I'm sure you know by now that the Killers released their Christmas album and final single. It's a bit anti-climatic since they didn't write a new song. Instead, they paid tribute to Christmas in the not-quite-so-old West with a spoken word introduction to "I'll Be Home For Christmas" sung (initially) by 86 year old Mr. Hansen, who was Brandon Flowers' 4th grade teacher. The collection, "Don't Waste Your Wishes" is up on iTunes.
We've got to deal with the limited edition vinyl from Canada's Sloan. Sloan have kicked the Christmas song tires before. The Alt Rock/Power Pop band, which has managed to maintain their independence from major label servitude for 25 years, dropped a charity single of "The 12 Days of Christmas" in 2011. And, in 2012, they posted a cover of Slade's "Merry Xmas Everybody" as a free download on their web site.
But Sloan's Christmas single this year is something different in that both songs are Sloan originals. The "A" side is "Kids Come Back Again At Christmas", which features the group's trademark harmonies and is described as a "galloping, acoustic driven future-holiday-classic". The flip, "December 25", is described as "a snowy piano song suitable for a slow skate". The single is pressed on red vinyl and will be limited to 500 copies. The purchase price, which might seem a bit steep, also includes the digital download and several artistic Christmas cards you can use or save. Sloan's double-sided Christmas single is expected to ship on December 1. Pre-orders began last week, so there's no telling how long they'll last. So decide on your level of interest ASAP.
But Sloan's Christmas single this year is something different in that both songs are Sloan originals. The "A" side is "Kids Come Back Again At Christmas", which features the group's trademark harmonies and is described as a "galloping, acoustic driven future-holiday-classic". The flip, "December 25", is described as "a snowy piano song suitable for a slow skate". The single is pressed on red vinyl and will be limited to 500 copies. The purchase price, which might seem a bit steep, also includes the digital download and several artistic Christmas cards you can use or save. Sloan's double-sided Christmas single is expected to ship on December 1. Pre-orders began last week, so there's no telling how long they'll last. So decide on your level of interest ASAP.
Here's another reason I love international Christmas music. Zoe is Austrian singing a Christmas song in French after just having participated in the big Eurovision competition in Sweden and charting in Belgium. And, as of today, you can purchase her Christmas single here in America. I may be warped (ok, ok, I know I'm warped), but I think that's cool. Europe being what it is, being a multi-national artist is kinda built in.
Zoe turns 20 on December 1. She's been singing since she was 6, when she was featured in a song recorded by her parents. Don't know that it'll mean anything to most of you, but her parents were the very cool Folk Pop group Papermoon, which, as it happens, was one of those a-little-off-the-beaten-path groups that I always loved. Still trying to get my hands on their 2006 CD "Christmas Unplugged" (the digital album is available from iTunes in Austria....but not in the US).
Sorry I got sidetracked. Zoe's single is "La Nuit Des Merveilles" (The Night of Wonders) and it's in that mid-tempo Pop Vocal style that plays so well overseas. A little bit AC for the states, but nice in a Christmas song. Pick it up via Amazon.
Zoe turns 20 on December 1. She's been singing since she was 6, when she was featured in a song recorded by her parents. Don't know that it'll mean anything to most of you, but her parents were the very cool Folk Pop group Papermoon, which, as it happens, was one of those a-little-off-the-beaten-path groups that I always loved. Still trying to get my hands on their 2006 CD "Christmas Unplugged" (the digital album is available from iTunes in Austria....but not in the US).
Sorry I got sidetracked. Zoe's single is "La Nuit Des Merveilles" (The Night of Wonders) and it's in that mid-tempo Pop Vocal style that plays so well overseas. A little bit AC for the states, but nice in a Christmas song. Pick it up via Amazon.
Time for a little Jazz break.
That's just a little teaser for Jason Klobak's Christmas single, "Hark The Herald", which officially arrives on Monday. Downloads all around the usual spots (Amazon, iTunes, etc.) and limited edition hard copy CD singles from Jason, himself.
Jason's out there in Denver where, as I recall from my visits there, the Jazz scene is thriving. There are certainly other places where Jazz thrives but, let me tell you, eastern North Carolina ain't one of 'em.
Most of Jason's recorded work to date has been with the Jason Klobnak Quintet (which I'll be getting back to in a sec), but "Hark The Herald" is a solo effort (in spite of the big sound) and that keeps Jason's trumpet work very much in the foreground. "Hark The Herald" also has a more Modern Jazz or Crossover Jazz feel than the JKQ records, and it should therefor appeal in multiple formats (no reason Pop, AC, or FM outlets shouldn't give it some play). What I like especially, though, is that, even with a more modern sound, the Jazz didn't disappear. I think about some crossover Jazz artists I liked before they crossed-over.... Alright, what the hell, I'll name names. George Benson, OK? The guy was an awesome Jazz guitarist. He was a Jazz guitar god. "Body Talk"? "White Rabbit"? Brilliant stuff that you could lose yourself in for days. And even the early hits were fine. But then he turned into a Pop singer and the Jazz was just gone. "Turn Your Love Around"? Big hit. Not the best of George Benson. Just sayin'.
