Category: October 2016

Stubbys House of Christmas

PENTATONIX - A PENTATONIX CHRISTMAS

10/23/2016

1. O Come All Ye Faithfil
2. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
3. White Christmas
4. I’ll Be Home for Christmas
5. Up on the Rooftop
6. The Christmas Sing Along
7. Coventry Carol
8. Hallelujah
9. Coldest Winter
10. Good To Be Bad
11. Merry Christmas Happy Holidays

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STRAIGHT NO CHASER - I'LL HAVE ANOTHER...CHRISTMAS ALBUM (10/28/16)

10/5/2016

1. All I Want For Christmas Is You
2. Mary, Did You Know?
3. Feels Like Christmas (feat. Jana Kramer)
4. Do You Hear What I Hear?
5. Joy To The World
6. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
7. Run Run Rudolph
8. The Greatest Gift Of All
9. Up On The Housetop
10. Sing We Now Of Christmas
11. Mele Kalikimaka
12. Christmas Lights
13. Lully Lullay (Coventry Carol)
14. Winter Wonderland
15. To Christmas! (The Drinking Song)
Target Exclusive tracks:
16. What Christmas Means To Me
17. Go Tell It On The Mountain

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"I'LL HAVE ANOTHER...CHRISTMAS ALBUM" marks Straight No Chaser's first full-length holiday release since 2009's RIAA gold certified "CHRISTMAS CHEERS." "I'LL HAVE ANOTHER...CHRISTMAS ALBUM" collects a cache of Christmas classics both old and new, including beloved carols, holiday favorites made famous by Coldplay, Mariah Carey, and Stevie Wonder, and newly penned original songs. To record the album, the group returned to where their story began-Indiana University in Bloomington, IN.

Before there was Pentatonix, there was Straight No Chaser, the college dudes who scored a YouTube hit with their humorous take on "12 Days"...a decade after the fact. The guys had all gone their separate ways, but the multi millions of YouTube plays was too much for the recording industry to ignore. I'm actually a bit surprised the group is still going strong. You kinda figured, knowing the industry, Atlantic would do a one-off and drop them. But, no, they've lasted a lot longer with the label than most American Idol and Voice artists do with theirs. Must be doing something right. And, while they've done more than Christmas music, it is the Christmas music that seems to sell the best (cuz we be crazy people). So we get another new holiday set from the guys this year.

Oh, heck, I can't resist. This is always good for a giggle. Straight No Chaser with the performance that made them YouTube stars and Atlantic recording artists.

RASCAL FLATTS - THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL (10/21/16)

10/5/2016

Note: The video below is from the 2008 limited edition bonus disc included with their Greatest Hits album. It does not appear on the group's forthcoming Christmas album.

1. Joy To The World
2. O Holy Night
3. Deck The Halls
4. A Strange Way To Save The World
5. Go Tell It On The Mountain
6. Let It Snow
7. Silent Night
8. Someday At Christmas
9. The First Noel
10. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

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Rascal Flatts will release The Greatest Gift of All, their first-ever Christmas album, on Oct. 21 on Big Machine Records. The collection was produced by the band and features 10 holiday favorites.

Contemporary seasonal songs on the album include renditions of Stevie Wonder’s “Someday at Christmas” and 4Him’s “A Strange Way to Save the World.” The trio’s version of “Silent Night” begins with vocals from their children.

“It probably seems crazy that we waited this long to release a Christmas record,” says band member Jay DeMarcus. “We just wanted to do it right! There are certain songs I think most everyone wants to hear during Christmas, and we wanted to put our own special spin on those songs, while adding in a couple of our personal favorites. We had a blast making this album, and being in the producer’s chair ourselves, makes it extra fun and challenging for us.”

You might remember that Rascal Flatts released a small handful of Christmas tunes as a limited edition bonus CD with their Greatest Hits CD in 2008. Those songs have since been included in various Country Christmas compilations. None of them are included on "The Greatest Gift Of All". For the record, the three Christmas songs from the 2008 bonus disc were "White Christmas", "Jingle Bell Rock", and "I'll Be Home For Christmas". Years earlier, the group had recorded "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" for the "No Wrapping Required" compilation.

The band is offering bundles on their web site which include the CD and Digital Download, as well as limited edition items like a shatterproof Rascal Flatts ornament and a Rascal Flatts winter hat.

