Having as little time as I do, these days, my singles posts are going to feel a little bit thrown together. The alternative is not doing them at all. And we can't have that, now, can we? Seriously, I'm doing the best I can, here. So here we go....singles in a minute.
Does anybody care that the Backstreet Boys are back (that's right)? Nah, I didn't think so. Much as I may hate to admit it, "It's Christmas Time Again" isn't bad. Sure it sounds like a hundred other tracks we've heard before. But it's upbeat and energetic and...and...catchy. Yes, it's catchy. "It's Christmas Time Again" released November 6 and you'll find it at Amazon and iTunes, to name two.
I'm forever indebted to my friends at Christmas-A-Go-Go for the many, MANY tracks and albums they've turned me on to. The latest (yes, they're back) is from the Welsh Indie act TRWBADOR. "Every Year So Different" is perfect Indie Pop, just a touch Twee, and maybe even a touch chamber pop, too. Love it! Love it!!! Have a taste. Let TRWBADOR tickle your ears and maybe they'll tickle your fancy. Release date is December 3 and you'll likely find it at the Corner Shop and, they promise us, "all good retailers".
The Killers have confirmed, via Twitter, there will be a 2012 Christmas single. Hallelujah! A Killers Christmas single is as traditional as Pumpkin Pie. This will be their seventh. If you'd like to hear the first six, their 2011 "Christmas (RED) EP" is still available from iTunes though not, it would appear, from Amazon.
Always on the lookout for the very different, here's a riddim pie from Red Rat. Red Rat (aka Wallace Wilson) comes from a long line of Jamaican musicians and is now making his mark on the reggae rockin' world. This one's a bit of Jamaican Dancehall stylin', "Bun Christmas". Sure, it doesn't sound very Christmasy. And that's kinda the point. Check it at Amazon and iTunes, mon.
If you're a fan of the overly big Christmas extravaganza song they're so fond of in the UK, a la Slade's "Merry Christmas Everybody", you might find yourself rocking to The Clan's Christmas single, "It's Christmas (Let's Have A Good Time)". Definitely got that feel to it. The UK act credits Slade, The Sweet and T. Rex as among their major influences and the single pays tribute to them in its sound. Release date is November 10 and you'll find it at Amazon.
Beth Curry is a full buffet of entertainment fun. Singer, actress, dancer, writer, you name it, she does it all. She's appeared on Broadway in productions of Legally Blonde and Good Vibrations. She's toured in the national production of Young Frankenstein. She even took a spin around Europe, playing Rizzo in Grease, there. And, oh yeah, for a number of years, she toured as a singer with the Brian Setzer Orchestra. You might have heard her if you ever listened to Brian's "Dig That Crazy Santa Claus" CD. Beth's singing persona is Totsy. Is Totsy hotsy? You better believe it. Her new Christmas single is "Santa Likes Naughty Girls Too", an energetic combination of Setzer Swing, Alt Pop/Rock, and a little old time burlesque. Pick it up at CD Baby.
Country cutie Erica Nicole is back with another Christmas single, this one featuring living legend Johnny Tillotson. Last year, Erica dove into the snow with both feat with an adorable reading of "Little Saint Nick". This year's sugarplum treat is an invitation to "Come On A Sleigh Ride". Well, I'll take a sleigh ride with her anytime. This one's a sweet little country rocker and you can grab it at Amazon.
Speaking of cuties, Czarina is the latest on the Australian music scene. At core, her music is certainly pop, but it's good pop. And I like good pop. If she doesn't end up on Glee (or the Australian equivalent), she'll turn out just fine. "Oh Santa (Make It Snow)" reflects the fact that it's summer in Australia at Christmas time. You can listen to the track at Soundcloud and buy it on Amazon.
Portland based Naomi LaViolette is an emerging Indie artist who has managed to marry Folk Pop and Soulful Jazz (with a subtle classical lilt) into something unique yet accessible. If you want a little more substance to your Christmas singles than the last two entries offered, Naomi's your girl. She's been favorably compared to Ingrid Michaelson and Norah Jones, but her music stands on it's own. It sticks to your ribs, if you know what I mean. "Noel" is a complete reworking of "The First Noel". It's one of those moody yet uplifting pieces I'm especially fond of. She recorded this one with one of my under appreciated favorites, Aaron Meyer, and his violin adds just the right haunting touch to this nearly perfect record. Just gorgeous. Naomi's "Noel" is available from Amazon, iTunes and CD Baby.
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