The LIST 2014
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 the 2012 List here. See 2011 List here. There was no 2013 List.
NEW / REISSUE / DIGITAL ONLY / DIGITAL REISSUE / VINYL / CD-DVD / DVD / EXCLUSIVE / IMPORT / BLU-RAY / VOD
NEW / REISSUE / DIGITAL ONLY / DIGITAL REISSUE / VINYL / CD-DVD / DVD / EXCLUSIVE / IMPORT / BLU-RAY / VOD
JANUARY 28
VARIOUS--"Mr. Santa's Boogie (Santa's Secret)" (Essential Savoy jazz and blues comp, long out of print. Originally released in 1985)
MAY 20
LAURA ZAERR--"Wolcum Yole" (Celtic harp album, originally released in 2001)
JUNE 24
JOE NEGRI--"Guitars For Christmas" (Superb jazz guitar in a Joe Pass vein from Pittsburgh legend. Originally released in 2003)
NANCY WILSON--"A Nancy Wilson Christmas" (Reissue of 2001 release)
VARIOUS--"Merry Christmas" (British import collection featuring 75 holiday favorites...all PD under British law, natch)
JULY 11
PETER PAN SINGERS--"Christmas Classics" (Digital reissue of 2000 CD collection of vintage generic kids music)
PETER PAN CAROLLERS--"Christmas Past" (Digital reissue of 2000 CD collection of vintage generic kids music)
JULY 15
ANXIOUS RABBIT--"An Unexpected Christmas" (Contemporary pop/rock arrangements that'll probably play well with kids)
GINA BOE--"David's Dynasty" (Humorous Christian choral tale of a family of shepherds and the Christmas story; a "listening CD", whatever that means)
VARIOUS--"Repossession: A Christmas Album" (2-CD set of Christian Metal, some old and some new, with proceeds going to abused children)
VARIOUS--"The Golden Age Of Light Music: Christmas Lights" (Features Frank Chacksfield, Percy Faith & Stanley Black; domestic release in Nov.)
JULY 22
BOBBY VINTON--"A Very Merry Christmas" (Digital release of classic 1964 holiday album)
VARIOUS--"Jolly Old Christmas" (One of those ubiquitous thrown together digital comps, but this one has "Christmas Dragnet" and some other goodies)
JULY 27
L.P. REYNOLDS--"L.P. Reynolds Christmas" (Well, it's certainly different)
SUSI WEISS JAZZ TRIO--"Susi's Bar Piano--Merry Christmas" (Digital reissue of 2011 German release featuring bar piano jazz)
JULY 30
VARIOUS--"A Country Christmas" (Digital collection of Country Christmas standards from Johnny Cash, Brenda Lee, Elvis, etc. Be careful, however, as the tracks aren't matching up to the sound samples at present)
VARIOUS--"Christmas With The Stars" (Digital collection of holiday favorites featuring Elvis, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, etc. Be careful, however, as the tracks aren't matching up to the sound samples at present)
AUGUST 1
DISCOLAB--"Electronic Christmas" (Interesting Electro Pop release from Lithuanian label)
AUGUST 7
ELVIS BAGGIO--"Christmas Party with Elvis Baggio" (Canadian Elvis impersonator)
AUGUST 12
ARMONICO CONSORT--"On Christmas Night" (Classical; a re-issue of a 2011 release; mp3 version due July 28)
GUNTER GRAULICH & THE MOTETTENCHOR STUTTGART -- "Telemann Cantatas For Advent And Christmas" (Classical, recorded in 1979*)
*Probably a reissue, but classical is not my strong suit
VOX TURTURIS--"Christmas Carols--From Village Green to Church Choir" (Classical; mp3 version due July 28)
AUGUST 13
FARRELL & FARRELL--"Acoustic Christmas" (Reissue of 2008 Christian release)
ORIGINAL CAST--"The Great American Trailer Park Christmas [EXPLICIT]" (Sequel to "The Great American Trailer Park Musical")
AUGUST 19
THE A-STRINGS--"Home For Christmas" (One of my favorite LPs from the 80s, released on CD in 1989 or 1990--and not since, I don't think)
SEPTEMBER 2
EVERFOUND--Christmas EP DELAYED to November 11
GOSPEL FILMS ARCHIVES--"Christmas Collection" (Vintage film/tv shorts, including "Star Of Bethlehem", "Christmas Is Magic" & "3 Young Kings")
JOHN SCHLITT--"The Christmas Project" (Christian rock; official hard copy release of 2013 digital-only/CD-R album)
PAUL SCIABA--"Home For Christmas" (Massachusetts based guitarist will an album of solo instrumentals; popish with a light jazz touch)
DEBI SMITH--"If I Were An Angel" (Traditional female vocal)
ALAN WILLIAMS--"Christmas Lullaby" (New Age piano, reverent and reflective)
VARIOUS--"The Indie Christmas Album, Vol. 2" (Digital comp from Publishing and Licensing company featuring Tommy James and others)
SEPTEMBER 8
SANDI PATTY--"Christmas Blessings" (Cracker Barrel Exclusive version featuring two bonus tracks; wide release set for October 14)
SEPTEMBER 9
BRAD HANSON--"Christmas" (New Agey solo piano)
JEAN WATSON--"Christmas...Not The Way It Seems" (Contemporary Christian artist with her second Celtic flavored holiday set)
VARIOUS--"80s Wonderland" (A selection of popular 80s Christmas tunes; features The Weather Girls, Hall & Oates, Buster Poindexter, more)
SEPTEMBER 12
LYNNIE GODFREY--"Spending The Holidays With Lynnie Godfrey" (Actress and Jazz singer does holiday standards in classic crooner style)
VARIOUS--"Home For The Holidays -- Merry Christmas" (Jasmine collection of classic stuff; technically an import)
VARIOUS--"Snowbound For Christmas: Fun Songs, Classics & Rarities" (Jasmine collection bringing together rare classic Christmas EPs)
SEPTEMBER 16
BOOKER T. & THE MGs--"In The Christmas Spirit" (Friday Music reissue of 1966 classic, last reissued in 2004 by Rhino/Atlantic)
ELIZABETH CHAN--"Christmas In The City" (The reigning Queen of Christmas returns with even more holiday sugarplums)
RAY PRICE--"Christmas Album" (Legacy CD re-issue of great album by a great artist, with original cover art)
THE SACKVILLE ALL-STARS--"Christmas Record" (Reissue of a classic Christmas Jazz album, originally released in 1986)
THE SALSOUL ORCHESTRA--"Christmas Jollies (Deluxe Edition)" (Now with even more bad disco; Deluxe Edition issued digitally last year)
SEPTEMBER 23
MANY STRINGS & CO.--"Merry Galldurn Christmas" (Vintage western music with a vaudevillian twist from Utah couple)
CHRIS NOLE--"A Chris Nole Christmas" (Piano-centric Christmas Jazz with a dash of Creole)
VARIOUS--"All I Want For Christmas Is A Little Classic Soul" (Looks to be a reissue of a budget priced 2005 collection)
VARIOUS--"An Ukulele Christmas 2" (Sequel to fine 2010 Neos release featuring instrumental holiday takes from contemporary Hawaiian artists)
VARIOUS--"Classic Christmas Carols" (Contemporary Christian collection featuring CCM takes on traditional carols)
VARIOUS--"Classic Holiday Standards" (Contemporary Christian collection featuring CCM takes on secular Christmas standards)
VARIOUS--"Ring The Bells" (CCM collection featuring Big Daddy Weave, Sidewalk Prophets, etc; some previously only available promotionally)
SEPTEMBER 29
ELVIS PRESLEY--"The Elvis Christmas Album" ("Triple Play" release of 1957 classic--LP,CD, MP3--high quality red vinyl; appears to be a UK release)
SEPTEMBER 30
ALABAMA--"Angels Among Us: Hymns & Gospel Favorites" (Not Christmas, but it is Alabama)
LIONA BOYD--"A Winter Fantasy" (Third Christmas set from the First Lady of the Guitar; classical crossover artist)
JAMES BROWN--"Soulful Christmas" (Classic collection back on vinyl)
STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN--"Christmas Hymns"
THE CHIPMUNKS--"Christmas With The Chipmunks"
NAT KING COLE--"The Christmas Song"
BING CROSBY--"Merry Christmas" (The original LP configuration originally released in 1955, remastered and back on vinyl)
BING CROSBY--"Icon Christmas" (Budget priced repackaging of Bing's best loved Christmas tunes)
ELLA FITZGERALD--"Icon Christmas" (Budget priced repackaging, yada yada yada)
ELLA FITZGERALD--"Wishes You A Swinging Christmas" (Back on vinyl)
BILL & GLORIA GAITHER--"Homecoming Christmas Icon" (Repackaging that ol' gospel music)
AMY GRANT--"Icon Christmas" (Yet another repackaging of Amy's Christmas catalog; her 11 best)
BURL IVES--"Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer" (Classic back on vinyl)
JACKSON 5--"The Christmas Album"
DAVE KOZ--"The 25th of December" (Sax instrumentalist does an album featuring vocal duets, incl. with Richard Marx & with Stevie Wonder)
PEGGY LEE--"Icon Christmas" (Budget priced repackaging, yada yada yada)
SETH MACFARLANE--"Holiday For Swing" (Family Guy creator goes all Buble; featuring duets with Norah Jones and Sara Bareilles)
DEAN MARTIN--"Icon Christmas"
ANN MURRAY--"Icon Christmas" (Budget priced line from Universal)
GUY PENROD--"Christmas" (Gospel mainstay sings 15 Christmas classics, including "Tennessee Christmas" with Amy Grant & Vice Gill)
DAVID PHELPS--"O Holy Night" (Looks to be a collection of past tracks, but there's a TV special involved so we'll have to wait and see)
FRANK SINATRA--"A Jolly Christmas"
MICHAEL W. SMITH--"The Spirit Of Christmas" (Smith is joined here by Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Nettles, Little Big Town, Amy Grant, more)
SOVEREIGN GRACE--"Prepare Him Room" (Interesting Christian Alt Rock collective from Louisville; check their sounds on Bandcamp)
CHRIS TOMLIN--"Glory In The Highest (Deluxe Edition)" (Combines Chris' 2009 Christmas album with a DVD of Louis Giglio. Really?)
VARIOUS--"Celtic Christmas" (Budget priced 2 CD set featuring Sarah Moore, Michelle Amato, Michelle Lindahl and more)
VARIOUS--"Christmas Treasures" (Budget priced 2 CD set featuring a mix of soul and country...and Rosemary Clooney for some reason)
VARIOUS--"Motown Christmas" (An all new Motown Christmas album featuring Kem, India.Arie, Toni Braxton, Ne-Yo, Smokey Robinson, more)
VARIOUS--"O Holy Night: Christmas Songs of Worship" (Includes Amy Grant, Mandisa, Chris Tomlin, Steven Curtis Chapman, etc.)
