN WATSON--"For Unto Us" (CCM/Devotional violinist and singer) LEE WELCH & DOUG AUSTIN--"Let's Merry Be" (Traditional Folk) LEE WELCH--"Christmas Dreams" (Instrumental period music) WHITEHORSE--"Winter Classic" (Vinyl issue of last year's set from Canadian duo) VARIOUS--"Blink Before Christmas" (Import collection of vintage Blues/R&B; will reach Amazon in December) VARIOUS--"Jazz For The Holidays" (Collection of instrumental Jazz from the Green Hill stable of artists) VARIOUS--"Local Love Project Holiday Album" (Local artists, including Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, raising money for victims of California wildfires) VARIOUS--"You Wish" (Alt and Indie sounds from Merge; vinyl available by subscription only) NOVEMBER 1 MARIAH CAREY--"Merry Christmas: Deluxe Anniversary Edition" (2-CD set includes rare mixes & live tracks) ELEM ELEY, et. al.--"Christmas Day" (Operatic baritone and assorted accompaniment) THE 5 BROWNS--"Christmas With The 5 Browns" (Piano playing Classical crossover siblings) AMY GRANT--"Christmas" (3-LP vinyl set plus bonus 45 with 2 exclusive tracks) SARA GROVES--"Joy Of Every Longing Heart" (CCM Folk Pop artist who gave us "O Holy Night" a decade ago) KELLIE HADDOCK--"Peace On Earth" (Christian Singer/Songwriter) JESSICA HORTON--"A Country Christmas" (Classic Country from Mississippi born singer/songwriter) JD'S TIME MACHINE--"Christmastime" (Original Retro Soul EP) REBECCA KILGORE & ECHOES OF SWING--"Winter Days at Schloss Elmau" (Traditional Jazz) THE KRAYOLAS--"Christmas With My Dad" (70's Garage Rock band with Tex-Mex influences) CYNDI LAUPER--"Merry Christmas, Have A Nice Life" (Limited Edition Green vinyl version of 1998 album) YVONNE LYON--"Songs For Christmas" (Americana/Folk Pop) MAKE LIKE MONKEYS--"Hand Claps For Christmas" (Sunshine Pop, Indie Pop, Power Pop, Cartoon Pop) MONALISA TWINS--"Christmas" (Actual twins who meld traditional Pop and Folk with Indie Pop and Folk) JAY PEREZ--"A Jay Perez Christmas" (Tejano/R&B artist) KYLE PETERS--"Christmas Where I'm From" (Christmas music from Trinidad and Tobago) CALEE REED--"Rejoice!" (Christian vocalist) JOHNNY REID--"My Kind Of Christmas" (EP from Canadian Country singer; vinyl due Dec. 6) JOSH ROUSE--"The Holiday Sounds of" (Alt Folk Pop artist inspired by 60s Jazz) JOSH ROUSE--"The Holiday Sounds of" (Vinyl version of above) MITCH RYDER--"Christmas Take A Ride" (Vinyl version of last year's set from Detroit Rocker) THE SEEKERS--"We Wish You A Merry Christmas" (Re-issue of Morningtown Ride To Christmas + a 2003 tune) SHE & HIM--"A Very She & Him Christmas" (Vinyl version of 2011 album) SHE & HIM--"A Very She & Him Christmas" (Barnes & Nobel Vinyl Exclusive version of 2011 album; red and green splatter on solid white) JOEY STUCKEY--"A Santa That Plays Guitar" (Blind Blues Rock guitar player from Georgia) TRUE CONCORD--"Christmas With True Concord" (Grammy nominated Arizona based Choir and Orchestra) VANDALS--"Oi To The World Live" (Punk band's classic 2002 holiday concert on CD for first time) VANDALS--"Oi To The World Live" (First time on vinyl, as well. Limited edition white vinyl) PHIL WICKHAM--"Christmas" (Second Christmas album from CCM artist) VARIOUS--"An All Star Salute To Christmas" (Re-issue of eclectic 2009 2-CD set) VARIOUS--"DREAM Christmas, Vol. 4" (CCM from the DREAM stable of artists) VARIOUS--"Mele Cali-Kimaka" (Hawaiian music from California) VARIOUS--"Prog Rock Christmas" (Features Steve Morse, Annie Halsam, and more) VARIOUS--"Prog Rock Christmas" (Vinyl version of above; red or white) VARIOUS--"Punk Rock Christmas 2" (Cleopatra follow up to 2015 comp) VARIOUS--"Punk Rock Christmas 2" (Red vinyl version of above) VARIOUS--"Rock N Roll Christmas" (3-CD Import for the price of one relatively cheap domestic CD) VARIOUS--"A Sparkling Christmas" (23 Christmas oldies on 180gm Gold & Clear vinyl, Import limited to 1500) SOUNDTRACK--"Home Alone" (Limited Edition Green vinyl version of 1990 soundtrack) SOUNDTRACK--"Home Alone" (Urban Outfitters EXCLUSIVE multi-color vinyl version, ltd to 1500) NOVEMBER 4 OBE & AMBER BROWN--"Love Was Born" (Worship music) STEVE DAVIS TRIO--"Jazz For Christmas" (Trio Jazz led by drummer Steve Davis) NOVEMBER 5 STEVEN BLANE--"Hanukkah" (6 song Indie Folk EP with 5 Hanukkah standards and one original) NOVEMBER 8 MAX ABRAMS--"Christmas Songs" (More Christmas Jazz from Nashville Sax player) LEROY ANDERSON--"Complete Christmas Collection" (2-CD set from RealGone) CHET ATKINS--"Complete RCA & Columbia Christmas Recordings" (2-CD set from RealGone) B3 KINGS--"Laughing All The Way" (3rd Christmas set from Canadian seasonal Jazz superstars) LOCKWOOD BARR--"Christmas In Memphis" (Nashville based Country artist) STANLEY BLACK--"Christmas Holiday For Romance" (First time on CD for this 1954 Lite Music classic) WADE BOWEN--"Twelve Twenty-Five" (Country/Red Dirt singer with a throwback Christmas album) WADE BOWEN--"Twelve Twenty-Five" (Vinyl version of above) LINCOLN BREWSTER--"A Mostly Acoustic Christmas Album" (Canadian CCM artist) JIM BRICKMAN--"The Magic of Christmas" (When one new Jim Brickman Christmas album isn't enough) NATALIE COLE--"Holly & Ivy" (25th Anniversary reissue from Craft Recordings; remastered) NATALIE COLE--"Holly & Ivy" (Vinyl version of above; 180gm collector's grade vinyl) DALLAS STRING QUARTET--"A Very Merry Christmas" (Classical Crossover) DOUBLE DRUMS--"Groovin' Christmas" (German percussion duo) AMY GRANT--"Home For Christmas" (First time on vinyl for Amy's 1992 classic) ERIN HARPE & THE DELTA SWINGERS--"Christmas Swing" (2018 rocking' Blues set comes to vinyl) TARRYN LAMB--“Kersfees met Tarryn Lamb” (South African pop singer, songwriter, and actress) JOHN LEGEND--"A Legendary Christmas Deluxe" (last year's set with four additional tunes) MICHAEL LINGTON--"A Foreign Affair Christmas" (Smooth Jazz from Danish American Sax player) WYNTON MARSALIS--"Big Band Holidays II" (Sequel to 2015 effort with the JLCO) SANDRA McCRACKEN--"Christmas" (Folk and Gospel influenced Indie singer/songwriter) EUGENE ORMANDY--"Complete Columbia Christmas Albums" (Sonic splendor from RealGone) VEERONNA RAGGONE & SHERRY FINZER--"Christmas Picante" (Remastered 2014 set; sparkling New Age) RANDY RAINBOW--"Hey Gurl, It's Christmas" (YouTube singer and satirist) JIM REEVES--"Twelve Songs of Christmas (Remastered & Expanded)" (Finally) JOHNNY RUFFIN JR.--"White Christmas" (Soul with some Gospel influence) SALT OF THE SOUND--"And on Earth, Peace" (Ambient Christian vocal duo) DYLAN SCOTT--"Merry Christmas" (Country artist with some classic crooner instincts) BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA--"Boogie Woogie Christmas" (Green vinyl release of 2002 album) BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA--"Dig That Crazy Santa Claus" (Red vinyl release of 2005 album) SIDEWALK PROPHETS--"Merry Christmas To You" (Deluxe version of 2013 holiday set from CCM group) MICHAEL SINATRA--"An Old Fashioned Christmas (Deluxe)" (Frank's grandson with expanded 2018 EP) DAVE STRYKER--"Eight Track Christmas" (If you missed it in July, here's another shot; Jazz) VARIOUS--"A Country Christmas" (Grey market needle drop CD of 1962 Decca Country comp) VARIOUS--"Country Christmas" (Grey market needle drop CD of 1977 Pickwick Country comp) VARIOUS--"Great Songs of Christmas" (RealGone release culled from Goodyear & Grants LPs; first time on CD for 19 of the 20 tracks, including rare Christmas recordings from Gary Puckett and Mark Lindsay) VARIOUS--"Have Yourself A Swingin' Little Christmas" (LMTD 180gm color vinyl shorter version of 2018 CD) VARIOUS--"Joy To The Burg" (Multi-genre charity effort out of Harrisburg, PA) VARIOUS--"NOW 100 Hits Christmas" (5-CD set from the NOW empire) VARIOUS--"Yulesville" (Collection of early Rock and vintage R&B from Bear Family label) NOVEMBER 9 NEON SWING X-PERIENCE--"O Howly Night" (Pennsylvania Neo-Swing Jump Jive and Rock band) NOVEMBER 10 NAT KING COLE--"The Christmas Song" (Target EXCLUSIVE GREEN Vinyl version of classic holiday album) FRANK SINATRA--"Ultimate Christmas" (Target EXCLUSIVE Limited Edition GREEN Vinyl 2-LP set) NOVEMBER 11 SEBASTIAN LIGHTFOOT--"Winter Tales" (New Age Electronica from the Netherlands) NOVEMBER 12 SCOTT LEONARD JAZZ BAND--"Jazz Christmas Songs By The Fire" (Nice arrangements and performance) NOVEMBER 13 CHARLIE & THE TROPICALES--"Presents For Everyone" (Calypso and other tropical gems from NO) KRISTINE St-PIERRE & JUSTIN LACROIX--"Noel Avec Toi" (Canadian Folk duo) NOVEMBER 15 SAARA AALTO--"Fairytale - Joulun Taikaa" (Finnish Pop star) BARNES & BARNES--"Holidaze In Lumania" (Last year's brilliantly demented digital album comes to CD) BARNES & BARNES--"Holidaze In Lumania" (Last year's brilliantly demented digital album comes to vinyl) JOACHIM BADENHORST & MOGIL--"Adventa" (Avant Garde Jazz from Iceland) BERRYART--"Among Us" (Alt Rock/Folk/SynthPop from Oklahoma) MOLLY BURCH--"The Molly Burch Christmas Album" (Amazing Alt Pop artist) MOLLY BURCH--"The Molly Burch Christmas Album" (Vinyl version of above) MOLLY BURCH--"The Molly Burch Christmas Album" (VMP exclusive Evergreen color vinyl version; Lmtd 300) CHRISTMAS JUG BAND--"Live From The West Pole" (More Christmas fun from West Coast collective) CLEAN PETE--"Gloria" (Amazing Dutch Pop/Rock twin sister duo) CLEAN PETE--"Gloria" (Vinyl version of above) ANAIS DELVA--"Quand J'Entends Chanter Noel" (French Pop/Traditional singer; mp3 at Amazon) FIRST TO ELEVEN--"A Very First To Eleven Christmas" (Rock band from Erie, PA) FIRST TO ELEVEN--"A Very First To Eleven Christmas" (When the CD version is ready, you'll find it here) ELLA FITZGERALD--"Wishes You A Swinging Christmas" (VMP exclusive 180gm Purple&Green Hi-Melt vinyl) FROSTBACK--"Colder Christmas Still" (Ambient electronica out of Chicago) THE HOUND + THE FOX-- "Songs of Winter (Deluxe)" (2018 album with 4 new tracks from Alt Folk Pop duo) THE IMAGINARIES--"Hometown Christmas" (Indie Pop meets Americana with a hint of Blues) JAGGER HOLLY--"It's Christmas Somewhere" (Pop Punk from Austria) CHRIS KAMARA--"Here's To Christmas" (Big Band crooner set from UK artist and soccer analyst) CHANTAL KREVIAZUK--"Christmas Is A Way of Life, My Dear" (Canadian Pop singer) LEAH--"Ancient Winter" (Winter themed set combining Folk, Celtic, Rock & Classical) LEAH--"Ancient Winter" (Vinyl version of above; color vinyl already sold out) CHRIS MANN--"Christmas Jukebox" (Former Voice contestant who released a Christmas EP in 2012) MEG & DIA--"December Darling" (Indie Pop/Alt Rock duo of the Frampton sisters) MEG & DIA--"December Darling" (Half white half gold color vinyl version of the above; ltd to 300) MEG & DIA--"December Darling" (White with gold splatter vinyl version, ltd to 200, Pure Noise Exclusive and currently only available in assorted bundles) KAYLENE PEOPLES--"Carol Of The Bells" (CD issue of 2016 digital Jazz EP from California flautist/vocalist) THE POCKET GODS--"A Rock N Rollin' Fornicatin' Xmas" (Eclectic and prolific UK Indie Alternative band) THE RIVER ROCK BAND--"Canticles for the Turning" (Roots Folk with Rock, Jazz, Celtic and Latin seasonings) JOE STILGOE--"The Christmas Album" (Neo-Swing singer/songwriter) JOSE VALENTINO--"Christmas with Jose Valentino, Vol. 1" (Latin Jazz) VARIOUS--"Christmas In Soulsville" (VMP exclusive Red & Green Starburst vinyl edition; Limited to 1000) VARIOUS--"Music To Enjoy Christmas By" (Budget priced 3-CD Import) VARIOUS--"NOW Country Christmas" (RED Vinyl version of CD released Oct. 4) VARIOUS--"A Pop Punk Christmas Carol" (Pop Punk comp) VARIOUS--"A Very Cool Christmas" (2-LP Audiophile 180gm color vinyl comp, ltd and numbered to 1500) NOVEMBER 18 GERALD KRAMPL--"Advent & Christmas" (2 album set of Neo-Classical/New Age solo piano) NOVEMBER 22 BAD RELIGION--"Christmas Songs" (GOLD Vinyl version of 2013 EP; Limited to 500 units) RACHELLE BENTLEY--"Christmas Gift" (Jazz Pop/Traditional vocalist; re-issue of 2011 release) CHICAGO--"Chicago Christmas 2019" (Vinyl version of CD released October 11) JESSIE CLEMENT--"Winter Wonderland" (21 year old Pop artist) SHAMEIA CRAWFORD--"Here With You" (Soul with some Jazz, Gospel and Hip Hop influences) BING CROSBY--"Bing At Christmas" (With the London Symphony Orch & featuring The Puppini Sisters on 2) GLENN CRYTZER ORCHESTRA--"Underneath The Mistletoe" (Big Band Jazz and Swing era; 11 originals) KEITH HARKIN--"It's Christmas Time" (Second Christmas album from former Celtic Thunder vocalist) GOOD LOVELIES--"Evergreen" (Second Christmas album from Canadian vocal harmony Folk Pop trio) GOOD LOVELIES--"Evergreen" (Vinyl version of above) HIDEAKI HORI & HIROSHI TAKASE--"Christmas Time" (Jazz from Japan; 14 tracks) INSIDE JOKE--"Christmas Presents" (Hip Hop, somewhat comical; doesn't do anything for my head) THE McCRARY SISTERS--"A Very McCrary Christmas" (Bluesy Gospel with some great guests) IDINA MENZEL--"Christmas--A Season of Love" (Vinyl version of CD due Oct. 18) AMANDA ANNE PLATT & THE HONEYCUTTERS--"Christmas On A Greyhound Bus" (Americana EP) SATAN'S PILGRIMS--"Feliz Navidad"/"Greensleeves" (Surf Rock, 150 white vinyl (Sold Out), 150 black) STYLISTICS--"Christmas" (Vinyl release of 1992 album) SILENT WINTERS--"Christmas Morning" (Canadian Folk duo) TAMARA USATOVA--"Christmas With Tamara Usatova" (Jazz Pop/Soul singer) ROBBIE WILLIAMS--"The Christmas Present" (2-CD set from former Take That vocalist; lots of originals) ROBBIE WILLIAMS--"The Christmas Present" (Vinyl version of above) ROBBIE WILLIAMS--"The Christmas Present Deluxe" (Above CD with four additional songs) ROBBIE WILLIAMS--"The Christmas Present Deluxe" (Vinyl version of Deluxe version above) ROBBIE WILLIAMS--"The Christmas Present" (RED cassette version, EXCLUSIVELY from Robbie Williams) ROBBIE WILLIAMS--"The Christmas Present" (GREEN cassette version EXCLUSIVELY from Robbie Williams) VARIOUS--"The Christmas Soul" (Nice set from Advent Birmingham melding lots of genre influences) VARIOUS--"Hanukkah+" (Music from HAIM, Jack Black, Yo La Tengo, Flaming Lips, more) VARIOUS--"Merry Luxmas" (A collection of vintage singles from The Cramps' vinyl basement) VARIOUS--"This Warm December: A Brushfire Holiday, Vol. 3" (Jack Johnson's label; vinyl due in Dec.) VARIOUS--"A Very Cherry Christmas 14" (The best in Indie; EXCLUSIVELY on CD--no digital--ltd to 200) VARIOUS--"A Vintage Broadway Christmas" (Broadway stars of yesteryear/recent past) SNOWFLAKES SINGLES (NOVEMBER 22) LIVINGMORE--"Show Me Light And Love"/"Winter Wonderland" (White 7" vinyl; Limited to 320) SUPERBRAVO--"La Nuit"/"Chanson