The Chrissie in JP, Chrissie & The Fairground Boys is none other than Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders. JP is JP Jones. The album "Fidelity" dropped back at the end of August and the expanded version of that album included the track "Christmas Soon", which was possibly the best Rock Christmas song I've heard since "Great Big Sled" from The Killers (your mileage may vary). "Christmas Soon" has got a bit of an early Springsteen vibe to it and, rather than wait for the official single release on November 22, I don't see any reason why you shouldn't go out and pick up this song right now. If there's a video to go along with the single, we'll be sure to post it.
Graham Finch, from the UK, has released a Christmas single to benefit the fight against Alzheimer's. Finch penned the song after two of his family members died this year, having succumbed to the disease. They were, Finch says, "strong healthy men until this disease took hold and changed their lives and the lives of those around them, completely." The single has that uniquely British Rock sound about it and 40% of all money raised will go to The Alzheimer's Society in the UK. You can preview and/or purchase "A Very Merry Christmas" at Amazon MP3 or at iTunes and read more about it at the website Graham has set up to help get the word out.
Hard Rock band Black Label Society went against type for their Christmas single, available on iTunes. "The First Noel" is an acoustic instrumental showcasing Zakk Wylde's guitar playing abilities. Wylde was once the guitar player for Ozzy Ozbourne's band. Proceeds from the sale of the Christmas single will be donated to The Zakk and Barbaranne Wylde Foundation at St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Black Label Society is currently enjoying the success of their latest effort, "Order Of The Black".
Gospel R&B artist CL Carr's holiday single is entitled "Spread Love". It's a beat filled track reminiscent of some of Alexander O'Neal's Christmas work. CL's Christmas song is available at Amazon MP3 and other on-line digital retailers.
Stick around. More to come.