VARIOUS--"Ultra Lounge Christmas Cocktails, Vol. I" (2-LP set; the vintage music rescued from old vinyl is now being rescued from CD)
VARIOUS--"Ultra Lounge Christmas Cocktails, Vol. II" (2-LP set; the vintage music rescued from old vinyl is now being rescued from CD)
OCTOBER 1
FARMER JASON--"Christmas On The Farm" (Jason Ringenberg of Jason & The Scorchers with his Kids music persona)
FERGUSON & FONTAINE--"Home For Christmas" (Portland duo self described as Blues and Jazzz; sound more traditional Americana pop to me)
ED KOENIG--"Peace On Earth: Christmas Tunes for Solo Guitar" (Gentle instrumental folk interpretations of traditional carols)
EMILY MITCHELL--"A Harp For Christmas, Vol. II" (Follow up to last year's "A Harp For Christmas, Vol. 1" from world renowned artist)
DAVID SENN--"Jazz Christmas Favourites" (Australian singer/songwriter/producer)
OCTOBER 4
KAT TINGEY--"Ring Out Wild Bells" (Ultra talented new singer/songwriter, folk pop/rock)
OCTOBER 7
.38 SPECIAL--"A Wild-Eyed Christmas Night" (Reissue of 2001 CD)
BANKS SOUNDTECH STEEL ORCHESTRA--"Steel Drums At Christmas" (Import re-issue of 1998 Steel Drum album)
BOYS OF ST. PAUL'S CHOIR SCHOOL--"Christmas In Harvard Square"
JIM BRICKMAN--"On A Winter's Night" (Holiday album "of a sort", says Brickman; Amazon exclusive)
EARTH WIND & FIRE delayed to OCTOBER 21
PEE WEE ELLIS--"The Spirit Of Christmas" (Wide hard copy release of Jazz legend's holiday set, available digitally last year)
PETER FURLER & DAVID IAN--"Peter Furler Christmas Featuring David Ian" (CCM is a classic Christmas crooner style, with a bit of World flavor)
GRIZZLY ADAMS--"Once Upon A Starry Night" (TV movie from 1978)
THE HILLIARD ENSEMBLE--"Transeamus" (Four man English choral group retiring on December 20; fitting they should go out with a Christmas CD)
INFINITELY MORE--"Tonight, Everywhere Is Bethlehem" (EP from Canadian Christian Folk Pop duo)
RICK LANG--"That's What I Love About Christmas" (Digital version; bluegrass artist goes Jazz; all original music)
RICK LANG'S CD (hard copy of above) is now slated for a NOVEMBER release (I've listed it with 11/4 releases until we hear more)
CLAIRE LYNCH BAND--"Holiday!" (Bluegrass/Americana artist reminiscent of Nancy Griffith and Alison Krauss)
LYNYRD SKYNYRD--"Christmas Time Again" (Reissue of 2000 CD)
CHAD McANALLY--"Chasing The Winter Sun: Traditional Christmas Music on the Gaelic Harp"
1 GIRL NATION--"A Merry 1 Girl Nation Christmas" (EP from Nashville based Christian pop rock group, popular with tweens)
BILLY McLAUGHLIN--"Winter Songs & Traditionals" (New Age guitar album from 1994, last reissued on CD in 2000)
SIMPLE GIFTS--"Of Shepherds & Angels" (Billy McLaughlin side project featuring female vocals)
CHARLES TIMBERLAKE & JOHN DANIELS--"A Glorious Light" (New Agey instrumental piano with orchestral arrangements from CCM duo)
THE DICK VAN DYKE SHOW--"Classic Christmas" (The Christmas episode, "The Alan Brady Show Presents", paired with "Uhny Uftz")
THE TWILIGHT ZONE--"Classic Christmas" ("Night of The Meek" with Art Carney paired with "Five Characters In Search Of An Exit")
VARIOUS--"Celebrating Christmas In The Antelope Valley" (Soulful Gospel featuring E.Z. Patterson, Dorothy Cage, and 4 Your Glory)
VARIOUS--"The Classic Christmas Hard Rock Album" (Looks to be a comp featuring tracks from the "Merry Axemas" albums and elsewhere)
VARIOUS--"Relaxing Christmas" (Budget priced collection; Wal-Mart Exclusive)
VARIOUS--"Silent Night Carols"
VARIOUS--"Wide Christmas" (Italian Jazz Christmas album, Diana Torto on vocals)
OCTOBER 9
TRINITY RIVER BAND--"On A Morning Like This" (folksy Bluegrass)
OCTOBER 14
TRACE ADKINS--"The Christmas Show" (DVD of Adkins' Christmas show following release last year of "The King's Gift")
DAVE BRUBECK--"Dave Brubeck Christmas" (Vinyl release of 1996 Telarc CD)
CAPITOL KIDS--"Capitol Kids Christmas" (Christmas favorites performed by kids for kids)
DEANA CARTER--"Father Christmas" (Re-issue on Red River of 2001 Rounder Records release)
CHOIR OF CLARE COLLEGE--"Lux de Caelo" (Classical)
EVERFOUND--"Resolution: Christmas EP" (Russian born brothers from Colorado; pop rock sound with a Russian twist; hard copy expected Nov. 11)
MICHAEL FEINSTEIN--"A Michael Feinstein Christmas"
RENEE FLEMING--"Christmas In New York" (Classical crossover artist)
TOM GRANT--"There's A Kitty Under The Christmas Tree" (Smooth Jazz featuring Rebecca Kilgore, Phil Baker and more)
VINCE GUARALDI TRIO--"A Charlie Brown Christmas" (Candy Cane--red and white--colored vinyl; NEWBURY COMICS EXCLUSIVE, #d to 1500)
WAYNE HAUN--"Sentimental Season" (Dove Award winning Smooth Jazz vocalist whose 2013 album hit #1 on the iTunes Jazz charts)
HUMAN NATURE--"Christmas Album" (Domestic release of 2013 Australian Import featuring popular pop vocal group)
SAM LEVINE--"New Orleans Christmas" (Smooth Jazz collides with Dixieland, or vice versa, likely containing previously released material)
SETH MACFARLANE--"Holiday For Swing" (Vinyl version of holiday album from Family Guy creator, released on CD Sept. 30)
RORY McCLEERY--"Christmas With The Shepherds" (Highly traditional Religious/Classical Mass type music)
MEDIAEVAL BABES--"Of Kings & Angels"
MEDIAEVAL BABES--"Of Kings & Angels" (Vinyl version of above)
IDINA MENZEL--"Holiday Wishes" (Broadway star and the voice of Elsa in Disney's "Frozen"; album includes the original "December Prayer")
IDINA MENZEL--"Holiday Wishes" (Target Exclusive version with 2 exclusive bonus tracks)
JOSHUA MILLS--"Christmas Miracle" (Contemporary Christian artist in a folk pop vein; funded through Kickstarter)
MOON LIGHT--"A Moon Light Christmas With Bach" (Neo-Classical/New Age duo featuring 16 year old Aubree Oliverson, award winning violinist)
THE MORMON TABERNACLE CHOIR--"Let The Season In"
THE MORMON TABERNACLE CHOIR--"Let The Season In" (DVD version of above)
DAVID OSBORNE--"Home For Christmas" (Re-issue of 1995 CD, "Home For The Holidays"; piano & strings from the "pianist to the Presidents")
SANDI PATTY--"Christmas Blessings"
CHRISTOPHER PHILLIPS--"Piano Chill: Songs Of Christmas" (Solo piano from Green Hill)
THE REVELS--"From Parlour To Palace" (Victorian Age music)
AARON SHUST--"Unto Us" (Contemporary Christian)
TV GUIDE--"TV's Merriest Holiday Episodes" (12 SitComs of Christmas; "Flying Nun", "Partridge Family", "News Radio", "3rd Rock" and more)
VEGGIE TALES--TBD (Winter/holiday themed set from the edibles features Kelly Pickler--as a sweet potato--and music from their "Beauty & The Beet")
DALE WATSON--"Christmas Time In Texas" (Re-issue of 2001 holiday set)
WDR BIG BAND & HIRAM BULLOCK--"Christmas Revisited" (2007 live recording, one of the last performances of Hiram Bullock)
WDR BIG BAND & HIRAM BULLOCK--"Christmas Revisited" (Vinyl version of above)
JIM WILSON--"Winterscape" (New Agey piano, a la David Lanz or Jim Brickman)
THE XMAS MEN--"Santa Is Real" (Robert Earl Keen's band takes the spotlight on this Country Swing, jazz flavored, instrumental effort)
VARIOUS--"An Americana Christmas" (Americana Christmas collection featuring both old and new; Johnny Cash, The Band, Bob Dylan, more)
Vinyl version (180g) of "An Americana Christmas" has been delayed to November 18
VARIOUS--"Blues Blues Christmas, Vol. 4" (2-CD set; the latest collection of vintage Blues in the exceptional series from Document Records)
VARIOUS--"Christmas In The Rockies" (Bluegrass collection featuring Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road, Wild & Blue, Country Gentlemen, more)
VARIOUS--"Christmas Romance" (15 romantic Christmas favorites from Green Hill)
VARIOUS--"Christmas Soul" (Green Hill's got soul? Who knew? Includes Donny Hathaway, Frankie Lymon, The Cadillacs, Otis Redding, more)
VARIOUS--"Christmas Goes Gospel: 'Tis The Season" (Soulful side of Christian music features Mandisa, Take 6, Mary Mary, Temptations and more)
VARIOUS--"Gonna Have A Real Soulful Christmas" (Vintage Soul and R&B is in these days; a couple of tunes make their CD debut)
VARIOUS--"Mad Men Christmas" (Wide release of last year's Target exclusive)
WHITE CHRISTMAS: Diamond Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray of the 1954 Bing Crosby film includes an exclusive CD featuring some unreleased music)
OCTOBER 15
CAROLYN ARENDS--"Christmas: The Story of Stories" (Christian Folk from Dove Award winning Canadian artist; Kickstarter funded)
JOSHUA CREEK--"I Still Believe" (EP featuring "Little Drummer Boy", "O Holy Night" and Joshua Creek originals)
BRENNEN LEIGH & NOEL McKAY - "In The Bleak Midwinter" (Americana)
MARILYN SCOTT--"Get Christmas Started" (Live Jazz and Blues set; great stuff)
OCTOBER 18
DOLCE CANTO--"A Joyful Season" (Missouri Choral group)
OCTOBER 21
BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA & TAJ MAHAL--"Talkin' Christmas" (Blues meets Gospel)
MICHAEL BUBLE--"Christmas" (The vinyl version; way to milk it, Mike; the album's been "new" for years)
CELTIC WOMEN--"O Christmas Tree" (Target exclusive; 6 song EP of tracks never before released on CD)
CHRISTMAS JUG BAND--"Jugology" (Best Of collection from eclectic tongue-in-cheek Alt Folk holiday collective)
EARTH, WIND & FIRE--"Holiday" (First holiday CD from iconic R&B group)
ANTHONY HAMILTON--"Home For The Holidays"
EMMY LOU HARRIS--"Light Of The Stable" (180g vinyl re-issue of the 1979 classic featuring Neil Young, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and more)
LOU--"Another Christmas Eve (The Snowflake Edition)" (EP; I have no idea who Lou is. None.)
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER--"30/40" (30th/40th anniversary collection of Mannheim Steamroller/Fresh Aire fan favorites and "a few surprises")
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER--"30/40" (30th/40th anniversary VINYL collection of Mannheim Steamroller/Fresh Aire fan favorites and "a few surprises")
DAVID MYLES--"It's Christmas With David Myles" (Canadian Roots artist. Standards + covers of Jimmy Wakely, Buck Owens and Meaghan Smith)
DAVID MYLES--"It's Christmas With David Myles" (Vinyl version of above; both CD and LP are imports from Canada)
PENTATONIX--"That's Christmas To Me" (2nd holiday set from A cappella group and former winners of NBC's "Sing Off")
OSCAR PETERSON--"An Oscar Peterson Christmas" (Vinyl release of 1995 Telarc CD)
FRANK SINATRA--"A Jolly Christmas" (Target exclusive with bonus DVD of Bing Crosby/Frank Sinatra Christmas special)
TRANS SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA--"Christmas Attic" (2-LP collectors grade vinyl re-issue of TSO's second release. CD originally released in 1998)
KATE WALLACE--"The Road To Bethlehem" (Long time Folk artist with her first full-length Christmas album; we do expect hard copy)
VARIOUS--"All Is Calm All Is Bright: Songs of Christmas" (CCM collection of newly recorded tracks from Sandi Patty, Jaclyn Velasquez, more)
VARIOUS--"Gift Wrapped: Tis The Season" (The latest LP in the "Gift Wrapped" series featuring Alt bands and cult classics)
VARIOUS--"Icon Pop Christmas Favorites"
VARIOUS--"Icon Country Christmas"
VARIOUS--"Rock By The Sea Christmas, Vol. 5" (Latest installment in the Florida organization's Christmas sets, supporting childrens' charities)
VARIOUS--"Soul Christmas" (the "Original" 1968 album featuring Otis Redding, Carla Thomas, Joe Tex and more on high quality Vinyl)
OCTOBER 24
MAGNUM--"On Christmas Day" (Progressive rock band from the UK presents a Limited Edition 10" vinyl single; so far import only)
MAGNUM--"On Christmas Day" (Digital version of above)
OCTOBER 27-28
ASHANTI--"A Wonderful Christmas With Ashanti [Deluxe Edition]" (Target exclusive; last year's digital EP fleshed out to a full CD)
CHRIS AUGUST--Christmas EP (Contemporary Christian artist)
RANDY BACHMAN--"Takin' Care Of Christmas" (Digital re-issue of the former Guess Who & BTO guitarist's 2008 Christmas album)
BEACH BOYS--"Beach Boys Christmas Album" (Vinyl re-issue from Capitol)
MEASHA BRUEGGERGOSMAN--"Christmas" (Canadian Opera darling tackles "The Christmas Song", "Little Drummer Boy", "River", and more)
CELTIC THUNDER--"Holiday Symphony" (Celtic group backed by a full symphony orchestra on this new holiday recording)
BOBBY DARIN--"25th Day Of December" (Limited Edition 55th Anniversary Vinyl reissue; remastered from the original tapes and on 180g vinyl)
JOEY DEFRANCESCO--"Home For The Holidays" (2 CD set from the Master of Jazz Organ)
NANCY LEIGH DEMOSS--"Come Adore" (Piano "meditations" of traditional carols from Christian radio host; available for a "donation")
JACLYN GUILLOU--"Winter For Beginners" (Winter themed Jazz set from Canada; no real Christmas tunes, but the title track is gorgeous)
HOME FREE--"Full Of Cheer" (Former winners of NBC's "The Sing Off"; a cappella)
ALAN JACKSON--"Let It Be Christmas" (Reissue of Country star's 2002 Christmas album)
DAVE KOZ--"The 25th of December" (Target exclusive version with 2 bonus tracks)
THE LIVING SISTERS--"Harmony Is Real: Songs For A Happy Holiday" (Folk Pop supergroup featuring Inara George of The Bird & The Bee)
THE LIVING SISTERS--"Harmony Is Real: Songs For A Happy Holiday" (Vinyl version of above)
MARIE-JOSEE LORD--"Amazing Grace" (Haitian born Opera Soprano, currently living in Canada)
MAGNUM--"On Christmas Day" (US Import listing for 10" vinyl single from English Progressive Rock band)
KAY MARTIN--"I Know What He Wants For Christmas" delayed to December 2
MAYSA--"A Very Maysa Christmas" (R&B/Jazz artist who bridges styles, genres and generations and ends up pleasing a diverse group of fans)
MISFITS-"Horror Xmas" (CD release of last year's limited edition vinyl single)
THE NEW ROYALTY--"Christmas With" (Awesome NJ Rock band; all 26 New Royalty Christmas songs from 2012 and 2013 for one low price)
LEANN RIMES--"One Christmas: Chapter One" (First of a trilogy of Christmas EPs from former Country Music sweetheart)
DANIEL RODRIGUEZ--"A Glorious Christmas" (New York's "singing cop" helped heal the nation after 9/11; classical/opera crossover)
ROUGH SHOP--"Lit Up Like A Christmas Tree" (Superb 2nd Christmas album from St. Louis based Folk Rock band)
DARIUS RUCKER--"Home For The Holidays" (Hootie & The Blowfish singer with his first full-length holiday effort; includes duet with Sheryl Crow)
TRIBECASTAN--"Coal Again" (Second Christmas set from eclectic and adventurous New York Jazz/World Music combo; Great stuff!)
