I could say this is a pretty good Christmas single, but that would be a cheap shot and lazy of me. This is actually an exceptional Christmas single, though odds are good readers of Stubby's are already well familiar with it. "A Pretty Good Christmas" was originally released in 2011 and, even with the slow curve recognition of many Indie efforts, I know full well that the song was big on the Christmas music blog circuit last year (following its re-recording and release on the album "Polar Ships"). I mean, honestly, who could resist a band called the Disappointment Choir.
"A Pretty Good Christmas" was the song that first launched the Disappointment Choir. And its a great song that everyone hasn't yet been hipped to. So I'm completely on board with a remastered version being released December 1 with a sparkly new video. The theme of the track isn't as commonly sung as others but its probably a more frequent reality in the world at large than fat men with flying reindeer. "I've lost my job and you're working harder than ever," the song begins and, instantly, I'm hooked. Life ain't easy, someone once said, and there's scarcely a Christmas in my adult life that I can remember where everything was going perfectly. Its never all "nice and rosey and comfy cozy," is it? We don't often get the Martha Stewart fantasy holiday. But we can still have a pretty good Christmas, in spite of anything and everything else. And that's not a bad thing at all. More often than we'd like to admit, Christmas is our little island oasis in the midst of a sea of troubles, our sunny day in the middle of a cold and dark winter. That makes it more, not less. "We'll sing together and we'll dance together." A pretty good deal, all things considered. I don't honestly know if that's the song's intent, but that's what I get out of it.
The Disappointment Choir have set up a website for the relaunch of "A Pretty Good Christmas" to help you count down the days. And you can always find them at their own web site or on Facebook. And, ooh, ooh, ooh, there's a club remix that you can download free right now. How cool is that?
"A Pretty Good Christmas" was the song that first launched the Disappointment Choir. And its a great song that everyone hasn't yet been hipped to. So I'm completely on board with a remastered version being released December 1 with a sparkly new video. The theme of the track isn't as commonly sung as others but its probably a more frequent reality in the world at large than fat men with flying reindeer. "I've lost my job and you're working harder than ever," the song begins and, instantly, I'm hooked. Life ain't easy, someone once said, and there's scarcely a Christmas in my adult life that I can remember where everything was going perfectly. Its never all "nice and rosey and comfy cozy," is it? We don't often get the Martha Stewart fantasy holiday. But we can still have a pretty good Christmas, in spite of anything and everything else. And that's not a bad thing at all. More often than we'd like to admit, Christmas is our little island oasis in the midst of a sea of troubles, our sunny day in the middle of a cold and dark winter. That makes it more, not less. "We'll sing together and we'll dance together." A pretty good deal, all things considered. I don't honestly know if that's the song's intent, but that's what I get out of it.
The Disappointment Choir have set up a website for the relaunch of "A Pretty Good Christmas" to help you count down the days. And you can always find them at their own web site or on Facebook. And, ooh, ooh, ooh, there's a club remix that you can download free right now. How cool is that?
America's Got Talent is another one of those TV talent shows I have no desire to ever watch. That said, my personal boycott of such shows should not be taken to suggest that America doesn't have talent. Case in point is Emily West, a finalist in AGT's 9th season. Emily's releases, to date, have bounced around genres enough to make you dizzy (not to mention impressed). But it is looking more and more like the Country market is tops on the adoption list. Emily's aluring and wistful voice should serve her well with that audience.
With her full-length debut expected early next year, Emily is putting out a single in December of "Chandelier", a hit for Sia but also one of Emily's most popular offerings during her AGT run.
Of interest to us, however, is the flip (do digital singles actually have a "flip"?) "Chandelier" will be paired with "Santa Baby". There's no shortage of "Santa Baby" covers but I am intrigued to hear if she'll bring something new or unique to the tune. And I really can't kick since Emily last year released an EP of Christmas songs recorded with K.S. Rhoads. On "North Star", Emily absolutely knocked it out of the park. Her voice just naturally has that simultaneous joy and longing (with a dash of wonder and awe) that makes for the best Christmas music.