Pour Les Enfants l'Hiver" (White 7" vinyl; Limited to 320) US AND THEM--"When The Stars Are Shining Brightly"/"Winter" (White 7" vinyl; Limited to 320) BUNDLE OF ALL THREE 2019 SNOWFLAKES SINGLES NOVEMBER 25 RANDY BONIFIELD--"Songs of Christmas" (Really fine, occasionally quite funky, CCM from Kansas) KEENAN McKENZIE--"A Bull City Holiday" (Retro Big Band Swing from North Carolina) THE OUTSIDE TRACK--"Christmas Star" (UK Folk) PIQSIQ--"Quviasugvik: In Search of Harmony" (Carols adapted to traditional Inuit throat singing) NOVEMBER 29 BIKINI SLEEPOVER--"The Sleepover Before Christmas" (Indie Alt Rock/Basement Punk) TOM BRUSKY--"Country Christmas Collection" (Each song in the style of a different era of Country) JUDY COLLINS & JONAS FJELD--"Winter Stories" (Folk, Bluegrass, and Country set of wintry vignettes) THE COURETTES/POWERSOLO--"Christmas"/"Glædelig jul allesammen" (Raw Rock split 7" from Denmark) ANNIE HALSAM--"It Snows In Heaven Too" (OOP 2000 album from iconic Renaissance vocalist, remastered) WILL HARRIS & FRIENDS--"The Sound of Christmas" (Contemporary Christian) LETTERS TO CLEO--"OK Christmas" (Color Vinyl EP from Alt Rock band, LMTD to 500, released digitally Nov. 15) MICHELLE MALONE--"Toddie Time 2" (Roots artist EP; Kickstarter funded) EDWIN McCAIN--"Merry Christmas Baby" (Indie Rock artist of "I'll Be" fame) MOE--"Season's Greetings" (First vinyl issue of 2002 Alt Rock record; red & white splatter, ltd to 1000) KACEY MUSGRAVES--"The Kacey Musgraves Christmas Show" (Soundtrack to a special taped for Amazon) PONY DEATH RIDE--"The First Leon" (Sand Diego's very popular Cabaret Punk Comedy duo) KATE RUSBY--"Holly Head" (Fifth seasonal set from UK Folk Pop artist) RICK WAKEMAN--"Christmas Portraits" (Solo piano from progressive keyboard legend) RICK WAKEMAN--"Christmas Portraits" (Vinyl version of above) VARIOUS--"Blues Christmas" (Putumayo's 2019 holiday comp includes Charles Brown, Kenny Neal, more) VARIOUS--"Hawaiian Slack Key Christmas" (Reissue of 2000 release) VARIOUS--"Ki Ho'alu Christmas: Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar" (Reissue of 1996 release) VARIOUS--"A Very Rad Pop Christmas" (Punk from the Rad Pop stable; not yet sure of the format) SOUNDTRACK--"Scrooged" (140gm color vinyl) DECEMBER 1 CATS IN SPACE--"My Kind of Christmas" (7" Satsuma Color Vinyl from British 70s flavored Rock group) CATS IN SPACE--"My Kind of Christmas" (12" Picture Disc of above with different B-side; Limited to 300) JOSIE DUNCAN--"Merry Christmas" (3 song EP of sweet Folk from Glasgow artist) ENERGEMA--"A Christmas Night" (EP from Columbian Christian Power Metal band) MELODY NADAL--"Un Noel Jazz" (Christmas Jazz EP from Paris, France) BEULAH RUTH PINTO--"The Impossible" (EP from UAE Pop singer/songwriter) PURRPLE CAT--"Snowbound" (Chill/Jazzhop from Portland, Oregon) STRAWBERRY STATION--"Christmas Present" (UK Vaporwave, some of which is from 2018; ltd to 40) VARIOUS--"Carols For A Cure, Vol. 21" (Broadway casts and artists raising money to fight AIDS) VARIOUS--"Christmas Boogie Woogie" (10 year Christmas "best of" from Green Monkey Records) VARIOUS--"Hail The Jolly Green Monkey" (Green Monkey's 2019 collection of Indie, Alt & underground Rock) DECEMBER 2 SHEL & JARS OF CLAY--"A Family Christmas" (Ltd. 12" red vinyl) SHEL & JARS OF CLAY--"A Family Christmas" (CD version of above) HEIDI TALBOT, ROGER TALLROTH, etc.--"A Light In The Dark" (Nordic & Celtic Folk Supergroup; gorgeous) HEIDI TALBOT, ROGER TALLROTH, etc.--"A Light In The Dark" (Digital version of above) VARIOUS--"The Last Christmas Party On The Left" (The final comp from Friends Friends Friends) DECEMBER 6 JOHN BARROWMAN--"A Fabulous Christmas" (British vocalist and Doctor Who actor) BIG STICK--"Sauced Up Santa" (Green & Red vinyl Rock EP, ltd to 500--only 50 left as of this writing) SAW BLACK & THE TOYS--"Christmas In The Background" (Indie Folk/Americana/Alt Country) SAW BLACK & THE TOYS--"Christmas In The Background" (Limited edition vinyl of above; ltd to 100 copies) MARTINA DaSILVA & DAN CHMIELINSKI--"A Very ChimyTina Christmas" (New York Jazz duo) ARIANA GRANDE--"Christmas & Chill" (Color vinyl release of 2015 EP) KEB MO--"Moonlight, Mistletoe & You" (Blue vinyl version, EXCLUSIVELY available from Keb Mo, ltd to 300) WYNTON MARSALIS--"Big Band Holidays II" (Vinyl version of CD releasing November 8) AIDAN MOFFAT & RM HUBBERT--"Ghost Stories For Christmas" (Vinyl version of 2018 album) PENTATONIX--"The Best of Pentatonix Christmas" (Vinyl version of CD releasing 10/25) JOHNNY REID--"My Kind of Christmas" (Vinyl version of above Country EP due on CD November 1) LANA WINTERHALT--"Diamonds" (Indie Alternative/Folk Pop/Ambient artist from Canada) VARIOUS--"Sons of Old Town Xmas Extravaganza, Vol. 3" (Indie Rock, Pop and Folk; limited to 100) DECEMBER 10 BLACKBALL BANDITS--"A Very Balackball Christmas" (Surf Rock 7", lathe cut and limited to 50) DECEMBER 13 JOHN BARROWMAN--"A Fabulous Christmas" (Barrowman's album arrives at Amazon) SAMANTHA FISH--"Run Run Rudolph"/"Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" (7" from Roots/Blues artist) FURNACE & THE FUNDAMENTALS--"A Very Furnace Christmas" (Vinyl version of 2018 digital album from Australian group, turning Pop/Rock hits into Christmas songs) JOHN LEGEND--"A Legendary Christmas Deluxe" (Vinyl version of CD released Nov. 8) PENTATONIX--"The Best of Pentatonix Christmas" (Vinyl version of CD released 10/25) PUSS N BOOTS--"Dear Santa" (Vinyl EP of Alt Country CD-EP due Oct. 25) DECKCHAIR POETS--"Always Piste At Christmas" (Rock with a smile from Supergroup) STEVE PERRY--"Silver Bells"/"Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" (Color 7" from Journey vocalist) VARIOUS--"Blink Before Christmas" (Comp of vintage Blues/R&B released overseas 10/25 reaches Amazon) VARIOUS--"Hanukkah+" (Vinyl version of CD released Nov. 22) VARIOUS--"A Lakeland Christmas" (Ltd edition white vinyl local artist comp from Lakeland, FL) VARIOUS--"This Warm December: A Brushfire Holiday, Vol. 3" (180gm white vinyl of CD released Nov. 22) VARIOUS--"The 12 Rockin' Days of Christmas" (Comp of vintage Rock and R&B based on The 12 Days) TBA Backstreet Boys (They're back, ai'ight?) Campbell & Green (NOV) (Canadian husband and wife Folk Pop duo) Cher (nuff said) Death Cat--"Death Cat vs. X-Mas" (Experimental Punk multi-media group) Faith Angelina Dixon (New Age piano from 13 year old prodigy) Paul Edis (UK Jazz artist) Pasquale Esposito (Italian tenor) Luke Evans (Actor known for roles in Beauty & The Beast and the Fast & Furious series) Faithful Journey (Southern Gospel quartet from the MidWest) Melody Joyce (EDM singer/songwriter) Folk Hymnal--"Incarnation Songs, Vol. II" (Christian Folk follow up to last year's Christmas EP; Kickstarter funded) Lennie Gallant (Canadian Country star who had one of the best Christmas singles of 2018) HW Klownface--"Desecration of Santa Claus" (Metal artist who won a copyright suit in Judge Judy's courtroom) Hamilton Loomis (NOV) (Texas Blues guitar player; crowdfunded through Go Fund Me) Natalie McMaster (Canadian Celtic fiddler) Tony Meade (Pop Rock artist from Colorado) The New West Symphony & Chorus (70 member choir and orchestra) Oversight Gallery (Indie Emo band from Indiana) Dolly Parton (Country superstar says this is definite and will be accompanied by a Christmas tour) Jetty Rae (NOV) (Second Christmas set) Andrew Ryan (L.A. based Jazz Pop artist) Slobberbone (Alt Country band from Texas) Smashing Pumpkins (Billy seems pretty stoked by the idea) Canadian Troubadour Doug Smith--"Christmas In The Valley" (Canadian Country artist) Danii Roundtree--"Retro Christmas" (Throwback Jazz, Soul, Funk artist) Silya & The Bad Santas (NOV 15) (Norwegian singer and group; vinyl and CD) Sovereign Grace (Worship group planning 3rd Christmas album) Larry Stewart (Country set from one of the vocalists from Restless Heart) The Taters--"Shiny & Brite" (Roots Rock/Americana) Olivia West--"Hurry Up Santa" (Country Pop; Kickstarter) Various--"Seasonal Favorites, Vol. 5" (Yet another indispensable collection of Surf Rock, etc., from Double Crown) POSSIBLE Carolyn Broussard (Cajun Americana) Delta Rae (Alt Pop Americana) DMX--"DMX-Mas" (Rap) EXO (K-Pop Boy Band) 2020 Mandy Gaines (Cincinnati Jazz vocalist) Paul Kelly (The dude who taught us "How To Make Gravy" for Christmas working on a full holiday album) Melvin Seals (Leader of JGB, a Grateful Dead spinoff, with what is expected to be a fairly traditional "churchy" effort) 
This is the end, beautiful friends. For all intents and purposes, this will be my final post, here. As I've mentioned before, the domain has been renewed, in case there's something you want to go back to, but I've always intended to step away by October 26. I might post an update to Not The List, at some point. And, who knows, I might even do one of our annual Stubby's House mixes a few days before Christmas, but otherwise...
So I've chosen to close out on a single, since singles are one of those things we attempted to cover and since it allows me some focus. Christmas singles come in a multitude of flavors. There's the Holly Jolly joyful Christmas single, that's all toys and Santa and celebration. There are the singles that use the holiday as a vehicle for discussing love and relationships. There are singles of nostalgia and singles that look forward with hope. There are religious singles and secular singles. And then there are singles like "The Little Things" by Athena Sorensen and The Merry Shout that appeal to our better angels. "The Little Things" officially releases on November 8 on Mosaic Rain Recordings.
Athena Sorensen, usually billed as just Athena, is a Contemporary Christian artist, currently based in California. Some years ago, she suffered from an auto-immune disease and the healing process brought her closer to God. Her voice is the epitome of beauty mixed with power. Athena spent several years in Hawaii and, if you're listening, you can hear some of that influence in her vocals (the way speech professionals can pick up on all the places you've lived in your life, even if you think yourself accent free). And she's been singing long enough to have put out several Christmas albums, including "Jesus Is The Meaning" and "Christmas Around The World" (the latter of which is a name-your-price download at Bandcamp, though all proceeds go to help feed the hungry...so consider tossing a few coins in the pot, please). Musically, "The Little Things" takes me right back to my early 70s AC/Soft Rock days when I'd wake up to "Joy" by Isaac Hayes or "Walking In The Georgia Rain" by Sonny Geraci & Climax or anything by David Gates & Bread on WRLB. And, like those days, the song starts soft and warm and builds, aided well by the performance and arrangement of The Merry Shout, who start off as background singers and finish as a heavenly choir (without ever going over the top to full on Edwin Hawkins territory). Yes, the song builds, but never loses it's warmth. It's like a Christmas morning that reaches that moment of peak wonder and joy and then...just stays there.  ATHENA SORENSEN
But it's the philosophy of "The Little Things" that makes me choose it as my swan song. If you've been on this Earth as long as I have, you've pondered the eternal question of why we are here in the first place. And it doesn't matter what you study or where you search to find the answer. All of the world's religions and all of history's great philosophers have reached the same conclusion. They may phrase it differently, but the answer is always the same, in essence. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you". "Be the change you wish to see in the world". "If you want a better world, be a better person". "Do the right thing". It's all the same answer.
My favorite iteration of the principle comes from the television show Angel. For those who know their television (and their vampires), Angel was a vampire with a soul...fighting evil for redemption in the hopes of one day winning the right to be made human again. In the Season 2 episode "Epiphany", Angel realizes that he can never defeat evil, for there is always new evil to take its place. And he realizes that fighting for the reward of redemption is kinda missing the point of it all. It's actually selfish. Redemption isn't earned through grand gestures, but from the little things...the things we do without thoughts of reward. "If nothing we do matters," he says, "then all that matters is what we do. 'Cause that's all there is. What we do now. Today. The smallest act of kindness is the greatest thing in the world." Let me leave you with one more example of what we're talking about, here. (As the man at the soup kitchen says to Captain Kirk in "City On The Edge of Forever", "You expect to eat for free or something?"). Once upon a time, I had a very good friend. He passed away not long ago. But he was the one who taught me this principle in theory and in practice. When we'd be hanging out and it became necessary to, I dunno, just go to the store or pick up a pizza or something, he'd physically gird himself. Hey, we're just going to the store. Why all the prep work? Because it was important to him that he left anyone he interacted with with at least a smile. It was important to him that he made the life of anyone he encountered just a tiny bit better, even if only for a second. It was, he felt, the reason for his existence. And he always doubted he'd be up to the task. But he always was. (Miss you, Mike. Thanks for all the little things.).
So, yeah, it's been fun talking about Christmas music with you for all these years. But, among many, one reason I found myself so drawn to Christmas music in the first place is because it seems to be the one time of year when the message is able to reach us. The true meaning of life. "It's not how big a gift you bring/It's all about the little things". It's even more important in these times, when so much of our interaction with others is "virtual" and with people as divided as they seem to be. Know this: everyone out there is just like you...alone, if you want to boil it down to the basics. It doesn't have to be that way. We have each other. Or we could have, if you'll just see the world that way. You can change the world, make it better. It's not as hard as you think. It's the little things. "Step out your warm house/Help someone without". And, if you can carry that spirit one day out of the year, couldn't you at least try to do so every day? I have faith in you all. I believe you can.