SCOTT WILKIE--"Wonder Of Christmas" (Wide release of 2013 Smooth Jazz CD, previously available from the artist and in digital form from iTunes)
TOM WOPAT & JOHN SCHNEIDER--"Home For Christmas" (Those Duke boys are at it again)
SOUNDTRACK--"Saving Christmas" (Kirk Cameron vehicle declaring war on the supposed "War on Christmas", which is a myth, but whatever)
VARIOUS--"An Alternative Christmas" (2 disc set featuring Snow Patrol, She & Him, Sufjan Stevens, Belle & Sebastian, much more)
VARIOUS--"It's Christmas On Mack Avenue" (Collection from jazz/r&b label whose roster includes Christian McBride and Sean Jones)
MOTOWN CHRISTMAS VINYL delayed to November 24
OCTOBER 31
CHRISTINE ANU--"Island Christmas" (Australian singer and actress sounding great as always; hard copy will likely be Import)
KELLY CLARKSON-"Wrapped In Red" (Wal-Mart Exclusive CD/DVD combo; available on-line 10/21, in-store 10/30)
THE CONNECTION--"A Christmas Gift For..." (Rockin' outfit from New Hampshire deliver another dose of high-test Christmas fuel)
FOILED AGAIN--"Blanket Of Winter" (Pleasant Folk/AC release)
LEE KERNAGHAN--"Driving Home For Christmas" (Australian Country singer)
NOVEMBER 1
KEN LAVIGNE--"Comfort and Joy" (Canadian Tenor)
PRETTIER THAN MATT--"Christmas Jams" (Digital EP from Indie Folk Pop duo)
NOVEMBER 2
ALLISON CROWE--"Souling" (Old school a cappella folk)
SANDI PATTY--"Christmas Blessings" (Target Exclusive version featuring two bonus tracks, one featuring Jim Brickman)
NOVEMBER 4
BLUE RODEO--"A Merrie Christmas To You" (Canadian Country Rock band)
BLUE RODEO--"A Merrie Christmas To You" (Digital version of above)
BROTHERS FOUR--"Merry Christmas" (Real Gone reissue of 1966 LP, last issued on CD in 1997, expanded with 4 additional tracks)
JONATHAN BURTON--"Southern Soul Christmas" (New Jersey born artist, who has backed The Manhattans and others, now based in NC)
SAM BUSH & KATHRYN CAINE--"A Very Love & Mercy Christmas" (Two top Folk/Bluegrass/Country artists combine forces)
LARRY CARLTON--"Four Hands & A Heart Christmas"
ROSEMARY CLOONEY--"White Christmas" (Expanded re-issue of Clooney's 1954 EP from Real Gone, containing 7 additional tracks)
JOHN DENVER--"The Christmas Gift" (Well-loved movie from 1986 released on DVD)
FRANK DeVOL--"The Old Sweet Songs Of Christmas" (From our friends at Real Gone, a classic 1960 LP makes its CD DEBUT!!)
EVERLY BROTHERS--"Christmas With The Everly Brothers" (High quality vinyl re-issue)
ROBERT GOULET--"The Complete Columbia Christmas Recordings" (Real Gone release of LPs from '63 and '72, plus Goodyear and promo sides)
SHAUN GROVES--"Christmas, Vol. 1" (EP from CCM artist; Christian Pop with Brit sensibilities; there will be hard copy)
KINGSTON TRIO--"Last Month Of The Year" (Latest reissue of classic 1960 LP from Real Gone)
MARK KOZELEK--"Sings Christmas Carols" (Indie folk rocker known for his work with Red House Painters and Sun Kil Moon)
RICK LANG -- "That's What I Love About Christmas" (Bluegrass player/singer/songwriter does an album with lots of Jazz influence)
THE LEEVEES--"Hanukkah Rocks" (High quality vinyl re-issue)
OVER THE RHINE--"Blood Oranges In The Snow" (delayed from last year's scheduled release, promises to be as brilliant as their first 2 xmas albums)
PROXY--"Christmas" (CCM pop)
DAVID RICARD BIG BAND--"Holidays With A Bang" (Energetic Big Band, but quirky...in a good way; excellent)
RKVC--"Christmas" (Delaware Pop Rock duo)
SEEBURG MUSIC LIBRARY--"Twelve Songs For Christmas" (Vinyl version of a collection of stone-age Muzak--sorta--released digitally/CD in 2012)
SKYDIGGERS--"Angels" (Last year's 5 song EP expanded to 10 track full album size; Canadian Roots Rock band)
STATLER BROTHERS--"The Complete Mercury Christmas Recordings" (Real Gone two-fer combining albums from '78 and '85)
THE VAMPS--"Meet The Vamps" (Target exclusive with three bonus holiday tracks)
KIM WALKER-SMITH--"When Christmas Comes" (Christian Americana artist)
ANDY WILLIAMS & THE WILLIAMS BROTHERS--"The Williams Brothers Christmas Album" (Real Gone reissue)
DWIGHT YOKAM--"Come On Christmas" (Vinyl re-issue of 1997 Country/Americana album)
VINNIE & JANICE ZUMMO--"A Retro Cool Mixed Bag Christmas" (Third Christmas set from former Joe Jackson guitarist; super cool & varied album)
VARIOUS--"Carols For A Cure, Vol. 16" (The annual Broadway Cares 2-CD charity effort; this year's big name is Sting)
CAST--"Christmas With Nashville" (Target exclusive; the cast of the TV show "Nashville"; some songs will appear in an upcoming holiday episode)
SOUNDTRACK--"Music From The Motion Picture ELF" (First time on vinyl for this soundtrack of the popular Will Ferrell movie)
Putumayo's "French Christmas" delayed to November 18
SOUNDTRACK--"Merry Friggin' Christmas" (Soundtrack to one of Robin Williams' final films which releases November 7)
VARIOUS--"Ellen's The Only Holiday Album You'll Ever Need, Vol. 1" (Target exclusive; Pop Christmas favorites presented by Ellen Degeneres)
VARIOUS--"PDXmas 2014" (Charity collection of mostly Alt Rock and experimental from Portland Oregon)
VARIOUS--"Yes! Now This Is What I Call Southern Soul Xmas" (14 tracks of deep fried southern soul from J-Wonn, Big Cynthia, TK Soul & more)
NOVEMBER 7
MAX ABRAMS--"Christmas Jazz" (Traditional Jazz beautifully done by sax man and friends on 5 song set; Raul Malo provides vocals on two cuts)
CLAY ALSTON--"Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" (Country artist from Louisiana; hard copy will be at CD Baby soon)
SARAH DAWN FINER--"Vinterland" (Swedish singer follows up 2010 Christmas set "Winterland" with "Vinterland", entirely in Swedish)
GOOD SHEPHERD BAND--"All The Bells Shall Ring" (Second Christmas effort from Alt Rock CCM group from Indiana)
THE HIT MEN--"Holiday Hits" (Former members of the Four Seasons, The Shondells and others giving an oldies spin to popular Christmas songs)
JONATHAN MEHARRY--"Christmas" (CCM Pop/AC; quite nice)
JENNY TALIA--"Christmashits" (Daughter of Australia's Kevin Bloody Wilson following her father's footsteps with comedic song)
NOVEMBER 8
ROAD 23--"If I Was There" (Contemporary Christian band from Kansas)
NOVEMBER 10
NILS LANDGREN--"Christmas With My Friends, Vol. IV" (Swedish Jazz player who generally lets his Christmas guests guide the music)
NILS LANDGREN--"Christmas With My Friends, Vol. IV" (Domestically, we get the download version, which is something, at least)
IRVIN MAYFIELD--"New Orleans Creole Christmas" (Creole flavored Big Band Jazz)
NOVEMBER 11
KRISTIN AMARIE & DAVID LANZ--"Forever Christmas" (New Age/Ambient)
PETER ANDRE--"White Christmas" (Sold exclusively through Iceland food stores)
VANESSA CAMPAGNA--"Home For The Holidays" (Third holiday set from Country Pop singer/songwriter)
CHICAGO--"What's It Gonna Be Santa?" (Vinyl release; theoretically of the longer 2003 version, not the shorter 1998 version)
EVERFOUND--Christmas EP (Russian born brothers from Colorado; pop rock sound with a Russian twist)
HEART (& FRIENDS)--"Home For The Holidays" (CD/DVD; soundtrack and video of last year's holiday concert)
HEART (& FRIENDS)--"Home For The Holidays" (Blu-Ray version of above; no CD with this version)
JOHNNYSWIM--"A Johnnyswim Christmas" (Christmas EP from popular Nashville based pop/soul/folk/blues duo)
JOHNNY MANN SINGERS--"We Wish You A Merry Christmas" (1967 Liberty album; first time on CD; issued digitally in 2011)
MIRANDA--"Beautiful Night" (Kickstarter campaign underway for Indie Christian Pop & sometimes Country singer)
GABY MORENO--"Posada" (Jazz/Blues singer/songwriter and Latin Grammy award winner delivers a mostly Latin Christmas effort)
PINK MARTINI--"Joy To The World Vinyl Box Set" (A collection of the holiday 10" singles from their Xmas CD, includes two songs not on the CD)
RAKASTA JOULUA--"Ragnarok Juletide" (The Norwegian version of Trans Siberian Orchestra, only more metal based and with vocals)
TIN IDOLS--"Metal Kalikimaka" (Heavy Metal from Hawaii)
VARIOUS--"A Blues Christmas LP" (Vinyl collection featuring a "Best Of" selection of Alligator Records best Christmas Blues)
CAST--"Christmas At Downton Abbey" (2 CDs of "Downton Abbey" cast members singing and playing Christmas songs)
SOUNDTRACK--"Grumpy Cat's Worst Christmas Ever" (Music from Chris Mann, Bird and The Bee, K.T. Tunstall, Brian Setzer, more)
VARIOUS--"Merry & Bright" (Starbucks annual exclusive comp, this year featuring music produced by David Foster)
VARIOUS--"Soul Christmas" (Rhino collection featuring most of the usual suspects)
NOVEMBER 12
MAGNUS CARLSSON--"Happy Holidays" (Swedish Pop singer, formerly with the bands Alcazar and Barbados)
SARAH CROWE--"Merry Christmas From Sarah Crowe" (Surprisingly nice Indie Folk effort)
CHRIS HART--"Christmas Hearts" (American born singer living in Japan who is currently one of that country's top J-Pop artists)
NOVEMBER 14
FELIX CAVALIERE--"Christmas Joy" (First Christmas album from the voice of the Young Rascals; 10 tracks)
NOVEMBER 17-18
THE AVID LIGHT--"A Christmas Experience" (Christian Rock band from Texas)
JOHNNY CASH--"Christmas Spirit" (From Friday music; Ltd. Editon collectors grade vinyl release of 1963 LP)
COMMITTED--"Home For Christmas" (6 song EP from NBC's "Sing Off" season two champs)
BARBARA DICKSON--"Winter" (Contemporary Folk from one of Scotland's best selling female vocalists)
SARA EVANS--"At Christmas" (Wal-Mart exclusive; Country superstar joined by her family)
THE HENNINGSENS--"Our Family Christmas" (Ten song digital album from family Country trio; features 2 originals)
ICE CHOIR--"Pure Holiday" (7" single from Indie Synth Pop group based in Brooklyn; all proceeds to the Coalition for the Homeless)
SHARON JONES & THE DAP KINGS--"Just Another Christmas Song" / "Big Bulbs" (New 45 from Dap-Tone featuring an earlier freebie on the flip)
MARILLION--"A Collection of Recycled Gifts" (Progressive Rock band's collection of past Christmas fan club singles, plus a new one)
JOHNNY MATHIS--"Merry Christmas" (From Friday music; Ltd. Editon collectors grade RED vinyl release of 1958 LP)
WILLIE NELSON--"Pretty Paper" (From Friday music; based on price, it looks to be Ltd. Editon collectors grade vinyl release of 1979 LP)
CATRIONA O'LEARY, TOM JONES, ROSEANNE CASH, RHIANNON GIDDENS--"The Wexford Carols"
RELIENT K--"Let It Snow Baby...Let It Reindeer" (2007 album from CCM group on vinyl for the first time; 2-LP set, opaque red vinyl, limited to 1000)
REND COLLECTIVE--"Campfire Christmas, Vol. 1" (Experimental Folk Pop Rock Worship group)
REBECCA ROUBION--"Christmas Lights" (Indie Alternative singer/songwriter on the verge of breaking out)
THE ROYS--"Bluegrass Kinda Christmas" (Brother and Sister Bluegrass duo)
SHAKATAK--"Snowflakes And Jazzmatazz" (2 disc Import Jazz Funk from British group)
STRYPER--"Reason For The Season" / "Winter Wonderland" (Vinyl re-issue of Christian Hair Band's 1985 Christmas single)
B.J. THOMAS--"O Holy Night" (6 song EP; newly recorded)
VOCAL WORKS GOSPEL CHOIR--"A Soulful Christmas" (Digital version of December 1 Import release; soulful UK Gospel choir)
VARIOUS--"An Americana Christmas" (Vinyl version of Americana collection released on CD October 14; 180g collectors grade vinyl)
VARIOUS--"French Christmas" (Putumayo's annual Christmas offering goes French roast; oui oui!)
VARIOUS--"This Is Christmas" (CCM from BEC)
NOVEMBER 21_
TOM DYER--"Xmas - 30 Years In The Making" (CD from the man behind Green Monkey Records; includes the instant classic "No Lou This Xmas")
VARIOUS--"smoothfm Christmas" (Popular comp series Down Under features 30 tracks of Pop, AC and FM faves; Annie Lennox, Stevie Wonder, etc)
NOVEMBER 24-25
JOHNNY CASH--"A Johnny Cash Family Christmas" (From Friday music; Ltd. Editon collectors grade RED vinyl release of 1972 LP, gatefold cover)
THE CROFTS FAMILY--"Sparrow In The Birch" (A family effort on this Folk/Bluegrass album, featuring Indie Rock artist Callie Crofts)
TONE DAMLI--"Di Forste Jul" (Norwegian singer)
DUSTIN KENSRUE (as THE MODERN POST)--"Lowborn King" (5 song Christmas EP)
ANITA KERR/CHET ATKINS--"On This Christmas Night" / "Christmas With" (Affordable Import twofer with bonus tracks)
DAVE KOZ--"25th of December" (Red vinyl version of Sept. 30th release from Smooth Jazz saxman)
MAD TRIO (featuring INGRID BEAUJEAN)--"Christmas Time" (Jazz trio from Mexico City; sweet!)
