The LIST 2012
A centralized resource, updated continuously, for the obsessive Christmas music hunter. Check The List and check it twice to ensure you find your personal (naughty and nice) holiday favorites. See 2011 List here.
NEW / REISSUE / DIGITAL ONLY / DIGITAL REISSUE / VINYL / CD-DVD / DVD / EXCLUSIVE / IMPORT
JANUARY 1
JULIE ELIAS--"Holy Night" (Missed it by that much; Contemporary Christian artist)
MAY 14
VARIOUS--"Merry Jazzup Christmas!" (International release of 2011 Korean Jazz EP)
MAY 30
REV. AUDREY E. BRONSON--"Are You Ready For Christmas?" (a 1976 Folkways recording of sermon and song, previously reissued in 1979 & 2004)
JUNE 1
GORDON MOTE--"The Star Still Shines" (Christian release, hard copy due in October)
JUNE 4
VARIOUS--"A Christmas Gift For You" (First ever digital release of Christmas collection from UK's State Records; LP apparently released 1981)
JUNE 19
MOE BANDY--"A Cowboy Christmas" (Digital reissue of 1996 Country CD)
DARREN LEE--"I'll Be Away For Christmas" (Canada's--and possibly the world's--leading Elvis tribute artist)
JULY 5
BIORYTHMICBEAR--"Music For A Christmas Carol" (Interesting instrumental album that sounds like a soundtrack; different--in a good way)
RICK MOORE--"Christmas With Rick" (Piano-centric instrumental Easy Listening/Jazz album, hard copy will shortly be available through CD Baby)
JULY7
PHASE 5--"Christmas Edition" (Nice Pop EP from Florida group)
JULY 9
SHAD WEATHERSBY--"Coming To Christmas" (Ostensibly a Children's album, but highly accessible Folk/Pop)
JULY 16
TOMMY OVERSTREET--"Home For Christmas" (70s Country star with what I believe is a new recording in his classic style)
JULY 24
26Z--"A Black Peter Christmas" (EP of winter and Christmas tracks recorded by this Industrial band between 2009 and present, limited time only)
GROOVE JUICE--"The Elegant Side Of A Swinging Christmas" (Traditional Swing outfit from Germany with an all too common band name)
VELVET VOICES--"In The Mood 4 Christmas" (US digital release of 2009 holiday set from Austrian girl group a cappella quartet)
JULY 26
JIMMY FORTUNE--"Feels Like Christmas" (Reissue of 2005 Christmas album by this former Statler Brother)
THE KINGS OF CHRISTMAS--"365 Days A Year" (Wider release of 2011 record featuring very good New york style Vocal Group Pop)
JULY 31
BEEGIE ADAIR--"Quiet Christmas" (Digital re-issue of 2004 holiday set from Easy Listening/New Age piano artist, previously reissued in 2006 & 2010)
VARIOUS--"Toast To The Holidays" (Shortened version of 2002 budget priced 2-CD collection of holiday music; part of Columbia's Cocktail Hour series)
AUGUST 3
MARY KATE & ASHLEY OLSEN--"Cool Yule" (CD-R reissue of 2003 outing from stars of the TV show "Full House")
JERRY VALE--"A Personal Christmas Collection" (Columbia budget CD-R reissue of collection originally released in 1995, last reissued 2010)
AUGUST 7
JOHNNY CARROLL--"Christmas Favourites" (Import reissue of 1995 trumpet centric Easy Listening Christmas record, reissued digitally in 2008)
DENVER BRASS--"Twas The Brass Before Christmas" (Recorded live in the Bethany Lutheran Church sanctuary December 2011)
ISLA GRANT--"Home For Christmas" (Import reissue of 1992 album from Scottish born Country, Folk, and Bluegrass singer, reissued digitally in 2009)
LIBERACE--"A Liberace Christmas" (Latest reissue--this one digital--of a 1963 collection)
WINTER NOISE MACHINE--"Christmas In The Air" (Eclectic mix of standards and originals from New Jersey brothers; Hard copy at group's website)
VARIOUS--"Change For The Holidays: Hip Christmas" (Reissue of eclectic 2009 compilation that includes Jimmy Charles, Babs Gonzales, & more)
VARIOUS--"Change For The Holidays: Hip Christmas 2" (Reissue of eclectic 2010 compilation that includes Babs Gonzales, Korla Pandit, & more)
AUGUST 10
JOHN DENVER & ASPEN DICKENS CAROLERS--"Merry Christmas, Aspen" (Reissue of LP recorded in 1984, national CD release 2006)
VARIOUS--"Irish Christmas Party" (Terrific compilation of--mostly--really obscure country tracks by Irish artists from the 50s, 60s and 70s)
AUGUST 14
MAZZ--"Regalo de Navidad" (Reissue of 1994 holiday album from popular Texas Tejano band noted for their use of synthesizer)
AUGUST 15
VANESSA WILLIAMS--"Christmas With Vanessa Williams" (Digital reissue of Vanessa's second Christmas album, 2004's "Silver And Gold")
AUGUST 18
DREW HOLCOMB & THE NEIGHBORS--"Neighborly Christmas" (Digital reissue of 2007 Indie release, briefly available via Noisetrade in 2011)
AUGUST 21
VARIOUS--"Classic Cristmas" (New compilation from Sony Special Markets featuring mostly the usual suspects)
VARIOUS--"Home For Christmas Day" (New comp from Sony Special Markets featuring Dylan, Susan Boyle, Christina Aguilera, Whitney Houston, etc.)
VARIOUS--"Romantic Christmas" (Another new comp from Sony Special Markets)
AUGUST 23
SYLVIA--"A Cradle In Bethlehem" (Reissue of 2002 release from popular 80s Country artist)
AUGUST 24
RICK CORNISH--"Holiday Chillout 01: The After Hours Sound Of The Season" (Nice Chillout Jazz set; see also August 31)
AUGUST 28
VARIOUS--"Christmas Cocktails, Part Three" (Digital reissue of the third in Capitol's popular series, originally released in 2005)
AUGUST 29
GREGOR PRACHT--"Noel--The Christmas Album" (German born tenor with a nice mix of holiday tuneage in that theatrical pop vocalist style)
JIMMY REED--"Christmas Present Blues" (Reissue of CD-Single of vintage Blues tune)
KITTY WELLS--"Christmas With Kitty Wells" (Digital reissue of the late Country singer's previously reissued 1962 Decca LP)
AUGUST 30
THE NEW ROYALTY--"Spend Christmas With Me" (Emerging Pop Punk band from NJ sets a high bar for other acts with awesome, rocking Xmas set)
AUGUST 31
RICK CORNISH--"Holiday Chillout 02: The After Hours Sound Of The Season" (Nice Chillout Jazz set; see also August 24)
RICK CORNISH--"Holiday Chillout 03: The After Hours Sound Of The Season" (More of the same)
RICK CORNISH--"Holiday Chillout 04: The After Hours Sound Of The Season" (More of the same, though this was my least favorite)
RICK CORNISH--"Holiday Chillout 05: The After Hours Sound Of The Season" (Still more of the same)
RICK CORNISH--"Holiday Chillout 06: The After Hours Sound Of The Season" (Rick, bubeleh, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing)
DEAD MEN'S HOLLOW--"Christmas" (Bluegrass/Americana set from Virginia/Washington D.C. area; available on CD-R through CD Baby)
JEFF TURNER--"Christmas My Way" (Reissue of 2008 Country album from artist known as "The Swiss Elvis")
SEPTEMBER 1
HELIX--"All I Want For Christmas..."/"Jingle Bells" (Green 7" vinyl Christmas single from Canadian Metal band)
SEPTEMBER 4
THE ANIMAL BAND--"Jungle All The Way" (Nice Pop Kids album that should appeal to adults as well, from veteran singer/songwriter Jim Moore)
CHRISTOPHER CROSS--"Christopher Cross Christmas" (Budget priced reissue of Soft Rock artist's 2007 holiday set)
JOEL MABUS--"A Parlor Guitar Christmas" (2nd Christmas album, this one instrumental, from former Prairie Home Companion regular)
MORMON TABERNACLE CHOIR--"Once Upon A Christmas" (featuring Jane Seymour and Nathan Gunn)
MORMON TABERNACLE CHOIR--"Once Upon A Christmas" (DVD or blu ray of the above performance featuring Jane Seymour and Nathan Gunn)
SEPTEMBER 6
REBECCA SMITH ADAMS--"Carols From The Heart" (Solo piano Christmas music very nicely done by Chicago artist and piano teacher)
SEPTEMBER 8
ANNA LAMPLOUGH--"Christmas!" (Saxophone artist whose work ranges from Classical to Jazz)
SEPTEMBER 11
GARY "U.S." BONDS--"Christmas Is On!" (first full-length holiday set from legendary Rock & Soul artist)
BUFORD & THE HUSH PUPPIES--"Merry Fishmas" (Christmas Carols rewritten with a fishy theme; I'll let you decide if it stinks)
DALLAS WIND SYMPHONY--"Horns For The Holidays"
FERRANTE & TEICHER--"Snowbound"/"We Wish You A Merry Christmas" (Reissue of classic 60s instrumental albums, first issued on CD in 1992)
JACKIE GLEASON--"Tis The Season/Merry Christmas" (A two-fer reissue of the Great One's great instrumental Christmas music)
RANDAL HAMMEL--"Christmas Is In The Air" (Apparently a limited 2011 release, romantic solo piano music from award winning producer and artist)
HALIE LOREN & MATT TREDER--"Many Times, Many Ways" (Reissue on Justin Time of intimate and brilliant 2008 Jazz vocal set)
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER--"A Candle Light Christmas" (Wide release of 2008 compilation sold originally at Wal-Mart and Christian book stores)
MYSTIQUE--"Noel Au Quebec" (Digital reissue of 2006 Canadian release; shrill at times, but I'm a sucker for ladies singing in French)
THREE BRIDGES--"Christmas Must Be Tonight" (Wide release of Southern Gospel set available last year from the group's web site)
VARIOUS--"Christmas Greetings From The White House" (Presidential Christmas messages)
VARIOUS--"A Gatlinburg Country Christmas" (Instrumental music played on acoustic string instruments)
VARIOUS--"Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" (Domestic release of excellent 2011 Canadian Jazz comp from Justin Time)
SEPTEMBER 13
INTUITION--"A Season To Rock" (An international collective of rock artists join forces on an instrumental concept album)
SEPTEMBER 18
SANDY ATKINSON--"Christmas" (Blues and Americana artist with her first holiday full-length, including a guest appearance from Bob Margolin)
JOYSTRINGS--"Christmas Collection" (First time on CD for many of these Christmas songs from World's greatest Salvation Army Pop/Psych/Folk band)
BRIAN McKNIGHT--"Bethlehem" (Reissue of McKnight's 1998 Christmas set)
NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND--"Christmas Album" (Reissue of classic 1997 Christmas record)
SANDI PATTY--The Voice Of Christmas, Vol. 2" (Christian singer with several Christmas albums to her credit)
DAVID PHELPS--"Joy Joy" (Budget priced reissue of Christian artist's 2000 solo Christmas effort)
STEVE TYRELL--"Deck The Halls: Music For Christmas Cocktails" (Slightly expanded version of Smooth Jazz artist's 2002 Xmas album)
DANNY WRIGHT--"Just Wright For Christmas" (Re-issue of 1992 set from New Age pianist)
VARIOUS--"Ultra Lounge Christmas Cocktails, Vol. 4" (More from Capitol Records' overflowing holiday vault; but, sadly, no hard copy yet scheduled)
SEPTEMBER 25
THE BEACH BOYS--"Christmas Harmonies" (Reissue of 2009 seasonal collection)
JEREMY CAMP--"Christmas: God With Us" (Christmas album from Contemporary Christian artist)
ELIZABETH CHAN--"Naughty & Nice" (Driven to create a "World famous" Christmas song, Ms. Chan tries first with this 5-song EP)
CINCINNATI POPS ORCHESTRA--"Home For The Holidays" (John Morris Russell conducting, with New York Voices and Brian Stokes Mitchell)
BILL & GLORIA GAITHER--"12 Christmas Favorites"
THE HOFF ENSEMBLE--"Quiet Winter Night" (Decidedly winter, rather than Christmas; some superb "quiet" Jazz from Norway's finest)
JEWEL--"Joy: A Holiday Collection" (Latest budget priced reissue of Jewel's 1999 Christmas album)
THE OAK RIDGE BOYS--"Christmas Time's A-Coming" (Sixth holiday set from the "Elvira" boys)
THE OAK RIDGE BOYS--"Christmas Time's A-Coming" (Cracker Barrel Exclusive version with 2 additional songs)
EARNEST PUGH--"Christmas With Earnest Pugh" (Contemporary Gospel)
KENNY ROGERS--"Christmas Live!" (Wide release of 2010 album previously available only through the artist's web site)
THE 60s INVASION--"Incense And Chia Pets" (Christmas lyrics put to classic rock tunes)
VARIOUS--"Gotta Love The Holidays" (Rhino reissue of 2003 WB collection)
VARIOUS--"NOW That's What I Call TODAY'S Christmas" (Latest American holiday installment of the omnipresent NOW compilations)
SEPTEMBER 28
VARIOUS--"Mr. Santa's Boogie" (Essentially a digital re-issue of the classic 1985 Savoy LP & CD, minus Charlie Parker's "White Christmas")
OCTOBER 2
EIRINN ABU--" A Saxy Christmas" (Smooth Jazz in the style of Kenny G)
STOMPIN' TOM CONNORS--"Merry Christmas Everybody" (Import reissue of Canadian folk singer's 1970 LP, last reissued in 2008)
JOHN DENVER--"The Classic Christmas Album" (Sony Legacy "best of" Christmas collection)
KENNY G--"The Classic Christmas Album" (Sony Legacy "best of" Christmas collection)
LUNCH AT ALLEN'S--"Zuzu's Petals" (Digital version of Canadian CD due for release Oct. 16)
BARRY MANILOW--"The Classic Christmas Album" (Sony Legacy "best of" Christmas collection)
MISTLETONES--"Naughty And Nice" (Latest collection of kid friendly holiday parodies from a cappella quartet)
WILLIE NELSON--"The Classic Christmas Album" (Sony Legacy "best of" Christmas collection)
DANIEL O'DONNELL--"Christmas Wishes" (Holiday Yule Log DVD featuring the music of the Irish crooner)
DANIEL O'DONNELL--"Discover Daniel O'Donnell Christmas Classics" (Latest in the "Discover" series; compilation with commentary)
THE POPTARTS--"A Toasty Christmas" (Girl Group tribute band from Cleveland with an original Christmas album of 60s holiday pop)
ELVIS PRESLEY--"The Classic Christmas Album" (Sony Legacy "best of" Christmas collection)
BLAKE SHELTON--"Cheers, It's Christmas" (First full-length holiday CD from Country star and The Voice judge and mentor)
LUTHER VANDROSS--"The Classic Christmas Album" (Sony Legacy "best of" Christmas collection)
EVAN WICKHAM--"Christmas Music, Vol. 1" (Contemporary Christian artist from California sounds spectacular on this release)