"The Little Things" from Athena Sorensen and The Merry Shout drops November 8. You'll find it on Amazon, iTunes, GooglePlay and wherever fine digital downloads are sold. 
Lots of new entries, so make sure you check our Not The List. Make sure you check it twice. Wouldn't want you to miss anything cool. Personally, I couldn't resist sharing this 2016 single from Barbra Lica which is included on the just released digital comp (at least I haven't seen any hard copy, yet, although all the previous volumes have been) from the Canadian Jazz Pop Justin Time label, "Justin Time For Christmas, Vol. 6". Included are such holiday faves as Oliver Jones, Susie Arioli, and Ranee Lee. But I think you'll understand why I was drawn to this one in particular.
JULY 2
SAINT AMBROSE SCHOLA CANTORUM--"Restoration" (Fine choir effort from a small Indiana church) JULY 19 DAVE STRYKER--"Eight Track Christmas" (Guitar-centric Trio Jazz in the tradition of Wes Montgomery) AUGUST 23 NEW ORLEANS JAZZ BAND OF COLOGNE--"Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" (New Orleans Jazz & Blues from German 7-piece) SEPTEMBER 13 THE MONKEES--"Christmas Party" (Vinyl version of 2018 CD) THE MONKEES--"Christmas Party" (Limited Red and Green vinyl version of above) SEPTEMBER 14 VIVA ACOUSTICA--"Christmas Eve" (Blend of instrumental Jazz and Country from Russian group; there will probably be CDs, but you'll probably have to go to Russia to get them) SEPTEMBER 18 DAVE KOZ--"Gifts of the Season" (Smooth Jazz; Melissa Manchester sings "All I Want For Christmas Is You") SEPTEMBER 20 SEAY--"A Winter Blessing - The Gift" (CD version of New Age vocalist's album released digitally in 2018) BRYNN STANLEY--"Classic Christmas" (Jazz vocalist in a classic Big Band/Lush Orchestra setting) VARIOUS--"Let's Make Every Day A Christmas Day" (Vintage R&B collection from Jasmine label) SOUNDTRACK--"Polar Express" (Transparent white vinyl issue of soundtrack to 2004 film) SEPTEMBER 27 BIG LITTLE KINGDOM--"Alone For Christmas" (Contemplative and melancholy Adult Contemporary set) ISTHMUS BRASS--"We Need A Little Christmas" (Wisconsin Brass ensemble's second holiday platter) VINCE GILL--"The Christmas Collection" (Wide release black vinyl version of 2018 Cracker Barrel Exclusive) BRENDA LEE--"Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree: The Decca Christmas Recordings" (New vinyl; old music) RAMSEY LEWIS TRIO--"More Sounds of Christmas" (First domestic CD release of Lewis' second Christmas set) RAMSEY LEWIS TRIO--"More Sounds of Christmas" (Vinyl version of above) MUSCRIBE--"Yule-Five Carols" (Instrumental Jazz...ish carols done in 5/4 time...a la Brubeck) DIANA ROSS--"Wonderful Christmas Time" (Vinyl version of last year's CD) THE TEMPTATIONS--"Christmas Card" (Vinyl re-issue of 1970 Motown release) VARIOUS--"The Ultimate Rockin' Christmas Collection" (Western Star label doubles the fun of 2016 album) OCTOBER 1 LUCIA FRITTOLI--"Holy Night (Music For Movie)" (Instrumental Lite/Easy Listening) LORETTA PERRY--"The Reason For The Season" (Jazz infused Contemporary Gospel) OCTOBER 4 JONATHAN BUTLER--"Christmas Together" (2nd Xmas album from Jazz guitarist; many Smooth Jazz guests) JOSEPH FULLER--"Christmas In The City" (Live outing from Christian Classical Crossover pianist) BILL & GLORIA GAITHER--"12 Christmas Favorites" (Traditional Gospel artists; Available at Cracker Barrel) LOS LOBOS--"Llego Navidad" (First official commercial Christmas album from Tex Mex Rock combo) MIRUSIA--"Christmas Memories" (World renowned Australian Soprano and Classical Crossover star) ROSEATE--"First Christmas" (Christmas with a Bossa beat) SIMPLY SISTERS--"Christmas" (Pretty AC/Southern Gospel) VARIOUS--"The Best of Christmas Grass" (Bluegrass from the "Christmas Grass" series) VARIOUS--"Christmas Grass: The Instrumentals" (Bluegrass from the "Christmas Grass" series) VARIOUS--"NOW Country Christmas" (Latest from the NOW empire) OCTOBER 11 GERALD ALBRIGHT--"Not So Silent Night" (Jazz sax player; with guests Take 6, Bebe Winans, Jonathan Butler) DON AMERO--"Amero Little Christmas" (America release of last year's Canadian Country Christmas set) JOSE CABRERA--"O Come All Ye Faithful" (Piano set melding Classical, Jazz and Latin sounds) VANESSA CAMPAGNA--"Merry & Bright" (I believe this is the fourth Christmas set from the Pop Country singer) CHICAGO--"Chicago Christmas 2019" (37th album from horn driven Classic Rock group) CHICAGO--"Chicago Christmas 2019" (Target exclusive CD features two Target exclusive tracks) RAY CONIFF--"We Wish You A Merry Christmas" (Collectors vinyl of 1962 album; had been due last November) DELICATE STEVE--"The Christmas Album" (Multi-instrumentalist releasing vinyl version of last year's CD) D-PAD FANFARE--"Rock Man Around The Xmas Tree" (Video game music arranged for the holidays) D-PAD FANFARE--"Have Yourself A Super Mario Little Christmas" (As above) MARY FAHL--"Winter Songs And Carols" (A mix of Traditional, Folk, AC and World music) ERNIE HAASE & SIGNATURE SOUND--"A Jazzy Little Christmas" (Southern Gospel artist) HOORAY HEROES--"Xmas Album" (FREE digital EP for kids and people who have them) NE-YO--"Another Kind of Christmas" (Soulful seasonal grooves from singer-songwriter) THE THREE SUNS--"The Sound of Christmas" (Digital re-issue of 1960 Jazz Vocal group release) ANDY WILLIAMS--"Christmas Album" (Audiophile Blue Vinyl reissue of 1963 classic delayed from last year) SOUNDTRACK--"Love Actually" (Limited Edition Candy Cane vinyl from Real Gone) OCTOBER 15 BRIAN DOERKSEN--"The Heart of Christmas" (Canadian Christian artist; funded through Kickstarter) BRIAN DOERKSEN--"The Heart of Christmas" (Vinyl version of above) OCTOBER 18 ACCENT--"Christmas All The Way" (Jazz Vocal combo; hard copy CD may be available later) BLACKHAWK--"The Spirit of Christmas" (Classic Country group) THE CAPTAIN'S CREW--"An Outer Banks Christmas" (Folk/Gospel from NC; may be a digital reissue of old CD) THE COLLINGSWORTH FAMILY--"A True Family Christmas" (Southern Gospel family's third) CHARLIE DANIELS--"Christmas Classics" (Traditional fare collected from Daniels' earlier Christmas sets) THE ERWINS--"What Christmas Really Means" (CCM/Worship group) KEN GRIFFIN--"Back For Christmas" (Traditional holiday and non-holiday fare from late organist) ROB HALFORD--"Celestial" (Judas Priest front man with his second Yuletide set) ROB HALFORD--"Celestial" (Vinyl version of above) JEWEL--"Joy: A Holiday Collection" (20th Anniversary vinyl reissue of Folk Pop singer's Xmas set) KEB MO--"Moonlight, Mistletoe & You" (Roots artist blends Blues and romance) DONNA KING--"All The Lights" (Nashville based Christian/Gospel artist whose 2013 set was quite enjoyable) MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER--"Christmas (35th Anniversary Edition)" (Limited Edition vinyl reissue) IDINA MENZEL--"Christmas--A Season of Love" (Second seasonal outing from star of stage & screen) LEON REDBONE--"Christmas Island" (Import CD reissue of the late singer's Christmas set, feat. Dr. John) DIONNE WARWICK--"And The Voices of Christmas" (Album of holiday duets from Iconic diva) VARIOUS--"Carols: The Sounds of Christmas" (Smooth Jazz collection from Trippin N Rhythm label) VARIOUS--"Christmas At Birdland" (Jazzy cabaret featuring Klea Blackhurst) VARIOUS--"Justin Time For Christmas, Vol. 6" (Comp from Canadian Jazz label's stable of artists) VARIOUS--"Rock By The Sea Christmas, Vol. 10" (Florida charity raising money for cancer sufferers) OCTOBER 23 VARIOUS--"A Taste of Christmas Pudding 2019" (Mostly Indie Rock from Alice Cooper's annual benefit concert) OCTOBER 25 92 KEYS--"Christmas" (Pop/Classical Crossover duet of piano and violin) 92 KEYS--"Christmas" (IF there's a CD, as I suspect there will be, it should be available here) BOOKER T & THE MGs--"In The Christmas Spirit" (Barnes & Noble exclusive red vinyl of 1966 classic) JIM BRICKMAN--"Celebration of Christmas" (Yet another Xmas set from Easy Listening artist) DAVID CARNES--"A Christmas Journey" (Based on title, a reissue of 1999 set from virtuoso pianist) CELTIC WOMAN--"The Magic of Christmas" (Celtic Pop/Classical Crossover group's latest seasonal effort) ELIZABETH CHAN--"If The Fates Allow" (8 years, 8 Christmas records from the reigning Queen of Christmas) TATIANA EVA-MARIE--"Wintertime Dreams" (30s style Parisian romance via Gypsy Jazz) ORLA FALLON--"A Winter's Tale" (Second solo Christmas set from Celtic harpist/singer of Celtic Woman fame) MAGNE FURUHOLMEN--"White Xmas Lies" (Alt Rock/Alt Pop from former A-Ha keyboard artist) MAGNE FURUHOLMEN--"White Xmas Lies" (Vinyl version of above) ANA GASTEYER--"Sugar And Booze" (A mix of Jazz and humor from from SNL cast member) ANA GASTEYER--"Sugar And Booze" (Vinyl version of above) KEITH & KRISTYN GETTY--"Sing! An Irish Christmas" (Northern Irish Christian duo) DANNY GOKEY--"The Greatest Gift" (CCM performer and former American Idol contestant) THE HAPPY RACERS--"A Merry Very Christmas" (CD of last year's digital set of Rock for Kids...of all ages) LATERAL BLUE--"This Christmas" (Bluegrass group from Green Hill Music) RACHAEL LEAHCAR--"Together For Christmas" (Australian Pop and Classical singer) TRINI LOPEZ--"My Christmas Gift To You" (Re-issue--with different title--of singer's 2017 Christmas album) VICTOR MANUELLE--"Memorias de Navidad" (Puerto Rican Latin Pop/Salsa artist) MARC MARTEL--"The Christmas Collection" (The best from Marc's Christmas EPs, plus some new) LEA MICHELE--"Christmas In The City" (Former Glee star) SCOTT MILLER--"Mountain Frontier Christmas" (Green Hill release featuring hammered dulcimer) OAK RIDGE BOYS--"Down Home Christmas" (Country act's EIGHTH holiday album) ROCKY PATERRA--"Naughty List" (Pop Rock artist; lead single is "Icicle") MELANIE PENN--"Immanuel: The Folk Sessions" (EP featuring Bluegrass/Folk flavor) PENTATONIX--"The Best of Pentatonix Christmas" (Collection of past favorites, plus 4 new tracks) PUSS N BOOTS--"Dear Santa" (EP from female Alt Country band based in Brooklyn) SALLY SAPPINGTON--"On This Christmas Night" (6-song EP from teenage Indie singer/songwriter) SINGING CONTRACTORS--"Building A Christmas To Remember" (Don't know, don't want to know) JEAN WATSON--"For Unto Us" (CCM/Devotional violinist and singer) WHITEHORSE--"Winter Classic" (Vinyl issue of last year's set from Canadian duo) VARIOUS--"Blink Before Christmas" (Import collection of vintage Blues/R&B; will reach Amazon in December) VARIOUS--"Jazz For The Holidays" (Collection of instrumental Jazz from the Green Hill stable of artists) NOVEMBER 1 MARIAH CAREY--"Merry Christmas: Deluxe Anniversary Edition" (2-CD set includes rare mixes & live tracks) ELEM ELEY, et. al.--"Christmas Day" (Operatic baritone and assorted accompaniment) THE 5 BROWNS--"Christmas With The 5 Browns" (Piano playing Classical crossover siblings) AMY GRANT--"Christmas" (3-LP vinyl set plus bonus 45 with 2 exclusive tracks) SARA GROVES--"Joy Of Every Longing Heart" (CCM Folk Pop artist who gave us "O Holy Night" a decade ago) KELLIE HADDOCK--"Peace On Earth" (Christian Singer/Songwriter) REBECCA KILGORE & ECHOES OF SWING--"Winter Days at Schloss Elmau" (Traditional Jazz) THE KRAYOLAS--"Christmas With My Dad" (70's Garage Rock band with Tex-Mex influences) CYNDI LAUPER--"Merry Christmas, Have A Nice Life" (Limited Edition Green vinyl version of 1998 album) MONALISA TWINS--"Christmas" (Actual twins who meld traditional Pop and Folk with Indie Pop and Folk) JAY PEREZ--"A Jay Perez Christmas" (Tejano/R&B artist) CALEE REED--"Rejoice!" (Christian vocalist) JOHNNY REID--"My Kind Of Christmas" (EP from Canadian Country singer; vinyl due Dec. 6) JOSH ROUSE--"The Holiday Sounds of" (Alt Folk Pop artist inspired by 60s Jazz) JOSH ROUSE--"The Holiday Sounds of" (Vinyl version of above) MITCH RYDER--"Christmas Take A Ride" (Vinyl version of last year's set from Detroit Rocker) THE SEEKERS--"We Wish You A Merry Christmas" (Re-issue of Morningtown Ride To Christmas + a 2003 tune) SHE & HIM--"A Very She & Him Christmas" (Vinyl version of 2011 album) SHE & HIM--"A Very She & Him Christmas" (Barnes & Nobel Vinyl Exclusive version of 2011 album; red and green splatter on solid white) TRUE CONCORD--"Christmas With True Concord" (Grammy nominated Arizona based Choir and Orchestra) VANDALS--"Oi To The World Live" (Punk band's classic 2002 holiday concert on CD for first time) VANDALS--"Oi To The World Live" (First time on vinyl, as well. Limited edition white vinyl) PHIL WICKHAM--"Christmas" (Second Christmas album from CCM artist) VARIOUS--"An All Star Salute To Christmas" (Re-issue of eclectic 2009 2-CD set) VARIOUS--"DREAM Christmas, Vol. 4" (CCM from the DREAM stable of artists) VARIOUS--"Prog Rock Christmas" (Features Steve Morse, Annie Halsam, and more) VARIOUS--"Prog Rock Christmas" (Vinyl version of above; red or white) VARIOUS--"Punk Rock Christmas 2" (Cleopatra follow up to 2015 comp) VARIOUS--"Punk Rock Christmas 2" (Red vinyl version of above) VARIOUS--"Rock N Roll Christmas" (3-CD Import for the price of one relatively cheap domestic CD) VARIOUS--"A Sparkling Christmas" (23 Christmas oldies on 180gm Gold & Clear vinyl, Import limited to 1500) SOUNDTRACK--"Home Alone" (Limited Edition Green vinyl version of 1990 soundtrack) NOVEMBER 8 LEROY ANDERSON--"Complete Christmas Collection" (2-CD set from RealGone) CHET ATKINS--"Complete RCA & Columbia Christmas Recordings" (2-CD set from RealGone) B3 KINGS--"Laughing All The Way" (3rd Christmas set from Canadian seasonal Jazz superstars) STANLEY BLACK--"Christmas Holiday For Romance" (First time on CD for this 1954 Lite Music classic) WADE BOWEN--"Twelve Twenty-Five" (Country/Red Dirt singer with a throwback Christmas album) WADE BOWEN--"Twelve Twenty-Five" (Vinyl version of above) LINCOLN BREWSTER--"A Mostly Acoustic Christmas Album" (Canadian CCM artist) JIM BRICKMAN--"The Magic of Christmas" (When one new Jim Brickman Christmas album isn't enough) NATALIE COLE--"Holly & Ivy" (25th Anniversary reissue from Craft Recordings; remastered) NATALIE COLE--"Holly & Ivy" (Vinyl version of above; 180gm collector's grade vinyl) DOUBLE DRUMS--"Groovin' Christmas" (German percussion duo) AMY GRANT--"Home For Christmas" (First time on vinyl for Amy's 1992 classic) ERIN HARPE & THE DELTA SWINGERS--"Christmas Swing" (2018 rocking' Blues set comes to vinyl) JOHN LEGEND--"A Legendary Christmas Deluxe" (last year's set with four additional tunes) MICHAEL LINGTON--"A Foreign Affair Christmas" (Smooth Jazz from Danish American Sax player) WYNTON MARSALIS--"Big Band Holidays II" (Sequel to 2015 effort with the JLCO) EUGENE ORMANDY--"Complete Columbia Christmas Albums" (Sonic splendor from RealGone) JIM REEVES--"Twelve Songs of Christmas (Remastered & Expanded)" (Finally) DYLAN SCOTT--"Merry Christmas" (Country artist with some classic crooner instincts) BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA--"Boogie Woogie Christmas" (Green vinyl release of 2002 album) BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA--"Dig That Crazy Santa Claus" (Red vinyl release of 2005 album) SIDEWALK PROPHETS--"Merry Christmas To You" (Deluxe version of 