LOREENA McKENNITT--"A Midwinter Night's Dream" (Vinyl reissue of 2008 CD release from this Celtic Folk/New Age artist)
SAVANNAH MOON--"As Men Of Old Have Sung" (Indie Christian Alt Folk Pop artist)
REVEREND CHRIS & THE HIGH ROLLERS--"The Man With The Bag" (Philly based group specializing in Viper era Jazz and Blues)
TIM RUSHLOW--"Classic Christmas" (Former lead singer of Little Texas; working title was "Big Band Christmas", so expect Big Band sound)
SALSOUL ORCHESTRA--"Christmas Jollies" (Vinyl reissue of the first of Salsoul's two Christmas albums; collector's grade 180g red vinyl)
SMALLTOWN POETS--"Christmas Time Again"
WEEPING WILLOWS--"Christmas Time Has Come" (Swedish Indie Rock band featuring Magnus Carlson; Import)
WEEPING WILLOWS--"Christmas Time Has Come" (Vinyl version of the above; Import)
VARIOUS--"Christmas In Soulsville" (Vinyl edition of 2007 collection)
VARIOUS--"Christmas: The Complete Songbook" (Eclectic budget priced 3-CD collection)
VARIOUS--"Midnight Clear" (Metalcore label Solid State with their first Christmas compilation; features August Burns Red, Forevermore, more)
VARIOUS--"Motown Christmas" (Vinyl version of new Motown Xmas album; CD released September 30)
VARIOUS--"Saint Etienne Presents Songs For A London Winter" (A sixties Christmas, London style; many tracks making their CD debut)
VARIOUS--"smoothfm Christmas" (Australian comp--see 11/21--reaches American shores)
VARIOUS--"Winter Is On My Head, Vol. 6" (Annual Indie set for charity; limited number of hard copy CDs for $10, digital album is just $1)
NOVEMBER 28
JOANNA BEASLEY--TBD (Contemporary Christian artist and former American Idol contestant)
CHAINSAW HOLLIES--"Christmas In Shacktown Too" (Digital re-issue of 1996 Christmas single from '90s Alt Rock/Brit Pop group)
MILES DAVIS--"Blue Xmas (To Whom It May Concern)" (First time on 45; colored vinyl 7" with PS, ltd to 5000; Record Store Day release)
FLAMING LIPS--"Atlas Eets Christmas" (First time on vinyl--red--for this ultra-rare 2007 Christmas album; Record Store Day release)
FLAMING LIPS--"Atlas Eets Christmas" (CD re-issue of Flaming Lips' 2007 "secret" Christmas album)
MICK FOLEY & SHOOTER JENNINGS--"Crazy Christmas" (7" white vinyl Country narrative; Record Store Day release; digital release Dec. 9)
BEN KWELLER--"It Ain't Christmas Yet" / "Here Comes Santa Claus" (7" red vinyl single, ltd to 1000; Record Store Day release)
NA HOA--"Cha-Lang-A-Lang Christmas" (CD-EP from traditional Hawaiian trio)
CARLO PODDIGHE--"Molto Groovy Christmas" (Christmas tunes arranged and played in the style of 60s era Italian soundtracks; its trippy)
CARLO PODDIGHE--"Molto Groovy Christmas" (Vinyl version of above)
JOEY RAMONE--"Christmas Spirit...In My House" (10" red vinyl, ltd to 2500; Record Store Day release)
RUN DMC--"Christmas In Hollis" / "Peter Piper" (7" colored vinyl with PS, ltd to 2000; Record Store Day release)
SARANTOS--"The Happiest Time Of The Year" (Pop Rock artist known for his prolific songwriting; album includes covers, originals, and stories)
PHIL SPECTOR ARTISTS--"A Christmas Gift For You" (12" red vinyl, ltd to 2000; Record Store Day release)
BESSIE SMITH--"At The Christmas Ball" / "Jazzbo Brown" (7" colored vinyl, ltd to 3000; Record Store Day release)
WHAM--"Last Christmas" (12" colored vinyl, ltd to 3000; Record Store Day release)
VARIOUS--"Christmas Rap" (12" colored vinyl, ltd to 1500; Record Store Day release)
VARIOUS--"The West End Goes MAD for Christmas" (Stars from Britain's Broadway singing newly written songs for charity)
VARIOUS--"This Warm December: A Brushfire Christmas, Vol. 1" (12" vinyl; Record Store Day release)
JINGLE BELL ROCKS (Brilliant documentary about Christmas music and we obsessive collectors; RSD release; official release Dec. 9)
DECEMBER 1
JASON MANNS--"Christmas With Friends" (Soulful Folk Pop artist; album is expected to feature Jensen Ackles from Supernatural, and others)
HANNAH PEEL--"Find Peace" / "I Believe In Father Christmas" (Snowflakes Christmas Single, Lmtd to 500 copies on white vinyl with PS)
TRIO BEMBE--"Feliz Navidad" (Latin Folk and Jazz from 2014 Global Music Award winners)
THE VAMPS--"Meet The Vamps: Christmas Edition" (Link is for UK orders ONLY: digital edition of Boy Band's debut with 8 xmas songs added)
VOCAL WORKS GOSPEL CHOIR--"A Soulful Christmas" (Soulful UK Gospel Choir; Pledgemusic funded)
NANCY WALLACE--"January" / "2000 Miles" (Snowflakes Christmas Single; Lmtd to 500 copies on white vinyl with PS)
VARIOUS--"Random Acts of Vinyl Xmas EP" (4 song Alt Rock/Indie Pop EP from UK label, limited edition 10"; also available digitally)
DECEMBER 2
EEK-A-MOUSE--"Christmas A-Come" (12" vinyl re-issue of the classic 1981 reggae single)
KAY MARTIN--"I Know What He Wants For Christmas" (Rockbeat re-issue of classic 1962 "Party Record"--on green vinyl with original cover art)
JOE PERRY--"Joe Perry's Merry Christmas"
THE WOODHOUSE--"Home For Christmas" (Canadian Jazz group; hard copy CD arrives December 22)
VARIOUS--"Saint Etienne Presents Songs For A London Winter" (Released overseas on 11/24, the Import reaches Amazon Dec. 2)
DECEMBER 3
A SUNNY DAY IN GLASGOW--"New Christmas Classics" (A 5-song cassette; we don't have a color for cassette; dream-pop/psych-pop; ltd to 300)
DECEMBER 4
SEAN KEANE--"Christmas By The Hearth" (Celtic Folk singer with a distinctive voice)
DECEMBER 5
NATHAN CARTER--"Christmas Stuff" (Irish Country singer; arrives at Amazon 12/16)
JOHN PAUL--"A Christmas With John Paul" (Not the Pope; instrumental 5-song EP from talented pianist who combines Jazz, Gospel, and Classical)
DECEMBER 8-9
BLOODSHOT BILL--"Stuffin' Her Stocking" / "Naughty Or Nice" (7" single from roots rocking one-man band on Norton Records)
THE DAN BAND--"Ho: A Dan Band Christmas" (Colored vinyl version of 2007 CD, with download card)
DZ DEATHRAYS / PULLED APART BY HORSES -- "Lonely This Christmas" / "Merry Christmas Everyone" (7" split, ltd and hand numbered)
GOOD LOVELIES--"Under The Mistletoe" (Vinyl edition of 2009 Folk/Harmony CD)
HARD LEFT--"Skinheads Home For Christmas" / "Yesterday's Hero" ("Hard-Mod"/Punk band from the UK)
JAMEY JOHNSON--"The Christmas Song" (EP from Country singer/songwriter)
MARK KOZELEK--"Sings Christmas Carols" (Green vinyl version of November 4 CD release from Indie Folk artist)
LOS CAMPESINOS!--"A Los Campesinos! Christmas" (Alt Rock band delivers plenty of holiday cheer on 6 song 12" vinyl collection)
SMOKE FAIRIES--"Wild Winter" (Rough Trade exclusive IMPORT CD from Alt Folk Rock/Dream Pop duo)
SMOKE FAIRIES--"Wild Winter" (Rough Trade exclusive IMPORT vinyl LP of above)
VARIOUS--"Christmas Joy In Full Measure" (Import CD of Indie Alt Rock arrives at Amazon; includes Young Knives, Webb Brothers and more)
JINGLE BELL ROCKS (VOD of brilliant documentary about Christmas music and we obsessive collectors)
JINGLE BELL ROCKS (wide release of DVD of the above)
DECEMBER 12
VARIOUS--"All Things New" (Indie Alt Folk Pop from Newcastle, UK; hard copies were available through Kickstarter and are currently sold out)
DECEMBER 13
ANDREAS ALEMAN--"Home For Christmas" (Soulful Pop from Swedish artist)
DECEMBER 15
REEL BIG FISH--"Happy Skalidays" (6 song EP)
DECEMBER 16
ROUGH SHOP--"Lit Up Like A Christmas Tree" (Very limited edition 150gm vinyl of this most excellent album; Pledge Music Exclusive)
DECEMBER 22
THE WOODHOUSE--"Home For Christmas" (Hard copy CD of Christmas set from Canadian Jazz group)
LIMBO LIST (projects which were originally scheduled but have disappeared from labels' schedules for whatever reason)
INDIA.ARIE--"Christmas With Friends" (No idea what happened with this one)
VARIOUS--"Mad Men Christmas II" (Music inspired by and suiting the era of the AMC hit series; figured to be a Target exclusive as Vol. 1 was)
VARIOUS--"One Big Happy Christmas" (Tooth & Nail release)
TBA
Sonja Alden -- "Jul I andlighetens rum" (NOVEMBER) (Swedish singer and what is likely a Christmas edition of her October release, "I andlighetens rum")
Chrisagis Brothers -- "I Believe In Christmas" (Contemporary Christian Country)
Denver & The Mile High Orchestra -- "Merry & Bright" (NOVEMBER) (Kickstarter funded)
D'Lovelies (Female "barbershop" A Cappella from Canada; Kickstarter funded)
East Los High (and others) (Starbucks sponsored CD of Christmas music from Arizona artists)
Eden -- "Stardust" (EP from Classical Crossover harmony duo from the UK; Pledge Music funded)
Conrad Fisher (Contemporary Country Gospel)
John Francis (NOVEMBER) (Christian trumpet player; sample his music here)
Angela Gheorghiu -- "Hurry Down My Chimney Tonight" (Classical crossover from European Opera star; Import)
Michael Grimm (NOVEMBER) (Soulful America's Got Talent winner)
Taylor J. Heinzen--"Into Winter" (New Age/Ambient artist from Minnesota; funding through Kickstarter)
Tonia Hughes (Gospel artist from Minnesota; Indiegogo funded)
JOE -- "Merry Thomas!" (R&B artist who previously released a Christmas EP in 2009, fleshed out to a full Xmas album in 2010)
Ronald Lashley -- "Christmas Jingles" (NOVEMBER) (Multi-instrumentalist Smooth Jazz artist--primarily flute--tackles the holidays)
Emo LeBlanc -- "Christmas With" (Indiegogo campaign open through July 28)
LeFevre Quartet (Southern Gospel)
Jen Lilley ("Days Of Our Lives" actress included on a holiday collection featuring celebrity artists; proceeds to wounded veterans)
ManoaDNA (Hawaiian Pop group led by Alx Kawakami)
Quasar Nibs (LATE SUMMER) (Experimental Instrumental Jazz Rock)
PelleK (NOVEMBER) (Norwegian power metal band) --Ooops! That was last year.
Postmodern Jukebox (Internet sensation specializing in covering current pop hits in vintage styles; Kickstarter funded)
The Quintons (NOVEMBER) (Contemporary harmony gospel)
Rodger Fox Big Band -- "Have Yourself A Swingin' Merry Christmas" (New Zealand Big Band Jazz)
Ruben Studdard (R&B from former American Idol winner)
Lizzie Thomas -- "Just In Time For The Holidays" (DECEMBER) (New York Jazz singer; Kickstarter funded)
3 Leg Torso (Eclectic group combining international folk and chamber music with jazz, rock n roll energy and a steampunk attitude)
Basil Valdez (Filipino vocalist)
Maureen Washington -- "Christmas Is" (Second Christmas album from Canadian Jazz vocalist)
Eric Wickens (Indianapolis Classic Modern artist--another way of saying Classical Crossover, I guess--does a mean "Grinch", I hear)
POSSIBLE
Charles A'Court (Canadian Roots artist--strong R&B influence--working with Chris Kirby; generally a PledgeMusic guy)
Pat Benatar (We've been waiting on this one so long, I don't think anybody cares anymore)
Toni Byrd (Jazz vocalist and songwriter from Atlanta)
Mariah Carey (duets with who?)
Kristin Chenoweth
David & Don (David Schelzel of The Ocean Blue and Don Paris of The Innocence Mission)
The Holy Rocka Rollaz (50s style original rock band from Minneapolis; good stuff!)
R Kelly -- "12 Nights Of Christmas"
Avril Lavigne--"Christmas Day" (Rumored to have been completed in January, but it could be a hoax)
The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra (The CBO has some Xmas recording sessions booked for July 2014 with various guest artists)
John Liner (DECEMBER) (8 song CD featuring fresh arrangements of classic carols like "The First Noel"; Kickstarter funded)
Jennifer Lopez (working with producer David Foster; likely ETA 2015)
Martina McBride
Meat Loaf--"Hot Holidays" (Rapidly approaching "I don't care anymore" territory)
Eddie Money
Dan Musselman (Minnesota Jazz pianist, proceeds to charity)
Nelson (Rickey Nelson's twin sons, Matthew and Gunnar, who had a hit or two once upon a time)
Jennifer Nettles
Poo Poodles (DIY Twee-Punk)
Smokey Robinson
The Saturdays (British girl group)
Diane Schuur
Billy Simpson (Winner of The Voice Indonesia in 2013)
Patty Smyth & Scandal (I'll always care about Patty)
Steve Sobiech (Midwest solo guitarist, versed in Jazz, Pop and Classical styles)
Upper East Side Big Band (Kickstarter campaign underway to fund CD, TV Special, with 180g vinyl to follow in 2015)
Wagner (X-Factor bongo player)
John Waller (Christian Pop singer, formerly with According To John; Kickstarter)
Amelia White (Alt Country/Americana artist whose brilliant album "Old Postcard" has just been released)
Deniece Williams (80s R&B songstress planning CD/DVD set)
2015
Ironing Board Sam (Blues legend)
Jillaine--"Jazzy Christmas To You: The Classics"
Piedmont Brothers Band (NC Piedmont group blending folk, blues, country and mountain music; sound a bit like Cali country rock, a la Poco)
Kate Rusby (2nd Christmas set from Folk Pop artist; "Sweet Bells" was her first)
Jennifer Thomas (Classical Crossover Artist)
Rhonda Vincent (Bluegrass/Country)
Thisbe Vos (participants in crowd funding received the album in 2014)
VARIOUS--"Mr. Santa's Boogie (Santa's Secret)" (Essential Savoy jazz and blues comp, long out of print. Originally released in 1985)
MAY 20
LAURA ZAERR--"Wolcum Yole" (Celtic harp album, originally released in 2001)
JUNE 24
JOE NEGRI--"Guitars For Christmas" (Superb jazz guitar in a Joe Pass vein from Pittsburgh legend. Originally released in 2003)
NANCY WILSON--"A Nancy Wilson Christmas" (Reissue of 2001 release)
VARIOUS--"Merry Christmas" (British import collection featuring 75 holiday favorites...all PD under British law, natch)
JULY 11
PETER PAN SINGERS--"Christmas Classics" (Digital reissue of 2000 CD collection of vintage generic kids music)
PETER PAN CAROLLERS--"Christmas Past" (Digital reissue of 2000 CD collection of vintage generic kids music)
JULY 15
ANXIOUS RABBIT--"An Unexpected Christmas" (Contemporary pop/rock arrangements that'll probably play well with kids)
GINA BOE--"David's Dynasty" (Humorous Christian choral tale of a family of shepherds and the Christmas story; a "listening CD", whatever that means)
VARIOUS--"Repossession: A Christmas Album" (2-CD set of Christian Metal, some old and some new, with proceeds going to abused children)
VARIOUS--"The Golden Age Of Light Music: Christmas Lights" (Features Frank Chacksfield, Percy Faith & Stanley Black; domestic release in Nov.)