VARIOUS--"Best Of The Best: A Holiday Collection" (Kohl's Exclusive compilation, just $5, benefitting the Kohl's Cares For Kids Foundation)
VARIOUS--"Disney Channel Holiday Playlist" (Disney Channel stars from "Shake It Up", "Good Luck Charlie", "A.N.T. Farm" and more)
VARIOUS--"Hawaiian Style Christmas 3" (Third in the series of Christmas compilations from Contemporary Island label Neos Productions)
VARIOUS--"Hillbilly X-Mas" (One of the better/more interesting "let's throw a bunch of stuff together because we can" digital comps)
VARIOUS--"Legends Of Christmas Past" (I'm guessing this is a re-issue of the excellent 1996 UA/EMI comp featuring Canned Heat, Bobby Goldsboro)
VARIOUS--"Old School Christmas Classics" (Amazon's listing of this has been a mess from the get-go; basically R&B Christmas--probably a reissue)
VARIOUS--"Special Days: Christmas In My Hometown" (Though it's one of those "let's toss stuff together" digitals, this C&W one ain't bad)
OCTOBER 9
BEEGIE ADAIR & DAVID DAVIDSON--"Christmas Elegance" (Piano and violin EZ; If this is the sort of thing you like, you'll like this sort of thing)
EDIE ADAMS--"The Edie Adams Christmas Record" (15 previously unreleased holiday recordings from the 1950s Ernie Kovacs Unlimited TV show)
SUSAN ARIOLI--"Christmas Dreaming" (Domestic release of Canadian Jazz singer's 2010 Christmas record)
LINCOLN BREWSTER--"Joy To The World" (First Christmas album from long time Contemporary Christian guitarist/singer and pastor)
ANTHONY BURGER--"The Christmas Collection" (Essentially a re-issue of the late gospel keyboard artist's 2001 release, The Story Christmas)
AUGUST BURNS RED--"Sleddin' Hill" (Long awaited full Christmas album from Christian Metal band; vinyl due Nov. 13)
B3 KINGS--"You Better Watch Out!" (Funky festive jazz from Canadian quartet led by Cory Weeds and featuring the Hammond B3 organ)
CELTIC WOMAN--"Home For Christmas"
CELTIC WOMAN--"Home For Christmas" (Target Exclusive version with 4 bonus tracks including a Eurythmics cover)
CHIPMUNKS--"Chipmunks Christmas" (Yet another version of the original with bonus tracks--don't know their pedigree and don't really trust them)
BEVERLY CRAWFORD--"Joy To The World" (Presumably the Christmas album she began working on in 2010; also featuring Earnest Pugh)
CRAIG DUNCAN--"15 Handcrafted Christmas Carols" (More instrumental holiday music from the prolific Duncan)
CRAIG DUNCAN--"Victorian Christmas" (Still more)
JASON GRAY--"Christmas Stories: Repeat The Sounding Joy" (One of the stars of the Bethlehem Skyline Christmas records)
VINCE GUARALDI--"A Charlie Brown Christmas" (Remastered and expanded 2012 edition of 1965 classic)
VINCE GUARALDI--"A Charlie Brown Christmas" (Green vinyl pressing of the 1965 classic)
KATHERINE JENKINS--"My Christmas" (Former label of this Classical Crossover artist beats her new label with a comp of previously released music)
JONAH KNIGHT--"Another Creepy Christmas" (Kickstarter funded record of creepy Christmas songs, all in good fun; CDs may be coming)
KUTLESS--"Believer (Christmas Edition)" (For a limited time, the Christian Rock band pairs new CD with CD of last year's Xmas EP)
MANDISA--"It's Christmas (2012 Edition)" (updated version of 2008 set includes 2 all new tracks and 9 previously released)
CHRIS MANN--"Home For Christmas" (Wal-Mart exclusive 6 song EP from operatically trained finalist from NBC's "The Voice")
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER--"Tis The Season" (Lowes Home Improvement Store exclusive comp; 14 tracks + 2 bonus downloads)
LISA McCLOWRY--"Before The Tree Comes Down" (4 song EP from Chicago based Pop/Rock/Jazz/Country singer/songwriter)
MICHAEL OMARTIAN--"Christmas Moods" (Grammy Award winning producer anchors a set for grand piano and orchestra)
THISTLEDOWN TINKERS--"A Tinkers Christmas" (NC Celtic Folk duo)
STAN WHITMIRE--"Christmas Around The Piano" (solo piano renditions of Christmas carols and other familiar holiday fare from Green Hill)
JOSH WILSON--"Noel" (Full length holiday effort from rising Contemporary Christian singer/songwriter; includes 2011 CCM hit "Jesus Is Alive")
GEORGE WINSTON--"December" (Latest reissue--this one from Valley Ent.--of classic New Age Christmas album first released in 1980)
VARIOUS--"Angels Heard On High" (Reissue on Valley Ent. of Windham Hill collection first released in 2000)
VARIOUS--"Angels On Earth" (Reissue on Valley Ent. of Windham Hill collection released in 2000)
VARIOUS--"Carols Of Christmas" (Reissue on Valley Ent. of Windham Hill collection first released in 1996)
VARIOUS--"Christmas 101" (6-CD set from Universal International, everything from Bing to Gaga)
VARIOUS--"Christmas International" (12-CD Box set, budget priced European import, featuring a little bit of just about everything)
VARIOUS--"Christmas With The Stars" (10-CD Box set, budget priced European import, featuring 10 well known vocal Christmas albums)
VARIOUS--"Have Yourself A Funny Christmas" (2-CD set featuring the usual novelty suspects; European import, more or less budget priced)
VARIOUS--"The Indie Christmas Album" (Mixed but interesting compilation from UK DIY label)
VARIOUS--"Shades Of Christmas" (Smooth Jazz with an international flavor, featuring Rachel Diggs)
VARIOUS--"Windham Hill Christmas" (Reissue on Valley Ent. of Windham Hill collection first released in 2002)
VARIOUS--"Windham Hill Christmas 2" (Reissue on Valley Ent. of Windham Hill collection first released in 2003)
VARIOUS--"Winter Solstice On Ice" (Reissue on Valley Ent. of Windham Hill collection first issued in 1999)
VARIOUS--"Christmas For Your Family" (Budget priced 3-CD set: a CD of Kids singing, a CD of Hymns, and a CD of Contemporary Christian artists)
OCTOBER 10
ISADAR--"O Christmas" (New Age solo piano; CD-R)
WILL SCRUGGS JAZZ FELLOWSHIP--"Song of Simeon: A Christmas Journey" (Traditional straight-ahead Jazz combo)
SCOTT WOODS BAND--"Christmas Memories" (Old Time fiddle music from award winning Canadian artist)
OCTOBER 16
JENNY OAKS BAKER--"Noel: Carols Of Christmas Past" (Second Christmas CD from classically trained violinist; with Kurt Bestor and Alex Sharp)
FRANCESCA BATTISTELLI--"Christmas"
FRANCESCA BATTISTELLI--"Christmas" (Wal-Mart Exclusive version; includes bonus disc containing Francesca's 4 biggest hits)
RICK BRAUN--"Swingin' In The Snow" (Jazz musician and singer)
BROOM BEZZUMS--"Winterman" (Awesome acoustic Folk duo)
COLBIE CAILLAT--"Christmas In The Sand"
STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN--"Joy" (Fourth Christmas set from the iconic Christian artist)
PERRY COMO--"Christmas Around The World With Perry Como" (CD version of Nov. 6 DVD release)
KEN ELKINSON--"Ambient Holidays, Volume 1--Christmas Ambient" (Internationally renowned New Age artist with his 2nd Xmas CD)
KEN ELKINSON--"Ambient Holidays, Volume 2--Chanukah Ambient" (Internationally renowned New Age artist tackles The Festival of Lights)
JACKIE EVANCHO--"Heavenly Christmas" (Wide release of last year's Wal-Mart exclusive from America's Got Talent contestant)
JAMES FORTUNE & FIYA--"Grace Gift"
MEL GIBSON--"My Kind Of Christmas" (Easy Listening with a touch of old school country a la Elvis or Eddy Arnold from the singer, not the actor)
NICOLE HENRY--"Set For The Season" (American release of 2011 Japanese album from Jazz vocalist)
BRENN HILL--"North Pole Rodeo" (Nice new release from emerging Country & Western Singer/Songwriter; still waiting to see if hard copy is coming)
KEM--"What Christmas Means" (Classic Soul/R&B crooner releases a classic Soul/R&B Christmas album on Motown; Ah Yeah!)
KEVIN KERN--"Christmas" (Beautiful solo piano Christmas album)
LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA--"Highlights From Handel's Messiah"
LUNCH AT ALLEN'S--"Zuzu's Petals" (Eclectic Canadian Alternative Roots supergroup, delayed from September 18; MP3 version out 10/2)
JOHN MANDEVILLE--"Christmas In You" (Contemporary Christian artist from Celebration, Florida)
RICHARD MARX--"Christmas Spirit" (Target Exclusive version includes 4 bonus tracks)
SCOTTY McCREERY--"Christmas With Scotty McCreery" (10th season American Idol winner)
SCOTTY McCREERY--"Christmas With Scotty McCreery" Limited Edition Zine Pak (Wal-Mart Exclusive includes Scotty calendar and magazine)
GORDON MOTE--"The Star Still Shines" (Christian release, MP3 version released on June 1)
OLD MAN GLOOM--"Christmas" (Vinyl reissue of 2004 limited release LP)
CHRISTINA PERRI--"A Very Merry Perri Christmas" (EP from "Jar of Hearts" singer/songwriter)
CHRISTINA PERRI--"A Very Merry Perri Christmas" (Target Exclusive version with one bonus track, "Let It Snow")
ELVIS PRESLEY--"Christmas Album/His Hand In Mine" (Remastered Australian Import pairs Christmas album with Gospel set)
SCALA & KOLACNY BROTHERS--"December" (Alt Rock Christmas and Winter music for people who hate Christmas songs)
SIDEWALK PROPHETS--"Because It's Christmas" (Popular Contemporary Christian Pop/Rock group with 3 song digital EP)
JILL TRACY--"Silver Smoke, Star Of Night (Christmas In The Shadows)" (Diva of Darkness does dark wave & twisted cabaret for Christmas)
DANNY WRIGHT--"Christmas By Candlelight" (Reissue of 1998 release with one new track and updated liner notes)
VARIOUS--"Do You Hear What I Hear?" (Contemporary Christian comp featuring Tenth Avenue North, Casting Crowns, Third Day, more)
VARIOUS--"Ornamental" (2-CD set of Projekt artists; dark wave, steampunk, ambient, goth, dreampop, shoegaze and more)
VARIOUS--"A Rock By The Sea Christmas, Volume 3" (Florida not-for-profit fighting pediatric cancer, associated with 12 Bands)
VARIOUS--"Santa's Got Mojo 2" (2nd Christmas collection from Canadian Blues label)
VARIOUS--"A Special Sesame Street Christmas" (Soundtrack for dreadful 1978 CBS TV Christmas special)
VARIOUS--"Tis The Season To Be Gotee Too" (Christian Rock label with it's second holiday sampler)
VARIOUS--"A Very Special Christmas 25th Anniversary" (An all new collection of Christmas tunes to benefit the Special Olympics)
VARIOUS--"A Very Special Christmas 25th Anniversary" (Best Buy Exclusive "Deluxe" version with 5 extra previously released tracks)
VARIOUS--"A Very Special Christmas: Bringing Peace On Earth" (The Special Olympics folks go very traditional, working with WORD Records)
VARIOUS--"Very Special Golden Records" (The classic music of the Kiddie Label catalog combined with today's celebrity voices in song and story)
OCTOBER 23
COLBIE CAILLAT--"Christmas In The Sand" (Target Exclusive version with 3 Bonus Tracks)
CHICAGO--"Ultimate Christmas Collection" (Chicago charges slackers who didn't support them less for ALL their Xmas albums than fans paid for each)
FIFTH STREET REVIVAL--"New Star Shining" (Southern Gospel Quartet from Illinois)
THE IDEA OF NORTH--"This Christmas" (Import hard copy CD afterall from eclectic Australian a cappella vocal group; mp3 available Nov. 2)
KUANA TORRES KAHELE--"Hilo For The Holidays" (Hawaiian Christmas effort from founding member of Na Palapalai and 2012 Hoku Award winner)
SAMMY KERSHAW--"A Sammy Klaus Christmas" (Second Christmas album from successful New Orleans Country singer)
LADY ANTEBELLUM--"On This Winter's Night" (An expanded full-length version of the group's 2010 Target exclusive EP)
CHRIS MANN--"Home For Christmas" (If you can't make it to Wal-Mart, you can always buy this EP as an import)
RICHARD MARX--"Christmas Spirit" (Full-length follow-up to last year's Christmas EP)
MICHAEL MILTON--"When Heaven Came Down" (Contemporary Christian Folk)
DON MOEN--"A Season Of Hope" (Christian artist, accompanied by the Prague Symphony; includes two original Christmas songs)
MORRISON HAWKES--"I Heard The Bells At Christmas" (Alt Folk/Rock duo from Canada with an excellent EP)
OCTOBOP--"West Coast Christmas" (It's a Cool Bop Jazz Christmas with these San Francisco artists; plenty of originals and original interpretations)
DIANA PANTON--"Christmas Kiss" (Canadian Jazz chanteuse and Juno Award winner)
POLYPHONIC SPREE--"Holidaydream" (First full length Christmas effort from Indie Choral Rock group, done as only they can)
POLYPHONIC SPREE--"Holidaydream" (Vinyl version of above)
LEEANN RIMES -- "Holiday Hits" (Wal-Mart exclusive collection of some of LeeAnn's best Christmas tracks)
DONNA ULISSE--"All The Way To Bethlehem" (Bluegrass artist tells the story of the Nativity through the eyes of each character)
ORIGINAL CAST--"Christmas Story: The Musical" (better this than "Christmas Story 2")
VARIOUS--"Christmas In The Mountains, Vol. 6" (North Carolina High Country Christmas CD, proceeds to the Hunger & Health Coalition)
VARIOUS--"Gospel's Best - Christmas"
VARIOUS--"A Very Joma Christmas" (A reissue of splendid 2009 collection of pop/rock/Indie New York singer/songwriters)
VARIOUS--"Tis The Season" (Target Exclusive comp featuring Chicago, Rob Thomas, Straight No Chaser, Kimberley Locke and more)
OCTOBER 30
ANNIE MOSES BAND--"Ultimate Christmas Collection" (Three Annie Moses Christmas CDs in one handy box set)
GORD BAMFORD--"Christmas In Canada" (Canadian Country crooner)
LAURIE BERKNER--"Laurie Berkner Christmas" (Kindie Rock artist)
CAROL BURNETT & OTHERS - "A Carol Burnett Christmas" (Soundtrack CD to Nov. 6 DVD release of Christmas episodes of the Gary Moore Show)
CHOIR OF BATH ABBEY--"Christmas From Bath" (Choirs and Christmas go together, don't they?)