2013 holiday set from CCM group) VARIOUS--"Great Songs of Christmas" (RealGone release culled from Goodyear & Grants LPs; first time on CD for 19 of the 20 tracks, including rare Christmas recordings from Gary Puckett and Mark Lindsay) VARIOUS--"Have Yourself A Swingin' Little Christmas" (LMTD 180gm color vinyl shorter version of 2018 CD) VARIOUS--"NOW 100 Hits Christmas" (5-CD set from the NOW empire) VARIOUS--"Yulesville" (Collection of early Rock and vintage R&B from Bear Family label) NOVEMBER 9 NEON SWING X-PERIENCE--"O Howly Night" (Pennsylvania Neo-Swing Jump Jive and Rock band) NOVEMBER 10 NAT KING COLE--"The Christmas Song" (Target EXCLUSIVE GREEN Vinyl version of classic holiday album) FRANK SINATRA--"Ultimate Christmas" (Target EXCLUSIVE Limited Edition GREEN Vinyl 2-LP set) NOVEMBER 15 SAARA AALTO--"Fairytale - Joulun Taikaa" (Finnish Pop star) BARNES & BARNES--"Holidaze In Lumania" (Last year's brilliantly demented digital album comes to CD) BARNES & BARNES--"Holidaze In Lumania" (Last year's brilliantly demented digital album comes to vinyl) JOACHIM BADENHORST & MOGIL--"Adventa" (Avant Garde Jazz from Iceland) MOLLY BURCH--"The Molly Burch Christmas Album" (Amazing Alt Pop artist) MOLLY BURCH--"The Molly Burch Christmas Album" (Vinyl version of above) MOLLY BURCH--"The Molly Burch Christmas Album" (VMP exclusive Evergreen color vinyl version; Lmtd 300) CHRISTMAS JUG BAND--"Live From The West Pole" (More Christmas fun from West Coast collective) ANAIS DELVA--"Quand J'Entends Chanter Noel" (French Pop/Traditional singer; mp3 at Amazon) ELLA FITZGERALD--"Wishes You A Swinging Christmas" (VMP exclusive 180gm Purple&Green Hi-Melt vinyl) LEAH--"Ancient Winter" (Winter themed set combining Folk, Celtic, Rock & Classical) LEAH--"Ancient Winter" (Vinyl version of above; color vinyl already sold out) KAYLENE PEOPLES--"Carol Of The Bells" (CD issue of 2016 digital Jazz EP from California flautist/vocalist) JOE STILGOE--"The Christmas Album" (Neo-Swing singer/songwriter) VARIOUS--"Christmas In Soulsville" (VMP exclusive Red & Green Starburst vinyl edition; Limited to 1000) VARIOUS--"Music To Enjoy Christmas By" (Budget priced 3-CD Import) VARIOUS--"NOW Country Christmas" (RED Vinyl version of CD released Oct. 4) VARIOUS--"A Very Cool Christmas" (2-LP Audiophile 180gm color vinyl comp, ltd and numbered to 1500) NOVEMBER 18 GERALD KRAMPL--"Advent & Christmas" (2 album set of Neo-Classical/New Age solo piano) NOVEMBER 22 BAD RELIGION--"Christmas Songs" (GOLD Vinyl version of 2013 EP; Limited to 500 units) RACHELLE BENTLEY--"Christmas Gift" (Jazz Pop/Traditional vocalist; re-issue of 2011 release) CHICAGO--"Chicago Christmas 2019" (Vinyl version of CD released October 11) JESSIE CLEMENT--"Winter Wonderland" (21 year old Pop artist) BING CROSBY--"Bing At Christmas" (With the London Symphony Orch & featuring The Puppini Sisters on 2) KEITH HARKIN--"It's Christmas Time" (Second Christmas album from former Celtic Thunder vocalist) GOOD LOVELIES--"Evergreen" (Second Christmas album from Canadian vocal harmony Folk Pop trio) GOOD LOVELIES--"Evergreen" (Vinyl version of above) HIDEAKI HORI & HIROSHI TAKASE--"Christmas Time" (Jazz from Japan; 14 tracks) THE McCRARY SISTERS--"A Very McCrary Christmas" (Bluesy Gospel with some great guests) IDINA MENZEL--"Christmas--A Season of Love" (Vinyl version of CD due Oct. 18) AMANDA ANNE PLATT & THE HONEYCUTTERS--"Christmas On A Greyhound Bus" (Americana EP) STYLISTICS--"Christmas" (Vinyl release of 1992 album) SILENT WINTERS--"Christmas Morning" (Canadian Folk duo) ROBBIE WILLIAMS--"The Christmas Present" (2-CD set from former Take That vocalist; lots of originals) ROBBIE WILLIAMS--"The Christmas Present" (Vinyl version of above) ROBBIE WILLIAMS--"The Christmas Present Deluxe" (Above CD with four additional songs) ROBBIE WILLIAMS--"The Christmas Present Deluxe" (Vinyl version of Deluxe version above) ROBBIE WILLIAMS--"The Christmas Present" (RED cassette version, EXCLUSIVELY from Robbie Williams) ROBBIE WILLIAMS--"The Christmas Present" (GREEN cassette version EXCLUSIVELY from Robbie Williams) VARIOUS--"Merry Luxmas" (A collection of vintage singles from The Cramps' vinyl basement) VARIOUS--"A Vintage Broadway Christmas" (Broadway stars of yesteryear/recent past) SNOWFLAKES SINGLES (NOVEMBER 22) LIVINGMORE--"Show Me Light And Love"/"Winter Wonderland" (White 7" vinyl; Limited to 320) SUPERBRAVO--"La Nuit"/"Chanson Pour Les Enfants l'Hiver" (White 7" vinyl; Limited to 320) US AND THEM--"When The Stars Are Shining Brightly"/"Winter" (White 7" vinyl; Limited to 320) BUNDLE OF ALL THREE 2019 SNOWFLAKES SINGLES NOVEMBER 25 THE OUTSIDE TRACK--"Christmas Star" (UK Folk) NOVEMBER 29 JUDY COLLINS & JONAS FJELD--"Winter Stories" (Folk, Bluegrass, and Country set of wintry vignettes) ANNIE HALSAM--"It Snows In Heaven Too" (OOP 2000 album from iconic Renaissance vocalist, remastered) WILL HARRIS & FRIENDS--"The Sound of Christmas" (Contemporary Christian) LETTERS TO CLEO--"OK Christmas" (Color Vinyl EP from Alt Rock band, LMTD to 500, released digitally Nov. 15) KATE RUSBY--"Holly Head" (Fifth seasonal set from UK Folk Pop artist) RICK WAKEMAN--"Christmas Portraits" (Solo piano from progressive keyboard legend) RICK WAKEMAN--"Christmas Portraits" (Vinyl version of above) VARIOUS--"Blues Christmas" (Putumayo's 2019 holiday comp includes Charles Brown, Kenny Neal, more) VARIOUS--"Hawaiian Slack Key Christmas" (Reissue of 2000 release) VARIOUS--"Ki Ho'alu Christmas: Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar" (Reissue of 1996 release) DECEMBER 1 CATS IN SPACE--"My Kind of Christmas" (7" Satsuma Color Vinyl from British 70s flavored Rock group) CATS IN SPACE--"My Kind of Christmas" (12" Picture Disc of above with different B-side; Limited to 300) DECEMBER 6 JOHN BARROWMAN--"A Fabulous Christmas" (British vocalist and Doctor Who actor) WYNTON MARSALIS--"Big Band Holidays II" (Vinyl version of CD releasing November 8) AIDAN MOFFAT & RM HUBBERT--"Ghost Stories For Christmas" (Vinyl version of 2018 album) PENTATONIX--"The Best of Pentatonix Christmas" (Vinyl version of CD releasing 10/25) JOHNNY REID--"My Kind of Christmas" (Vinyl version of above Country EP due on CD November 1) LANA WINTERHALT--"Diamonds" (Indie Alternative/Folk Pop/Ambient artist from Canada) DECEMBER 13 JOHN BARROWMAN--"A Fabulous Christmas" (Barrowman's album arrives at Amazon) FURNACE & THE FUNDAMENTALS--"A Very Furnace Christmas" (Vinyl version of 2018 digital album from Australian group, turning Pop/Rock hits into Christmas songs) JOHN LEGEND--"A Legendary Christmas Deluxe" (Vinyl version of CD released Nov. 8) PENTATONIX--"The Best of Pentatonix Christmas" (Vinyl version of CD released 10/25) PUSS N BOOTS--"Dear Santa" (Vinyl EP of Alt Country CD-EP due Oct. 25) DECKCHAIR POETS--"Always Piste At Christmas" (Rock with a smile from Supergroup) VARIOUS--"Blink Before Christmas" (Comp of vintage Blues/R&B released overseas 10/25 reaches Amazon) VARIOUS--"The 12 Rockin' Days of Christmas" (Comp of vintage Rock and R&B based on The 12 Days) TBA Backstreet Boys (They're back, ai'ight?) Campbell & Green (NOV) (Canadian husband and wife Folk Pop duo) Cher (nuff said) Clean Pete (Dutch Pop/Rock twin sister duo) Glenn Crytzer Orchestra--"Underneath The Mistletoe" (Sounds of the Jazz Age and Swing Era; 11 originals, 9 classics; crowdfunded through Kickstarter) Death Cat--"Death Cat vs. X-Mas" (Experimental Punk multi-media group) Faith Angelina Dixon (New Age piano from 13 year old prodigy) Paul Edis (UK Jazz artist) Pasquale Esposito (Italian tenor) Luke Evans (Actor known for roles in Beauty & The Beast and the Fast & Furious series) Faithful Journey (Southern Gospel quartet from the MidWest) Melody Joyce (EDM singer/songwriter) Folk Hymnal--"Incarnation Songs, Vol. II" (Christian Folk follow up to last year's Christmas EP; Kickstarter funded) Lennie Gallant (Canadian Country star who had one of the best Christmas singles of 2018) HW Klownface--"Desecration of Santa Claus" (Metal artist who won a copyright suit in Judge Judy's courtroom) Chris Mann (Former Voice contestant who released a Christmas EP in 2012) Natalie McMaster (Canadian Celtic fiddler) Tony Meade (Pop Rock artist from Colorado) Mistah Shak--"Christmas Where I'm From" (Christmas music from Trinidad & Tobago) The New West Symphony & Chorus (70 member choir and orchestra) Oversight Gallery (Indie Emo band from Indiana) Dolly Parton (Country superstar says this is definite and will be accompanied by a Christmas tour) Andrew Ryan (L.A. based Jazz Pop artist) Salt of the Sound (Ambient Christian Vocal duo) Slobberbone (Alt Country band from Texas) Smashing Pumpkins (Billy seems pretty stoked by the idea) Canadian Troubadour Doug Smith--"Christmas In The Valley" (Canadian Country artist) Sovereign Grace (Worship group planning 3rd Christmas album) Larry Stewart (Country set from one of the vocalists from Restless Heart) Joey Stuckey (NOV) (Blind Georgia Blues Rock artist) The Taters--"Shiny & Brite" (Roots Rock/Americana) Olivia West--"Hurry Up Santa" (Country Pop; Kickstarter) Various--"Seasonal Favorites, Vol. 5" (Yet another indispensable collection of Surf Rock, etc., from Double Crown) Various--"A Very Cherry Christmas--Vol. 14" (late NOV) (Brilliant Indie Pop and Rock, curated by Gareth Jones) POSSIBLE Carolyn Broussard (Cajun Americana) Delta Rae (Alt Pop Americana) DMX--"DMX-Mas" (Rap) EXO (K-Pop Boy Band) 2020 Mandy Gaines (Cincinnati Jazz vocalist) Paul Kelly (The dude who taught us "How To Make Gravy" for Christmas working on a full holiday album) Melvin Seals (Leader of JGB, a Grateful Dead spinoff, with what is expected to be a fairly traditional "churchy" effort)  Regular visitors to Stubby's know my favorite things, and, as it happens, Snowflakes Christmas Singles are a combination of almost all of those things. They are an annual tradition. I love traditions. They're Christmas, of course. And no one need wonder about my love of the Yuletide. They exist only as vinyl and I luvs me some vinyl. They come from the best Indie bands all over the world. And y'all know I have always been fascinated by the Christmas music of far away lands. And they touch upon multiple musical facets and genres while remaining completely accessible to someone who, like me, grew up addicted to purely Pop music. Snowflakes Singles are like the tastiest of holiday sweets. And who doesn't like holiday sweets? About the only thing Snowflakes Singles don't have are cats. Oh, well, there's always next year. Begun in 2013 by my personal holiday hero, Robert Voogt, Snowflakes Christmas Singles this year turn seven. And number seven proves to be lucky for all of us. The original idea was to preserve, modernize, pay tribute to and carry forward the beloved institution of the Christmas single. Back in 2013, the Christmas single was all but a memory. Heck, the 7" vinyl single (Christmas or not) was all but extinct. If you're anywhere near my age, you grew up with a stack of 7" vinyl singles...it was THE medium for music for teens, tweens and young adults. Though growing older meant a move to 12" albums, most of us never lost our love of the 7" 45. But then came the digital age and, in my opinion, something was lost. For all the convenience of a digital single, you can't see it, you can't touch it, hold it in your hands, marvel at the grooves of it all, and you can't enjoy the aroma of freshly minted vinyl. We have 5 senses and digital singles only reach one. To me, things becoming less physical--more virtual--leads to a lack of trust in reality itself. Vinyl has made a bit of a comeback in recent years, but a 7" vinyl single is still the exception and not the rule. Yet a 7" vinyl single is a thing of beauty...a wonder to behold. Nothing is quite so exciting as putting a 7" record on the turntable and placing the tonearm at the beginning of the record. Oooh, the anticipation of waiting for that first note. And nothing is quite so zen as watching the record go round and round as the music plays. (And digitizing your vinyl is amusingly meta. Just sayin'.) For his Snowflakes, Robert Voogt identifies the best emerging bands around the globe, invites their participation, and pays all recording costs. The bands or artists record one original and one cover song which are pressed to Snow White vinyl. The artists provide their own artwork, which is then reproduced to sturdy cardboard for a top quality picture sleeve. These are quality records, prepared with all the love and care which you would employ if they were your own--possibly more. The releases are very limited...no more than 320 of each (with rare exceptions)...and very reasonably priced (for comparison, the coming Cats In Space 45, which I'm also excited about, goes for 10 euros while a Snowflakes single is only 7). There's a reason Robert refers to his collection as the Snowflakes Christmas Singles Club; "membership" is extremely limited. But you don't need to be anyone special to belong...just a lover of new and exciting Christmas music. To the best of my knowledge, none of the Snowflakes Christmas singles has ever appeared anywhere else. You won't find these tunes on any CD comps anywhere and there is no second pressing; when they're gone, they're gone for good. Their quality and limited nature make them great keepsake collectibles. A copy of The Smoke Fairies' Snowflakes single, sold out for years now, will currently set you back anywhere from $20 to $40 on the secondary market, and that record is only a few years old. But you don't buy Snowflakes Christmas Singles for the investment possibilities; you buy them for the love of Christmas music and vinyl. And, if you are here at Stubby's, odds are pretty good you love Christmas music and vinyl. In short, these are just for you. For year 7, we get 3 new records. The bands are SuperBravo (from France), Us and Them (from Sweden). and Livingmore from right here in the good old USA. As is our own tradition, here, we share our thoughts on the bands below with a more-or-less random non-Christmas cut from each of them, just so you get a taste of their sounds and styles. Pre-orders are now LIVE! Clicking on the cover art will take you to where you can pre-order each single. Or you can save money by pre-ordering a bundle of all 3, here. The official release date is November 22 but, if you pre-order early, you're likely to get your Snowflakes Singles substantially before the official release date. There are also limited quantities available of most of the previous Snowflakes Singles (several have sold out), which you can purchase individually or, if you're just getting started, bundled up in one big package of Snowflakes Christmas joy. Snowflakes Singles are also available through Bandcamp, though the 2019 additions won't be posted there for awhile and there are no bundles there. SUPERBRAVO -- LA NUIT / CHANSON POUR LES ENFANTS L'HIVER  The Snowflakes single from SuperBravo may well be my favorite new addition to the collection. Sure, it's a foreign language, but not just any foreign language. Non, non. This is French. Oui, oui! And not just