Jason's out there in Denver where, as I recall from my visits there, the Jazz scene is thriving. There are certainly other places where Jazz thrives but, let me tell you, eastern North Carolina ain't one of 'em.
Most of Jason's recorded work to date has been with the Jason Klobnak Quintet (which I'll be getting back to in a sec), but "Hark The Herald" is a solo effort (in spite of the big sound) and that keeps Jason's trumpet work very much in the foreground. "Hark The Herald" also has a more Modern Jazz or Crossover Jazz feel than the JKQ records, and it should therefor appeal in multiple formats (no reason Pop, AC, or FM outlets shouldn't give it some play). What I like especially, though, is that, even with a more modern sound, the Jazz didn't disappear. I think about some crossover Jazz artists I liked before they crossed-over.... Alright, what the hell, I'll name names. George Benson, OK? The guy was an awesome Jazz guitarist. He was a Jazz guitar god. "Body Talk"? "White Rabbit"? Brilliant stuff that you could lose yourself in for days. And even the early hits were fine. But then he turned into a Pop singer and the Jazz was just gone. "Turn Your Love Around"? Big hit. Not the best of George Benson. Just sayin'.
So I could jam to "Hark The Herald" and still appreciate the Jazz of it. Truly enjoyed it. But now it's time for a twist ending. (Don't do it Stubby)
So I'm writing up this paragraph and I almost always listen to the tune as I'm writing. It's a process. Not important. And I get to the point where I'm gonna mention the Quintet. And I'm thinking, well, I haven't actually heard the Quintet. Sweet Mother of God! That is manna from heaven. That is where I live. Sweet Jesus! Great googly moogly. Let me just hip y'all to one track from the most recent JKQ album, "New Chapter". It's called "Today's Forecast: Sunny, High of 80 Degrees and a Chance of Snow". Yes, that's the title. No, its not a Christmas or even seasonal track (although...in North Carolina...I've seen December forecasts like that). Just check it out (or anything else from the album). Please.
So, Jason, I apologize. I really like "Hark The Herald", which is coming Monday or, if you prefer the limited CD single , it'll be in your mailbox before you know it.. Yes, I really like "Hark The Herald", but I am head over heels in love with "New Chapter".
So I'm writing up this paragraph and I almost always listen to the tune as I'm writing. It's a process. Not important. And I get to the point where I'm gonna mention the Quintet. And I'm thinking, well, I haven't actually heard the Quintet. Sweet Mother of God! That is manna from heaven. That is where I live. Sweet Jesus! Great googly moogly. Let me just hip y'all to one track from the most recent JKQ album, "New Chapter". It's called "Today's Forecast: Sunny, High of 80 Degrees and a Chance of Snow". Yes, that's the title. No, its not a Christmas or even seasonal track (although...in North Carolina...I've seen December forecasts like that). Just check it out (or anything else from the album). Please.
So, Jason, I apologize. I really like "Hark The Herald", which is coming Monday or, if you prefer the limited CD single , it'll be in your mailbox before you know it.. Yes, I really like "Hark The Herald", but I am head over heels in love with "New Chapter".
 | Jo Dee Messina looked around her and saw all the Country Christmas releases this year and she wondered why she didn't get the memo. So, to make sure that she's a contributor to the Country Christmas Tsunami of 2016, Jo Dee has gone and cut the single "Noel". The song was written by Matt Redman, Chris Tomlin & Ed Cash. I'm not familiar with Mr. Cash, but those other two fellas are about as much CCM power as you're likely to fit into a single room, so you know it's not a tune about Santa and Rudolph. "Noel" was released November 9 on Messina's own Dreambound label and you can find it at Amazon, iTunes and Google Play. |
Alright, now, we're going to play "One of these things is not like the others". Ready. Take a look at this picture. Notice something, um, unusual? That's right, one of those people is a kid. He's frickin' 12 years old. I hate precocious kids. As if his being in a band at 12 wasn't enough to make me feel like a failure, the band is sporting his name. Yep, he's Carson Peters. The adults are Iron Mountain. Oh, don't worry, he's got a solo career, too. Carson's a world class fiddler. He's been playing since he was 3. He was competing at age 4. He's been on national TV with Jay Leno (couldn't have been more than 8 at the time), and he's played the Grand Ol' Opry with Ricky Skaggs (and then again with his own band, Iron Mountain). Carson also writes original music. I think I was still struggling with tying my shoes at 12.