PERRY COMO--"Complete RCA Christmas Collection" (Real Gone reissue of 2010 Collectors Choice collection)
RITA COOLIDGE--"A Rita Coolidge Christmas" (First album for Coolidge since 2005)
DORIS DAY--"Complete Christmas Collection" (Real Gone reissue of 2008 Collectors Choice collection)
JAMES FORTUNE--"Christmas" (Contemporary Gospel)
CEE LO GREEN--"Cee Lo's Magic Moment" ("Forget You" singer feelin' the holiday spirit; includes appearances from Rod Stewart, more)
KATHERINE JENKINS--"This Is Christmas" (First Christmas set from Welsh Classical Crossover artist)
JILLAINE--"Jazzy Christmas To You II" (Emerging Jazz/Blues/Pop singer's highly awaited second Christmas set)
STEVE LAWRENCE & EYDIE GORME--"That Holiday Feeling!" (Real Gone reissue of classic 1964 LP, with two bonus tracks, last reissued 2005)
QUADRIGA CONSORT--"On A Cold Winter's Day" (Old Christmas music done Classical Pop; not my thing but exceedingly well done)
JIMMY RANKIN--"Tinsel Town" (Canadian Pop/Folk/Country/AC vocalist)
ANDRE RIEU--"Home For The Holidays" (Interestingly on Hip-O Records, the Maestro's latest was recorded last year)
ANDRE RIEU--"Home For The Holidays" (DVD of above, recorded last year and shown in Europe last Christmas Eve; also on Blu-Ray)
JERRY RIVERA--"Jerry Christmas" (Grammy award winning Salsa and Latin Pop singer)
SMASH MOUTH--"The Gift Of Rock" (Re-issue of Rock/Pop/Ska band's 2005 Xmas album)
ROD STEWART--"Merry Christmas Baby" (first full-length holiday effort from Rod, now 67, includes duets with Cee Lo Green, Michael Buble & more)
ROD STEWART--"Merry Christmas Baby" (Target Exclusive version contains 3 bonus tracks)
STIMMWERCK ENSEMBLE--"Christmas And Advent Songs" (German vocal group--classical quartet--with their first Christmas album)
JAMES TAYLOR--"James Taylor At Christmas" (Re-issue of Sweet Baby James' 2006 holiday album with bonus tracks)
TRACEY THORN--"Tinsel And Lights" (Winter themed set from the former vocalist of Everything But The Girl)
TRACEY THORN--"Tinsel And Lights" (Vinyl LP version of above)
TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA--"Dreams Of Fireflies (On A Christmas Night)" (New 5-song EP from orchestral rock ensemble)
TWISTED SISTER--"Twisted Christmas: Live In Las Vegas" (DVD of Twisted Sister's Christmas live show)
TWISTED SISTER--"Twisted Christmas: Live In Las Vegas" (CD version of above)
VARIOUS--"Average Joe's Muddy Christmas" (Label comp from the outlaw country label started by country rapper Colt Ford)
VARIOUS--"A Canadian Christmas 5" (Latest installment of a generally solid Christmas series from north of the border)
VARIOUS--"Carols For A Cure, Volume 14" (Charity effort from Broadway artists; 2 CDs featuring appearances by Cyndi Lauper, Ricky Martin, etc)
VARIOUS--"A Christmas Together, Vol. 3" (Third annual set of West Coast Contemporary Christian music from Jadon Lavik's label)
VARIOUS--"Holidays Rule" (HEAR Music comp featuring Paul McCartney, fun, The Civil Wars, Irma Thomas and much more)
OCTOBER 31
FUJII FUMIYA--"Winter String" (Seasonal EP from one of Japan's top recording artists)
FUJII FUMIYA--"Winter String" (Limited Edition CD/DVD version of above)
NOVEMBER 1
I DON'T KNOW MARGO--"The Battle Of Christmas" (Alt Rock post-industrial Indie Weirdness; we like that around here; EXPLICIT language)
REID JAMIESON--"Songs For A Winter's Night" (Nice and eclectic Folk/Pop effort from Canadian artist)
MUDDI & SALAMIDRENGENE--"Juletosset" (Digital reissue of 2002 Danish holiday pop CD)
PANIYOLO--"Christmas Album" (Hawaiian Christmas album from Japanese guitar player; haven't seen hard copy advertised anywhere yet)
VARIOUS--"Cajun Christmas Nights" (A bit of swamp funk, Louisiana country and zydeco; MP3 version available now)
NOVEMBER 2
BASEBALLS--"Good Ol Christmas" (German "Voc-N-Roll" group)
ELEVENTYSEVEN--"Regifted" (Sometimes irreverent Christian Pop Punk band from South Carolina; expecting digital, but I'll turn it red if I hear different)
THE IDEA OF NORTH--"This Christmas" (Eclectic Australian a cappella group; Import CD available Oct. 23)
PHILIP NELSON--"A Little Christmas" (Second album from actor, novelist, singer and self-promoter)
PHILIP NELSON--"A Little Christmas" (Hard copy CD of above will be available exclusively from artist's web site for a limited time)
VARIOUS--"Green Hill Christmas Music Sampler" (Free, for a limited time, sampler of Green Hill's extensive catalog of smooth jazz, new age, etc.)
NOVEMBER 3
KNIGHTSBRIDGE ORCHESTRA--"The Power Of Christmas" (Seems like the reissue of "Magic Of Christmas"; budget orchestral rock)
VARIOUS--"Country Christmas Favorites" (Another budget priced packaging of 10 Country Christmas songs)
VARIOUS--"Motown Christmas" (Another budget priced packaging of 10 Motown Christmas songs)
VARIOUS--"Traditional Christmas Favorites" (Another budget priced packaging of 10 traditional Christmas favorites)
NOVEMBER 6
THE BANK CORMORANTS--"Madonna & Rose" (Eclectic album from numerous Carolina artists; Jazz, Folk, Celtic, Hawaiian, Surf, more)
CHARMAINE GRACE BROWN--"Hear The Angels Sing" (4 song EP from Alt Rock/Alt Folk singer/songwriter vaguely reminiscent of Eva Cassidy)
CAROL BURNETT--"A Carol Burnett Christmas" (Christmas specials from The Gary Moore Show, unseen since they aired between 1959-1962)
ROBERT BURTON--"Left Handed Christmas" (Smooth Jazz EP from Winnipeg guitarist)
CHAISE LOUNGE--"A Very Chaise Lounge Christmas" (Nice retro Lounge Jazz set from D.C. group)
PERRY COMO--"Christmas Around The World With Perry Como" (DVD containing highlights of 16 Perry Como Christmas specials)
EMPTY POCKETS--"Holiday Staycation" (EP from popular Indie Pop/Rockers)
TIM HALPERIN--"Under That Christmas Spell" (Season 10 American Idol semi-finalist)
DREW HOLCOMB & THE NEIGHBORS--"Another Neighborly Christmas" (Follow up EP to 2007's "A Neighborly Christmas")
THE IRISH ROVERS--"The Irish Rovers Christmas"
KNOXVILLE JAZZ ORCHESTRA--"Christmas Time Is Here"
MORMON CHORAL ORGANIZATIONS--"O Holy Night" (Choral music from Arizona; hard copies available at Stinkweeds)
NORTH POINT MUSIC--"North Point Christmas: Peace On Earth" (Follow up to highly successful 2010 modern worship album)
PROG WORLD ORCHESTRA--"Proggy Christmas" (Progressive Rock Xmas CD from Neal Morse and friends)
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS--"It's A Spongebob Christmas" (The Kiddie character gets his own Christmas album)
SUGAR & THE HI-LOWS--"Snow Angel" (Digital EP from Nashville based Indie Folk/Pop duo)
MIKEY WAX--"And A Happy New Year" (Six song EP from emerging Pop/Rock Singer/Songwriter of "Counting On You" fame)
VARIOUS--"12 Bands Of Christmas, Vol. 9" (9th year for GA not-for-profit fighting pediatric cancer)
VARIOUS--"A Special Sesame Street Christmas" (DVD of dreadful 1978 CBS TV Christmas special, previously unissued on DVD)
NOVEMBER 12
STEVE BELL--"Keening For The Dawn (Christmastide)" (Juno Award winning Christian Folk artist sings songs of the Advent, Nativity & Epiphany)
NOVEMBER 13
AUGUST BURNS RED--"Sleddin' Hill" (Vinyl version of Oct. 9 Christian Metal release)
DAN COYLE--TBA (Folk singer; pre-orders only available through Sept. 30)
KYLE DAVIS--"The Sounding Joy" (Nice New Age set, mostly piano)
PERCY FAITH--"Hallelujah"/"Music Of Christmas" (another stellar reissue set from Real Gone, includes tracks previously unreleased on CD)
ROBERTA FLACK--"Christmas Songs" (Her 1997 Christmas record, newly mixed, mastered, produced and packaged with bonus track)
DAVID GOGO--"Christmas With The Blues" (Electric Blues guitarist from Canada with his first holiday set)
THE IRISH ROVERS--"Merry Merry Time Of Year" (Wide release of Christmas album only available on tour and at Rovers' web site in 2011)
DAVID LANZ--"Joy Noel" (New solo piano Christmas set from New Age legend)
MIKESCHAIR--"It's Christmas" (Digital EP from Contemporary Christian band best known for their cover of "Spirit In The Sky")
OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN & JOHN TRAVOLTA--"This Christmas" (Danny and Sandy reunited; charity Christmas effort with plenty of guest stars)
EUGENE ORMANDY--"The Glorious Sound Of Christmas" (Import reissue of classic 1962 album, previously issued on CD in 1989, 1991 and 1999)
JUDY PANCOAST--"Christmas With Mrs. Claus" (Artist making music for kids that adults enjoy just as much)
REVELS--"Strike The Harp" (Irish hymns and carols)
JEFF SPARKS--"Jazzy Christmas" (Sparks' special blend of Funk, Jazz, and Gospel makes for a sizzling holiday treat)
STARFIELD--"Songs For Christmas, Vol. 1" (Digital release from Canadian Contemporary Christian group, led by Jon and Tim Neufeld)
SUFJAN STEVENS--"Silver & Gold" (Sufjan's second Christmas box set, this one featuring recordings from 2006-present)
SUFJAN STEVENS--"Silver & Gold" (Vinyl Box Set of the above, limited to 2000)
VARIOUS--"A Very Merry Christmas Compilation" (Digital Indie comp from Mint 400 Records, featuring Les Trois Chaud, Fairmont, more)
VARIOUS--"Christmas The Mountain Way" (Rural Rhythm's roster of Bluegrass, Folk, Country & Old Timey artists in a live performance on CD & DVD)
VARIOUS--"Christmas With The SAC Pack" (2-CD set of Christmas favorites from the Striving Artists Theater Company)
VARIOUS--"Festivus" (Indie Pop/Alt Rock collection includes Piney Gir, Glam Chops, Skiffle & The Piffles and more; hard copy Import CD due Nov. 20)
VARIOUS--"Putumayo Presents Jewish Celebration" (A collection of holiday music of the Jewish faith, not limited to Chanukah)
VARIOUS--"Twas The Night Before Hanukkah" (Idelsohn Society's look at the historical battle between Hanukkah & Christmas among American Jews)
VARIOUS--"Under The Mistletoe" (Starbucks Exclusive featuring their usual stellar mix)
NOVEMBER 14
BENNY ANDERSSONS ORKESTER--"Tomten Har Åkt Hem" (New Christmas effort from ABBA's Andersson, with new songs from he & Bjorn Ulvaeus)
PETER JOBACK--“Jag kommer hem igen till jul” (10th Anniversary reissue of classic Christmas album from Swedish Pop vocalist with Bonus Tracks)
VARIOUS--"Santa Causes: It's A Pop Rock Christmas" (Third album in the series is only available as a Japanese import)
NOVEMBER 15
JONATHAN COULTON & JOHN RODERICK--"One Christmas At A Time" (Full-length holiday CD from an Internet legend and master)
NOVEMBER 16
THOMAS ANDERS--"Christmas For You" (Vocalist for Germany's Modern Talking, a New Romantic/Synth Pop band from the 80s)
THE NATIONAL JAZZ TRIO OF SCOTLAND--"Christmas Album" (Avant Garde collection from Bill Wells and friends)
REDTENBACHER'S FUNKESTRA--"A Very Funky Christmas" (5 song EP from UK band, combining Funk, Disco, Boogaloo, and Jazz)
NOVEMBER 18
DENNIS DAY--"Christmas With Dennis Day" (Stage Door digital reissue of album originally issued in 1957 as "Christmas Is For The Family")
OFF TRACK--"White Christmas" (Southern California Pop/Punk outfit with a rockin' digital EP featuring energetic covers of Xmas classics)
NOVEMBER 19
HEY ROSETTA--"A Cup Of Kindness Yet" (Juno nominated Canadian Alt Rockers EP)
TRIBECASTAN--"The Twisted Christmas" (4 song EP from eclectic New York ensemble; a mix of Jazz, Folk, Alt Rock & World Music)
VARIOUS--"Isn't This World Enough" (MP3 version of Nettwerk's latest; hard copy due Nov. 27th; includes fun., Sixpence None The Richer, more)
NOVEMBER 20
BONNIE PRINCE BILLY & DAWN McCARTHY--"Christmas Eve Can Kill You" (7" vinyl Everly Brothers cover from Indie Alt Folk/Country duo)
LENNY DEE--"Christmas Cracker" (Apparently NOT the first ever CD issue of "Happy Holi-Dee" from late Space Age Pop organist--or maybe it is)
NATHAN EKLUND GROUP--"Crafty Christmas" (Solid Jazz set from the Origin stable)
EDDIE FLOYD--"I'll Be Your Santa Claus" (75 year old soul/R&B legend with an all-new Christmas set)