any French. These are the kind of French female vocals that make grown men weak in the knees--the kind of French female vocals that inspired our good friend Guuzbourg (Christmas A Go Go) to create the web site Filles Sourires - a music blog about girls singing in French. Or, as Robert says, "dreamy as only French female vocals can sound". He coulda said "sexy", but I guess he was going for the PG version. SuperBravo is something of a French supergroup...featuring super sexy vocalist Armelle Pioline (of Holden), Julie Gasnier (of Lalafactory) and Michel Peteau (of Cheval Fou and Nyl). If you lived in France, you'd know those bands. The three formed SuperBravo in 2016, combining that sensual sound of 60s French Pop with 70s Pysch and 80s Synth Pop. It's a bit like Eurythmics if you softened some of the edges, took more chances with the sounds, and replaced the roar of lioness Annie Lennox with the purring of a Parisian kitten. OK, so nothing at all like Eurythmics (but I've always wanted to type "the purring of a Parisian kitten", so I can cross that off the bucket list, now). SuperBravo goes beyond any simple explanation, weaving magic and mystery into their sound. Deeply layered, endlessly fascinating, intriguing and inviting, yet thoroughly accessible. SuperBravo's Snowflakes original is "La Nuit" ("The Night") which, even if you don't understand the lyrics, conveys the magic, majesty and mystery of Christmas Eve in all of it's wonder. You can easily visualize Santa preparing for his annual trip around the world, accompanied by the knowing excitement of elves and other mythical creatures and the singing of heavenly angels. For their cover song, SuperBravo offers their interpretation of one of the best known children's Christmas songs from France, "Chanson Pour Les Enfants l'Hiver" ("Song for the Children of Winter"), which tells the tale of a snowman who sought to warm himself by the fire...with predictable results. As our exemplar, here, we've chosen "Seule" ("Alone") from SuperBravo's 2017 album "L'Angle Vivant". LIVINGMORE -- SHOW ME LIGHT AND LOVE / WINTER WONDERLAND  If you happen to like your Rock classic and American, the Snowflakes single from L.A.'s Livingmore is for you. Livingmore formed in 2014 when vocalist Alex Moore met guitarist Spencer Livingston. The group's lineup also includes drummer Mike Schadel and Rodrigo Moreno on bass. And there's no way around it, the vocals of Alex Moore will remind you of Blondie's Debbie Harry...if Debbie Harry fronted a band that was less New Wavy and more Classic Rock. Livingmore scored something of a minor hit with "Really Mean It" a few years back and their debut full length, "OK to Land", was released last year. They're currently working on a new album with the lead single, "Dead Fruit" having just been released Friday. "Dead Fruit" tastes a bit like Rock ribs marinated in Psych and Grunge sauce (granted, that analogy is more meat than fruit). Livingmore's Snowflakes original, "Show Me Light and Love" is an instant winner, a catchy Rocker that sounds like a lost classic from the late 70s (and the only Christmas song I can think of off hand to name-check jello molds). It's definitely something worthy of playing again and again, over and over, possibly for days at a time. They strip everything away for the flip, an acoustic cover of "Winter Wonderland", so you can focus on the fascinating harmony vocals from Moore and Livingston. That one reminds me a bit of when Columbia records would recruit a contemporary Pop act to contribute a track or two to those Goodyear albums of old. In short, their take is both fresh and traditional, destined to be enjoyed by children of all ages. For our selection, here, we're going with "Really Mean It", which is closer in style to the hook laden "Show Me Light And Love" than is "Dead Fruit". But if this is your first encounter with Livingmore, it wouldn't surprise me if you'd want to collect up all of their works to date...which you can check out on Bandcamp. US AND THEM -- WHEN THE STARS ARE SHINING BRIGHTLY / WINTER  The Swedish duo Us and Them are vocalist Britt Rönnholm and multi-instrumentalist Anders Håkanson. They joined forces in 2006 with a goal of capturing in music the mood of their dreams. After a few self issued EPs and an album collecting those sides, Us and Them made their "official" debut in 2009 with "Julia Dream of All the Pretty Horses". Their latest album, released last year, is "On Shipless Ocean". Often described as Acid Folk, Us and Them combine elements of Folk, Psychedlia and Baroque Pop, helping them achieve a sound that is at once fully contemporary and an echo of the past. Us and Them make some of the most beautiful music you will ever hear. It's the soft Psych Folk of Simon & Garfunkle's "Scarborough Fair" meeting the dreamy delicate vocals of Marianne Faithful. The sound is fragile as a faberge egg, but that is deceiving. For behind the fragile facade is something of such substance and weight as to be unbreakable. Us and Them offer you the opportunity to drift off to a fantasy realm of your choosing or to contemplate the deeper meaning of your own actual life. You can even do both...simultaneously. There's a very cinematic quality to the music of Us and Them, which is highly conducive to whichever mental endeavor you undertake. For their Snowflakes single, Us and Them have written "When The Stars Are Shining Brightly", a bit of bittersweet nostalgia mixed with the eternal question of whether one can or can not go home again. And, while most of the cover songs selected for Snowflakes singles have been well-known tunes with plenty of December miles on them, Us and Them have opted for "Winter", a relatively recent composition from Tori Amos which, in the hands of Britt and Anders, sounds like it was written especially for Us and Them (no puns intended). For our selection, here, we've chosen a cover of The Hollies' song "Butterfly". Us and Them's version can be found on the vinyl-only Hollies tribute record "Re-Evolution" (which may or may not be sold out).  So there you have it--the Snowflakes Christmas Singles class of 2019. All female vocalists this year; I think that might be a first. This looks to be the finest Snowflakes class yet...and, yes, I said that about last year's set (I meant it then and I mean it now). Buy one, buy them all. (Cats not included). My order is in already, so there are fewer than 319 left for all y'all. Read what holiday hero Robert Voogt has to say about them--and about earlier Snowflakes--here. His insight is almost certainly better than mine. Me, I'm just a devoted fan. And, if you have some free time, you can read Robert's reviews of the vinyl Christmas singles he doesn't have a hand in creating at his Snowflakes Singles Blog. He catches so very very many that I miss.
Au revoir, mes amis. Au revoir, chats et chatons. Jusqu'à la prochaine fois. Or, as we say in this country, so long until next time.  Before we get to the updated Not The List... We don't often talk of non-holiday records, here. Heck, I don't often buy non-holiday records. But there are times for exceptions. And this is one and it actually surprised me. Sofia Talvik's "Paws of a Bear" arrived, here, several days ago. But I've been busy with Christmas stuff and hadn't listened, yet. On a whim, I tossed it into the CD player, today. Now, y'all know I'm not unbiased. I almost feel like I've "grown up" with Sofia...if you can consider growing up to be the 15 years from your late 40s into your early 60s and "with" applying to someone you've never met. Her music and my life in that time have felt oddly intertwined. I had no intention of mentioning her new album, here. But, I tossed "Paws of a Bear" into the CD player on a whim, today and... HOLY HELL, this album is fantastic! It would be one thing if she just kept getting better. But Sofia gets better by leaps and bounds with every recording. Her voice and her lyrics reach you in ways that are hard to express. Check this verse from "Pharaohs and Friends": My lung is hurting and I'm losing half my sight But I'll put on my lashes and a halo for the night I will tell you stories about the seven seas Of monsters and of dragons, heroic princesses In the enchanted forest I will let your mind go wild You thought God would be a soldier But she's just a little child Just brilliant! I'll leave you to discover the rest. You can order the CD or vinyl from Sofia and you can get the digital from Bandcamp. But one last thought. Even when she's not writing Christmas songs, Sofia Talvik writes the best Christmas songs. Case in point... JULY 2
SAINT AMBROSE SCHOLA CANTORUM--"Restoration" (Fine choir effort from a small Indiana church) JULY 19 DAVE STRYKER--"Eight Track Christmas" (Guitar-centric Trio Jazz in the tradition of Wes Montgomery) AUGUST 23 NEW ORLEANS JAZZ BAND OF COLOGNE--"Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" (New Orleans Jazz & Blues from German 7-piece) SEPTEMBER 13 THE MONKEES--"Christmas Party" (Vinyl version of 2018 CD) THE MONKEES--"Christmas Party" (Limited Red and Green vinyl version of above) SEPTEMBER 14 VIVA ACOUSTICA--"Christmas Eve" (Blend of instrumental Jazz and Country from Russian group; there will probably be CDs, but you'll probably have to go to Russia to get them) SEPTEMBER 18 DAVE KOZ--"Gifts of the Season" (Smooth Jazz; Melissa Manchester sings "All I Want For Christmas Is You") SEPTEMBER 20 SEAY--"A Winter Blessing - The Gift" (CD version of New Age vocalist's album released digitally in 2018) BRYNN STANLEY--"Classic Christmas" (Jazz vocalist in a classic Big Band/Lush Orchestra setting) VARIOUS--"Let's Make Every Day A Christmas Day" (Vintage R&B collection from Jasmine label) SOUNDTRACK--"Polar Express" (Transparent white vinyl issue of soundtrack to 2004 film) SEPTEMBER 27 BIG LITTLE KINGDOM--"Alone For Christmas" (Contemplative and melancholy Adult Contemporary set) ISTHMUS BRASS--"We Need A Little Christmas" (Wisconsin Brass ensemble's second holiday platter) VINCE GILL--"The Christmas Collection" (Wide release black vinyl version of 2018 Cracker Barrel Exclusive) BRENDA LEE--"Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree: The Decca Christmas Recordings" (New vinyl; old music) RAMSEY LEWIS TRIO--"More Sounds of Christmas" (First domestic CD release of Lewis' second Christmas set) RAMSEY LEWIS TRIO--"More Sounds of Christmas" (Vinyl version of above) MUSCRIBE--"Yule-Five Carols" (Instrumental Jazz...ish carols done in 5/4 time...a la Brubeck) DIANA ROSS--"Wonderful Christmas Time" (Vinyl version of last year's CD) THE TEMPTATIONS--"Christmas Card" (Vinyl re-issue of 1970 Motown release) OCTOBER 1 LUCIA FRITTOLI--"Holy Night (Music For Movie)" (Instrumental Lite/Easy Listening) LORETTA PERRY--"The Reason For The Season" (Jazz infused Contemporary Gospel) OCTOBER 4 JONATHAN BUTLER--"Christmas Together" (2nd Xmas album from Jazz guitarist; many Smooth Jazz guests) JOSEPH FULLER--"Christmas In The City" (Live outing from Christian Classical Crossover pianist) BILL & GLORIA GAITHER--"12 Christmas Favorites" (Traditional Gospel artists; Available at Cracker Barrel) LOS LOBOS--"Llego Navidad" (First official commercial Christmas album from Tex Mex Rock combo) MIRUSIA--"Christmas Memories" (World renowned Australian Soprano and Classical Crossover star) ROSEATE--"First Christmas" (Christmas with a Bossa beat) SIMPLY SISTERS--"Christmas" (Pretty AC/Southern Gospel) VARIOUS--"The Best of Christmas Grass" (Bluegrass from the "Christmas Grass" series) VARIOUS--"Christmas Grass: The Instrumentals" (Bluegrass from the "Christmas Grass" series) VARIOUS--"NOW Country Christmas" (Latest from the NOW empire) OCTOBER 11 GERALD ALBRIGHT--"Not So Silent Night" (Jazz sax player; with guests Take 6, Bebe Winans, Jonathan Butler) DON AMERO--"Amero Little Christmas" (America release of last year's Canadian Country Christmas set) JOSE CABRERA--"O Come All Ye Faithful" (Piano set melding Classical, Jazz and Latin sounds) VANESSA CAMPAGNA--"Merry & Bright" (I believe this is the fourth Christmas set from the Pop Country singer) CHICAGO--"Chicago Christmas 2019" (37th album from horn driven Classic Rock group) CHICAGO--"Chicago Christmas 2019" (Target exclusive CD features two Target exclusive tracks) RAY CONIFF--"We Wish You A Merry Christmas" (Collectors vinyl of 1962 album; had been due last November) DELICATE STEVE--"The Christmas Album" (Multi-instrumentalist releasing vinyl version of last year's CD) D-PAD FANFARE--"Rock Man Around The Xmas Tree" (Video game music arranged for the holidays) D-PAD FANFARE--"Have Yourself A Super Mario Little Christmas" (As above) MARY FAHL--"Winter Songs And Carols" (A mix of Traditional, Folk, AC and World music) ERNIE HAASE & SIGNATURE SOUND--"A Jazzy Little Christmas" (Southern Gospel artist) HOORAY HEROES--"Xmas Album" (FREE digital EP for kids and people who have them) NE-YO--"Another Kind of Christmas" (Soulful seasonal grooves from singer-songwriter) THE THREE SUNS--"The Sound of Christmas" (Digital re-issue of 1960 Jazz Vocal group release) ANDY WILLIAMS--"Christmas Album" (Audiophile Blue Vinyl reissue of 1963 classic delayed from last year) SOUNDTRACK--"Love Actually" (Limited Edition Candy Cane vinyl from Real Gone) OCTOBER 15 BRIAN DOERKSEN--"The Heart of Christmas" (Canadian Christian artist; funded through Kickstarter) BRIAN DOERKSEN--"The Heart of Christmas" (Vinyl version of above) OCTOBER 18 ACCENT--"Christmas All The Way" (Jazz Vocal combo; hard copy CD may be available later) BLACKHAWK--"The Spirit of Christmas" (Classic Country group) THE COLLINGSWORTH FAMILY--"A True Family Christmas" (Southern Gospel family's third) CHARLIE DANIELS--"Christmas Classics" (Traditional fare collected from Daniels' earlier Christmas sets) THE ERWINS--"What Christmas Really Means" (CCM/Worship group) KEN GRIFFIN--"Back For Christmas" (Traditional holiday and non-holiday fare from late organist) ROB HALFORD--"Celestial" (Judas Priest front man with his second Yuletide set) ROB HALFORD--"Celestial" (Vinyl version of above) JEWEL--"Joy: A Holiday Collection" (20th Anniversary vinyl reissue of Folk Pop singer's Xmas set) KEB MO--"Moonlight, Mistletoe & You" (Roots artist blends Blues and romance) DONNA KING--"All The Lights" (Nashville based Christian/Gospel artist whose 2013 set was quite enjoyable) MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER--"Christmas (35th Anniversary Edition)" (Limited Edition vinyl reissue) IDINA MENZEL--"Christmas--A Season of Love" (Second seasonal outing from star of stage & screen) LEON REDBONE--"Christmas Island" (Import CD reissue of the late singer's Christmas set, feat. Dr. John) DIONNE WARWICK--"And The Voices of Christmas" (Album of holiday duets from Iconic diva) VARIOUS--"Carols: The Sounds of Christmas" (Smooth Jazz collection from Trippin N Rhythm label) VARIOUS--"Christmas At Birdland" (Jazzy cabaret featuring Klea Blackhurst) OCTOBER 23 VARIOUS--"A Taste of Christmas Pudding 2019" (Mostly Indie Rock from Alice Cooper's annual benefit concert) OCTOBER 25 92 KEYS--"Christmas" (Pop/Classical Crossover duet