R. KELLY - 12 NIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS (10/21/16)

10/5/2016

Note: The video below os from the soundtrack of the 2013 film "The Best Man Holiday" and is not included on R. Kelly's forthcoming Christmas album.

1. My Wish For Christmas
2. Snowman
3. Home For Christmas
4. Mrs. Santa Claus
5. I’m Sending You My Love For Christmas
6. Letters
7. Once Upon A Time
8. Greatest Gift
9. It’s Christmas Day
10. Christmas Lovin’
11. Flyin’ On My Sleigh
12. 12 Nights of Christmas

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Three time Grammy Award winner, multi-platinum selling singer, songwriter and producer R. Kelly is excited to announce his first Christmas album and 14th solo studio album “12 Nights Of Christmas.” With this project he adds his signature touch to the holidays—providing 12 new tracks to add to your holiday collection. The album embodies a traditional Christmas sound accompanied by a variety of heartfelt love songs and is set to be released on Friday, October 21st. “12 Nights Of Christmas” presents a soulful alternative to your Christmas favorites while showcasing why he’s still proclaimed as the King of R&B. --Rone J. Crockett

BRETT ELDREDGE - GLOW (10/28/16)

10/5/2016

Note: the video below is from a live performance in 2015 and not from the forthcoming Christmas album (although we believe the arrangement will be similar).

1. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
2. Baby, It's Cold Outside (feat. Meghan Trainor)
3. I'll Be Home For Christmas
4. The Christmas Song
5. Glow
6. White Christmas
7. Winter Wonderland
8. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
9. Silent Night
10. It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
11. The First Noel
Target Exclusive Bonus Tracks:
12. Blue Christmas (Target Exclusive)
13. O Holy Night (Target Exclusive)
14. The First Noel (Target Exclusive)

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"I've been inspired for this record from a very young age," said Eldredge. "I dreamt of the day I could record all these classic songs that I've loved since I was a little kid. I recorded those classics in New York City and tried to give a tip of the hat to the ones that came before me - Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Ray Charles - by adding that swing and that soul to the best of my ability. When it came to actually recording, I wanted to live in the experience. We hung Christmas lights in the studio in the middle of May and had musicians from the best bands in the world all in the same room - from horns to strings. Everyone was so inspired to make this classic record. I think it really shows in the songs and I can't wait for people to hear that magic we found."

The album was recorded at the legendary Avatar Studios in New York which has hosted many iconic artists including Bob Dylan, Tony Bennett, Bruce Springsteen, John Lennon, Billy Joel, Iggy Pop, Madonna and David Bowie. Produced by Rob Mounsey (Elton John, James Taylor, Idina Menzel, Michael Bublé) and Jay Newland (Etta James, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton), it will feature many of your favorite Christmas standards, plus an original titled "Glow."

KATIE MELUA - IN WINTER (10/14/16)

10/2/2016

Originally posted on the front page on 9/7/16.

1. The Little Sparrow
2. River
3. Perfect World
4. Cradle Somg
5. A Time To Buy
6. Plane Song
7. If You Are So Beautiful
8. Dreams On Fire
9. All-Night Vigil - Nunc Dimittis
10. O Holy Night

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Katie Melua was born in that portion of the former Soviet Union known as Georgia. She moved from there to Northern Ireland and is currently based in England, I believe. In 2006, she was the best selling female artist in both the UK and the EU. She is one of those artists whose music defies easy description. You hear strains of Jazz, Blues, Folk, Indie, Pop, World Music.....it's all in there. What "Dreams On Fire" most reminded me of (and, as usual, I hope no one is put off by my aural comparisons) is Edith Piaf. Piaf was one of those amazing talents that many modern ears refuse to hear but, much like Billie Holiday, once she's got you, she's got you good. I hope, if you haven't already, you'll treat your head to some Edith Piaf sometime. But I don't sense that there will be any resistance to to the beautiful heart and soul of Katie Melua.

