Phil & The Osophers are a staple of the Brooklyn Indie Rock scene. They've released at least 8 full-length albums, plus assorted singles and EPs, since 2004. Their music ranges from deeply philosophical and political to quirky fun and they've scored some cult favorites with songs like "Pineapple" and the more recent "Third World American". On Thursday, November 29, Phil & The Osophers release their third Christmas EP, "Another Merry Christmas" and Stubby's is privileged to present the exclusive world premiere of "Santa Pajamas".
In the beginning, Phil & The Osophers was just Phil...Philip Radiotes to be precise. But, like a pied piper of Indie Pop, he's gathered bandmates along the way (currently including Kevin Estrada on drums and Pat Petillo on bass). Phil well remembers what it was like early on--like his first live gig after Kevin joined the band. "There were more people on stage than in the crowd – which is hard, ‘cause we [were] a two-piece…" But perseverance has paid off. In an age where most Indie bands don't last much longer than a 4 minute song, Phil & The Osophers are still standing after more than 15 years.
 | 1. First Thing Christmas Morning 2. Playing Santa 3. The Smell Of A Christmas Tree 4. Santa Pajamas |
Musically, Phil & The Osophers have been all over the map, from Bedroom Folk to Punk-ish Garage Rock. Their Christmas music, though, is breezy Alt Pop and the closest comparison you can make is Sufjan Stevens. "Another Merry Christmas" features 4 new original Christmas songs. "Playing Santa" has a dreamy quality; I'd almost call it a Psychedelic Waltz. "The Smell of A Christmas Tree" is an olfactory ode to the magic of piney scents. "Santa Pajamas" is Indie Pop with a slight New Orleans flavor. It's the kind of song which is deceptively catchy. You're going to find yourself on line at the Black Friday sales or stuck in traffic sometime and you'll unexpectedly blurt out "I'mwearingmy SAN-tah Pa-JAHM-mas!" You will. Don't think you won't. And, with all the ugly sweater tunes that have been done (even Phil's got one), it's about time PJs got a shout out. That leaves the album's lead single, which you can already purchase at Amazon. "First Thing Christmas Morning" is the most radio friendly of the Indie Pop on "Another Merry Christmas". I'll tell you what I like most about "First Thing Christmas Morning". I like the unknown female vocalist. She's delightful. More of her, please.
As noted, "Another Merry Christmas" is the third holiday EP from Phil & The Osophers, following "It's Christmas Time" and the inevitable "It's Christmas Time Again". All of Phil's Christmas music is fun stuff--nothing philosophical or deep, in contrast to much of his other music. This seems to be a deliberate choice, as if to say, "Let's have a safe zone from Thanksgiving to New Years where we can just enjoy life and each other and take a break from all the garbage we have to deal with the rest of the year." It's all family friendly and I'd describe all three Christmas EPs as "Adult Children's Music"...music designed to bring out the child in all of us.
"Another Merry Christmas" officially releases November 29. You'll find it on Amazon, iTunes, and (I'm sure) Bandcamp, as well as most of the other digital retailers. And here to close us out is the video premiere of "First Thing Christmas Morning".
As noted, "Another Merry Christmas" is the third holiday EP from Phil & The Osophers, following "It's Christmas Time" and the inevitable "It's Christmas Time Again". All of Phil's Christmas music is fun stuff--nothing philosophical or deep, in contrast to much of his other music. This seems to be a deliberate choice, as if to say, "Let's have a safe zone from Thanksgiving to New Years where we can just enjoy life and each other and take a break from all the garbage we have to deal with the rest of the year." It's all family friendly and I'd describe all three Christmas EPs as "Adult Children's Music"...music designed to bring out the child in all of us.
"Another Merry Christmas" officially releases November 29. You'll find it on Amazon, iTunes, and (I'm sure) Bandcamp, as well as most of the other digital retailers. And here to close us out is the video premiere of "First Thing Christmas Morning".
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