of piano and violin) 92 KEYS--"Christmas" (IF there's a CD, as I suspect there will be, it should be available here) BOOKER T & THE MGs--"In The Christmas Spirit" (Barnes & Noble exclusive red vinyl of 1966 classic) JIM BRICKMAN--"Celebration of Christmas" (Yet another Xmas set from Easy Listening artist) DAVID CARNES--"A Christmas Journey" (Based on title, a reissue of 1999 set from virtuoso pianist) CELTIC WOMAN--"The Magic of Christmas" (Celtic Pop/Classical Crossover group's latest seasonal effort) ELIZABETH CHAN--"If The Fates Allow" (8 years, 8 Christmas records from the reigning Queen of Christmas) TATIANA EVA-MARIE--"Wintertime Dreams" (30s style Parisian romance via Gypsy Jazz) ORLA FALLON--"A Winter's Tale" (Second solo Christmas set from Celtic harpist/singer of Celtic Woman fame) MAGNE FURUHOLMEN--"White Xmas Lies" (Alt Rock/Alt Pop from former A-Ha keyboard artist) MAGNE FURUHOLMEN--"White Xmas Lies" (Vinyl version of above) ANA GASTEYER--"Sugar And Booze" (A mix of Jazz and humor from from SNL cast member) ANA GASTEYER--"Sugar And Booze" (Vinyl version of above) KEITH & KRISTYN GETTY--"Sing! An Irish Christmas" (Northern Irish Christian duo) DANNY GOKEY--"The Greatest Gift" (CCM performer and former American Idol contestant) THE HAPPY RACERS--"A Merry Very Christmas" (CD of last year's digital set of Rock for Kids...of all ages) LATERAL BLUE--"This Christmas" (Bluegrass group from Green Hill Music) RACHAEL LEAHCAR--"Together For Christmas" (Australian Pop and Classical singer) TRINI LOPEZ--"My Christmas Gift To You" (Re-issue--with different title--of singer's 2017 Christmas album) VICTOR MANUELLE--"Memorias de Navidad" (Puerto Rican Latin Pop/Salsa artist) MARC MARTEL--"The Christmas Collection" (The best from Marc's Christmas EPs, plus some new) LEA MICHELE--"Christmas In The City" (Former Glee star) SCOTT MILLER--"Mountain Frontier Christmas" (Green Hill release featuring hammered dulcimer) OAK RIDGE BOYS--"Down Home Christmas" (Country act's EIGHTH holiday album) ROCKY PATERRA--"Naughty List" (Pop Rock artist; lead single is "Icicle") MELANIE PENN--"Immanuel: The Folk Sessions" (EP featuring Bluegrass/Folk flavor) PENTATONIX--"The Best of Pentatonix Christmas" (Collection of past favorites, plus 4 new tracks) PUSS N BOOTS--"Dear Santa" (EP from female Alt Country band based in Brooklyn) SINGING CONTRACTORS--"Building A Christmas To Remember" (Don't know, don't want to know) JEAN WATSON--"For Unto Us" (CCM/Devotional violinist and singer) WHITEHORSE--"Winter Classic" (Vinyl issue of last year's set from Canadian duo) VARIOUS--"Jazz For The Holidays" (Collection of instrumental Jazz from the Green Hill stable of artists) NOVEMBER 1 MARIAH CAREY--"Merry Christmas: Deluxe Anniversary Edition" (2-CD set includes rare mixes & live tracks) ELEM ELEY, et. al.--"Christmas Day" (Operatic baritone and assorted accompaniment) THE 5 BROWNS--"Christmas With The 5 Browns" (Piano playing Classical crossover siblings) AMY GRANT--"Christmas" (3-LP vinyl set plus bonus 45 with 2 exclusive tracks) SARA GROVES--"Joy Of Every Longing Heart" (CCM Folk Pop artist who gave us "O Holy Night" a decade ago) KELLIE HADDOCK--"Peace On Earth" (Christian Singer/Songwriter) REBECCA KILGORE & ECHOES OF SWING--"Winter Days at Schloss Elmau" (Traditional Jazz) THE KRAYOLAS--"Christmas With My Dad" (70's Garage Rock band with Tex-Mex influences) CYNDI LAUPER--"Merry Christmas, Have A Nice Life" (Limited Edition Green vinyl version of 1998 album) MONALISA TWINS--"Christmas" (Actual twins who meld traditional Pop and Folk with Indie Pop and Folk) JAY PEREZ--"A Jay Perez Christmas" (Tejano/R&B artist) CALEE REED--"Rejoice!" (Christian vocalist) JOHNNY REID--"My Kind Of Christmas" (EP from Canadian Country singer; vinyl due Dec. 6) JOSH ROUSE--"The Holiday Sounds of" (Alt Folk Pop artist inspired by 60s Jazz) JOSH ROUSE--"The Holiday Sounds of" (Vinyl version of above) MITCH RYDER--"Christmas Take A Ride" (Vinyl version of last year's set from Detroit Rocker) SHE & HIM--"A Very She & Him Christmas" (Vinyl version of 2011 album) SHE & HIM--"A Very She & Him Christmas" (Barnes & Nobel Vinyl Exclusive version of 2011 album; red and green splatter on solid white) TRUE CONCORD--"Christmas With True Concord" (Grammy nominated Arizona based Choir and Orchestra) VANDALS--"Oi To The World Live" (Punk band's classic 2002 holiday concert on CD for first time) VANDALS--"Oi To The World Live" (First time on vinyl, as well. Limited edition white vinyl) PHIL WICKHAM--"Christmas" (Second Christmas album from CCM artist) VARIOUS--"An All Star Salute To Christmas" (Re-issue of eclectic 2009 2-CD set) VARIOUS--"DREAM Christmas, Vol. 4" (CCM from the DREAM stable of artists) VARIOUS--"Prog Rock Christmas" (Features Steve Morse, Annie Halsam, and more) VARIOUS--"Prog Rock Christmas" (Vinyl version of above; red or white) VARIOUS--"Punk Rock Christmas 2" (Cleopatra follow up to 2015 comp) VARIOUS--"Punk Rock Christmas 2" (Red vinyl version of above) SOUNDTRACK--"Home Alone" (Limited Edition Green vinyl version of 1990 soundtrack) NOVEMBER 8 LEROY ANDERSON--"Complete Christmas Collection" (2-CD set from RealGone) CHET ATKINS--"Complete RCA & Columbia Christmas Recordings" (2-CD set from RealGone) STANLEY BLACK--"Christmas Holiday For Romance" (First time on CD for this 1954 Lite Music classic) LINCOLN BREWSTER--"A Mostly Acoustic Christmas Album" (Canadian CCM artist) NATALIE COLE--"Holly & Ivy" (25th Anniversary reissue from Craft Recordings; remastered) NATALIE COLE--"Holly & Ivy" (Vinyl version of above; 180gm collector's grade vinyl) DOUBLE DRUMS--"Groovin' Christmas" (German percussion duo) AMY GRANT--"Home For Christmas" (First time on vinyl for Amy's 1992 classic) ERIN HARPE & THE DELTA SWINGERS--"Christmas Swing" (2018 rocking' Blues set comes to vinyl) MICHAEL LINGTON--"A Foreign Affair Christmas" (Smooth Jazz from Danish American Sax player) WYNTON MARSALIS--"Big Band Holidays II" (Sequel to 2015 effort with the JLCO) EUGENE ORMANDY--"Complete Columbia Christmas Albums" (Sonic splendor from RealGone) JIM REEVES--"Twelve Songs of Christmas (Remastered & Expanded)" (Finally) DYLAN SCOTT--"Merry Christmas" (Country artist with some classic crooner instincts) BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA--"Boogie Woogie Christmas" (Green vinyl release of 2002 album) BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA--"Dig That Crazy Santa Claus" (Red vinyl release of 2005 album) SIDEWALK PROPHETS--"Merry Christmas To You" (Deluxe version of 2013 holiday set from CCM group) VARIOUS--"Great Songs of Christmas" (RealGone release culled from Goodyear & Grants LPs; first time on CD for 19 of the 20 tracks, including rare Christmas recordings from Gary Puckett and Mark Lindsay) VARIOUS--"NOW 100 Hits Christmas" (5-CD set from the NOW empire) VARIOUS--"Yulesville" (Collection of early Rock and vintage R&B from Bear Family label) NOVEMBER 9 NEON SWING X-PERIENCE--"O Howly Night" (Pennsylvania Neo-Swing Jump Jive and Rock band) NOVEMBER 10 NAT KING COLE--"The Christmas Song" (Target EXCLUSIVE GREEN Vinyl version of classic holiday album) FRANK SINATRA--"Ultimate Christmas" (Target EXCLUSIVE Limited Edition GREEN Vinyl 2-LP set) NOVEMBER 15 SAARA AALTO--"Fairytale - Joulun Taikaa" (Finnish Pop star) BARNES & BARNES--"Holidaze In Lumania" (Last year's brilliantly demented digital album comes to CD) BARNES & BARNES--"Holidaze In Lumania" (Last year's brilliantly demented digital album comes to vinyl) JOACHIM BADENHORST & MOGIL--"Adventa" (Avant Garde Jazz from Iceland) MOLLY BURCH--"The Molly Burch Christmas Album" (Amazing Alt Pop artist) MOLLY BURCH--"The Molly Burch Christmas Album" (Vinyl version of above) MOLLY BURCH--"The Molly Burch Christmas Album" (VMP exclusive Evergreen color vinyl version; Lmtd 300) CHRISTMAS JUG BAND--"Live From The West Pole" (More Christmas fun from West Coast collective) ELLA FITZGERALD--"Wishes You A Swinging Christmas" (VMP exclusive 180gm Purple&Green Hi-Melt vinyl) LEAH--"Ancient Winter" (Winter themed set combining Folk, Celtic, Rock & Classical) LEAH--"Ancient Winter" (Vinyl version of above; color vinyl already sold out) KAYLENE PEOPLES--"Carol Of The Bells" (CD issue of 2016 digital Jazz EP from California flautist/vocalist) JOE STILGOE--"The Christmas Album" (Neo-Swing singer/songwriter) VARIOUS--"Christmas In Soulsville" (VMP exclusive Red & Green Starburst vinyl edition; Limited to 1000) VARIOUS--"NOW Country Christmas" (RED Vinyl version of CD released Oct. 4) VARIOUS--"A Very Cool Christmas" (2-LP Audiophile 180gm color vinyl comp, ltd and numbered to 1500) NOVEMBER 18 GERALD KRAMPL--"Advent & Christmas" (2 album set of Neo-Classical/New Age solo piano) NOVEMBER 22 BAD RELIGION--"Christmas Songs" (GOLD Vinyl version of 2013 EP; Limited to 500 units) CHICAGO--"Chicago Christmas 2019" (Vinyl version of CD released October 11) JESSIE CLEMENT--"Winter Wonderland" (21 year old Pop artist) KEITH HARKIN--"It's Christmas Time" (Second Christmas album from former Celtic Thunder vocalist) GOOD LOVELIES--"Evergreen" (Second Christmas album from Canadian vocal harmony Folk Pop trio) GOOD LOVELIES--"Evergreen" (Vinyl version of above) THE McCRARY SISTERS--"A Very McCrary Christmas" (Bluesy Gospel with some great guests) IDINA MENZEL--"Christmas--A Season of Love" (Vinyl version of CD due Oct. 18) AMANDA ANNE PLATT & THE HONEYCUTTERS--"Christmas On A Greyhound Bus" (Americana EP) STYLISTICS--"Christmas" (Vinyl release of 1992 album) SILENT WINTERS--"Christmas Morning" (Canadian Folk duo) VARIOUS--"Merry Luxmas" (A collection of vintage singles from The Cramps' vinyl basement) VARIOUS--"A Vintage Broadway Christmas" (Broadway stars of yesteryear/recent past) NOVEMBER 29 JUDY COLLINS & JONAS FJELD--"Winter Stories" (Folk, Bluegrass, and Country set of wintry vignettes) ANNIE HALSAM--"It Snows In Heaven Too" (OOP 2000 album from iconic Renaissance vocalist, remastered) WILL HARRIS & FRIENDS--"The Sound of Christmas" (Contemporary Christian) KATE RUSBY--"Holly Head" (Fifth seasonal set from UK Folk Pop artist) RICK WAKEMAN--"Christmas Portraits" (Solo piano from progressive keyboard legend) RICK WAKEMAN--"Christmas Portraits" (Vinyl version of above) VARIOUS--"Blues Christmas" (Putumayo's 2019 holiday comp includes Charles Brown, Kenny Neal, more) VARIOUS--"Hawaiian Slack Key Christmas" (Reissue of 2000 release) VARIOUS--"Ki Ho'alu Christmas: Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar" (Reissue of 1996 release) DECEMBER 1 CATS IN SPACE--"My Kind of Christmas" (7" Satsuma Color Vinyl from British 70s flavored Rock group) CATS IN SPACE--"My Kind of Christmas" (12" Picture Disc of above with different B-side; Limited to 300) DECEMBER 6 JOHN BARROWMAN--"A Fabulous Christmas" (British vocalist and Doctor Who actor) WYNTON MARSALIS--"Big Band Holidays II" (Vinyl version of CD releasing November 8) JOHNNY REID--"My Kind of Christmas" (Vinyl version of above Country EP due on CD November 1) DECEMBER 13 JOHN BARROWMAN--"A Fabulous Christmas" (Barrowman's album arrives at Amazon) PUSS N BOOTS--"Dear Santa" (Vinyl EP of Alt Country CD-EP due Oct. 25) TBA Backstreet Boys (They're back, ai'ight?) Wade Bowen (Texas Country/Red Dirt singer; he describes it as a "throwback sounding record") Campbell & Green (NOV) (Canadian husband and wife Folk Pop duo) Cher (nuff said) Clean Pete (Dutch Pop/Rock twin sister duo) Glenn Crytzer Orchestra--"Underneath The Mistletoe" (Sounds of the Jazz Age and Swing Era; 11 originals, 9 classics; crowdfunded through Kickstarter) Death Cat--"Death Cat vs. X-Mas" (Experimental Punk multi-media group) Faith Angelina Dixon (New Age piano from 13 year old prodigy) Paul Edis (UK Jazz artist) Pasquale Esposito (Italian tenor) Luke Evans (Actor known for roles in Beauty & The Beast and the Fast & Furious series) Faithful Journey (Southern Gospel quartet from the MidWest) Melody Joyce (EDM singer/songwriter) Folk Hymnal--"Incarnation Songs, Vol. II" (Christian Folk follow up to last year's Christmas EP; Kickstarter funded) Lennie Gallant (Canadian Country star who had one of the best Christmas singles of 2018) HW Klownface--"Desecration of Santa Claus" (Metal artist who won a copyright suit in Judge Judy's courtroom) Chris Mann (Former Voice contestant who released a Christmas EP in 2012) Natalie McMaster (Canadian Celtic fiddler) Tony Meade (Pop Rock artist from Colorado) The New West Symphony & Chorus (70 member choir and orchestra) Oversight Gallery (Indie Emo band from Indiana) Dolly Parton (Country superstar says this is definite and will be accompanied by a Christmas tour) Andrew Ryan (L.A. based Jazz Pop artist) Salt of the Sound (Ambient Christian Vocal duo) The Seekers (The band is officially retired; this will be a collection of past Christmas songs, many rare and possibly some unreleased) Slobberbone (Alt Country band from Texas) Smashing Pumpkins (Billy seems pretty stoked by the idea) Canadian Troubadour Doug Smith--"Christmas In The Valley" (Canadian Country artist) Sovereign Grace (Worship group planning 3rd Christmas album) Larry Stewart (Country set from one of the vocalists from Restless Heart) Joey Stuckey (NOV) (Blind Georgia Blues Rock artist) The Taters--"Shiny & Brite" (Roots Rock/Americana) Olivia West--"Hurry Up Santa" (Country Pop; Kickstarter) Robbie Williams ("Millennium" singer, formerly of Take That, with a double album of festive joy) Various--"Seasonal Favorites, Vol. 5" (Yet another indispensable collection of Surf Rock, etc., from Double Crown) Various--"A Very Cherry Christmas--Vol. 14" (late NOV) (Brilliant Indie Pop and Rock, curated by Gareth Jones) POSSIBLE Carolyn Broussard (Cajun Americana) Delta Rae (Alt Pop Americana) DMX--"DMX-Mas" (Rap) EXO (K-Pop Boy Band) 2020 Paul Kelly (The dude who taught us "How To Make Gravy" for Christmas working on a full holiday album) Melvin Seals (Leader of JGB, a Grateful Dead spinoff, with what is expected to be a fairly traditional "churchy" effort)  If you speak the language, you know that "BFRSD" means Black Friday Record Store Day and, this year, that's November 29. Normally, I find the RSD Christmas product to be a little thin (or maybe I tell myself that because there are no participating stores within 150 miles of here), but last year saw a good number of holiday related titles and, this year, the early list is a whole elves-a-poppin experience. For me, the most exciting coming BFRSD Xmas release, at least at first blush, is a new Christmas single from JD McPherson. If you got "Socks" last year, you're already familiar with the B-side of this 7"--"Holly Carol Candy & Joy". But the A-side is brand new--"Red Bows For A Blue Girl". This one's an "RSD First" release limited to 1500. Back in 2016, LA Punk band The Regrettes gave us all an exceptional take on "Marshmallow World" for BFRSD. They're back on board this year with the new 7" "Holiday-ish" (with the Demo version on the flip). Both sides feature Dylan Minnette of the Alt Rock Wallows (though, to be honest, I know him best from his role in "Goosebumps"). This is another "RSD First" release and limited to 2000.