VITTORIO GRIGOLO--"Ave Maria" (Possibly an import; Album of sacred music from crossover tenor discovered by Pavarotti)
JIGSAW SEEN--"Gifted" (Companion album to 2011 Indie Rock release)
JENNIFER KNAPP & MARGARET BECKER--"The Hymns Of Christmas" (Contemporary Christian Folk Rockers)
THE ROSEBUDS--"Christmas Tree Island" (North Carolina Alt Rock band with an all original set; here's hoping for some hard copy)
BUNNY SIGLER--"When You're In Love At Christmas Time" (Philly Soul legend with a happenin' Christmas set; available as MP3 or on CD-R)
SPiN--"Christmas Time Again" (Digital EP from emerging Philadelphia Power Pop group)
JAY UNGAR & MOLLY MASON--"Fiddler's Holiday" (Christmas set from folk artists best known for music used in Ken Burns' projects)
VARIOUS--"Christmas Clips" (Presumably, a DVD featuring clips of artists singing Christmas songs--Johnny Cash, Perry Como, Ray Charles & more)
VARIOUS--"Festivus" (Import collection of Indie Pop/Alt Rock includes Piney Gir, Glam Chops, Skiffles & Piffles and more)
VARIOUS--"Merry Christmas Wishes To All" (Swamp Pop compilation featuring Lynn August, Tommy McLain, Johnnie Allan and more)
NOVEMBER 21
JOHN LINDBERG TRIO--"Rock This Christmas" (Swedish Rock and Rockabilly trio)
JOHN LINDBERG TRIO--"Rock This Christmas" (Digital version of above, available domestically)
SANNA NIELSEN--"Vinternatten" (Pop/Traditional Christmas set from Scandinavian songstress)
NOVEMBER 23
CEE LO GREEN/DONNY HATHAWAY--"This Christmas" (Record Store Day Exclusive 7" featuring Cee Lo on one side and Donny on the other)
KING DIAMOND--"No Presents For Christmas" (Record Store Day Exclusive 12" vinyl picture disc reissue of classic Metal track)
ALEXANDER RYBAK--"Christmastales" (Pop/Classical Crossover artist from the Soviet Union who made his name in Eurovision 2009 competition)
VARIOUS--"Death Might Be Your Santa Claus" (Record Store Day Exclusive Legacy CD collection of vintage Blues from the 20s thru the 50s)
VARIOUS--"Death Might Be Your Santa Claus" (Record Store Day Exclusive vinyl version of above)
NOVEMBER 27
JAMESTOWN STORY--"A Jamestown Story Christmas" (Acoustic Indie Rock band from Minnesota)
VALERIE MILOT & ANTOINE BAREIL--"Christmas Fantasies" (Expanded version of excellent 2010 Christmas EP from French classical duo)
STEPS--"Light Up The World" (British pop vocal group reunited after 10 years apart)
SWEETBACK SISTERS--"Country Christmas" (Old school country with sweet harmonies and the occasional rockabilly rhythm)
RHONDA THOMAS--"Little Drummer Girl" (Jazz/R&B set from Georgia singer)
BROOKE WHITE--"White Christmas" (Former American Idol contestant, Pop/Country with a vaguely Indie feel; CDs MAY be available from artist)
VARIOUS--"Christmas Americana" (The Sugar Hill CDs, where most of these tracks are from, are better, but you could do worse)
VARIOUS--"Isn't This World Enough" (Latest holiday collection from the always smashing Nettwerk label)
VARIOUS--"Slospeak Christmas, Vol. 1" (Small Contemporary Christian Indie label with tracks from Relient K, House Of Heroes and more)
NOVEMBER 30
CASCADA--"It's Christmas Time" (Full length Christmas album from German dance trio, mentioned on Stubbys in August 2011)
DECEMBER 1
LESLIE ASHWORTH--"A Child's Gift" (Classical crossover set from 15 year old Canadian violinist, hard copy in Canada or on CD-R from CD Baby)
THE EARLY MAYS--"Out Under The Sky" (Gritty Appalachian Folk-ish, yet strangely intellectual, record from Pittsburgh group featuring Judith Avers)
DAWN RICHARD--"Whiteout" (A different kind of December experience from emerging R&B artist, formerly of Danity Kane; 5 song digital EP)
FAYETTEVILLE SKA ALLIANCE--"Merry, Happy, Jolly, Good Time" (Ska Christmas set from All-Stars of the Arkansas music scene)
THE MERMEN--"Do You Hear What I Hear" (Northern California Surf Rock instrumentals)
THE SUGARPILLS--"Christmas Spirits" (Free download set from Pennsylvania based Indie collective; their second Christmas album)
VARIOUS--"Cashing In On Chrstmas, Vol. 4" (The latest holiday release from Boston Punk label Black Hole Records)
DECEMBER 3
HELEN LOVE & RICARDO AUTOBAHN--"And The Salvation Army Plays"/Disco Mix (7" red vinyl single from Damaged Goods, limited to 300)
SCARLET CLUB--"The Christmas Album" (80s style dance rock from synth-centric UK duo; digital release)
SCARLET CLUB--"The Christmas Album" (Hard copy CD for UK only; others should contact Scarlet Club via email)
VARIOUS--"All Ready For The 25th?" (Import Alt Rock CD featuring Robyn Hitchcock, Cold Specks, James Kyllo, more; digital version here)
VARIOUS--"For Folk's Sake, It's Christmas 2012" (Third Christmas record from influential British Folk music web site)
DECEMBER 4
BROOM BEZZUMS--"Winterman" (Import CD from fantastic acoustic folk duo arrives at Amazon; see 10/16 to order from label, mp3 available here)
HUMAN--"Le Jazz Holiday With Human" (Last year's Stella Artois promotion reissued by the group that did the music with one song swapped out)
ELVIS PRESLEY--"Elvis' Christmas Album" (The King back on vinyl)
VARIOUS--"Hopeless For The Holidays" (Holiday EP from Hopeless Records; includes Divided By Friday, For The Foxes, Anarbor, Driver Friendly)
DECEMBER 10
VARIOUS--"A Very Cherry Christmas, Vol. 8" (Limited to 100 copies, the latest set of new Indie Christmas music from the UK Cherryade label)
DECEMBER 11
GLEE (ORIGINAL CAST)--"The Christmas Album, Volume 3" (So it was true, and the hoax story was just a lie from producers)
PAUL McCARTNEY/THE SHINS--"The Christmas Song"/"Wonderful Christmastime" (Limited Edition green & red vinyl 7" from "Holidays Rule")
PEOPLE ON VACATION--"Holiday Vacation" (Nice Pop Punk/Alt Pop outing from Jaret Reddick of Bowling For Soul and Ryan Hamilton of Smile Smile)
EVE SELIS--"A Merry Little Christmas" (Americana star with her 2nd holiday set; digital version available through Bandcamp)
PHIL SPECTOR-VARIOUS--"A Christmas Gift For You" (This Import model includes a bonus disc of non-holiday Spector produced hits)
VARIOUS--"It's A Cold Cold Christmas: Ice & Easy" (Re-issue of 2004 "Collectors" compilation of old and newer Doo Wop and novelty records)
VARIOUS--"Merry Christmas Baby" (Re-issue of 1992 "Collectors" compilation of old and newer Doo Wop)
VARIOUS--"Naughty Or Nice" (Re-issue of 2003 "Collectors" compilation of old and newer Doo Wop and novelty records)
VARIOUS--"Tis The Season To Be Freezin" (Re-issue of 2006 "Collectors" compilation of old and newer Doo Wop and novelty records)
VARIOUS--"A Zunior Ventures Christmas" (12 Indie Rock acts from Canada tackle the 1965 Ventures Christmas album for charity)
DECEMBER 21
KAREN PECK AND NEW RIVER--"Georgia Mountain Christmas" (wide release of 2011 Southern Gospel CD available only through artist web site)
LIMBO LIST (items that were on the release schedule but are no longer)
VARIOUS--"A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector" (This xtra-tracks release, slated for Oct. 2, has reportedly been cancelled)
MATTHEW MORRISON--TBA (The EP from Glee's Mr. Shue has been put off until next year)
TBA
John McDermott (September)
Mandy Harvey (tremendous Jazz singer) (November)
Roi Anthony--November (Soul crooner)
Back Home (Husband and wife Country duo)
Stephanie Jackson (November)
RMS Five (November)
Ellis Paul (November) (New England Folk/Pop singer/songwriter)
Percy Sledge
Sense The Call (Upstate New York singer/songwriter duo)
Chase Callahan--"I Saw Three Ships" EP (CCM artist)
Tanya Tucker
Leona Lewis & Jessie J. (Christmas single) (I know they recorded it, so I'm going to keep listing it until they release it)
El DeBarge
Emme St. James & Her Jazz Gentlemen
Drake Jensen (November) (Canadian Country artist)
2012 (Possible)
Jennifer Hudson
Meatloaf--"Hot Holidays"
Little Big Town
Jewel
Loretta Lynn
Patty Smyth & Scandal
Ozzy Osbourne--"Black Christmas"
Jimmie Van Zant
Mariah Carey (expanded edition of "Merry Christmas II You")
Restless Heart
Gene Watson
John Legend
Anthony Hamilton
Smokey Robinson
Briana Cash
Edwin McCain
Monica
Brandy
Rachel Holder
Jerrod Niemann
Dave Tofani
Plantatonix
Gary Hoey
Milkshake
Mark Wagner (Nashville CCM artist)
Ty Herndon
Hunter Gibson (Hunter & The Gators)
Frenchie Davis (former Idol AND Voice contestant)
Dangerous Curves (Las Vegas trio)
Kathryn Brunner
Crystal McKee (singer/songwriter in the Lisa Loeb vein and founder of the SoCal Female Acoustic Showcase)
The Celtic Tenors
Susan Aglukark (Inuk musician from Canada whose work is mostly Folk Pop and Country)
Deirdre Halliwell
Wantage Silver Band
The Sneed Family (Southern Gospel)
Sweet Potato Pie (Bluegrass Gospel or "Sweetgrass")
Cute Is What We Aim For (Buffalo rock band from 1999-2006, recently reunited)
2013
Diane Schuur
Pat Benatar
Martina McBride
Patty Smyth & Scandal
Shania Twain
Jason Catron
Terry Bradshaw
VARIOUS--"Punk Goes Christmas" (Fearless Records)
Jillaine--"Jazzy Christmas To You III"
NEW / REISSUE / DIGITAL ONLY / DIGITAL REISSUE / VINYL / CD-DVD / DVD / EXCLUSIVE / IMPORT
JANUARY 1
JULIE ELIAS--"Holy Night" (Missed it by that much; Contemporary Christian artist)
MAY 14
VARIOUS--"Merry Jazzup Christmas!" (International release of 2011 Korean Jazz EP)
MAY 30
REV. AUDREY E. BRONSON--"Are You Ready For Christmas?" (a 1976 Folkways recording of sermon and song, previously reissued in 1979 & 2004)
JUNE 1
GORDON MOTE--"The Star Still Shines" (Christian release, hard copy due in October)
JUNE 4
VARIOUS--"A Christmas Gift For You" (First ever digital release of Christmas collection from UK's State Records; LP apparently released 1981)
JUNE 19
MOE BANDY--"A Cowboy Christmas" (Digital reissue of 1996 Country CD)
DARREN LEE--"I'll Be Away For Christmas" (Canada's--and possibly the world's--leading Elvis tribute artist)
JULY 5
BIORYTHMICBEAR--"Music For A Christmas Carol" (Interesting instrumental album that sounds like a soundtrack; different--in a good way)
RICK MOORE--"Christmas With Rick" (Piano-centric instrumental Easy Listening/Jazz album, hard copy will shortly be available through CD Baby)
JULY7
PHASE 5--"Christmas Edition" (Nice Pop EP from Florida group)
JULY 9
SHAD WEATHERSBY--"Coming To Christmas" (Ostensibly a Children's album, but highly accessible Folk/Pop)
JULY 16
TOMMY OVERSTREET--"Home For Christmas" (70s Country star with what I believe is a new recording in his classic style)
JULY 24
26Z--"A Black Peter Christmas" (EP of winter and Christmas tracks recorded by this Industrial band between 2009 and present, limited time only)
GROOVE JUICE--"The Elegant Side Of A Swinging Christmas" (Traditional Swing outfit from Germany with an all too common band name)
VELVET VOICES--"In The Mood 4 Christmas" (US digital release of 2009 holiday set from Austrian girl group a cappella quartet)
JULY 26
JIMMY FORTUNE--"Feels Like Christmas" (Reissue of 2005 Christmas album by this former Statler Brother)
THE KINGS OF CHRISTMAS--"365 Days A Year" (Wider release of 2011 record featuring very good New york style Vocal Group Pop)
JULY 31
BEEGIE ADAIR--"Quiet Christmas" (Digital re-issue of 2004 holiday set from Easy Listening/New Age piano artist, previously reissued in 2006 & 2010)
VARIOUS--"Toast To The Holidays" (Shortened version of 2002 budget priced 2-CD collection of holiday music; part of Columbia's Cocktail Hour series)
AUGUST 3
MARY KATE & ASHLEY OLSEN--"Cool Yule" (CD-R reissue of 2003 outing from stars of the TV show "Full House")
JERRY VALE--"A Personal Christmas Collection" (Columbia budget CD-R reissue of collection originally released in 1995, last reissued 2010)
AUGUST 7
JOHNNY CARROLL--"Christmas Favourites" (Import reissue of 1995 trumpet centric Easy Listening Christmas record, reissued digitally in 2008)
DENVER BRASS--"Twas The Brass Before Christmas" (Recorded live in the Bethany Lutheran Church sanctuary December 2011)