For this album, Katie returned to Georgia to record with the Gori Women's Choir. As you can tell from "Dreams On Fire", they sound perfect together. As the title of "In Winter" (and, for that matter, "Dreams On Fire") might suggest, this isn't truly a Christmas album, as such. Were it only for the inclusion of "O Holy Night", that would be enough for me. But the album also includes "River", "Cradle Song" and "All-Night Vigil - Nunc Dimittis" (which some might recognize as "The Song of Simeon"). The other titles aren't ringing any bells for me...could be originals ("The Little Swallow" I'm guessing is the Irish Folk tune, but I can't say that with any certainty). Regardless, I am excited beyond mere words to hear the rest of this album. Personally, I like it when an artist goes searching beyond the obvious to capture the lesser explored facets of the diamond that is the holiday season.

Katie Melua has previously released a few tracks I should not have missed, but did. And, first of all, Katie is routinely on British television and radio come the holidays and there are videos (mostly audio) all over YouTube (including "O Holy Night"--but I'll wait for the album on that one). She was on Band Aid 20's "Do They Know It's Christmas?" in 2004, which I do own but the name didn't mean anything to me then. For a few years starting in 2005, Katie began taking the late Kirsty MacColl's part on "Fairytale of New York" in live Christmas performances with the Pogues. I don't think there were any releases, but the videos are on YouTube. In 2007, Katie and Eva Cassidy released a duet version of "What A Wonderful World" (yes, the Satchmo song) which went to #1 in the UK. You can find it on "The Katie Melua Collection" (video here). In 2012, she released the single "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas", which is included on the 2012 album "B-Sides: The Tracks That Got Away" (it was also, apparently, the B-side of the Eva Cassidy duet). And, in 2014, she recorded Black's"Wonderful Life" for a BBC collection--releasing it as a single last year. As Black passed away earlier this year, and as "Wonderful Life" happens to be (probably) my second favorite Christmas song of all time (even though it isn't a Christmas song at all), that's the video I'm closing with.

Katie Melua's "In Winter" arrives October 14, on CD and on 12" snow white vinyl (with gatefold cover). Give it a spin.

MATT REDMAN - THESE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS (10/21/16)

10/2/2016

1. These Christmas Lights
2. His Name Shall Be
3. O Little Town (The Glory of Christmas)
4. Angels (Singing Gloria) feat. Chris Tomlin
5. Help from Heaven feat. Natasha Bedingfield
6. Hearts Waiting (Joy to the World)
7. Glory To You In The Highest (O Come Let Us Adore) feat. Tasha Cobbs
8. How Far
9. Glory Hallelujah
10. The Name of Emmanuel
11. Holy Night

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Debuting the first Christmas album of his career, 2X GRAMMY® winner Matt Redman will unveil These Christmas Lights on October 21. Filled with powerful and diverse collaborations, featured artists on the album include longtime friends Natasha Bedingfield, Chris Tomlin and Tasha Cobbs. These Christmas Lights finds Redman sharing his interpretation on quintessential holiday songs, along with creating new, originals including “His Name Shall Be,” “Help from Heaven,” the title track and more.

“I don’t want to just tell a story, I want to make sure that we put ourselves in the story too. To help with the songwriting on this record, I actually went on a retreat to Israel. We reenacted, walking through the old roads that Jesus would have walked, going to some of the key places where key events of the gospel happened when Jesus walked this Earth. Thinking a lot about Him coming as a little newborn baby,” shares Redman. “We worked very hard on this record. I’m so grateful and aware of the collaboration, the team effort. Lots of people just digging deep, bringing their creativity, time and gifting their experience on this record. There’s definitely a sense of family, collaboration and friendship.“

These Christmas Lights will serve as the follow up to Redman’s 2015 chart-topper Unbroken Praise. Redman will be touring throughout the U.S. and British Columbia for the remainder of 2016.

MATTHEW WEST - UNTO US (A CHRISTMAS COLLECTION)

9/30/2016

1. Unto Us
  2. The First Noel
  3. Silent Night
  4. A Christmas To Believe In
  5. Join The Angels
  6. Come On, Christmas
  7. Jingle Bells
  8. The Heart Of Christmas
  9. Oh Holy Night
  10. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

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Returning with his second full length Christmas album, Matthew West is back to celebrate the season with 5 brand new songs and some of his biggest Christmas hits! Featuring the hit radio singles A Christmas to Believe In, The Heart of Christmas & One Last Christmas this collection of songs will help you get in the spirit and is a reminder of God's love and faithfulness - the true reason for the season.