Another big release from last year was Eric Clapton's "Happy Xmas". And Eric contributed a die-cut single to last year's RSD festivities. I guess people can't get enough of Slowhand's Christmas doodles, because he's got another one this RSD, fronting a 12" vinyl single pairing "Home For The Holidays" with "For Love On Christmas Day". No new songs, there, but a new doodle. And this is an "RSD EXCLUSIVE" release, limited to 1500. As we mourn the passing of Peter Tork, we can also enjoy the vinyl release of The Monkees' holiday album "Christmas Party". BFRSD 2019 gives you the opportunity to go one step further with a double 7" set in a gatefold cover "Christmas Party Plus". One 7" in translucent red, the other in translucent green. One featuring the original "Riu Chiu" and the 1976 release of "Christmas Is My Time of Year" and the other featuring two versions of "Unwrap You At Christmas" (one with Andy Partridge on lead vocals). This one is an "RSD EXCLUSIVE", though the total of the run has not been announced (nor is the cover art yet available). One of the most popular of last year's BFRSD releases was the vinyl version of "Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas". It completely sold out and very quickly. You'll get another chance this year when Varese Sarabande releases a Picture Disc version of the soundtrack on RSD. This "RSD First" release is limited to 2500. We'll be getting more holiday Picture Discs as well, this RSD, with yet another release of Jimi Hendrix' "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year" (RSD EXCLUSIVE limited to 4500) and Sammy Hagar's "Santa's Goin' South For Christmas" (RSD EXCLUSIVE limited to 2000).
It will be the first time on vinyl for the 2000 Hall & Oates album "Home For Christmas" come BFRSD. Limited to just 1000, this one is an "RSD Limited Run / Regional Focus Release". It comes on translucent red vinyl. Pardon me for being excited about a release that won't interest fans of the usual suspects. "Asalto Navideño" by Willie Colon and Hector Lavoe was originally released in 1970. It may be one of the best Salsa Christmas albums of all time and even spawned a sequel, "Asalto Navideño II". If you can find a copy of the original at a used record store or wherever, it probably sounds like it was used as a door mat, having been so well played. This Craft Recordings release on translucent red vinyl is an "RSD EXCLUSIVE" limited to 2000. For those who like their Christmas music a little more raucous and, let's say, subversive, we've got a brand new single from Twiztid. Their 7" "RSD EXCLUSIVE", limited to just 1500 will feature the all new "A Very Twiztid Christmas" on the A-side and a Young Wicked Remix of the popular "My Ornaments" on the flip. But wait, there's more. Buyers will find a download code and Christmas card inside and 160 of those Christmas cards will be autographed. It's totally random...no telling in advance whether you'll get the autographed card with your copy. Just sayin'. We'll also be getting a 7" single from Acid Witch, a physical vinyl release of last year's digital single "Black Christmas Evil" ("Black Christmas" on one side, "Christmas Evil" on the other). This one, which is pressed to red vinyl, is an "RSD Limited Run / Regional Focus Release" limited to just 750.
You can celebrate the season with the first vinyl release of Canned Heat's "Christmas Album". Another "RSD Limited Run / Regional Focus Release", "The Canned Heat Christmas Album" comes on white vinyl housed in a die cut can shaped cover and is limited to just 1000. There's also going to be a vinyl release of 1998's "Christmas Caravan" by Squirrel Nut Zippers. This "RSD EXCLUSIVE" is limited to 2000.
Another "RSD Limited Run / Regional Focus Release" is the 7" color vinyl single from the Peter Holsapple Combo, featuring a cover of The Band's "Christmas Must Be Tonight" on the A-side and a cover of the dB's "Holiday Spirit" on the flip. That one is limited to just 700. As a Blues fan, I have loved the idea of the 10" vinyl Blues singles that have become a staple of BFRSD, even if most of them have nothing to do with the season. This year, we'll get one from Blind Willie Johnson. Recorded in December 1927, Blind Willie's "Dark Was The Night, Cold Was The Ground" is a haunting reaction to the crucifixion of Christ. This "RSD EXCLUSIVE" is limited to 1500. As you can see, there's quite a lineup this year for Black Friday Record Store Day. I'm sure I've missed a few and it's still early. But you can view the full list, as well as locate a participating record store near you, at the official Record Store Day website. But I did want to call your attention to a pair of non-seasonal entries that I'm also quite excited about. Although not a Christmas or holiday album, you can count down to the New Year and share a cup of kindness with The Marshall Tucker Band with the RSD release of "New Year's In New Orleans", a live performance from 1978. Their "New Year's Countdown/Auld Lang Syne" is included on both the 2-CD and 2-LP "RSD First" issues. The double vinyl set comes in a gatefold cover and is limited to 1000 copies; the double CD set is limited to just 900. And, while I haven't scanned the full tracklist sufficiently to say there's no holiday material on it, how could any former radio disc jockey not be excited by an entire 2-CD and/or 2-LP set of jingle perfection? "The Jingle Workshop" features the music of Raymond Scott, an early pioneer of electronic music, and these recordings were made between 1951 and 1965. You'll find such classics here as "Go Greyhound - Leave The Driving To Us" and "Stop At The Esso Sign". There are vocals and instrumentals plus outtakes and rehearsal tracks. I believe this is the first such collection of this Raymond Scott commercial magic and the inserts includes rare photos and a 1964 interview with the man himself. An "RSD Limited Run / Regional Focus Release", the 2-LP set is limited to just 900, the 2-CD set to just 300.
I grew up a Bubblegum kid, transitioned to Rock and Progressive Rock in my late teens, but then was exposed to all kinds of music. And I gotta say that, these days, in my old age, it's the Blues and the Jazz releases I get most excited about. I've long loved Rebecca Kilgore. She sang with Dave Frishberg in the 90s. As for Christmas music, she was featured on two Tall Jazz Christmas albums (1993 and 1997), with Tom Grant on 2007's "Winter Warm" and, in 2010, provided some vocals on John Sheridan's "Hooray For Christmas". That's all very nice and all, but I really wanted more. So when I saw this coming release from Rebecca Kilgore and Echoes of Swing on the schedule, I was over the moon. Even more so after hearing the lead single "Snowbound" (a Dave Frishberg tune Rebecca has recorded before...but this version swings), I can hardly wait for the rest, which releases October 25. I've not heard Echoes of Swing before, but they sound superb. This is classic Jazz. Think Ellington or Getz. Rebecca turned 70 just over a week ago, but you wouldn't know it to hear that voice--sweet and warm and with impeccable feel and timing. If anything, Rebecca sounds better than ever (I know people say that a lot, but, in this case, it's really true). And the playlist looks like something special, too. The songs are winter-themed--not a single song with Christmas in the title. So "Winter Days At Schloss Elmau" is the kind of album that can keep you warm all winter long. But the familiar songs are ones that will immediately evoke Christmas..."Winter Wonderland", "The Bell That Couldn't Jingle", and "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm". Well, that about does it for the well worn seasonals. The rest of the bulbs on this string of brightly colored lights is as fresh as the new fallen snow (sorry if I'm mixing my metaphors). Winter poems by the likes of Robert Frost, Emily Bronte and William Shakespeare put to music. An Antonio Carlos Jobim tune ("Looks Like December"). And originals written by Rebecca Kilgore and Echoes of Swing. "Winter Days At Schloss Elmau" promises to be a true Christmas present...nay...a pile of Christmas presents. Right now, Amazon only shows the digital version, but there is a CD, though a German import. If you can't wait for Amazon to make the add, it looks as though you can order it direct from Echoes of Swing or the ACT label. Links and track list below.
Ah..... I told you I'd find some Blues. Putumayo has announced their contribution to the 2019 Christmas season. "Blues Christmas" is expected to drop on November 29 and will feature tracks from Charles Brown, Earl King, Anson Funderburgh, Kenny Neal, Nathan & The Zydeco Cha-Chas and more. Full track list below. PS--We'll update Not The List again in a day or so.
 There has been a ton of news and, if it were in me, I'd be posting every day. But its just not. We're essentially down to a month before the domain expires. The website should remain, though. A good friend (because I never take candy from strangers) has offered to foot the bill to keep it up for at least a year. But me, I'll be outta here. We have rumors, based upon an Instagram post, that Britney Spears may be working on a Christmas album. And Paul Kelly, the Australian artist who taught us all "How To Make Gravy" for Christmas is working on a full seasonal set for next year. It was 2016 when we introduced you to Melvin Seals of JGB. His Christmas album is finally coming to fruition...but not until next year. And while Melvin reminds us that we are forever dealing with product that is delayed or pushed back, the new Dave Koz Christmas album, which was scheduled to release October 11, snuck out on September 18 instead. Idina Menzel is back with a second Christmas album (this time, she even included a couple of Hanukkah tunes). If you haven't already heard, the November 8th release of "Big Band Holidays II" (listed below attributed to Wynton Marsalis) will feature a previously unreleased live performance from Aretha Franklin. There's a Folky Winter themed set from Judy Collins coming on November 29. Fans of the 80s may be interested to know that the chief songwriter and keyboard artist for A-ha ("Take On Me"), Magne Furuholmen, has a Christmas album coming out on CD and vinyl October 25. Jazz veteran Gerald Albright is releasing his first full Christmas album October 11, though it looks to be strictly digital at this point (ironically, the cover features vinyl playing on a phonograph). I've been looking for some Blues, but I can get by with the kind of Blues Rock the Fabulous Thunderbirds and Stevie Ray Vaughn used to make and, to that end, I'll be looking forward to the Christmas album from Georgia's Joey Stuckey, which is expected to arrive this November. The Roots Rock/Americana band Taters are finishing up their Christmas album. When it arrives, you'll find it on Bandcamp (feel free to pick up last year's Christmas single there for free). And, for something completely different, New York rapper DMX is said to be preparing to drop "DMX-Mas" on an unsuspecting public this year (though the label is already warning it could be next year). Also, and much to my personal surprise, 2019 is seeing the resurgence of a format I'd long considered all but dead...the CD single. I haven't figured out how to (or whether to) list them in the Not The List as I've run out of colors and, anyway, they seem to be songs that have been available digitally in the past...and I like to focus on the new stuff. How do you make "Jingle Bells" a sad song? Observe. Just released. Further updates to Not The List below, but first... I love Christmas compilations. I just do. Even when I have all the songs already, it's just cool to be able to pick up one disc rather than ten. For anyone who doesn't know, Lux Interior and Poison Ivy (Lux & Ivy) formed that great Garage Punk band The Cramps. But long before that, Lux & Ivy were collectors of obscure vintage vinyl. In fact, that's what drew the couple together in the first place. I mean, their record collection is just sick. Many years ago, a Cramps fan (and member of a different Rock group) began compiling collections of any singles Lux & Ivy ever mentioned in interviews on radio, TV, and in print. "Lux & Ivy's Favorites" was one of those joys that made the rounds on the Internets in the golden age of sharity. There were at least 17 volumes of the stuff. Anything that's popular will eventually get the attention of the Powers That Be and "Lux & Ivy's Favorites" did. That's why, this year, we have two official collections featuring the Lux name for your enjoyment...one for Halloween and one for Christmas. I've consciously avoided Halloween music this year, but feel free to pick up "Trick or Treat: Vintage 45s From Lux & Ivy's Haunted Basement" when it's released October 25. But we're all about the Christmas, here, and "Merry Luxmas" will arrive on November 22 with 31 tracks of holiday goodness. I've scanned the tracklist and I do have everything here, personally (except for "Eskimo Pie", which I don't consider a seasonal song). But I do love Christmas compilations and, besides, there are liner notes from MOJO Magazine's Dave Henderson, which I'm guessing will be quite informative.
Here's another collection, this one for vinyl maniacs. And this one has a very intriguing playlist featuring the old, the new, the borrowed and the blue. "A Very Cool Christmas" features two slabs of 12" collector's grade 180 gram vinyl (one red, one green) and it's limited to 1500 numbered copies. Check the tracklist cuz I can clearly see that some of these tracks I need. Official release date for "A Very Cool Christmas" is November 8, but it won't arrive at Amazon until November 15.