ISLA GRANT--"Home For Christmas" (Import reissue of 1992 album from Scottish born Country, Folk, and Bluegrass singer, reissued digitally in 2009)
LIBERACE--"A Liberace Christmas" (Latest reissue--this one digital--of a 1963 collection)
WINTER NOISE MACHINE--"Christmas In The Air" (Eclectic mix of standards and originals from New Jersey brothers; Hard copy at group's website)
VARIOUS--"Change For The Holidays: Hip Christmas" (Reissue of eclectic 2009 compilation that includes Jimmy Charles, Babs Gonzales, & more)
VARIOUS--"Change For The Holidays: Hip Christmas 2" (Reissue of eclectic 2010 compilation that includes Babs Gonzales, Korla Pandit, & more)
AUGUST 10
JOHN DENVER & ASPEN DICKENS CAROLERS--"Merry Christmas, Aspen" (Reissue of LP recorded in 1984, national CD release 2006)
VARIOUS--"Irish Christmas Party" (Terrific compilation of--mostly--really obscure country tracks by Irish artists from the 50s, 60s and 70s)
AUGUST 14
MAZZ--"Regalo de Navidad" (Reissue of 1994 holiday album from popular Texas Tejano band noted for their use of synthesizer)
AUGUST 15
VANESSA WILLIAMS--"Christmas With Vanessa Williams" (Digital reissue of Vanessa's second Christmas album, 2004's "Silver And Gold")
AUGUST 18
DREW HOLCOMB & THE NEIGHBORS--"Neighborly Christmas" (Digital reissue of 2007 Indie release, briefly available via Noisetrade in 2011)
AUGUST 21
VARIOUS--"Classic Cristmas" (New compilation from Sony Special Markets featuring mostly the usual suspects)
VARIOUS--"Home For Christmas Day" (New comp from Sony Special Markets featuring Dylan, Susan Boyle, Christina Aguilera, Whitney Houston, etc.)
VARIOUS--"Romantic Christmas" (Another new comp from Sony Special Markets)
AUGUST 23
SYLVIA--"A Cradle In Bethlehem" (Reissue of 2002 release from popular 80s Country artist)
AUGUST 24
RICK CORNISH--"Holiday Chillout 01: The After Hours Sound Of The Season" (Nice Chillout Jazz set; see also August 31)
AUGUST 28
VARIOUS--"Christmas Cocktails, Part Three" (Digital reissue of the third in Capitol's popular series, originally released in 2005)
AUGUST 29
GREGOR PRACHT--"Noel--The Christmas Album" (German born tenor with a nice mix of holiday tuneage in that theatrical pop vocalist style)
JIMMY REED--"Christmas Present Blues" (Reissue of CD-Single of vintage Blues tune)
KITTY WELLS--"Christmas With Kitty Wells" (Digital reissue of the late Country singer's previously reissued 1962 Decca LP)
AUGUST 30
THE NEW ROYALTY--"Spend Christmas With Me" (Emerging Pop Punk band from NJ sets a high bar for other acts with awesome, rocking Xmas set)
AUGUST 31
RICK CORNISH--"Holiday Chillout 02: The After Hours Sound Of The Season" (Nice Chillout Jazz set; see also August 24)
RICK CORNISH--"Holiday Chillout 03: The After Hours Sound Of The Season" (More of the same)
RICK CORNISH--"Holiday Chillout 04: The After Hours Sound Of The Season" (More of the same, though this was my least favorite)
RICK CORNISH--"Holiday Chillout 05: The After Hours Sound Of The Season" (Still more of the same)
RICK CORNISH--"Holiday Chillout 06: The After Hours Sound Of The Season" (Rick, bubeleh, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing)
DEAD MEN'S HOLLOW--"Christmas" (Bluegrass/Americana set from Virginia/Washington D.C. area; available on CD-R through CD Baby)
JEFF TURNER--"Christmas My Way" (Reissue of 2008 Country album from artist known as "The Swiss Elvis")
SEPTEMBER 1
HELIX--"All I Want For Christmas..."/"Jingle Bells" (Green 7" vinyl Christmas single from Canadian Metal band)
SEPTEMBER 4
THE ANIMAL BAND--"Jungle All The Way" (Nice Pop Kids album that should appeal to adults as well, from veteran singer/songwriter Jim Moore)
CHRISTOPHER CROSS--"Christopher Cross Christmas" (Budget priced reissue of Soft Rock artist's 2007 holiday set)
JOEL MABUS--"A Parlor Guitar Christmas" (2nd Christmas album, this one instrumental, from former Prairie Home Companion regular)
MORMON TABERNACLE CHOIR--"Once Upon A Christmas" (featuring Jane Seymour and Nathan Gunn)
MORMON TABERNACLE CHOIR--"Once Upon A Christmas" (DVD or blu ray of the above performance featuring Jane Seymour and Nathan Gunn)
SEPTEMBER 6
REBECCA SMITH ADAMS--"Carols From The Heart" (Solo piano Christmas music very nicely done by Chicago artist and piano teacher)
SEPTEMBER 8
ANNA LAMPLOUGH--"Christmas!" (Saxophone artist whose work ranges from Classical to Jazz)
SEPTEMBER 11
GARY "U.S." BONDS--"Christmas Is On!" (first full-length holiday set from legendary Rock & Soul artist)
BUFORD & THE HUSH PUPPIES--"Merry Fishmas" (Christmas Carols rewritten with a fishy theme; I'll let you decide if it stinks)
DALLAS WIND SYMPHONY--"Horns For The Holidays"
FERRANTE & TEICHER--"Snowbound"/"We Wish You A Merry Christmas" (Reissue of classic 60s instrumental albums, first issued on CD in 1992)
JACKIE GLEASON--"Tis The Season/Merry Christmas" (A two-fer reissue of the Great One's great instrumental Christmas music)
RANDAL HAMMEL--"Christmas Is In The Air" (Apparently a limited 2011 release, romantic solo piano music from award winning producer and artist)
HALIE LOREN & MATT TREDER--"Many Times, Many Ways" (Reissue on Justin Time of intimate and brilliant 2008 Jazz vocal set)
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER--"A Candle Light Christmas" (Wide release of 2008 compilation sold originally at Wal-Mart and Christian book stores)
MYSTIQUE--"Noel Au Quebec" (Digital reissue of 2006 Canadian release; shrill at times, but I'm a sucker for ladies singing in French)
THREE BRIDGES--"Christmas Must Be Tonight" (Wide release of Southern Gospel set available last year from the group's web site)
VARIOUS--"Christmas Greetings From The White House" (Presidential Christmas messages)
VARIOUS--"A Gatlinburg Country Christmas" (Instrumental music played on acoustic string instruments)
VARIOUS--"Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" (Domestic release of excellent 2011 Canadian Jazz comp from Justin Time)
SEPTEMBER 13
INTUITION--"A Season To Rock" (An international collective of rock artists join forces on an instrumental concept album)
SEPTEMBER 18
SANDY ATKINSON--"Christmas" (Blues and Americana artist with her first holiday full-length, including a guest appearance from Bob Margolin)
JOYSTRINGS--"Christmas Collection" (First time on CD for many of these Christmas songs from World's greatest Salvation Army Pop/Psych/Folk band)
BRIAN McKNIGHT--"Bethlehem" (Reissue of McKnight's 1998 Christmas set)
NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND--"Christmas Album" (Reissue of classic 1997 Christmas record)
SANDI PATTY--The Voice Of Christmas, Vol. 2" (Christian singer with several Christmas albums to her credit)
DAVID PHELPS--"Joy Joy" (Budget priced reissue of Christian artist's 2000 solo Christmas effort)
STEVE TYRELL--"Deck The Halls: Music For Christmas Cocktails" (Slightly expanded version of Smooth Jazz artist's 2002 Xmas album)
DANNY WRIGHT--"Just Wright For Christmas" (Re-issue of 1992 set from New Age pianist)
VARIOUS--"Ultra Lounge Christmas Cocktails, Vol. 4" (More from Capitol Records' overflowing holiday vault; but, sadly, no hard copy yet scheduled)
SEPTEMBER 25
THE BEACH BOYS--"Christmas Harmonies" (Reissue of 2009 seasonal collection)
JEREMY CAMP--"Christmas: God With Us" (Christmas album from Contemporary Christian artist)
ELIZABETH CHAN--"Naughty & Nice" (Driven to create a "World famous" Christmas song, Ms. Chan tries first with this 5-song EP)
CINCINNATI POPS ORCHESTRA--"Home For The Holidays" (John Morris Russell conducting, with New York Voices and Brian Stokes Mitchell)
BILL & GLORIA GAITHER--"12 Christmas Favorites"
THE HOFF ENSEMBLE--"Quiet Winter Night" (Decidedly winter, rather than Christmas; some superb "quiet" Jazz from Norway's finest)
JEWEL--"Joy: A Holiday Collection" (Latest budget priced reissue of Jewel's 1999 Christmas album)
THE OAK RIDGE BOYS--"Christmas Time's A-Coming" (Sixth holiday set from the "Elvira" boys)
THE OAK RIDGE BOYS--"Christmas Time's A-Coming" (Cracker Barrel Exclusive version with 2 additional songs)
EARNEST PUGH--"Christmas With Earnest Pugh" (Contemporary Gospel)
KENNY ROGERS--"Christmas Live!" (Wide release of 2010 album previously available only through the artist's web site)
THE 60s INVASION--"Incense And Chia Pets" (Christmas lyrics put to classic rock tunes)
VARIOUS--"Gotta Love The Holidays" (Rhino reissue of 2003 WB collection)
VARIOUS--"NOW That's What I Call TODAY'S Christmas" (Latest American holiday installment of the omnipresent NOW compilations)
SEPTEMBER 28
VARIOUS--"Mr. Santa's Boogie" (Essentially a digital re-issue of the classic 1985 Savoy LP & CD, minus Charlie Parker's "White Christmas")
OCTOBER 2
EIRINN ABU--" A Saxy Christmas" (Smooth Jazz in the style of Kenny G)
STOMPIN' TOM CONNORS--"Merry Christmas Everybody" (Import reissue of Canadian folk singer's 1970 LP, last reissued in 2008)
JOHN DENVER--"The Classic Christmas Album" (Sony Legacy "best of" Christmas collection)
KENNY G--"The Classic Christmas Album" (Sony Legacy "best of" Christmas collection)
LUNCH AT ALLEN'S--"Zuzu's Petals" (Digital version of Canadian CD due for release Oct. 16)
BARRY MANILOW--"The Classic Christmas Album" (Sony Legacy "best of" Christmas collection)
MISTLETONES--"Naughty And Nice" (Latest collection of kid friendly holiday parodies from a cappella quartet)
WILLIE NELSON--"The Classic Christmas Album" (Sony Legacy "best of" Christmas collection)
DANIEL O'DONNELL--"Christmas Wishes" (Holiday Yule Log DVD featuring the music of the Irish crooner)
DANIEL O'DONNELL--"Discover Daniel O'Donnell Christmas Classics" (Latest in the "Discover" series; compilation with commentary)
THE POPTARTS--"A Toasty Christmas" (Girl Group tribute band from Cleveland with an original Christmas album of 60s holiday pop)
ELVIS PRESLEY--"The Classic Christmas Album" (Sony Legacy "best of" Christmas collection)
BLAKE SHELTON--"Cheers, It's Christmas" (First full-length holiday CD from Country star and The Voice judge and mentor)
LUTHER VANDROSS--"The Classic Christmas Album" (Sony Legacy "best of" Christmas collection)
EVAN WICKHAM--"Christmas Music, Vol. 1" (Contemporary Christian artist from California sounds spectacular on this release)
VARIOUS--"Best Of The Best: A Holiday Collection" (Kohl's Exclusive compilation, just $5, benefitting the Kohl's Cares For Kids Foundation)
VARIOUS--"Disney Channel Holiday Playlist" (Disney Channel stars from "Shake It Up", "Good Luck Charlie", "A.N.T. Farm" and more)
VARIOUS--"Hawaiian Style Christmas 3" (Third in the series of Christmas compilations from Contemporary Island label Neos Productions)
VARIOUS--"Hillbilly X-Mas" (One of the better/more interesting "let's throw a bunch of stuff together because we can" digital comps)
VARIOUS--"Legends Of Christmas Past" (I'm guessing this is a re-issue of the excellent 1996 UA/EMI comp featuring Canned Heat, Bobby Goldsboro)
VARIOUS--"Old School Christmas Classics" (Amazon's listing of this has been a mess from the get-go; basically R&B Christmas--probably a reissue)
VARIOUS--"Special Days: Christmas In My Hometown" (Though it's one of those "let's toss stuff together" digitals, this C&W one ain't bad)
OCTOBER 9
BEEGIE ADAIR & DAVID DAVIDSON--"Christmas Elegance" (Piano and violin EZ; If this is the sort of thing you like, you'll like this sort of thing)
EDIE ADAMS--"The Edie Adams Christmas Record" (15 previously unreleased holiday recordings from the 1950s Ernie Kovacs Unlimited TV show)
SUSAN ARIOLI--"Christmas Dreaming" (Domestic release of Canadian Jazz singer's 2010 Christmas record)
LINCOLN BREWSTER--"Joy To The World" (First Christmas album from long time Contemporary Christian guitarist/singer and pastor)
ANTHONY BURGER--"The Christmas Collection" (Essentially a re-issue of the late gospel keyboard artist's 2001 release, The Story Christmas)