The good news is that we've got a brand spankin' new Bluegrass single from Carson Peters & Iron Mountain. "Christmas Time In The Country" was written by the bass and banjo players in Iron Mountain, Ben and Eric Marshall. Although there's no audio on line for it, the :30 clip at Amazon is enough for you to appreciate that this is real authentic Bluegrass. One of the most Bluegrassy Bluegrass Christmas songs I've heard in many a year. I mean, this'll take you back to The Stanley Brothers and The Country Gentlemen. For Bluegrass fans, "Christmas Time In The Country" rates as a must buy. But its pretty close to that for obsessive Christmas collectors who like to hop genres in their annual mix. Digital only, at the moment. Available wherever fine downloads are sold.
The good news is that we've got a brand spankin' new Bluegrass single from Carson Peters & Iron Mountain. "Christmas Time In The Country" was written by the bass and banjo players in Iron Mountain, Ben and Eric Marshall. Although there's no audio on line for it, the :30 clip at Amazon is enough for you to appreciate that this is real authentic Bluegrass. One of the most Bluegrassy Bluegrass Christmas songs I've heard in many a year. I mean, this'll take you back to The Stanley Brothers and The Country Gentlemen. For Bluegrass fans, "Christmas Time In The Country" rates as a must buy. But its pretty close to that for obsessive Christmas collectors who like to hop genres in their annual mix. Digital only, at the moment. Available wherever fine downloads are sold.
Amazon is doing another one of those long-ass playlists of mostly new holiday tunes as they continue to try to suck people in to Amazon Prime (which is probably a good deal, but I still refuse to have a cell phone, so... ) Anyway, I bring it up because there's a brand new Train Christmas song on it, which I had earlier assumed was a single. It's called "I Miss You, Christmas" and it gets added Monday (although it might be an "album only" deal. Don't know). Frankly, I still haven't forgiven them for that Christmas Coca Cola tune.
Had to find you some Blues, didn't I?
I know what this is. I mean, I think I know what this is. And I hope, if I'm wrong, that the band doesn't take it as an insult. Not at all intended to be. But you may recall that I used to manage a Blues band in my younger days and this is awfully familiar to me. Let me first tell you a bit about the band.
The Blues DoGS are based in Colorado. They've been at it for 15 years or so. And they started out as a Christian Blues band. DoGS is an acronym for "Disciples of God's Son". It's a good sized group (they alter the size of the group as the occasion requires). They've got a horn section (known as the Horn DoGS, obviously. And the female vocalist on this particular tune is Mehgan Castor. "Blues 4 Christmas" is the title of the song and you can find it at the usual spots, including Amazon.
So, having managed a Blues band, this sounds to me like a straight up jam--pretty much improvised from start to finish. Maybe you've got a small piece of a lyric and a riff. Maybe not even that. The band I was with, at least, spent a lot of time getting the covers to sound just so--faithful to the original, yet our own. And you also work on the band originals where the music and lyrics are like the frame of a house and the frame has to stand intact, so you build around it. Again, its usually more work then it sounds like. So you take a break, every once in a while. And there are generally two things people in a band like to do on a rehearsal break...down a brewski and jam. Sometimes they just play, but sometimes you use those jams to write. (Although, as an aside, some of the band members hated the fact that I'd hear something in the jams that I wanted to keep for the show...which I get because its kind of like turning fun time into work time.)
But, anyway, I swear I can hear the Blues DoGS on a bit of a rehearsal break and someone says, "You know, we got those gigs in December. We probably ought to write a Christmas tune." Meanwhile, the guitarist is just playing a couple of licks, oblivious to the discussion. Then someone says, "That's nice, can you play around with that enough to do a whole song?" "Sure, that's easy. It's just a basic Blues thing." "What about lyrics? What should I be singing about?" "You know, jes Christmas." "Nothing about Santa and reindeer, OK?" "It's a Christmas Blues, that's all." "What are all Blues songs about? Your man done left you and you got the Blues for Christmas." And then they're off. We always recorded all of our rehearsals. Because you never know when something good is going to happen on the fly. And, if the jam was good enough, you just kept it as is. Why mess with it? It works. That's my story and I'm sticking with it.
I know what this is. I mean, I think I know what this is. And I hope, if I'm wrong, that the band doesn't take it as an insult. Not at all intended to be. But you may recall that I used to manage a Blues band in my younger days and this is awfully familiar to me. Let me first tell you a bit about the band.