JULY 22
BOBBY VINTON--"A Very Merry Christmas" (Digital release of classic 1964 holiday album)
VARIOUS--"Jolly Old Christmas" (One of those ubiquitous thrown together digital comps, but this one has "Christmas Dragnet" and some other goodies)
JULY 27
L.P. REYNOLDS--"L.P. Reynolds Christmas" (Well, it's certainly different)
SUSI WEISS JAZZ TRIO--"Susi's Bar Piano--Merry Christmas" (Digital reissue of 2011 German release featuring bar piano jazz)
JULY 30
VARIOUS--"A Country Christmas" (Digital collection of Country Christmas standards from Johnny Cash, Brenda Lee, Elvis, etc. Be careful, however, as the tracks aren't matching up to the sound samples at present)
VARIOUS--"Christmas With The Stars" (Digital collection of holiday favorites featuring Elvis, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, etc. Be careful, however, as the tracks aren't matching up to the sound samples at present)
AUGUST 1
DISCOLAB--"Electronic Christmas" (Interesting Electro Pop release from Lithuanian label)
AUGUST 7
ELVIS BAGGIO--"Christmas Party with Elvis Baggio" (Canadian Elvis impersonator)
AUGUST 12
ARMONICO CONSORT--"On Christmas Night" (Classical; a re-issue of a 2011 release; mp3 version due July 28)
GUNTER GRAULICH & THE MOTETTENCHOR STUTTGART -- "Telemann Cantatas For Advent And Christmas" (Classical, recorded in 1979*)
*Probably a reissue, but classical is not my strong suit
VOX TURTURIS--"Christmas Carols--From Village Green to Church Choir" (Classical; mp3 version due July 28)
AUGUST 13
FARRELL & FARRELL--"Acoustic Christmas" (Reissue of 2008 Christian release)
ORIGINAL CAST--"The Great American Trailer Park Christmas [EXPLICIT]" (Sequel to "The Great American Trailer Park Musical")
AUGUST 19
THE A-STRINGS--"Home For Christmas" (One of my favorite LPs from the 80s, released on CD in 1989 or 1990--and not since, I don't think)
SEPTEMBER 2
EVERFOUND--Christmas EP DELAYED to November 11
GOSPEL FILMS ARCHIVES--"Christmas Collection" (Vintage film/tv shorts, including "Star Of Bethlehem", "Christmas Is Magic" & "3 Young Kings")
JOHN SCHLITT--"The Christmas Project" (Christian rock; official hard copy release of 2013 digital-only/CD-R album)
PAUL SCIABA--"Home For Christmas" (Massachusetts based guitarist will an album of solo instrumentals; popish with a light jazz touch)
DEBI SMITH--"If I Were An Angel" (Traditional female vocal)
ALAN WILLIAMS--"Christmas Lullaby" (New Age piano, reverent and reflective)
VARIOUS--"The Indie Christmas Album, Vol. 2" (Digital comp from Publishing and Licensing company featuring Tommy James and others)
SEPTEMBER 8
SANDI PATTY--"Christmas Blessings" (Cracker Barrel Exclusive version featuring two bonus tracks; wide release set for October 14)
SEPTEMBER 9
BRAD HANSON--"Christmas" (New Agey solo piano)
JEAN WATSON--"Christmas...Not The Way It Seems" (Contemporary Christian artist with her second Celtic flavored holiday set)
VARIOUS--"80s Wonderland" (A selection of popular 80s Christmas tunes; features The Weather Girls, Hall & Oates, Buster Poindexter, more)
SEPTEMBER 12
LYNNIE GODFREY--"Spending The Holidays With Lynnie Godfrey" (Actress and Jazz singer does holiday standards in classic crooner style)
VARIOUS--"Home For The Holidays -- Merry Christmas" (Jasmine collection of classic stuff; technically an import)
VARIOUS--"Snowbound For Christmas: Fun Songs, Classics & Rarities" (Jasmine collection bringing together rare classic Christmas EPs)
SEPTEMBER 16
BOOKER T. & THE MGs--"In The Christmas Spirit" (Friday Music reissue of 1966 classic, last reissued in 2004 by Rhino/Atlantic)
ELIZABETH CHAN--"Christmas In The City" (The reigning Queen of Christmas returns with even more holiday sugarplums)
RAY PRICE--"Christmas Album" (Legacy CD re-issue of great album by a great artist, with original cover art)
THE SACKVILLE ALL-STARS--"Christmas Record" (Reissue of a classic Christmas Jazz album, originally released in 1986)
THE SALSOUL ORCHESTRA--"Christmas Jollies (Deluxe Edition)" (Now with even more bad disco; Deluxe Edition issued digitally last year)
SEPTEMBER 23
MANY STRINGS & CO.--"Merry Galldurn Christmas" (Vintage western music with a vaudevillian twist from Utah couple)
CHRIS NOLE--"A Chris Nole Christmas" (Piano-centric Christmas Jazz with a dash of Creole)
VARIOUS--"All I Want For Christmas Is A Little Classic Soul" (Looks to be a reissue of a budget priced 2005 collection)
VARIOUS--"An Ukulele Christmas 2" (Sequel to fine 2010 Neos release featuring instrumental holiday takes from contemporary Hawaiian artists)
VARIOUS--"Classic Christmas Carols" (Contemporary Christian collection featuring CCM takes on traditional carols)
VARIOUS--"Classic Holiday Standards" (Contemporary Christian collection featuring CCM takes on secular Christmas standards)
VARIOUS--"Ring The Bells" (CCM collection featuring Big Daddy Weave, Sidewalk Prophets, etc; some previously only available promotionally)
SEPTEMBER 29
ELVIS PRESLEY--"The Elvis Christmas Album" ("Triple Play" release of 1957 classic--LP,CD, MP3--high quality red vinyl; appears to be a UK release)
SEPTEMBER 30
ALABAMA--"Angels Among Us: Hymns & Gospel Favorites" (Not Christmas, but it is Alabama)
LIONA BOYD--"A Winter Fantasy" (Third Christmas set from the First Lady of the Guitar; classical crossover artist)
JAMES BROWN--"Soulful Christmas" (Classic collection back on vinyl)
STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN--"Christmas Hymns"
THE CHIPMUNKS--"Christmas With The Chipmunks"
NAT KING COLE--"The Christmas Song"
BING CROSBY--"Merry Christmas" (The original LP configuration originally released in 1955, remastered and back on vinyl)
BING CROSBY--"Icon Christmas" (Budget priced repackaging of Bing's best loved Christmas tunes)
ELLA FITZGERALD--"Icon Christmas" (Budget priced repackaging, yada yada yada)
ELLA FITZGERALD--"Wishes You A Swinging Christmas" (Back on vinyl)
BILL & GLORIA GAITHER--"Homecoming Christmas Icon" (Repackaging that ol' gospel music)
AMY GRANT--"Icon Christmas" (Yet another repackaging of Amy's Christmas catalog; her 11 best)
BURL IVES--"Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer" (Classic back on vinyl)
JACKSON 5--"The Christmas Album"
DAVE KOZ--"The 25th of December" (Sax instrumentalist does an album featuring vocal duets, incl. with Richard Marx & with Stevie Wonder)
PEGGY LEE--"Icon Christmas" (Budget priced repackaging, yada yada yada)
SETH MACFARLANE--"Holiday For Swing" (Family Guy creator goes all Buble; featuring duets with Norah Jones and Sara Bareilles)
DEAN MARTIN--"Icon Christmas"
ANN MURRAY--"Icon Christmas" (Budget priced line from Universal)
GUY PENROD--"Christmas" (Gospel mainstay sings 15 Christmas classics, including "Tennessee Christmas" with Amy Grant & Vice Gill)
DAVID PHELPS--"O Holy Night" (Looks to be a collection of past tracks, but there's a TV special involved so we'll have to wait and see)
FRANK SINATRA--"A Jolly Christmas"
MICHAEL W. SMITH--"The Spirit Of Christmas" (Smith is joined here by Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Nettles, Little Big Town, Amy Grant, more)
SOVEREIGN GRACE--"Prepare Him Room" (Interesting Christian Alt Rock collective from Louisville; check their sounds on Bandcamp)
CHRIS TOMLIN--"Glory In The Highest (Deluxe Edition)" (Combines Chris' 2009 Christmas album with a DVD of Louis Giglio. Really?)
VARIOUS--"Celtic Christmas" (Budget priced 2 CD set featuring Sarah Moore, Michelle Amato, Michelle Lindahl and more)
VARIOUS--"Christmas Treasures" (Budget priced 2 CD set featuring a mix of soul and country...and Rosemary Clooney for some reason)
VARIOUS--"Motown Christmas" (An all new Motown Christmas album featuring Kem, India.Arie, Toni Braxton, Ne-Yo, Smokey Robinson, more)
VARIOUS--"O Holy Night: Christmas Songs of Worship" (Includes Amy Grant, Mandisa, Chris Tomlin, Steven Curtis Chapman, etc.)