AUGUST BURNS RED--"Sleddin' Hill" (Long awaited full Christmas album from Christian Metal band; vinyl due Nov. 13)
B3 KINGS--"You Better Watch Out!" (Funky festive jazz from Canadian quartet led by Cory Weeds and featuring the Hammond B3 organ)
CELTIC WOMAN--"Home For Christmas"
CELTIC WOMAN--"Home For Christmas" (Target Exclusive version with 4 bonus tracks including a Eurythmics cover)
CHIPMUNKS--"Chipmunks Christmas" (Yet another version of the original with bonus tracks--don't know their pedigree and don't really trust them)
BEVERLY CRAWFORD--"Joy To The World" (Presumably the Christmas album she began working on in 2010; also featuring Earnest Pugh)
CRAIG DUNCAN--"15 Handcrafted Christmas Carols" (More instrumental holiday music from the prolific Duncan)
CRAIG DUNCAN--"Victorian Christmas" (Still more)
JASON GRAY--"Christmas Stories: Repeat The Sounding Joy" (One of the stars of the Bethlehem Skyline Christmas records)
VINCE GUARALDI--"A Charlie Brown Christmas" (Remastered and expanded 2012 edition of 1965 classic)
VINCE GUARALDI--"A Charlie Brown Christmas" (Green vinyl pressing of the 1965 classic)
KATHERINE JENKINS--"My Christmas" (Former label of this Classical Crossover artist beats her new label with a comp of previously released music)
JONAH KNIGHT--"Another Creepy Christmas" (Kickstarter funded record of creepy Christmas songs, all in good fun; CDs may be coming)
KUTLESS--"Believer (Christmas Edition)" (For a limited time, the Christian Rock band pairs new CD with CD of last year's Xmas EP)
MANDISA--"It's Christmas (2012 Edition)" (updated version of 2008 set includes 2 all new tracks and 9 previously released)
CHRIS MANN--"Home For Christmas" (Wal-Mart exclusive 6 song EP from operatically trained finalist from NBC's "The Voice")
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER--"Tis The Season" (Lowes Home Improvement Store exclusive comp; 14 tracks + 2 bonus downloads)
LISA McCLOWRY--"Before The Tree Comes Down" (4 song EP from Chicago based Pop/Rock/Jazz/Country singer/songwriter)
MICHAEL OMARTIAN--"Christmas Moods" (Grammy Award winning producer anchors a set for grand piano and orchestra)
THISTLEDOWN TINKERS--"A Tinkers Christmas" (NC Celtic Folk duo)
STAN WHITMIRE--"Christmas Around The Piano" (solo piano renditions of Christmas carols and other familiar holiday fare from Green Hill)
JOSH WILSON--"Noel" (Full length holiday effort from rising Contemporary Christian singer/songwriter; includes 2011 CCM hit "Jesus Is Alive")
GEORGE WINSTON--"December" (Latest reissue--this one from Valley Ent.--of classic New Age Christmas album first released in 1980)
VARIOUS--"Angels Heard On High" (Reissue on Valley Ent. of Windham Hill collection first released in 2000)
VARIOUS--"Angels On Earth" (Reissue on Valley Ent. of Windham Hill collection released in 2000)
VARIOUS--"Carols Of Christmas" (Reissue on Valley Ent. of Windham Hill collection first released in 1996)
VARIOUS--"Christmas 101" (6-CD set from Universal International, everything from Bing to Gaga)
VARIOUS--"Christmas International" (12-CD Box set, budget priced European import, featuring a little bit of just about everything)
VARIOUS--"Christmas With The Stars" (10-CD Box set, budget priced European import, featuring 10 well known vocal Christmas albums)
VARIOUS--"Have Yourself A Funny Christmas" (2-CD set featuring the usual novelty suspects; European import, more or less budget priced)
VARIOUS--"The Indie Christmas Album" (Mixed but interesting compilation from UK DIY label)
VARIOUS--"Shades Of Christmas" (Smooth Jazz with an international flavor, featuring Rachel Diggs)
VARIOUS--"Windham Hill Christmas" (Reissue on Valley Ent. of Windham Hill collection first released in 2002)
VARIOUS--"Windham Hill Christmas 2" (Reissue on Valley Ent. of Windham Hill collection first released in 2003)
VARIOUS--"Winter Solstice On Ice" (Reissue on Valley Ent. of Windham Hill collection first issued in 1999)
VARIOUS--"Christmas For Your Family" (Budget priced 3-CD set: a CD of Kids singing, a CD of Hymns, and a CD of Contemporary Christian artists)
OCTOBER 10
ISADAR--"O Christmas" (New Age solo piano; CD-R)
WILL SCRUGGS JAZZ FELLOWSHIP--"Song of Simeon: A Christmas Journey" (Traditional straight-ahead Jazz combo)
SCOTT WOODS BAND--"Christmas Memories" (Old Time fiddle music from award winning Canadian artist)
OCTOBER 16
JENNY OAKS BAKER--"Noel: Carols Of Christmas Past" (Second Christmas CD from classically trained violinist; with Kurt Bestor and Alex Sharp)
FRANCESCA BATTISTELLI--"Christmas"
FRANCESCA BATTISTELLI--"Christmas" (Wal-Mart Exclusive version; includes bonus disc containing Francesca's 4 biggest hits)
RICK BRAUN--"Swingin' In The Snow" (Jazz musician and singer)
BROOM BEZZUMS--"Winterman" (Awesome acoustic Folk duo)
COLBIE CAILLAT--"Christmas In The Sand"
STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN--"Joy" (Fourth Christmas set from the iconic Christian artist)
PERRY COMO--"Christmas Around The World With Perry Como" (CD version of Nov. 6 DVD release)
KEN ELKINSON--"Ambient Holidays, Volume 1--Christmas Ambient" (Internationally renowned New Age artist with his 2nd Xmas CD)
KEN ELKINSON--"Ambient Holidays, Volume 2--Chanukah Ambient" (Internationally renowned New Age artist tackles The Festival of Lights)
JACKIE EVANCHO--"Heavenly Christmas" (Wide release of last year's Wal-Mart exclusive from America's Got Talent contestant)
JAMES FORTUNE & FIYA--"Grace Gift"
MEL GIBSON--"My Kind Of Christmas" (Easy Listening with a touch of old school country a la Elvis or Eddy Arnold from the singer, not the actor)
NICOLE HENRY--"Set For The Season" (American release of 2011 Japanese album from Jazz vocalist)
BRENN HILL--"North Pole Rodeo" (Nice new release from emerging Country & Western Singer/Songwriter; still waiting to see if hard copy is coming)
KEM--"What Christmas Means" (Classic Soul/R&B crooner releases a classic Soul/R&B Christmas album on Motown; Ah Yeah!)
KEVIN KERN--"Christmas" (Beautiful solo piano Christmas album)
LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA--"Highlights From Handel's Messiah"
LUNCH AT ALLEN'S--"Zuzu's Petals" (Eclectic Canadian Alternative Roots supergroup, delayed from September 18; MP3 version out 10/2)
JOHN MANDEVILLE--"Christmas In You" (Contemporary Christian artist from Celebration, Florida)
RICHARD MARX--"Christmas Spirit" (Target Exclusive version includes 4 bonus tracks)
SCOTTY McCREERY--"Christmas With Scotty McCreery" (10th season American Idol winner)
SCOTTY McCREERY--"Christmas With Scotty McCreery" Limited Edition Zine Pak (Wal-Mart Exclusive includes Scotty calendar and magazine)
GORDON MOTE--"The Star Still Shines" (Christian release, MP3 version released on June 1)
OLD MAN GLOOM--"Christmas" (Vinyl reissue of 2004 limited release LP)
CHRISTINA PERRI--"A Very Merry Perri Christmas" (EP from "Jar of Hearts" singer/songwriter)
CHRISTINA PERRI--"A Very Merry Perri Christmas" (Target Exclusive version with one bonus track, "Let It Snow")
ELVIS PRESLEY--"Christmas Album/His Hand In Mine" (Remastered Australian Import pairs Christmas album with Gospel set)
SCALA & KOLACNY BROTHERS--"December" (Alt Rock Christmas and Winter music for people who hate Christmas songs)
SIDEWALK PROPHETS--"Because It's Christmas" (Popular Contemporary Christian Pop/Rock group with 3 song digital EP)
JILL TRACY--"Silver Smoke, Star Of Night (Christmas In The Shadows)" (Diva of Darkness does dark wave & twisted cabaret for Christmas)
DANNY WRIGHT--"Christmas By Candlelight" (Reissue of 1998 release with one new track and updated liner notes)
VARIOUS--"Do You Hear What I Hear?" (Contemporary Christian comp featuring Tenth Avenue North, Casting Crowns, Third Day, more)
VARIOUS--"Ornamental" (2-CD set of Projekt artists; dark wave, steampunk, ambient, goth, dreampop, shoegaze and more)
VARIOUS--"A Rock By The Sea Christmas, Volume 3" (Florida not-for-profit fighting pediatric cancer, associated with 12 Bands)
VARIOUS--"Santa's Got Mojo 2" (2nd Christmas collection from Canadian Blues label)
VARIOUS--"A Special Sesame Street Christmas" (Soundtrack for dreadful 1978 CBS TV Christmas special)
VARIOUS--"Tis The Season To Be Gotee Too" (Christian Rock label with it's second holiday sampler)
VARIOUS--"A Very Special Christmas 25th Anniversary" (An all new collection of Christmas tunes to benefit the Special Olympics)
VARIOUS--"A Very Special Christmas 25th Anniversary" (Best Buy Exclusive "Deluxe" version with 5 extra previously released tracks)
VARIOUS--"A Very Special Christmas: Bringing Peace On Earth" (The Special Olympics folks go very traditional, working with WORD Records)
VARIOUS--"Very Special Golden Records" (The classic music of the Kiddie Label catalog combined with today's celebrity voices in song and story)
OCTOBER 23
COLBIE CAILLAT--"Christmas In The Sand" (Target Exclusive version with 3 Bonus Tracks)
CHICAGO--"Ultimate Christmas Collection" (Chicago charges slackers who didn't support them less for ALL their Xmas albums than fans paid for each)
FIFTH STREET REVIVAL--"New Star Shining" (Southern Gospel Quartet from Illinois)
THE IDEA OF NORTH--"This Christmas" (Import hard copy CD afterall from eclectic Australian a cappella vocal group; mp3 available Nov. 2)
KUANA TORRES KAHELE--"Hilo For The Holidays" (Hawaiian Christmas effort from founding member of Na Palapalai and 2012 Hoku Award winner)
SAMMY KERSHAW--"A Sammy Klaus Christmas" (Second Christmas album from successful New Orleans Country singer)
LADY ANTEBELLUM--"On This Winter's Night" (An expanded full-length version of the group's 2010 Target exclusive EP)
CHRIS MANN--"Home For Christmas" (If you can't make it to Wal-Mart, you can always buy this EP as an import)
RICHARD MARX--"Christmas Spirit" (Full-length follow-up to last year's Christmas EP)
MICHAEL MILTON--"When Heaven Came Down" (Contemporary Christian Folk)
DON MOEN--"A Season Of Hope" (Christian artist, accompanied by the Prague Symphony; includes two original Christmas songs)
MORRISON HAWKES--"I Heard The Bells At Christmas" (Alt Folk/Rock duo from Canada with an excellent EP)
OCTOBOP--"West Coast Christmas" (It's a Cool Bop Jazz Christmas with these San Francisco artists; plenty of originals and original interpretations)
DIANA PANTON--"Christmas Kiss" (Canadian Jazz chanteuse and Juno Award winner)
POLYPHONIC SPREE--"Holidaydream" (First full length Christmas effort from Indie Choral Rock group, done as only they can)
POLYPHONIC SPREE--"Holidaydream" (Vinyl version of above)
LEEANN RIMES -- "Holiday Hits" (Wal-Mart exclusive collection of some of LeeAnn's best Christmas tracks)
DONNA ULISSE--"All The Way To Bethlehem" (Bluegrass artist tells the story of the Nativity through the eyes of each character)
ORIGINAL CAST--"Christmas Story: The Musical" (better this than "Christmas Story 2")
VARIOUS--"Christmas In The Mountains, Vol. 6" (North Carolina High Country Christmas CD, proceeds to the Hunger & Health Coalition)
VARIOUS--"Gospel's Best - Christmas"
VARIOUS--"A Very Joma Christmas" (A reissue of splendid 2009 collection of pop/rock/Indie New York singer/songwriters)
VARIOUS--"Tis The Season" (Target Exclusive comp featuring Chicago, Rob Thomas, Straight No Chaser, Kimberley Locke and more)
OCTOBER 30
ANNIE MOSES BAND--"Ultimate Christmas Collection" (Three Annie Moses Christmas CDs in one handy box set)
GORD BAMFORD--"Christmas In Canada" (Canadian Country crooner)
LAURIE BERKNER--"Laurie Berkner Christmas" (Kindie Rock artist)
CAROL BURNETT & OTHERS - "A Carol Burnett Christmas" (Soundtrack CD to Nov. 6 DVD release of Christmas episodes of the Gary Moore Show)
CHOIR OF BATH ABBEY--"Christmas From Bath" (Choirs and Christmas go together, don't they?)