The Blues DoGS are based in Colorado. They've been at it for 15 years or so. And they started out as a Christian Blues band. DoGS is an acronym for "Disciples of God's Son". It's a good sized group (they alter the size of the group as the occasion requires). They've got a horn section (known as the Horn DoGS, obviously. And the female vocalist on this particular tune is Mehgan Castor. "Blues 4 Christmas" is the title of the song and you can find it at the usual spots, including Amazon.
So, having managed a Blues band, this sounds to me like a straight up jam--pretty much improvised from start to finish. Maybe you've got a small piece of a lyric and a riff. Maybe not even that. The band I was with, at least, spent a lot of time getting the covers to sound just so--faithful to the original, yet our own. And you also work on the band originals where the music and lyrics are like the frame of a house and the frame has to stand intact, so you build around it. Again, its usually more work then it sounds like. So you take a break, every once in a while. And there are generally two things people in a band like to do on a rehearsal break...down a brewski and jam. Sometimes they just play, but sometimes you use those jams to write. (Although, as an aside, some of the band members hated the fact that I'd hear something in the jams that I wanted to keep for the show...which I get because its kind of like turning fun time into work time.)
But, anyway, I swear I can hear the Blues DoGS on a bit of a rehearsal break and someone says, "You know, we got those gigs in December. We probably ought to write a Christmas tune." Meanwhile, the guitarist is just playing a couple of licks, oblivious to the discussion. Then someone says, "That's nice, can you play around with that enough to do a whole song?" "Sure, that's easy. It's just a basic Blues thing." "What about lyrics? What should I be singing about?" "You know, jes Christmas." "Nothing about Santa and reindeer, OK?" "It's a Christmas Blues, that's all." "What are all Blues songs about? Your man done left you and you got the Blues for Christmas." And then they're off. We always recorded all of our rehearsals. Because you never know when something good is going to happen on the fly. And, if the jam was good enough, you just kept it as is. Why mess with it? It works. That's my story and I'm sticking with it.
Back to Canada we go for another Alt Rock/Power Pop group--The Odds. The Odds have been making music since the mid-80s and draw comparisons to Squeeze, XTC, Tom Petty, The Tubes, etc. "Love Is What You Get" is a charity single, with proceeds going to the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund. That fund is all about bridging the gap between Canadians and the indigenous people in the Great White North (yep, we aren't the only ones who treat indigenous people like crap). No embeddable sound or video I could find (it may be on Spotify, but I can't do Spotify), but you can listen to it on The Odds web site (FYI, where it says "your price", the minimum is a dollar. It's for charity. Duh). If you prefer, it's also on Amazon. Great song, though. I think you'll like it. The Odds charitable work doesn't stop there. They'll be among the folks on the annual CP Holiday Train, which goes here, there and everywhere performing while raising money and collecting food for the local community food banks and pantries. It's cool, actually. They ask the people coming down to catch the entertainment to bring healthy foods with them to stock the food banks in their own community. They're figuring on 150 shows this year. Man, I'm tired just reading about it.
Gotta wrap this up and we've barely scratched the surface. I'll probably have to do more of these over the weekend.
Close this one out with the new Christmas single from Halestorm, the Hard Rock/Heavy Metal band out of Pennsylvania. I don't think there's any question that Lzzy Hale has one of the best voices in Metal, if not in Rock. I don't know if there's been a better female Rock voice since Grace Slick was in her prime. I also think there's a consensus that Lzzy is the sexiest vocalist in Metal (although there's not a lot of competition in that regard).
Lzzy released "O Holy Night" several years back, but that was an a cappella home recording (it was beautiful, though). This new Christmas single is a fairly faithful cover of AC/DC's "Mistress For Christmas". I haven't listened to the "B" side ("I Like It Heavy"), but the single comes in "Clean" and "Explicit" and that's all about the flip. "Mistress For Christmas" shouldn't have any "bad" words.
Close this one out with the new Christmas single from Halestorm, the Hard Rock/Heavy Metal band out of Pennsylvania. I don't think there's any question that Lzzy Hale has one of the best voices in Metal, if not in Rock. I don't know if there's been a better female Rock voice since Grace Slick was in her prime. I also think there's a consensus that Lzzy is the sexiest vocalist in Metal (although there's not a lot of competition in that regard).
Lzzy released "O Holy Night" several years back, but that was an a cappella home recording (it was beautiful, though). This new Christmas single is a fairly faithful cover of AC/DC's "Mistress For Christmas". I haven't listened to the "B" side ("I Like It Heavy"), but the single comes in "Clean" and "Explicit" and that's all about the flip. "Mistress For Christmas" shouldn't have any "bad" words.
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