JULY 19
DAVE STRYKER--"Eight Track Christmas" (Guitar-centric Trio Jazz in the tradition of Wes Montgomery) AUGUST 23 NEW ORLEANS JAZZ BAND OF COLOGNE--"Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" (New Orleans Jazz & Blues from German 7-piece) SEPTEMBER 13 THE MONKEES--"Christmas Party" (Vinyl version of 2018 CD) THE MONKEES--"Christmas Party" (Limited Red and Green vinyl version of above) SEPTEMBER 14 VIVA ACOUSTICA--"Christmas Eve" (Blend of instrumental Jazz and Country from Russian group; there will probably be CDs, but you'll probably have to go to Russia to get them) SEPTEMBER 18 DAVE KOZ--"Gifts of the Season" (Smooth Jazz; Melissa Manchester sings "All I Want For Christmas Is You") SEPTEMBER 20 SEAY--"A Winter Blessing - The Gift" (CD version of New Age vocalist's album released digitally in 2018) BRYNN STANLEY--"Classic Christmas" (Jazz vocalist in a classic Big Band/Lush Orchestra setting) VARIOUS--"Let's Make Every Day A Christmas Day" (Vintage R&B collection from Jasmine label) SOUNDTRACK--"Polar Express" (Transparent white vinyl issue of soundtrack to 2004 film) SEPTEMBER 27 BIG LITTLE KINGDOM--"Alone For Christmas" (Contemplative and melancholy Adult Contemporary set) ISTHMUS BRASS--"We Need A Little Christmas" (Wisconsin Brass ensemble's second holiday platter) VINCE GILL--"The Christmas Collection" (Wide release black vinyl version of 2018 Cracker Barrel Exclusive) BRENDA LEE--"Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree: The Decca Christmas Recordings" (New vinyl; old music) RAMSEY LEWIS TRIO--"More Sounds of Christmas" (First domestic CD release of Lewis' second Christmas set) RAMSEY LEWIS TRIO--"More Sounds of Christmas" (Vinyl version of above) DIANA ROSS--"Wonderful Christmas Time" (Vinyl version of last year's CD) THE TEMPTATIONS--"Christmas Card" (Vinyl re-issue of 1970 Motown release) OCTOBER 4 JONATHAN BUTLER--"Christmas Together" (2nd Xmas album from Jazz guitarist; many Smooth Jazz guests) JOSEPH FULLER--"Christmas In The City" (Live outing from Christian Classical Crossover pianist) LOS LOBOS--"Llego Navidad" (First official commercial Christmas album from Tex Mex Rock combo) MIRUSIA--"Christmas Memories" (World renowned Australian Soprano and Classical Crossover star) VARIOUS--"The Best of Christmas Grass" (Bluegrass from the "Christmas Grass" series) VARIOUS--"Christmas Grass: The Instrumentals" (Bluegrass from the "Christmas Grass" series) VARIOUS--"NOW Country Christmas" (Latest from the NOW empire) OCTOBER 11 GERALD ALBRIGHT--"Not So Silent Night" (Jazz sax player; with guests Take 6, Bebe Winans, Jonathan Butler) DON AMERO--"Amero Little Christmas" (America release of last year's Canadian Country Christmas set) JOSE CABRERA--"O Come All Ye Faithful" (Piano set melding Classical, Jazz and Latin sounds) CHICAGO--"Chicago Christmas 2019" (37th album from horn driven Classic Rock group) CHICAGO--"Chicago Christmas 2019" (Target exclusive CD features two Target exclusive tracks) RAY CONIFF--"We Wish You A Merry Christmas" (Collectors vinyl of 1962 album; had been due last November) DELICATE STEVE--"The Christmas Album" (Multi-instrumentalist releasing vinyl version of last year's CD) AMY GRANT--"Home For Christmas" (First time on vinyl for Amy's 1992 classic) AMY GRANT--"Christmas" (3-LP vinyl set plus bonus 45 with 2 exclusive tracks) ERNIE HAASE & SIGNATURE SOUND--"A Jazzy Little Christmas" (Southern Gospel artist) ANDY WILLIAMS--"Christmas Album" (Audiophile Blue Vinyl reissue of 1963 classic delayed from last year) SOUNDTRACK--"Love Actually" (Limited Edition Candy Cane vinyl from Real Gone) OCTOBER 15 BRIAN DOERKSEN--"The Heart of Christmas" (Canadian Christian artist; funded through Kickstarter) BRIAN DOERKSEN--"The Heart of Christmas" (Vinyl version of above) OCTOBER 18 BLACKHAWK--"The Spirit of Christmas" (Classic Country group) THE COLLINGSWORTH FAMILY--"A True Family Christmas" (Southern Gospel family's third) CHARLIE DANIELS--"Christmas Classics" (Traditional fare collected from Daniels' earlier Christmas sets) THE ERWINS--"What Christmas Really Means" (CCM/Worship group) KEN GRIFFIN--"Back For Christmas" (Traditional holiday and non-holiday fare from late organist) ROB HALFORD--"Celestial" (Judas Priest front man with his second Yuletide set) ROB HALFORD--"Celestial" (Vinyl version of above) JEWEL--"Joy: A Holiday Collection" (20th Anniversary vinyl reissue of Folk Pop singer's Xmas set) KEB MO--"Moonlight, Mistletoe & You" (Roots artist blends Blues and romance) DONNA KING--"All The Lights" (Nashville based Christian/Gospel artist whose 2013 set was quite enjoyable) MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER--"Christmas (35th Anniversary Edition)" (Limited Edition vinyl reissue) IDINA MENZEL--"Christmas--A Season of Love" (Second seasonal outing from star of stage & screen) LEON REDBONE--"Christmas Island" (Import CD reissue of the late singer's Christmas set, feat. Dr. John) DIONNE WARWICK--"And The Voices of Christmas" (Album of holiday duets from Iconic diva) VARIOUS--"Carols: The Sounds of Christmas" (Smooth Jazz collection from Trippin N Rhythm label) VARIOUS--"Christmas At Birdland" (Jazzy cabaret featuring Klea Blackhurst) OCTOBER 25 92 KEYS--"Christmas" (Pop/Classical Crossover duet of piano and violin) 92 KEYS--"Christmas" (IF there's a CD, as I suspect there will be, it should be available here) BOOKER T & THE MGs--"In The Christmas Spirit" (Barnes & Noble exclusive red vinyl of 1966 classic) JIM BRICKMAN--"Celebration of Christmas" (Yet another Xmas set from Easy Listening artist) TATIANA EVA-MARIE--"Wintertime Dreams" (30s style Parisian romance via Gypsy Jazz) ORLA FALLON--"A Winter's Tale" (Second solo Christmas set from Celtic harpist/singer of Celtic Woman fame) MAGNE FURUHOLMEN--"White Xmas Lies" (Alt Rock/Alt Pop from former A-Ha keyboard artist) MAGNE FURUHOLMEN--"White Xmas Lies" (Vinyl version of above) ANA GASTEYER--"Sugar And Booze" (A mix of Jazz and humor from from SNL cast member) ANA GASTEYER--"Sugar And Booze" (Vinyl version of above) DANNY GOKEY--"The Greatest Gift" (CCM performer and former American Idol contestant) THE HAPPY RACERS--"A Merry Very Christmas" (CD of last year's digital set of Rock for Kids...of all ages) LATERAL BLUE--"This Christmas" (Bluegrass group from Green Hill Music) RACHAEL LEAHCAR--"Together For Christmas" (Australian Pop and Classical singer) TRINI LOPEZ--"My Christmas Gift To You" (Re-issue--with different title--of singer's 2017 Christmas album) LEA MICHELE--"Christmas In The City" (Former Glee star) SCOTT MILLER--"Mountain Frontier Christmas" (Green Hill release featuring hammered dulcimer) OAK RIDGE BOYS--"Down Home Christmas" (Country act's EIGHTH holiday album) PENTATONIX--"The Best of Pentatonix Christmas" (Collection of past favorites, plus 4 new tracks) SINGING CONTRACTORS--"Building A Christmas To Remember" (Don't know, don't want to know) WHITEHORSE--"Winter Classic" (Vinyl issue of last year's set from Canadian duo) VARIOUS--"Jazz For The Holidays" (Collection of instrumental Jazz from the Green Hill stable of artists) NOVEMBER 1 MARIAH CAREY--"Merry Christmas: Deluxe Anniversary Edition" (2-CD set includes rare mixes & live tracks) ELEM ELEY, et. al.--"Christmas Day" (Operatic baritone and assorted accompaniment) THE 5 BROWNS--"Christmas With The 5 Browns" (Piano playing Classical crossover siblings) CYNDI LAUPER--"Merry Christmas, Have A Nice Life" (Limited Edition Green vinyl version of 1998 album) CALEE REED--"Rejoice!" (Christian vocalist) JOSH ROUSE--"The Holiday Sounds of" (Alt Folk Pop artist inspired by 60s Jazz) JOSH ROUSE--"The Holiday Sounds of" (Vinyl version of above) MITCH RYDER--"Christmas Take A Ride" (Vinyl version of last year's set from Detroit Rocker) SHE & HIM--"A Very She & Him Christmas" (Vinyl version of 2011 album) SHE & HIM--"A Very She & Him Christmas" (Barnes & Nobel Vinyl Exclusive version of 2011 album; red and green splatter on solid white) TRUE CONCORD--"Christmas With True Concord" (Grammy nominated Arizona based Choir and Orchestra) VANDALS--"Oi To The World Live" (Punk band's classic 2002 holiday concert on CD for first time) VANDALS--"Oi To The World Live" (First time on vinyl, as well. Limited edition white vinyl) PHIL WICKHAM--"Christmas" (Second Christmas album from CCM artist) VARIOUS--"An All Star Salute To Christmas" (Re-issue of eclectic 2009 2-CD set) VARIOUS--"Prog Rock Christmas" (Features Steve Morse, Annie Halsam, and more) VARIOUS--"Prog Rock Christmas" (Vinyl version of above; red or white) VARIOUS--"Punk Rock Christmas 2" (Cleopatra follow up to 2015 comp) VARIOUS--"Punk Rock Christmas 2" (Red vinyl version of above) SOUNDTRACK--"Home Alone" (Limited Edition Green vinyl version of 1990 soundtrack) NOVEMBER 8 LEROY ANDERSON--"Complete Christmas Collection" (2-CD set from RealGone) CHET ATKINS--"Complete RCA & Columbia Christmas Recordings" (2-CD set from RealGone) STANLEY BLACK--"Christmas Holiday For Romance" (First time on CD for this 1954 Lite Music classic) NATALIE COLE--"Holly & Ivy" (25th Anniversary reissue from Craft Recordings; remastered) NATALIE COLE--"Holly & Ivy" (Vinyl version of above; 180gm collector's grade vinyl) DOUBLE DRUMS--"Groovin' Christmas" (German percussion duo) ERIN HARPE & THE DELTA SWINGERS--"Christmas Swing" (2018 rocking' Blues set comes to vinyl) WYNTON MARSALIS--"Big Band Holidays II" (Sequel to 2015 effort with the JLCO) EUGENE ORMANDY--"Complete Columbia Christmas Albums" (Sonic splendor from RealGone) JIM REEVES--"Twelve Songs of Christmas (Remastered & Expanded)" (Finally) DYLAN SCOTT--"Merry Christmas" (Country artist with some classic crooner instincts) BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA--"Boogie Woogie Christmas" (Green vinyl release of 2002 album) BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA--"Dig That Crazy Santa Claus" (Red vinyl release of 2005 album) SIDEWALK PROPHETS--"Merry Christmas To You" (CCM group) VARIOUS--"Great Songs of Christmas" (RealGone release culled from Goodyear & Grants LPs; first time on CD for 19 of the 20 tracks, including rare Christmas recordings from Gary Puckett and Mark Lindsay) VARIOUS--"Yulesville" (Collection of early Rock and vintage R&B from Bear Family label) NOVEMBER 9 NEON SWING X-PERIENCE--"O Howly Night" (Pennsylvania Neo-Swing Jump Jive and Rock band) NOVEMBER 10 NAT KING COLE--"The Christmas Song" (Target EXCLUSIVE GREEN Vinyl version of classic holiday album) FRANK SINATRA--"Ultimate Christmas" (Target EXCLUSIVE Limited Edition GREEN Vinyl 2-LP set) NOVEMBER 15 SAARA AALTO--"Fairytale - Joulun Taikaa" (Finnish Pop star) BARNES & BARNES--"Holidaze In Lumania" (Last year's brilliantly demented digital album comes to CD) BARNES & BARNES--"Holidaze In Lumania" (Last year's brilliantly demented digital album comes to vinyl) MOLLY BURCH--"The Molly Burch Christmas Album" (Amazing Alt Pop artist) MOLLY BURCH--"The Molly Burch Christmas Album" (Vinyl version of above) CHRISTMAS JUG BAND--"Live From The West Pole" (More Christmas fun from West Coast collective) LEAH--"Ancient Winter" (Winter themed set combining Folk, Celtic, Rock & Classical) LEAH--"Ancient Winter" (Vinyl version of above; color vinyl already sold out) KAYLENE PEOPLES--"Carol Of The Bells" (CD issue of 2016 digital Jazz EP from California flautist/vocalist) JOE STILGOE--"The Christmas Album" (Neo-Swing singer/songwriter) VARIOUS--"A Very Cool Christmas" (2-LP Audiophile 180gm color vinyl comp, ltd and numbered to 1500) NOVEMBER 18 GERALD KRAMPL--"Advent & Christmas" (2 album set of Neo-Classical/New Age solo piano) NOVEMBER 22 BAD RELIGION--"Christmas Songs" (GOLD Vinyl version of 2013 EP; Limited to 500 units) CHICAGO--"Chicago Christmas 2019" (Vinyl version of CD released October 11) JESSIE CLEMENT--"Winter Wonderland" (21 year old Pop artist) KEITH HARKIN--"It's Christmas Time" (Second Christmas album from former Celtic Thunder vocalist) GOOD LOVELIES--"Evergreen" (Second Christmas album from Canadian vocal harmony Folk Pop trio) GOOD LOVELIES--"Evergreen" (Vinyl version of above) AMANDA ANNE PLATT & THE HONEYCUTTERS--"Christmas On A Greyhound Bus" (Americana EP) SILENT WINTERS--"Christmas Morning" (Canadian Folk duo) VARIOUS--"Merry Luxmas" (A collection of vintage singles from The Cramps' vinyl basement) NOVEMBER 29 JUDY COLLINS & JONAS FJELD--"Winter Stories" (Folk, Bluegrass, and Country set of wintry vignettes) ANNIE HALSAM--"It Snows In Heaven Too" (OOP 2000 album from iconic Renaissance vocalist, remastered) KATE RUSBY--"Holly Head" (Fifth seasonal set from UK Folk Pop artist) RICK WAKEMAN--"Christmas Portraits" (Solo piano from progressive keyboard legend) RICK WAKEMAN--"Christmas Portraits" (Vinyl version of above) DECEMBER 6 JOHN BARROWMAN--"A Fabulous Christmas" (British vocalist and Doctor Who actor) DECEMBER 13 JOHN BARROWMAN--"A Fabulous Christmas" (Barrowman's album arrives at Amazon) TBA Backstreet Boys (They're back, ai'ight?) Wade Bowen (Texas Country/Red Dirt singer; he describes it as a "throwback sounding record") Lincoln Brewster--"A Mostly Acoustic Christmas Album" (NOV) (Canadian CCM artist) Campbell & Green (NOV) (Canadian husband and wife Folk Pop duo) Elizabeth Chan--"If The Fates Allow" (OCT) (Her 8th in 8 years) Cher (nuff said) Clean Pete (Dutch Pop/Rock twin sister duo) Glenn Crytzer Orchestra--"Underneath The Mistletoe" (Sounds of the Jazz Age and Swing Era; 11 originals, 9 classics; crowdfunded through Kickstarter) Death Cat--"Death Cat vs. X-Mas" (Experimental Punk multi-media group) Faith Angelina Dixon (New Age piano from 13 year old prodigy) DMX--"DMX-Mas" (Rap) Paul Edis (UK Jazz artist) Pasquale Esposito (Italian tenor) Luke Evans (Actor known for roles in Beauty & The Beast and the Fast & Furious series) Faithful Journey (Southern Gospel quartet from the MidWest) Melody Joyce (EDM singer/songwriter) Folk Hymnal--"Incarnation Songs, Vol. II" (Christian Folk follow up to last year's Christmas EP; Kickstarter funded) Lennie Gallant (Canadian Country star who had one of the best Christmas singles of 2018) Kellie Haddock (Christian singer songwriter) HW Klownface--"Desecration of Santa Claus" (Metal artist who won a copyright suit in Judge Judy's courtroom) Michael Lington--"A Foreign Affair Christmas" (Danish American Smooth Jazz saxman; lots of guest stars) Chris Mann (Former Voice contestant who released a Christmas EP in 2012) McCrary Sisters (Eclectic R&B/Gospel group have apparently finished the Christmas album they started last year) Natalie McMaster (Canadian Celtic fiddler) Ne-Yo (Soul/R&B) The New West Symphony & Chorus (70 member choir and orchestra) Oversight Gallery (Indie Emo band from Indiana) Dolly Parton (Country superstar says this is definite and will be accompanied by a Christmas tour) Andrew Ryan (L.A. based Jazz Pop artist) Salt of the Sound (Ambient Christian Vocal duo) The Seekers (The band is officially retired; this will be a collection of past Christmas songs, many rare and possibly some unreleased) Slobberbone (Alt Country band from Texas) Smashing Pumpkins (Billy seems pretty stoked by the idea) Canadian Troubadour Doug Smith--"Christmas In The Valley" (Canadian Country artist) Sovereign Grace (Worship group planning 3rd Christmas album) Larry Stewart (Country set from one of the vocalists from Restless Heart) Joey Stuckey (NOV) (Blind Georgia Blues Rock artist) The Taters (Roots Rock/Americana) Olivia West--"Hurry Up Santa" (Country Pop; Kickstarter) Robbie Williams ("Millennium" singer, formerly of Take That) Various--"Seasonal Favorites, Vol. 5" (Yet another indispensable collection of Surf Rock, etc., from Double Crown) Various--"A Very Cherry Christmas--Vol. 14" (late NOV) (Brilliant Indie Pop and Rock, curated by Gareth Jones) POSSIBLE Carolyn Broussard (Cajun Americana) Delta Rae (Alt Pop Americana) EXO (K-Pop Boy Band) 2020 Paul Kelly (The dude who taught us "How To Make Gravy" for Christmas working on a full holiday album) Melvin Seals (Leader of JGB, a Grateful Dead spinoff, with what is expected to be a fairly traditional "churchy" effort) |
About usI love Christmas, music, and cats. What more do you need to know? FestiveFriendsFaLaLaLaLa The TwittersSantas Working Overtime Archives
September 2022
Categories
All
 |
RSS Feed