PERRY COMO--"Complete RCA Christmas Collection" (Real Gone reissue of 2010 Collectors Choice collection)
RITA COOLIDGE--"A Rita Coolidge Christmas" (First album for Coolidge since 2005)
DORIS DAY--"Complete Christmas Collection" (Real Gone reissue of 2008 Collectors Choice collection)
JAMES FORTUNE--"Christmas" (Contemporary Gospel)
CEE LO GREEN--"Cee Lo's Magic Moment" ("Forget You" singer feelin' the holiday spirit; includes appearances from Rod Stewart, more)
KATHERINE JENKINS--"This Is Christmas" (First Christmas set from Welsh Classical Crossover artist)
JILLAINE--"Jazzy Christmas To You II" (Emerging Jazz/Blues/Pop singer's highly awaited second Christmas set)
STEVE LAWRENCE & EYDIE GORME--"That Holiday Feeling!" (Real Gone reissue of classic 1964 LP, with two bonus tracks, last reissued 2005)
QUADRIGA CONSORT--"On A Cold Winter's Day" (Old Christmas music done Classical Pop; not my thing but exceedingly well done)
JIMMY RANKIN--"Tinsel Town" (Canadian Pop/Folk/Country/AC vocalist)
ANDRE RIEU--"Home For The Holidays" (Interestingly on Hip-O Records, the Maestro's latest was recorded last year)
ANDRE RIEU--"Home For The Holidays" (DVD of above, recorded last year and shown in Europe last Christmas Eve; also on Blu-Ray)
JERRY RIVERA--"Jerry Christmas" (Grammy award winning Salsa and Latin Pop singer)
SMASH MOUTH--"The Gift Of Rock" (Re-issue of Rock/Pop/Ska band's 2005 Xmas album)
ROD STEWART--"Merry Christmas Baby" (first full-length holiday effort from Rod, now 67, includes duets with Cee Lo Green, Michael Buble & more)
ROD STEWART--"Merry Christmas Baby" (Target Exclusive version contains 3 bonus tracks)
STIMMWERCK ENSEMBLE--"Christmas And Advent Songs" (German vocal group--classical quartet--with their first Christmas album)
JAMES TAYLOR--"James Taylor At Christmas" (Re-issue of Sweet Baby James' 2006 holiday album with bonus tracks)
TRACEY THORN--"Tinsel And Lights" (Winter themed set from the former vocalist of Everything But The Girl)
TRACEY THORN--"Tinsel And Lights" (Vinyl LP version of above)
TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA--"Dreams Of Fireflies (On A Christmas Night)" (New 5-song EP from orchestral rock ensemble)
TWISTED SISTER--"Twisted Christmas: Live In Las Vegas" (DVD of Twisted Sister's Christmas live show)
TWISTED SISTER--"Twisted Christmas: Live In Las Vegas" (CD version of above)
VARIOUS--"Average Joe's Muddy Christmas" (Label comp from the outlaw country label started by country rapper Colt Ford)
VARIOUS--"A Canadian Christmas 5" (Latest installment of a generally solid Christmas series from north of the border)
VARIOUS--"Carols For A Cure, Volume 14" (Charity effort from Broadway artists; 2 CDs featuring appearances by Cyndi Lauper, Ricky Martin, etc)
VARIOUS--"A Christmas Together, Vol. 3" (Third annual set of West Coast Contemporary Christian music from Jadon Lavik's label)
VARIOUS--"Holidays Rule" (HEAR Music comp featuring Paul McCartney, fun, The Civil Wars, Irma Thomas and much more)
OCTOBER 31
FUJII FUMIYA--"Winter String" (Seasonal EP from one of Japan's top recording artists)
FUJII FUMIYA--"Winter String" (Limited Edition CD/DVD version of above)
NOVEMBER 1
I DON'T KNOW MARGO--"The Battle Of Christmas" (Alt Rock post-industrial Indie Weirdness; we like that around here; EXPLICIT language)
REID JAMIESON--"Songs For A Winter's Night" (Nice and eclectic Folk/Pop effort from Canadian artist)
MUDDI & SALAMIDRENGENE--"Juletosset" (Digital reissue of 2002 Danish holiday pop CD)
PANIYOLO--"Christmas Album" (Hawaiian Christmas album from Japanese guitar player; haven't seen hard copy advertised anywhere yet)
VARIOUS--"Cajun Christmas Nights" (A bit of swamp funk, Louisiana country and zydeco; MP3 version available now)
NOVEMBER 2
BASEBALLS--"Good Ol Christmas" (German "Voc-N-Roll" group)
ELEVENTYSEVEN--"Regifted" (Sometimes irreverent Christian Pop Punk band from South Carolina; expecting digital, but I'll turn it red if I hear different)
THE IDEA OF NORTH--"This Christmas" (Eclectic Australian a cappella group; Import CD available Oct. 23)
PHILIP NELSON--"A Little Christmas" (Second album from actor, novelist, singer and self-promoter)
PHILIP NELSON--"A Little Christmas" (Hard copy CD of above will be available exclusively from artist's web site for a limited time)
VARIOUS--"Green Hill Christmas Music Sampler" (Free, for a limited time, sampler of Green Hill's extensive catalog of smooth jazz, new age, etc.)
NOVEMBER 3
KNIGHTSBRIDGE ORCHESTRA--"The Power Of Christmas" (Seems like the reissue of "Magic Of Christmas"; budget orchestral rock)
VARIOUS--"Country Christmas Favorites" (Another budget priced packaging of 10 Country Christmas songs)
VARIOUS--"Motown Christmas" (Another budget priced packaging of 10 Motown Christmas songs)
VARIOUS--"Traditional Christmas Favorites" (Another budget priced packaging of 10 traditional Christmas favorites)
NOVEMBER 6
THE BANK CORMORANTS--"Madonna & Rose" (Eclectic album from numerous Carolina artists; Jazz, Folk, Celtic, Hawaiian, Surf, more)
CHARMAINE GRACE BROWN--"Hear The Angels Sing" (4 song EP from Alt Rock/Alt Folk singer/songwriter vaguely reminiscent of Eva Cassidy)
CAROL BURNETT--"A Carol Burnett Christmas" (Christmas specials from The Gary Moore Show, unseen since they aired between 1959-1962)
ROBERT BURTON--"Left Handed Christmas" (Smooth Jazz EP from Winnipeg guitarist)
CHAISE LOUNGE--"A Very Chaise Lounge Christmas" (Nice retro Lounge Jazz set from D.C. group)
PERRY COMO--"Christmas Around The World With Perry Como" (DVD containing highlights of 16 Perry Como Christmas specials)
EMPTY POCKETS--"Holiday Staycation" (EP from popular Indie Pop/Rockers)
TIM HALPERIN--"Under That Christmas Spell" (Season 10 American Idol semi-finalist)
DREW HOLCOMB & THE NEIGHBORS--"Another Neighborly Christmas" (Follow up EP to 2007's "A Neighborly Christmas")
THE IRISH ROVERS--"The Irish Rovers Christmas"
KNOXVILLE JAZZ ORCHESTRA--"Christmas Time Is Here"
MORMON CHORAL ORGANIZATIONS--"O Holy Night" (Choral music from Arizona; hard copies available at Stinkweeds)
NORTH POINT MUSIC--"North Point Christmas: Peace On Earth" (Follow up to highly successful 2010 modern worship album)
PROG WORLD ORCHESTRA--"Proggy Christmas" (Progressive Rock Xmas CD from Neal Morse and friends)
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS--"It's A Spongebob Christmas" (The Kiddie character gets his own Christmas album)
SUGAR & THE HI-LOWS--"Snow Angel" (Digital EP from Nashville based Indie Folk/Pop duo)
MIKEY WAX--"And A Happy New Year" (Six song EP from emerging Pop/Rock Singer/Songwriter of "Counting On You" fame)
VARIOUS--"12 Bands Of Christmas, Vol. 9" (9th year for GA not-for-profit fighting pediatric cancer)
VARIOUS--"A Special Sesame Street Christmas" (DVD of dreadful 1978 CBS TV Christmas special, previously unissued on DVD)
NOVEMBER 12
STEVE BELL--"Keening For The Dawn (Christmastide)" (Juno Award winning Christian Folk artist sings songs of the Advent, Nativity & Epiphany)
NOVEMBER 13
AUGUST BURNS RED--"Sleddin' Hill" (Vinyl version of Oct. 9 Christian Metal release)
DAN COYLE--TBA (Folk singer; pre-orders only available through Sept. 30)
KYLE DAVIS--"The Sounding Joy" (Nice New Age set, mostly piano)
PERCY FAITH--"Hallelujah"/"Music Of Christmas" (another stellar reissue set from Real Gone, includes tracks previously unreleased on CD)
ROBERTA FLACK--"Christmas Songs" (Her 1997 Christmas record, newly mixed, mastered, produced and packaged with bonus track)
DAVID GOGO--"Christmas With The Blues" (Electric Blues guitarist from Canada with his first holiday set)
THE IRISH ROVERS--"Merry Merry Time Of Year" (Wide release of Christmas album only available on tour and at Rovers' web site in 2011)
DAVID LANZ--"Joy Noel" (New solo piano Christmas set from New Age legend)
MIKESCHAIR--"It's Christmas" (Digital EP from Contemporary Christian band best known for their cover of "Spirit In The Sky")
OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN & JOHN TRAVOLTA--"This Christmas" (Danny and Sandy reunited; charity Christmas effort with plenty of guest stars)
EUGENE ORMANDY--"The Glorious Sound Of Christmas" (Import reissue of classic 1962 album, previously issued on CD in 1989, 1991 and 1999)
JUDY PANCOAST--"Christmas With Mrs. Claus" (Artist making music for kids that adults enjoy just as much)
REVELS--"Strike The Harp" (Irish hymns and carols)
JEFF SPARKS--"Jazzy Christmas" (Sparks' special blend of Funk, Jazz, and Gospel makes for a sizzling holiday treat)
STARFIELD--"Songs For Christmas, Vol. 1" (Digital release from Canadian Contemporary Christian group, led by Jon and Tim Neufeld)
SUFJAN STEVENS--"Silver & Gold" (Sufjan's second Christmas box set, this one featuring recordings from 2006-present)
SUFJAN STEVENS--"Silver & Gold" (Vinyl Box Set of the above, limited to 2000)
VARIOUS--"A Very Merry Christmas Compilation" (Digital Indie comp from Mint 400 Records, featuring Les Trois Chaud, Fairmont, more)
VARIOUS--"Christmas The Mountain Way" (Rural Rhythm's roster of Bluegrass, Folk, Country & Old Timey artists in a live performance on CD & DVD)
VARIOUS--"Christmas With The SAC Pack" (2-CD set of Christmas favorites from the Striving Artists Theater Company)
VARIOUS--"Festivus" (Indie Pop/Alt Rock collection includes Piney Gir, Glam Chops, Skiffle & The Piffles and more; hard copy Import CD due Nov. 20)
VARIOUS--"Putumayo Presents Jewish Celebration" (A collection of holiday music of the Jewish faith, not limited to Chanukah)
VARIOUS--"Twas The Night Before Hanukkah" (Idelsohn Society's look at the historical battle between Hanukkah & Christmas among American Jews)
VARIOUS--"Under The Mistletoe" (Starbucks Exclusive featuring their usual stellar mix)
NOVEMBER 14
BENNY ANDERSSONS ORKESTER--"Tomten Har Åkt Hem" (New Christmas effort from ABBA's Andersson, with new songs from he & Bjorn Ulvaeus)
PETER JOBACK--“Jag kommer hem igen till jul” (10th Anniversary reissue of classic Christmas album from Swedish Pop vocalist with Bonus Tracks)
VARIOUS--"Santa Causes: It's A Pop Rock Christmas" (Third album in the series is only available as a Japanese import)
NOVEMBER 15
JONATHAN COULTON & JOHN RODERICK--"One Christmas At A Time" (Full-length holiday CD from an Internet legend and master)
NOVEMBER 16