VARIOUS--"Ultra Lounge Christmas Cocktails, Vol. I" (2-LP set; the vintage music rescued from old vinyl is now being rescued from CD)
VARIOUS--"Ultra Lounge Christmas Cocktails, Vol. II" (2-LP set; the vintage music rescued from old vinyl is now being rescued from CD)
OCTOBER 1
FARMER JASON--"Christmas On The Farm" (Jason Ringenberg of Jason & The Scorchers with his Kids music persona)
FERGUSON & FONTAINE--"Home For Christmas" (Portland duo self described as Blues and Jazzz; sound more traditional Americana pop to me)
ED KOENIG--"Peace On Earth: Christmas Tunes for Solo Guitar" (Gentle instrumental folk interpretations of traditional carols)
EMILY MITCHELL--"A Harp For Christmas, Vol. II" (Follow up to last year's "A Harp For Christmas, Vol. 1" from world renowned artist)
DAVID SENN--"Jazz Christmas Favourites" (Australian singer/songwriter/producer)
OCTOBER 4
KAT TINGEY--"Ring Out Wild Bells" (Ultra talented new singer/songwriter, folk pop/rock)
OCTOBER 7
.38 SPECIAL--"A Wild-Eyed Christmas Night" (Reissue of 2001 CD)
BANKS SOUNDTECH STEEL ORCHESTRA--"Steel Drums At Christmas" (Import re-issue of 1998 Steel Drum album)
BOYS OF ST. PAUL'S CHOIR SCHOOL--"Christmas In Harvard Square"
JIM BRICKMAN--"On A Winter's Night" (Holiday album "of a sort", says Brickman; Amazon exclusive)
EARTH WIND & FIRE delayed to OCTOBER 21
PEE WEE ELLIS--"The Spirit Of Christmas" (Wide hard copy release of Jazz legend's holiday set, available digitally last year)
PETER FURLER & DAVID IAN--"Peter Furler Christmas Featuring David Ian" (CCM is a classic Christmas crooner style, with a bit of World flavor)
GRIZZLY ADAMS--"Once Upon A Starry Night" (TV movie from 1978)
THE HILLIARD ENSEMBLE--"Transeamus" (Four man English choral group retiring on December 20; fitting they should go out with a Christmas CD)
INFINITELY MORE--"Tonight, Everywhere Is Bethlehem" (EP from Canadian Christian Folk Pop duo)
RICK LANG--"That's What I Love About Christmas" (Digital version; bluegrass artist goes Jazz; all original music)
RICK LANG'S CD (hard copy of above) is now slated for a NOVEMBER release (I've listed it with 11/4 releases until we hear more)
CLAIRE LYNCH BAND--"Holiday!" (Bluegrass/Americana artist reminiscent of Nancy Griffith and Alison Krauss)
LYNYRD SKYNYRD--"Christmas Time Again" (Reissue of 2000 CD)
CHAD McANALLY--"Chasing The Winter Sun: Traditional Christmas Music on the Gaelic Harp"
1 GIRL NATION--"A Merry 1 Girl Nation Christmas" (EP from Nashville based Christian pop rock group, popular with tweens)
BILLY McLAUGHLIN--"Winter Songs & Traditionals" (New Age guitar album from 1994, last reissued on CD in 2000)
SIMPLE GIFTS--"Of Shepherds & Angels" (Billy McLaughlin side project featuring female vocals)
CHARLES TIMBERLAKE & JOHN DANIELS--"A Glorious Light" (New Agey instrumental piano with orchestral arrangements from CCM duo)
THE DICK VAN DYKE SHOW--"Classic Christmas" (The Christmas episode, "The Alan Brady Show Presents", paired with "Uhny Uftz")
THE TWILIGHT ZONE--"Classic Christmas" ("Night of The Meek" with Art Carney paired with "Five Characters In Search Of An Exit")
VARIOUS--"Celebrating Christmas In The Antelope Valley" (Soulful Gospel featuring E.Z. Patterson, Dorothy Cage, and 4 Your Glory)
VARIOUS--"The Classic Christmas Hard Rock Album" (Looks to be a comp featuring tracks from the "Merry Axemas" albums and elsewhere)
VARIOUS--"Relaxing Christmas" (Budget priced collection; Wal-Mart Exclusive)
VARIOUS--"Silent Night Carols"
VARIOUS--"Wide Christmas" (Italian Jazz Christmas album, Diana Torto on vocals)
OCTOBER 9
TRINITY RIVER BAND--"On A Morning Like This" (folksy Bluegrass)
OCTOBER 14
TRACE ADKINS--"The Christmas Show" (DVD of Adkins' Christmas show following release last year of "The King's Gift")
DAVE BRUBECK--"Dave Brubeck Christmas" (Vinyl release of 1996 Telarc CD)
CAPITOL KIDS--"Capitol Kids Christmas" (Christmas favorites performed by kids for kids)
DEANA CARTER--"Father Christmas" (Re-issue on Red River of 2001 Rounder Records release)
CHOIR OF CLARE COLLEGE--"Lux de Caelo" (Classical)
EVERFOUND--"Resolution: Christmas EP" (Russian born brothers from Colorado; pop rock sound with a Russian twist; hard copy expected Nov. 11)
MICHAEL FEINSTEIN--"A Michael Feinstein Christmas"
RENEE FLEMING--"Christmas In New York" (Classical crossover artist)
TOM GRANT--"There's A Kitty Under The Christmas Tree" (Smooth Jazz featuring Rebecca Kilgore, Phil Baker and more)
VINCE GUARALDI TRIO--"A Charlie Brown Christmas" (Candy Cane--red and white--colored vinyl; NEWBURY COMICS EXCLUSIVE, #d to 1500)
WAYNE HAUN--"Sentimental Season" (Dove Award winning Smooth Jazz vocalist whose 2013 album hit #1 on the iTunes Jazz charts)
HUMAN NATURE--"Christmas Album" (Domestic release of 2013 Australian Import featuring popular pop vocal group)
SAM LEVINE--"New Orleans Christmas" (Smooth Jazz collides with Dixieland, or vice versa, likely containing previously released material)
SETH MACFARLANE--"Holiday For Swing" (Vinyl version of holiday album from Family Guy creator, released on CD Sept. 30)
RORY McCLEERY--"Christmas With The Shepherds" (Highly traditional Religious/Classical Mass type music)
MEDIAEVAL BABES--"Of Kings & Angels"
MEDIAEVAL BABES--"Of Kings & Angels" (Vinyl version of above)
IDINA MENZEL--"Holiday Wishes" (Broadway star and the voice of Elsa in Disney's "Frozen"; album includes the original "December Prayer")
IDINA MENZEL--"Holiday Wishes" (Target Exclusive version with 2 exclusive bonus tracks)
JOSHUA MILLS--"Christmas Miracle" (Contemporary Christian artist in a folk pop vein; funded through Kickstarter)
MOON LIGHT--"A Moon Light Christmas With Bach" (Neo-Classical/New Age duo featuring 16 year old Aubree Oliverson, award winning violinist)
THE MORMON TABERNACLE CHOIR--"Let The Season In"
THE MORMON TABERNACLE CHOIR--"Let The Season In" (DVD version of above)
DAVID OSBORNE--"Home For Christmas" (Re-issue of 1995 CD, "Home For The Holidays"; piano & strings from the "pianist to the Presidents")
SANDI PATTY--"Christmas Blessings"
CHRISTOPHER PHILLIPS--"Piano Chill: Songs Of Christmas" (Solo piano from Green Hill)
THE REVELS--"From Parlour To Palace" (Victorian Age music)
AARON SHUST--"Unto Us" (Contemporary Christian)
TV GUIDE--"TV's Merriest Holiday Episodes" (12 SitComs of Christmas; "Flying Nun", "Partridge Family", "News Radio", "3rd Rock" and more)
VEGGIE TALES--TBD (Winter/holiday themed set from the edibles features Kelly Pickler--as a sweet potato--and music from their "Beauty & The Beet")
DALE WATSON--"Christmas Time In Texas" (Re-issue of 2001 holiday set)
WDR BIG BAND & HIRAM BULLOCK--"Christmas Revisited" (2007 live recording, one of the last performances of Hiram Bullock)
WDR BIG BAND & HIRAM BULLOCK--"Christmas Revisited" (Vinyl version of above)
JIM WILSON--"Winterscape" (New Agey piano, a la David Lanz or Jim Brickman)
THE XMAS MEN--"Santa Is Real" (Robert Earl Keen's band takes the spotlight on this Country Swing, jazz flavored, instrumental effort)
VARIOUS--"An Americana Christmas" (Americana Christmas collection featuring both old and new; Johnny Cash, The Band, Bob Dylan, more)
Vinyl version (180g) of "An Americana Christmas" has been delayed to November 18
VARIOUS--"Blues Blues Christmas, Vol. 4" (2-CD set; the latest collection of vintage Blues in the exceptional series from Document Records)
VARIOUS--"Christmas In The Rockies" (Bluegrass collection featuring Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road, Wild & Blue, Country Gentlemen, more)
VARIOUS--"Christmas Romance" (15 romantic Christmas favorites from Green Hill)
VARIOUS--"Christmas Soul" (Green Hill's got soul? Who knew? Includes Donny Hathaway, Frankie Lymon, The Cadillacs, Otis Redding, more)
VARIOUS--"Christmas Goes Gospel: 'Tis The Season" (Soulful side of Christian music features Mandisa, Take 6, Mary Mary, Temptations and more)
VARIOUS--"Gonna Have A Real Soulful Christmas" (Vintage Soul and R&B is in these days; a couple of tunes make their CD debut)
VARIOUS--"Mad Men Christmas" (Wide release of last year's Target exclusive)
WHITE CHRISTMAS: Diamond Anniversary Edition (Blu-ray of the 1954 Bing Crosby film includes an exclusive CD featuring some unreleased music)
OCTOBER 15
CAROLYN ARENDS--"Christmas: The Story of Stories" (Christian Folk from Dove Award winning Canadian artist; Kickstarter funded)
JOSHUA CREEK--"I Still Believe" (EP featuring "Little Drummer Boy", "O Holy Night" and Joshua Creek originals)
BRENNEN LEIGH & NOEL McKAY - "In The Bleak Midwinter" (Americana)
MARILYN SCOTT--"Get Christmas Started" (Live Jazz and Blues set; great stuff)
OCTOBER 18
DOLCE CANTO--"A Joyful Season" (Missouri Choral group)
OCTOBER 21
BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA & TAJ MAHAL--"Talkin' Christmas" (Blues meets Gospel)
MICHAEL BUBLE--"Christmas" (The vinyl version; way to milk it, Mike; the album's been "new" for years)
CELTIC WOMEN--"O Christmas Tree" (Target exclusive; 6 song EP of tracks never before released on CD)
CHRISTMAS JUG BAND--"Jugology" (Best Of collection from eclectic tongue-in-cheek Alt Folk holiday collective)
EARTH, WIND & FIRE--"Holiday" (First holiday CD from iconic R&B group)
ANTHONY HAMILTON--"Home For The Holidays"
EMMY LOU HARRIS--"Light Of The Stable" (180g vinyl re-issue of the 1979 classic featuring Neil Young, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and more)
LOU--"Another Christmas Eve (The Snowflake Edition)" (EP; I have no idea who Lou is. None.)
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER--"30/40" (30th/40th anniversary collection of Mannheim Steamroller/Fresh Aire fan favorites and "a few surprises")
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER--"30/40" (30th/40th anniversary VINYL collection of Mannheim Steamroller/Fresh Aire fan favorites and "a few surprises")
DAVID MYLES--"It's Christmas With David Myles" (Canadian Roots artist. Standards + covers of Jimmy Wakely, Buck Owens and Meaghan Smith)
DAVID MYLES--"It's Christmas With David Myles" (Vinyl version of above; both CD and LP are imports from Canada)
PENTATONIX--"That's Christmas To Me" (2nd holiday set from A cappella group and former winners of NBC's "Sing Off")
OSCAR PETERSON--"An Oscar Peterson Christmas" (Vinyl release of 1995 Telarc CD)
FRANK SINATRA--"A Jolly Christmas" (Target exclusive with bonus DVD of Bing Crosby/Frank Sinatra Christmas special)
TRANS SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA--"Christmas Attic" (2-LP collectors grade vinyl re-issue of TSO's second release. CD originally released in 1998)
KATE WALLACE--"The Road To Bethlehem" (Long time Folk artist with her first full-length Christmas album; we do expect hard copy)
VARIOUS--"All Is Calm All Is Bright: Songs of Christmas" (CCM collection of newly recorded tracks from Sandi Patty, Jaclyn Velasquez, more)
VARIOUS--"Gift Wrapped: Tis The Season" (The latest LP in the "Gift Wrapped" series featuring Alt bands and cult classics)
VARIOUS--"Icon Pop Christmas Favorites"
VARIOUS--"Icon Country Christmas"
VARIOUS--"Rock By The Sea Christmas, Vol. 5" (Latest installment in the Florida organization's Christmas sets, supporting childrens' charities)
VARIOUS--"Soul Christmas" (the "Original" 1968 album featuring Otis Redding, Carla Thomas, Joe Tex and more on high quality Vinyl)
OCTOBER 24
MAGNUM--"On Christmas Day" (Progressive rock band from the UK presents a Limited Edition 10" vinyl single; so far import only)
MAGNUM--"On Christmas Day" (Digital version of above)
OCTOBER 27-28
ASHANTI--"A Wonderful Christmas With Ashanti [Deluxe Edition]" (Target exclusive; last year's digital EP fleshed out to a full CD)
CHRIS AUGUST--Christmas EP (Contemporary Christian artist)
RANDY BACHMAN--"Takin' Care Of Christmas" (Digital re-issue of the former Guess Who & BTO guitarist's 2008 Christmas album)
BEACH BOYS--"Beach Boys Christmas Album" (Vinyl re-issue from Capitol)
MEASHA BRUEGGERGOSMAN--"Christmas" (Canadian Opera darling tackles "The Christmas Song", "Little Drummer Boy", "River", and more)
CELTIC THUNDER--"Holiday Symphony" (Celtic group backed by a full symphony orchestra on this new holiday recording)
BOBBY DARIN--"25th Day Of December" (Limited Edition 55th Anniversary Vinyl reissue; remastered from the original tapes and on 180g vinyl)
JOEY DEFRANCESCO--"Home For The Holidays" (2 CD set from the Master of Jazz Organ)
NANCY LEIGH DEMOSS--"Come Adore" (Piano "meditations" of traditional carols from Christian radio host; available for a "donation")
JACLYN GUILLOU--"Winter For Beginners" (Winter themed Jazz set from Canada; no real Christmas tunes, but the title track is gorgeous)
HOME FREE--"Full Of Cheer" (Former winners of NBC's "The Sing Off"; a cappella)
ALAN JACKSON--"Let It Be Christmas" (Reissue of Country star's 2002 Christmas album)
DAVE KOZ--"The 25th of December" (Target exclusive version with 2 bonus tracks)
THE LIVING SISTERS--"Harmony Is Real: Songs For A Happy Holiday" (Folk Pop supergroup featuring Inara George of The Bird & The Bee)
THE LIVING SISTERS--"Harmony Is Real: Songs For A Happy Holiday" (Vinyl version of above)
MARIE-JOSEE LORD--"Amazing Grace" (Haitian born Opera Soprano, currently living in Canada)
MAGNUM--"On Christmas Day" (US Import listing for 10" vinyl single from English Progressive Rock band)
KAY MARTIN--"I Know What He Wants For Christmas" delayed to December 2
MAYSA--"A Very Maysa Christmas" (R&B/Jazz artist who bridges styles, genres and generations and ends up pleasing a diverse group of fans)
MISFITS-"Horror Xmas" (CD release of last year's limited edition vinyl single)
THE NEW ROYALTY--"Christmas With" (Awesome NJ Rock band; all 26 New Royalty Christmas songs from 2012 and 2013 for one low price)
LEANN RIMES--"One Christmas: Chapter One" (First of a trilogy of Christmas EPs from former Country Music sweetheart)
DANIEL RODRIGUEZ--"A Glorious Christmas" (New York's "singing cop" helped heal the nation after 9/11; classical/opera crossover)
ROUGH SHOP--"Lit Up Like A Christmas Tree" (Superb 2nd Christmas album from St. Louis based Folk Rock band)
DARIUS RUCKER--"Home For The Holidays" (Hootie & The Blowfish singer with his first full-length holiday effort; includes duet with Sheryl Crow)
TRIBECASTAN--"Coal Again" (Second Christmas set from eclectic and adventurous New York Jazz/World Music combo; Great stuff!)