Since releasing his first Christmas record, The Heart of Christmas, in 2011, Matthew has been busy headlining major tours including Winter Jam & The Bible Tour, releasing his bestselling albums Into The Light & Live Forever, and writing hit radio singles Hello, My Name Is & Grace Wins. Be sure to catch Matthew headlining Winter Jam West Coast in November and a Christmas tour in December!

I told one of our readers that I'm always a bit suspicious when a Christmas album title contains the word "collection". That doesn't usually mean "new". Matthew West, doing his best Kiefer Sutherland on the cover, gives us a half-and-half...have new, half previous Christmas hits. Well, they were pretty good Christmas hits and the price point is relatively low, so we'll let Matthew slide...just this once. ;^)

JORDAN SMITH - TIS THE SEASON (10/28/16)

9/20/2016

Color me shocked, but Jordan did not include "Mary Did You Know" on his coming Christmas album. Here it is anyway, in a fine performance from "The Voice".

1. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
2. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
3. Grown-Up Christmas List
4. You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch
5. Silent Night
6. What Child Is This
7. I’ll Be Home for Christmas
8. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
9. O Holy Night (ft. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir)
10. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
11. The Christmas Song
12. Ave Maria (ft. Maria Aleida)

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Jordan Smith will release his very first holiday album Tis The Season via LightWorkers/Republic Records, produced by the legendary Grammy Award winning David Foster.

Tis The Season sees JORDAN take on 12 Christmas classics with his own stunning style, spirit, and soul. These include standards such as Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Silent Night, and O Holy Night featuring the Grammy and Emmy Award winning The Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Among the albums’ many highlights, “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” is a modern take on the timeless classic, and is Jordan’s personal favorite. It’s the perfect soundtrack to the 2016 holiday season.

This fall, he joins Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith for their annual Holiday tour. It kicks off November 11 at The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, CA, and plays through December 18 in major markets across the country.

JENNIFER NETTLES - TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS (10/28/16)

9/20/2016

Please note: This clip is from last year's CMA Country Christmas and not the track as it will appear on the album. Jennifer has hosted the CMA Country Christmas for 6 years, now. I certainly hope (and expect) she'll make it 7.

1. Go Tell It On The Mountain
2. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (featuring Andra Day)
3. Little Drummer Boy (featuring Idina Menzel)
4. Celebrate Me Home
5. Circle Of Love
6. Do You Hear What I Hear
7. Count Your Blessings Instead Of Sheep
8. O Holy Night
9. Merry Christmas With Love
10. The First Noel

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Jennifer Nettles is prepping for the season early with the release of her first holiday album, 'To Celebrate Christmas', due out October 28 on Big Machine Records. The 10-track collection highlights Jennifer’s signature Country twang while her enthusiastic spirit illuminates the mix of festive anthems and traditional standards.

Wrapping each track with care, GRAMMY® Award-winning producer Julian Raymond joined Jennifer in the studio. The project shines with dynamic harmonies with Tony Award-winner Idina Menzel on “Little Drummer Boy,” and the Jazz-influenced melody alongside American-soul sensation Andra Day on “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman.” Friend and mentor – angelic icon Dolly Parton – penned “Circle Of Love” and teased the news of 'To Celebrate Christmas'. Jennifer will also star in the NBC television special based on Dolly’s life this December called Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love, a holiday-themed sequel to the rating success Coat of Many Colors.

“I’m such a lover of this season and all of the magical feelings that surround us during the holidays so it will be exciting to share it with fans at our live shows,” expressed Jennifer. “Especially since the birth of my son, who arrived to us in December, I’ve found even more joy Christmas traditions and music. Having both Idina and Andra lend their idyllic voices to some of my favorite songs is the bow on top!”

OK. Not to pick a nit, but I have to point out that Big Machine is saying that "To Celebrate Christmas" is Jennifer Nettles "first holiday album". Even if you discount Sugarland's "Gold & Green" as a group or duo album, the fact is that Jennifer self-released at least one holiday record well before Sugarland came together (the title escapes me at the moment). I'd describe the music as hewing closer to Folk than Country or Pop, but a holiday record is a holiday record. Odds are, at this late date, you'll only ever encounter bootlegs, but its out there.

Not that it matters, because I love me some Jennifer Nettles and I will certainly buy as many holiday records as she'd like to make.