THOMAS ANDERS--"Christmas For You" (Vocalist for Germany's Modern Talking, a New Romantic/Synth Pop band from the 80s)
THE NATIONAL JAZZ TRIO OF SCOTLAND--"Christmas Album" (Avant Garde collection from Bill Wells and friends)
REDTENBACHER'S FUNKESTRA--"A Very Funky Christmas" (5 song EP from UK band, combining Funk, Disco, Boogaloo, and Jazz)
NOVEMBER 18
DENNIS DAY--"Christmas With Dennis Day" (Stage Door digital reissue of album originally issued in 1957 as "Christmas Is For The Family")
OFF TRACK--"White Christmas" (Southern California Pop/Punk outfit with a rockin' digital EP featuring energetic covers of Xmas classics)
NOVEMBER 19
HEY ROSETTA--"A Cup Of Kindness Yet" (Juno nominated Canadian Alt Rockers EP)
TRIBECASTAN--"The Twisted Christmas" (4 song EP from eclectic New York ensemble; a mix of Jazz, Folk, Alt Rock & World Music)
VARIOUS--"Isn't This World Enough" (MP3 version of Nettwerk's latest; hard copy due Nov. 27th; includes fun., Sixpence None The Richer, more)
NOVEMBER 20
BONNIE PRINCE BILLY & DAWN McCARTHY--"Christmas Eve Can Kill You" (7" vinyl Everly Brothers cover from Indie Alt Folk/Country duo)
LENNY DEE--"Christmas Cracker" (Apparently NOT the first ever CD issue of "Happy Holi-Dee" from late Space Age Pop organist--or maybe it is)
NATHAN EKLUND GROUP--"Crafty Christmas" (Solid Jazz set from the Origin stable)
EDDIE FLOYD--"I'll Be Your Santa Claus" (75 year old soul/R&B legend with an all-new Christmas set)
VITTORIO GRIGOLO--"Ave Maria" (Possibly an import; Album of sacred music from crossover tenor discovered by Pavarotti)
JIGSAW SEEN--"Gifted" (Companion album to 2011 Indie Rock release)
JENNIFER KNAPP & MARGARET BECKER--"The Hymns Of Christmas" (Contemporary Christian Folk Rockers)
THE ROSEBUDS--"Christmas Tree Island" (North Carolina Alt Rock band with an all original set; here's hoping for some hard copy)
BUNNY SIGLER--"When You're In Love At Christmas Time" (Philly Soul legend with a happenin' Christmas set; available as MP3 or on CD-R)
SPiN--"Christmas Time Again" (Digital EP from emerging Philadelphia Power Pop group)
JAY UNGAR & MOLLY MASON--"Fiddler's Holiday" (Christmas set from folk artists best known for music used in Ken Burns' projects)
VARIOUS--"Christmas Clips" (Presumably, a DVD featuring clips of artists singing Christmas songs--Johnny Cash, Perry Como, Ray Charles & more)
VARIOUS--"Festivus" (Import collection of Indie Pop/Alt Rock includes Piney Gir, Glam Chops, Skiffles & Piffles and more)
VARIOUS--"Merry Christmas Wishes To All" (Swamp Pop compilation featuring Lynn August, Tommy McLain, Johnnie Allan and more)
NOVEMBER 21
JOHN LINDBERG TRIO--"Rock This Christmas" (Swedish Rock and Rockabilly trio)
JOHN LINDBERG TRIO--"Rock This Christmas" (Digital version of above, available domestically)
SANNA NIELSEN--"Vinternatten" (Pop/Traditional Christmas set from Scandinavian songstress)
NOVEMBER 23
CEE LO GREEN/DONNY HATHAWAY--"This Christmas" (Record Store Day Exclusive 7" featuring Cee Lo on one side and Donny on the other)
KING DIAMOND--"No Presents For Christmas" (Record Store Day Exclusive 12" vinyl picture disc reissue of classic Metal track)
ALEXANDER RYBAK--"Christmastales" (Pop/Classical Crossover artist from the Soviet Union who made his name in Eurovision 2009 competition)
VARIOUS--"Death Might Be Your Santa Claus" (Record Store Day Exclusive Legacy CD collection of vintage Blues from the 20s thru the 50s)
VARIOUS--"Death Might Be Your Santa Claus" (Record Store Day Exclusive vinyl version of above)
NOVEMBER 27
JAMESTOWN STORY--"A Jamestown Story Christmas" (Acoustic Indie Rock band from Minnesota)
VALERIE MILOT & ANTOINE BAREIL--"Christmas Fantasies" (Expanded version of excellent 2010 Christmas EP from French classical duo)
STEPS--"Light Up The World" (British pop vocal group reunited after 10 years apart)
SWEETBACK SISTERS--"Country Christmas" (Old school country with sweet harmonies and the occasional rockabilly rhythm)
RHONDA THOMAS--"Little Drummer Girl" (Jazz/R&B set from Georgia singer)
BROOKE WHITE--"White Christmas" (Former American Idol contestant, Pop/Country with a vaguely Indie feel; CDs MAY be available from artist)
VARIOUS--"Christmas Americana" (The Sugar Hill CDs, where most of these tracks are from, are better, but you could do worse)
VARIOUS--"Isn't This World Enough" (Latest holiday collection from the always smashing Nettwerk label)
VARIOUS--"Slospeak Christmas, Vol. 1" (Small Contemporary Christian Indie label with tracks from Relient K, House Of Heroes and more)
NOVEMBER 30
CASCADA--"It's Christmas Time" (Full length Christmas album from German dance trio, mentioned on Stubbys in August 2011)
DECEMBER 1
LESLIE ASHWORTH--"A Child's Gift" (Classical crossover set from 15 year old Canadian violinist, hard copy in Canada or on CD-R from CD Baby)
THE EARLY MAYS--"Out Under The Sky" (Gritty Appalachian Folk-ish, yet strangely intellectual, record from Pittsburgh group featuring Judith Avers)
DAWN RICHARD--"Whiteout" (A different kind of December experience from emerging R&B artist, formerly of Danity Kane; 5 song digital EP)
FAYETTEVILLE SKA ALLIANCE--"Merry, Happy, Jolly, Good Time" (Ska Christmas set from All-Stars of the Arkansas music scene)
THE MERMEN--"Do You Hear What I Hear" (Northern California Surf Rock instrumentals)
THE SUGARPILLS--"Christmas Spirits" (Free download set from Pennsylvania based Indie collective; their second Christmas album)
VARIOUS--"Cashing In On Chrstmas, Vol. 4" (The latest holiday release from Boston Punk label Black Hole Records)
DECEMBER 3
HELEN LOVE & RICARDO AUTOBAHN--"And The Salvation Army Plays"/Disco Mix (7" red vinyl single from Damaged Goods, limited to 300)
SCARLET CLUB--"The Christmas Album" (80s style dance rock from synth-centric UK duo; digital release)
SCARLET CLUB--"The Christmas Album" (Hard copy CD for UK only; others should contact Scarlet Club via email)
VARIOUS--"All Ready For The 25th?" (Import Alt Rock CD featuring Robyn Hitchcock, Cold Specks, James Kyllo, more; digital version here)
VARIOUS--"For Folk's Sake, It's Christmas 2012" (Third Christmas record from influential British Folk music web site)
DECEMBER 4
BROOM BEZZUMS--"Winterman" (Import CD from fantastic acoustic folk duo arrives at Amazon; see 10/16 to order from label, mp3 available here)
HUMAN--"Le Jazz Holiday With Human" (Last year's Stella Artois promotion reissued by the group that did the music with one song swapped out)
ELVIS PRESLEY--"Elvis' Christmas Album" (The King back on vinyl)
VARIOUS--"Hopeless For The Holidays" (Holiday EP from Hopeless Records; includes Divided By Friday, For The Foxes, Anarbor, Driver Friendly)
DECEMBER 10
VARIOUS--"A Very Cherry Christmas, Vol. 8" (Limited to 100 copies, the latest set of new Indie Christmas music from the UK Cherryade label)
DECEMBER 11
GLEE (ORIGINAL CAST)--"The Christmas Album, Volume 3" (So it was true, and the hoax story was just a lie from producers)
PAUL McCARTNEY/THE SHINS--"The Christmas Song"/"Wonderful Christmastime" (Limited Edition green & red vinyl 7" from "Holidays Rule")
PEOPLE ON VACATION--"Holiday Vacation" (Nice Pop Punk/Alt Pop outing from Jaret Reddick of Bowling For Soul and Ryan Hamilton of Smile Smile)
EVE SELIS--"A Merry Little Christmas" (Americana star with her 2nd holiday set; digital version available through Bandcamp)
PHIL SPECTOR-VARIOUS--"A Christmas Gift For You" (This Import model includes a bonus disc of non-holiday Spector produced hits)
VARIOUS--"It's A Cold Cold Christmas: Ice & Easy" (Re-issue of 2004 "Collectors" compilation of old and newer Doo Wop and novelty records)
VARIOUS--"Merry Christmas Baby" (Re-issue of 1992 "Collectors" compilation of old and newer Doo Wop)
VARIOUS--"Naughty Or Nice" (Re-issue of 2003 "Collectors" compilation of old and newer Doo Wop and novelty records)
VARIOUS--"Tis The Season To Be Freezin" (Re-issue of 2006 "Collectors" compilation of old and newer Doo Wop and novelty records)
VARIOUS--"A Zunior Ventures Christmas" (12 Indie Rock acts from Canada tackle the 1965 Ventures Christmas album for charity)
DECEMBER 21
KAREN PECK AND NEW RIVER--"Georgia Mountain Christmas" (wide release of 2011 Southern Gospel CD available only through artist web site)
LIMBO LIST (items that were on the release schedule but are no longer)
VARIOUS--"A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector" (This xtra-tracks release, slated for Oct. 2, has reportedly been cancelled)
MATTHEW MORRISON--TBA (The EP from Glee's Mr. Shue has been put off until next year)
TBA
John McDermott (September)
Mandy Harvey (tremendous Jazz singer) (November)
Roi Anthony--November (Soul crooner)
Back Home (Husband and wife Country duo)
Stephanie Jackson (November)
RMS Five (November)
Ellis Paul (November) (New England Folk/Pop singer/songwriter)
Percy Sledge
Sense The Call (Upstate New York singer/songwriter duo)
Chase Callahan--"I Saw Three Ships" EP (CCM artist)
Tanya Tucker
Leona Lewis & Jessie J. (Christmas single) (I know they recorded it, so I'm going to keep listing it until they release it)
El DeBarge
Emme St. James & Her Jazz Gentlemen
Drake Jensen (November) (Canadian Country artist)
2012 (Possible)
Jennifer Hudson
Meatloaf--"Hot Holidays"
Little Big Town
Jewel
Loretta Lynn
Patty Smyth & Scandal
Ozzy Osbourne--"Black Christmas"
Jimmie Van Zant
Mariah Carey (expanded edition of "Merry Christmas II You")
Restless Heart
Gene Watson
John Legend
Anthony Hamilton
Smokey Robinson
Briana Cash
Edwin McCain
Monica
Brandy
Rachel Holder
Jerrod Niemann
Dave Tofani
Plantatonix
Gary Hoey
Milkshake
Mark Wagner (Nashville CCM artist)
Ty Herndon
Hunter Gibson (Hunter & The Gators)
Frenchie Davis (former Idol AND Voice contestant)
Dangerous Curves (Las Vegas trio)
Kathryn Brunner
Crystal McKee (singer/songwriter in the Lisa Loeb vein and founder of the SoCal Female Acoustic Showcase)
The Celtic Tenors
Susan Aglukark (Inuk musician from Canada whose work is mostly Folk Pop and Country)
Deirdre Halliwell
Wantage Silver Band
The Sneed Family (Southern Gospel)
Sweet Potato Pie (Bluegrass Gospel or "Sweetgrass")
Cute Is What We Aim For (Buffalo rock band from 1999-2006, recently reunited)
2013
Diane Schuur
Pat Benatar
Martina McBride
Patty Smyth & Scandal
Shania Twain
Jason Catron
Terry Bradshaw
VARIOUS--"Punk Goes Christmas" (Fearless Records)
Jillaine--"Jazzy Christmas To You III"