SCOTT WILKIE--"Wonder Of Christmas" (Wide release of 2013 Smooth Jazz CD, previously available from the artist and in digital form from iTunes)
TOM WOPAT & JOHN SCHNEIDER--"Home For Christmas" (Those Duke boys are at it again)
SOUNDTRACK--"Saving Christmas" (Kirk Cameron vehicle declaring war on the supposed "War on Christmas", which is a myth, but whatever)
VARIOUS--"An Alternative Christmas" (2 disc set featuring Snow Patrol, She & Him, Sufjan Stevens, Belle & Sebastian, much more)
VARIOUS--"It's Christmas On Mack Avenue" (Collection from jazz/r&b label whose roster includes Christian McBride and Sean Jones)
MOTOWN CHRISTMAS VINYL delayed to November 24
OCTOBER 31
CHRISTINE ANU--"Island Christmas" (Australian singer and actress sounding great as always; hard copy will likely be Import)
KELLY CLARKSON-"Wrapped In Red" (Wal-Mart Exclusive CD/DVD combo; available on-line 10/21, in-store 10/30)
THE CONNECTION--"A Christmas Gift For..." (Rockin' outfit from New Hampshire deliver another dose of high-test Christmas fuel)
FOILED AGAIN--"Blanket Of Winter" (Pleasant Folk/AC release)
LEE KERNAGHAN--"Driving Home For Christmas" (Australian Country singer)
NOVEMBER 1
KEN LAVIGNE--"Comfort and Joy" (Canadian Tenor)
PRETTIER THAN MATT--"Christmas Jams" (Digital EP from Indie Folk Pop duo)
NOVEMBER 2
ALLISON CROWE--"Souling" (Old school a cappella folk)
SANDI PATTY--"Christmas Blessings" (Target Exclusive version featuring two bonus tracks, one featuring Jim Brickman)
NOVEMBER 4
BLUE RODEO--"A Merrie Christmas To You" (Canadian Country Rock band)
BLUE RODEO--"A Merrie Christmas To You" (Digital version of above)
BROTHERS FOUR--"Merry Christmas" (Real Gone reissue of 1966 LP, last issued on CD in 1997, expanded with 4 additional tracks)
JONATHAN BURTON--"Southern Soul Christmas" (New Jersey born artist, who has backed The Manhattans and others, now based in NC)
SAM BUSH & KATHRYN CAINE--"A Very Love & Mercy Christmas" (Two top Folk/Bluegrass/Country artists combine forces)
LARRY CARLTON--"Four Hands & A Heart Christmas"
ROSEMARY CLOONEY--"White Christmas" (Expanded re-issue of Clooney's 1954 EP from Real Gone, containing 7 additional tracks)
JOHN DENVER--"The Christmas Gift" (Well-loved movie from 1986 released on DVD)
FRANK DeVOL--"The Old Sweet Songs Of Christmas" (From our friends at Real Gone, a classic 1960 LP makes its CD DEBUT!!)
EVERLY BROTHERS--"Christmas With The Everly Brothers" (High quality vinyl re-issue)
ROBERT GOULET--"The Complete Columbia Christmas Recordings" (Real Gone release of LPs from '63 and '72, plus Goodyear and promo sides)
SHAUN GROVES--"Christmas, Vol. 1" (EP from CCM artist; Christian Pop with Brit sensibilities; there will be hard copy)
KINGSTON TRIO--"Last Month Of The Year" (Latest reissue of classic 1960 LP from Real Gone)
MARK KOZELEK--"Sings Christmas Carols" (Indie folk rocker known for his work with Red House Painters and Sun Kil Moon)
RICK LANG -- "That's What I Love About Christmas" (Bluegrass player/singer/songwriter does an album with lots of Jazz influence)
THE LEEVEES--"Hanukkah Rocks" (High quality vinyl re-issue)
OVER THE RHINE--"Blood Oranges In The Snow" (delayed from last year's scheduled release, promises to be as brilliant as their first 2 xmas albums)
PROXY--"Christmas" (CCM pop)
DAVID RICARD BIG BAND--"Holidays With A Bang" (Energetic Big Band, but quirky...in a good way; excellent)
RKVC--"Christmas" (Delaware Pop Rock duo)
SEEBURG MUSIC LIBRARY--"Twelve Songs For Christmas" (Vinyl version of a collection of stone-age Muzak--sorta--released digitally/CD in 2012)
SKYDIGGERS--"Angels" (Last year's 5 song EP expanded to 10 track full album size; Canadian Roots Rock band)
STATLER BROTHERS--"The Complete Mercury Christmas Recordings" (Real Gone two-fer combining albums from '78 and '85)
THE VAMPS--"Meet The Vamps" (Target exclusive with three bonus holiday tracks)
KIM WALKER-SMITH--"When Christmas Comes" (Christian Americana artist)
ANDY WILLIAMS & THE WILLIAMS BROTHERS--"The Williams Brothers Christmas Album" (Real Gone reissue)
DWIGHT YOKAM--"Come On Christmas" (Vinyl re-issue of 1997 Country/Americana album)
VINNIE & JANICE ZUMMO--"A Retro Cool Mixed Bag Christmas" (Third Christmas set from former Joe Jackson guitarist; super cool & varied album)
VARIOUS--"Carols For A Cure, Vol. 16" (The annual Broadway Cares 2-CD charity effort; this year's big name is Sting)
CAST--"Christmas With Nashville" (Target exclusive; the cast of the TV show "Nashville"; some songs will appear in an upcoming holiday episode)
SOUNDTRACK--"Music From The Motion Picture ELF" (First time on vinyl for this soundtrack of the popular Will Ferrell movie)
Putumayo's "French Christmas" delayed to November 18
SOUNDTRACK--"Merry Friggin' Christmas" (Soundtrack to one of Robin Williams' final films which releases November 7)
VARIOUS--"Ellen's The Only Holiday Album You'll Ever Need, Vol. 1" (Target exclusive; Pop Christmas favorites presented by Ellen Degeneres)
VARIOUS--"PDXmas 2014" (Charity collection of mostly Alt Rock and experimental from Portland Oregon)
VARIOUS--"Yes! Now This Is What I Call Southern Soul Xmas" (14 tracks of deep fried southern soul from J-Wonn, Big Cynthia, TK Soul & more)
NOVEMBER 7
MAX ABRAMS--"Christmas Jazz" (Traditional Jazz beautifully done by sax man and friends on 5 song set; Raul Malo provides vocals on two cuts)
CLAY ALSTON--"Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" (Country artist from Louisiana; hard copy will be at CD Baby soon)
SARAH DAWN FINER--"Vinterland" (Swedish singer follows up 2010 Christmas set "Winterland" with "Vinterland", entirely in Swedish)
GOOD SHEPHERD BAND--"All The Bells Shall Ring" (Second Christmas effort from Alt Rock CCM group from Indiana)
THE HIT MEN--"Holiday Hits" (Former members of the Four Seasons, The Shondells and others giving an oldies spin to popular Christmas songs)
JONATHAN MEHARRY--"Christmas" (CCM Pop/AC; quite nice)
JENNY TALIA--"Christmashits" (Daughter of Australia's Kevin Bloody Wilson following her father's footsteps with comedic song)
NOVEMBER 8
ROAD 23--"If I Was There" (Contemporary Christian band from Kansas)
NOVEMBER 10
NILS LANDGREN--"Christmas With My Friends, Vol. IV" (Swedish Jazz player who generally lets his Christmas guests guide the music)
NILS LANDGREN--"Christmas With My Friends, Vol. IV" (Domestically, we get the download version, which is something, at least)
IRVIN MAYFIELD--"New Orleans Creole Christmas" (Creole flavored Big Band Jazz)
NOVEMBER 11
KRISTIN AMARIE & DAVID LANZ--"Forever Christmas" (New Age/Ambient)
PETER ANDRE--"White Christmas" (Sold exclusively through Iceland food stores)
VANESSA CAMPAGNA--"Home For The Holidays" (Third holiday set from Country Pop singer/songwriter)
CHICAGO--"What's It Gonna Be Santa?" (Vinyl release; theoretically of the longer 2003 version, not the shorter 1998 version)
EVERFOUND--Christmas EP (Russian born brothers from Colorado; pop rock sound with a Russian twist)
HEART (& FRIENDS)--"Home For The Holidays" (CD/DVD; soundtrack and video of last year's holiday concert)
HEART (& FRIENDS)--"Home For The Holidays" (Blu-Ray version of above; no CD with this version)
JOHNNYSWIM--"A Johnnyswim Christmas" (Christmas EP from popular Nashville based pop/soul/folk/blues duo)
JOHNNY MANN SINGERS--"We Wish You A Merry Christmas" (1967 Liberty album; first time on CD; issued digitally in 2011)
MIRANDA--"Beautiful Night" (Kickstarter campaign underway for Indie Christian Pop & sometimes Country singer)
GABY MORENO--"Posada" (Jazz/Blues singer/songwriter and Latin Grammy award winner delivers a mostly Latin Christmas effort)
PINK MARTINI--"Joy To The World Vinyl Box Set" (A collection of the holiday 10" singles from their Xmas CD, includes two songs not on the CD)
RAKASTA JOULUA--"Ragnarok Juletide" (The Norwegian version of Trans Siberian Orchestra, only more metal based and with vocals)
TIN IDOLS--"Metal Kalikimaka" (Heavy Metal from Hawaii)
VARIOUS--"A Blues Christmas LP" (Vinyl collection featuring a "Best Of" selection of Alligator Records best Christmas Blues)
CAST--"Christmas At Downton Abbey" (2 CDs of "Downton Abbey" cast members singing and playing Christmas songs)
SOUNDTRACK--"Grumpy Cat's Worst Christmas Ever" (Music from Chris Mann, Bird and The Bee, K.T. Tunstall, Brian Setzer, more)
VARIOUS--"Merry & Bright" (Starbucks annual exclusive comp, this year featuring music produced by David Foster)
VARIOUS--"Soul Christmas" (Rhino collection featuring most of the usual suspects)
NOVEMBER 12
MAGNUS CARLSSON--"Happy Holidays" (Swedish Pop singer, formerly with the bands Alcazar and Barbados)
SARAH CROWE--"Merry Christmas From Sarah Crowe" (Surprisingly nice Indie Folk effort)
CHRIS HART--"Christmas Hearts" (American born singer living in Japan who is currently one of that country's top J-Pop artists)
NOVEMBER 14
FELIX CAVALIERE--"Christmas Joy" (First Christmas album from the voice of the Young Rascals; 10 tracks)
NOVEMBER 17-18
THE AVID LIGHT--"A Christmas Experience" (Christian Rock band from Texas)
JOHNNY CASH--"Christmas Spirit" (From Friday music; Ltd. Editon collectors grade vinyl release of 1963 LP)
COMMITTED--"Home For Christmas" (6 song EP from NBC's "Sing Off" season two champs)
BARBARA DICKSON--"Winter" (Contemporary Folk from one of Scotland's best selling female vocalists)
SARA EVANS--"At Christmas" (Wal-Mart exclusive; Country superstar joined by her family)
THE HENNINGSENS--"Our Family Christmas" (Ten song digital album from family Country trio; features 2 originals)
ICE CHOIR--"Pure Holiday" (7" single from Indie Synth Pop group based in Brooklyn; all proceeds to the Coalition for the Homeless)
SHARON JONES & THE DAP KINGS--"Just Another Christmas Song" / "Big Bulbs" (New 45 from Dap-Tone featuring an earlier freebie on the flip)
MARILLION--"A Collection of Recycled Gifts" (Progressive Rock band's collection of past Christmas fan club singles, plus a new one)
JOHNNY MATHIS--"Merry Christmas" (From Friday music; Ltd. Editon collectors grade RED vinyl release of 1958 LP)
WILLIE NELSON--"Pretty Paper" (From Friday music; based on price, it looks to be Ltd. Editon collectors grade vinyl release of 1979 LP)
CATRIONA O'LEARY, TOM JONES, ROSEANNE CASH, RHIANNON GIDDENS--"The Wexford Carols"
RELIENT K--"Let It Snow Baby...Let It Reindeer" (2007 album from CCM group on vinyl for the first time; 2-LP set, opaque red vinyl, limited to 1000)
REND COLLECTIVE--"Campfire Christmas, Vol. 1" (Experimental Folk Pop Rock Worship group)
REBECCA ROUBION--"Christmas Lights" (Indie Alternative singer/songwriter on the verge of breaking out)
THE ROYS--"Bluegrass Kinda Christmas" (Brother and Sister Bluegrass duo)
SHAKATAK--"Snowflakes And Jazzmatazz" (2 disc Import Jazz Funk from British group)
STRYPER--"Reason For The Season" / "Winter Wonderland" (Vinyl re-issue of Christian Hair Band's 1985 Christmas single)
B.J. THOMAS--"O Holy Night" (6 song EP; newly recorded)
VOCAL WORKS GOSPEL CHOIR--"A Soulful Christmas" (Digital version of December 1 Import release; soulful UK Gospel choir)
VARIOUS--"An Americana Christmas" (Vinyl version of Americana collection released on CD October 14; 180g collectors grade vinyl)
VARIOUS--"French Christmas" (Putumayo's annual Christmas offering goes French roast; oui oui!)
VARIOUS--"This Is Christmas" (CCM from BEC)
NOVEMBER 21_
TOM DYER--"Xmas - 30 Years In The Making" (CD from the man behind Green Monkey Records; includes the instant classic "No Lou This Xmas")
VARIOUS--"smoothfm Christmas" (Popular comp series Down Under features 30 tracks of Pop, AC and FM faves; Annie Lennox, Stevie Wonder, etc)
NOVEMBER 24-25
JOHNNY CASH--"A Johnny Cash Family Christmas" (From Friday music; Ltd. Editon collectors grade RED vinyl release of 1972 LP, gatefold cover)
THE CROFTS FAMILY--"Sparrow In The Birch" (A family effort on this Folk/Bluegrass album, featuring Indie Rock artist Callie Crofts)
TONE DAMLI--"Di Forste Jul" (Norwegian singer)
DUSTIN KENSRUE (as THE MODERN POST)--"Lowborn King" (5 song Christmas EP)
ANITA KERR/CHET ATKINS--"On This Christmas Night" / "Christmas With" (Affordable Import twofer with bonus tracks)
DAVE KOZ--"25th of December" (Red vinyl version of Sept. 30th release from Smooth Jazz saxman)
MAD TRIO (featuring INGRID BEAUJEAN)--"Christmas Time" (Jazz trio from Mexico City; sweet!)
LOREENA McKENNITT--"A Midwinter Night's Dream" (Vinyl reissue of 2008 CD release from this Celtic Folk/New Age artist)
SAVANNAH MOON--"As Men Of Old Have Sung" (Indie Christian Alt Folk Pop artist)
REVEREND CHRIS & THE HIGH ROLLERS--"The Man With The Bag" (Philly based group specializing in Viper era Jazz and Blues)
TIM RUSHLOW--"Classic Christmas" (Former lead singer of Little Texas; working title was "Big Band Christmas", so expect Big Band sound)
SALSOUL ORCHESTRA--"Christmas Jollies" (Vinyl reissue of the first of Salsoul's two Christmas albums; collector's grade 180g red vinyl)
SMALLTOWN POETS--"Christmas Time Again"
WEEPING WILLOWS--"Christmas Time Has Come" (Swedish Indie Rock band featuring Magnus Carlson; Import)
WEEPING WILLOWS--"Christmas Time Has Come" (Vinyl version of the above; Import)
VARIOUS--"Christmas In Soulsville" (Vinyl edition of 2007 collection)
VARIOUS--"Christmas: The Complete Songbook" (Eclectic budget priced 3-CD collection)
VARIOUS--"Midnight Clear" (Metalcore label Solid State with their first Christmas compilation; features August Burns Red, Forevermore, more)
VARIOUS--"Motown Christmas" (Vinyl version of new Motown Xmas album; CD released September 30)
VARIOUS--"Saint Etienne Presents Songs For A London Winter" (A sixties Christmas, London style; many tracks making their CD debut)
VARIOUS--"smoothfm Christmas" (Australian comp--see 11/21--reaches American shores)
VARIOUS--"Winter Is On My Head, Vol. 6" (Annual Indie set for charity; limited number of hard copy CDs for $10, digital album is just $1)
NOVEMBER 28
JOANNA BEASLEY--TBD (Contemporary Christian artist and former American Idol contestant)
CHAINSAW HOLLIES--"Christmas In Shacktown Too" (Digital re-issue of 1996 Christmas single from '90s Alt Rock/Brit Pop group)
MILES DAVIS--"Blue Xmas (To Whom It May Concern)" (First time on 45; colored vinyl 7" with PS, ltd to 5000; Record Store Day release)
FLAMING LIPS--"Atlas Eets Christmas" (First time on vinyl--red--for this ultra-rare 2007 Christmas album; Record Store Day release)
FLAMING LIPS--"Atlas Eets Christmas" (CD re-issue of Flaming Lips' 2007 "secret" Christmas album)
MICK FOLEY & SHOOTER JENNINGS--"Crazy Christmas" (7" white vinyl Country narrative; Record Store Day release; digital release Dec. 9)
BEN KWELLER--"It Ain't Christmas Yet" / "Here Comes Santa Claus" (7" red vinyl single, ltd to 1000; Record Store Day release)
NA HOA--"Cha-Lang-A-Lang Christmas" (CD-EP from traditional Hawaiian trio)
CARLO PODDIGHE--"Molto Groovy Christmas" (Christmas tunes arranged and played in the style of 60s era Italian soundtracks; its trippy)
CARLO PODDIGHE--"Molto Groovy Christmas" (Vinyl version of above)
JOEY RAMONE--"Christmas Spirit...In My House" (10" red vinyl, ltd to 2500; Record Store Day release)
RUN DMC--"Christmas In Hollis" / "Peter Piper" (7" colored vinyl with PS, ltd to 2000; Record Store Day release)
SARANTOS--"The Happiest Time Of The Year" (Pop Rock artist known for his prolific songwriting; album includes covers, originals, and stories)
PHIL SPECTOR ARTISTS--"A Christmas Gift For You" (12" red vinyl, ltd to 2000; Record Store Day release)
BESSIE SMITH--"At The Christmas Ball" / "Jazzbo Brown" (7" colored vinyl, ltd to 3000; Record Store Day release)
WHAM--"Last Christmas" (12" colored vinyl, ltd to 3000; Record Store Day release)
VARIOUS--"Christmas Rap" (12" colored vinyl, ltd to 1500; Record Store Day release)
VARIOUS--"The West End Goes MAD for Christmas" (Stars from Britain's Broadway singing newly written songs for charity)
VARIOUS--"This Warm December: A Brushfire Christmas, Vol. 1" (12" vinyl; Record Store Day release)
JINGLE BELL ROCKS (Brilliant documentary about Christmas music and we obsessive collectors; RSD release; official release Dec. 9)
DECEMBER 1
JASON MANNS--"Christmas With Friends" (Soulful Folk Pop artist; album is expected to feature Jensen Ackles from Supernatural, and others)
HANNAH PEEL--"Find Peace" / "I Believe In Father Christmas" (Snowflakes Christmas Single, Lmtd to 500 copies on white vinyl with PS)
TRIO BEMBE--"Feliz Navidad" (Latin Folk and Jazz from 2014 Global Music Award winners)
THE VAMPS--"Meet The Vamps: Christmas Edition" (Link is for UK orders ONLY: digital edition of Boy Band's debut with 8 xmas songs added)
VOCAL WORKS GOSPEL CHOIR--"A Soulful Christmas" (Soulful UK Gospel Choir; Pledgemusic funded)
NANCY WALLACE--"January" / "2000 Miles" (Snowflakes Christmas Single; Lmtd to 500 copies on white vinyl with PS)
VARIOUS--"Random Acts of Vinyl Xmas EP" (4 song Alt Rock/Indie Pop EP from UK label, limited edition 10"; also available digitally)
DECEMBER 2
EEK-A-MOUSE--"Christmas A-Come" (12" vinyl re-issue of the classic 1981 reggae single)
KAY MARTIN--"I Know What He Wants For Christmas" (Rockbeat re-issue of classic 1962 "Party Record"--on green vinyl with original cover art)
JOE PERRY--"Joe Perry's Merry Christmas"
THE WOODHOUSE--"Home For Christmas" (Canadian Jazz group; hard copy CD arrives December 22)
VARIOUS--"Saint Etienne Presents Songs For A London Winter" (Released overseas on 11/24, the Import reaches Amazon Dec. 2)
DECEMBER 3
A SUNNY DAY IN GLASGOW--"New Christmas Classics" (A 5-song cassette; we don't have a color for cassette; dream-pop/psych-pop; ltd to 300)
DECEMBER 4
SEAN KEANE--"Christmas By The Hearth" (Celtic Folk singer with a distinctive voice)
DECEMBER 5
NATHAN CARTER--"Christmas Stuff" (Irish Country singer; arrives at Amazon 12/16)
JOHN PAUL--"A Christmas With John Paul" (Not the Pope; instrumental 5-song EP from talented pianist who combines Jazz, Gospel, and Classical)
DECEMBER 8-9
BLOODSHOT BILL--"Stuffin' Her Stocking" / "Naughty Or Nice" (7" single from roots rocking one-man band on Norton Records)
THE DAN BAND--"Ho: A Dan Band Christmas" (Colored vinyl version of 2007 CD, with download card)
DZ DEATHRAYS / PULLED APART BY HORSES -- "Lonely This Christmas" / "Merry Christmas Everyone" (7" split, ltd and hand numbered)
GOOD LOVELIES--"Under The Mistletoe" (Vinyl edition of 2009 Folk/Harmony CD)
HARD LEFT--"Skinheads Home For Christmas" / "Yesterday's Hero" ("Hard-Mod"/Punk band from the UK)
JAMEY JOHNSON--"The Christmas Song" (EP from Country singer/songwriter)
MARK KOZELEK--"Sings Christmas Carols" (Green vinyl version of November 4 CD release from Indie Folk artist)
LOS CAMPESINOS!--"A Los Campesinos! Christmas" (Alt Rock band delivers plenty of holiday cheer on 6 song 12" vinyl collection)
SMOKE FAIRIES--"Wild Winter" (Rough Trade exclusive IMPORT CD from Alt Folk Rock/Dream Pop duo)
SMOKE FAIRIES--"Wild Winter" (Rough Trade exclusive IMPORT vinyl LP of above)
VARIOUS--"Christmas Joy In Full Measure" (Import CD of Indie Alt Rock arrives at Amazon; includes Young Knives, Webb Brothers and more)
JINGLE BELL ROCKS (VOD of brilliant documentary about Christmas music and we obsessive collectors)
JINGLE BELL ROCKS (wide release of DVD of the above)
DECEMBER 12
VARIOUS--"All Things New" (Indie Alt Folk Pop from Newcastle, UK; hard copies were available through Kickstarter and are currently sold out)
DECEMBER 13
ANDREAS ALEMAN--"Home For Christmas" (Soulful Pop from Swedish artist)
DECEMBER 15
REEL BIG FISH--"Happy Skalidays" (6 song EP)
DECEMBER 16
ROUGH SHOP--"Lit Up Like A Christmas Tree" (Very limited edition 150gm vinyl of this most excellent album; Pledge Music Exclusive)
DECEMBER 22
THE WOODHOUSE--"Home For Christmas" (Hard copy CD of Christmas set from Canadian Jazz group)
LIMBO LIST (projects which were originally scheduled but have disappeared from labels' schedules for whatever reason)
INDIA.ARIE--"Christmas With Friends" (No idea what happened with this one)
VARIOUS--"Mad Men Christmas II" (Music inspired by and suiting the era of the AMC hit series; figured to be a Target exclusive as Vol. 1 was)
VARIOUS--"One Big Happy Christmas" (Tooth & Nail release)
TBA
Sonja Alden -- "Jul I andlighetens rum" (NOVEMBER) (Swedish singer and what is likely a Christmas edition of her October release, "I andlighetens rum")
Chrisagis Brothers -- "I Believe In Christmas" (Contemporary Christian Country)
Denver & The Mile High Orchestra -- "Merry & Bright" (NOVEMBER) (Kickstarter funded)
D'Lovelies (Female "barbershop" A Cappella from Canada; Kickstarter funded)
East Los High (and others) (Starbucks sponsored CD of Christmas music from Arizona artists)
Eden -- "Stardust" (EP from Classical Crossover harmony duo from the UK; Pledge Music funded)
Conrad Fisher (Contemporary Country Gospel)
John Francis (NOVEMBER) (Christian trumpet player; sample his music here)
Angela Gheorghiu -- "Hurry Down My Chimney Tonight" (Classical crossover from European Opera star; Import)
Michael Grimm (NOVEMBER) (Soulful America's Got Talent winner)
Taylor J. Heinzen--"Into Winter" (New Age/Ambient artist from Minnesota; funding through Kickstarter)
Tonia Hughes (Gospel artist from Minnesota; Indiegogo funded)
JOE -- "Merry Thomas!" (R&B artist who previously released a Christmas EP in 2009, fleshed out to a full Xmas album in 2010)
Ronald Lashley -- "Christmas Jingles" (NOVEMBER) (Multi-instrumentalist Smooth Jazz artist--primarily flute--tackles the holidays)
Emo LeBlanc -- "Christmas With" (Indiegogo campaign open through July 28)
LeFevre Quartet (Southern Gospel)
Jen Lilley ("Days Of Our Lives" actress included on a holiday collection featuring celebrity artists; proceeds to wounded veterans)
ManoaDNA (Hawaiian Pop group led by Alx Kawakami)
Quasar Nibs (LATE SUMMER) (Experimental Instrumental Jazz Rock)
PelleK (NOVEMBER) (Norwegian power metal band) --Ooops! That was last year.
Postmodern Jukebox (Internet sensation specializing in covering current pop hits in vintage styles; Kickstarter funded)
The Quintons (NOVEMBER) (Contemporary harmony gospel)
Rodger Fox Big Band -- "Have Yourself A Swingin' Merry Christmas" (New Zealand Big Band Jazz)
Ruben Studdard (R&B from former American Idol winner)
Lizzie Thomas -- "Just In Time For The Holidays" (DECEMBER) (New York Jazz singer; Kickstarter funded)
3 Leg Torso (Eclectic group combining international folk and chamber music with jazz, rock n roll energy and a steampunk attitude)
Basil Valdez (Filipino vocalist)
Maureen Washington -- "Christmas Is" (Second Christmas album from Canadian Jazz vocalist)
Eric Wickens (Indianapolis Classic Modern artist--another way of saying Classical Crossover, I guess--does a mean "Grinch", I hear)
POSSIBLE
Charles A'Court (Canadian Roots artist--strong R&B influence--working with Chris Kirby; generally a PledgeMusic guy)
Pat Benatar (We've been waiting on this one so long, I don't think anybody cares anymore)
Toni Byrd (Jazz vocalist and songwriter from Atlanta)
Mariah Carey (duets with who?)
Kristin Chenoweth
David & Don (David Schelzel of The Ocean Blue and Don Paris of The Innocence Mission)
The Holy Rocka Rollaz (50s style original rock band from Minneapolis; good stuff!)
R Kelly -- "12 Nights Of Christmas"
Avril Lavigne--"Christmas Day" (Rumored to have been completed in January, but it could be a hoax)
The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra (The CBO has some Xmas recording sessions booked for July 2014 with various guest artists)
John Liner (DECEMBER) (8 song CD featuring fresh arrangements of classic carols like "The First Noel"; Kickstarter funded)
Jennifer Lopez (working with producer David Foster; likely ETA 2015)
Martina McBride
Meat Loaf--"Hot Holidays" (Rapidly approaching "I don't care anymore" territory)
Eddie Money
Dan Musselman (Minnesota Jazz pianist, proceeds to charity)
Nelson (Rickey Nelson's twin sons, Matthew and Gunnar, who had a hit or two once upon a time)
Jennifer Nettles
Poo Poodles (DIY Twee-Punk)
Smokey Robinson
The Saturdays (British girl group)
Diane Schuur
Billy Simpson (Winner of The Voice Indonesia in 2013)
Patty Smyth & Scandal (I'll always care about Patty)
Steve Sobiech (Midwest solo guitarist, versed in Jazz, Pop and Classical styles)
Upper East Side Big Band (Kickstarter campaign underway to fund CD, TV Special, with 180g vinyl to follow in 2015)
Wagner (X-Factor bongo player)
John Waller (Christian Pop singer, formerly with According To John; Kickstarter)
Amelia White (Alt Country/Americana artist whose brilliant album "Old Postcard" has just been released)
Deniece Williams (80s R&B songstress planning CD/DVD set)
2015
Ironing Board Sam (Blues legend)
Jillaine--"Jazzy Christmas To You: The Classics"
Piedmont Brothers Band (NC Piedmont group blending folk, blues, country and mountain music; sound a bit like Cali country rock, a la Poco)
Kate Rusby (2nd Christmas set from Folk Pop artist; "Sweet Bells" was her first)
Jennifer Thomas (Classical Crossover Artist)
Rhonda Vincent (Bluegrass/Country)
Thisbe Vos (participants in crowd funding received the album in 2014)