I'll keep an open mind on "Santa Baby", but I can recommend "North Star" wholeheartedly. Check it out at Amazon mp3.
With her full-length debut expected early next year, Emily is putting out a single in December of "Chandelier", a hit for Sia but also one of Emily's most popular offerings during her AGT run.
Of interest to us, however, is the flip (do digital singles actually have a "flip"?) "Chandelier" will be paired with "Santa Baby". There's no shortage of "Santa Baby" covers but I am intrigued to hear if she'll bring something new or unique to the tune. And I really can't kick since Emily last year released an EP of Christmas songs recorded with K.S. Rhoads. On "North Star", Emily absolutely knocked it out of the park. Her voice just naturally has that simultaneous joy and longing (with a dash of wonder and awe) that makes for the best Christmas music.
I'll keep an open mind on "Santa Baby", but I can recommend "North Star" wholeheartedly. Check it out at Amazon mp3.
I must be getting old because I find myself getting nostalgic for Disco, which I didn't even think was possible. I mean, honestly, I still haven't forgiven Disco for killing WABC. And yet...
Raquela is, to quote, an "international recording artist, 5 time Billboard charting Diva, N.A.R.A.S voting Grammy member, former Miss Orange County (Miss America Organization), 12 time 'Best Actress' Off Broadway/Regional/Stock (NYC), Obie Nominated 'Best Electronica Musical' and overall superstar". She's also a Disco Diva, by her own admission. And she's just recorded a cover of the too seldom covered Weather Girls classic, "Dear Santa (Bring Me A Man)". Not sure what I expected, but she really done it good. Lots of energy, great vocals, driving beat, faithful to the original. It's like way decent and totally bitchin', yo.
Best of all, it's free! I know the Free Page is dying of neglect these days (don't worry; we'll fix that soon enough), but I wanted this one right up front where you'd see it. For a limited time, you can grab not one, not two, but THREE different mixes of this most excellent boogie down beat. Like totally free. The Radio Mix is here and the Club Mixes are here and here (one has dialog and one doesn't). Shake your groove thing (yeah yeah) and don't forget to visit Raquela on Facebook and say thanks.
Raquela is, to quote, an "international recording artist, 5 time Billboard charting Diva, N.A.R.A.S voting Grammy member, former Miss Orange County (Miss America Organization), 12 time 'Best Actress' Off Broadway/Regional/Stock (NYC), Obie Nominated 'Best Electronica Musical' and overall superstar". She's also a Disco Diva, by her own admission. And she's just recorded a cover of the too seldom covered Weather Girls classic, "Dear Santa (Bring Me A Man)". Not sure what I expected, but she really done it good. Lots of energy, great vocals, driving beat, faithful to the original. It's like way decent and totally bitchin', yo.
Best of all, it's free! I know the Free Page is dying of neglect these days (don't worry; we'll fix that soon enough), but I wanted this one right up front where you'd see it. For a limited time, you can grab not one, not two, but THREE different mixes of this most excellent boogie down beat. Like totally free. The Radio Mix is here and the Club Mixes are here and here (one has dialog and one doesn't). Shake your groove thing (yeah yeah) and don't forget to visit Raquela on Facebook and say thanks.
Speaking of nostalgia... Anybody out there remember Paper Lace? You know, "The Night Chicago Died"? That Paper Lace? Well Paper Lace has a Christmas single coming out soon. Release date for "Get Up! Get Out Of Your Lazy Beds (It's Christmas Time Again)" in the UK is November 10, but it looks like it arrives stateside on the 28th.
One thing. There are at least two bands using the Paper Lace name these days. There's these guys. And then there's these guys. In this country, we actually have laws about that sort of thing (thanks to Bowser from Sha Na Na). In England, I'm guessing not so much. Sounds to me like the first bunch of blokes--the original Paper Lace--but I've got no way of knowing for sure.
One thing. There are at least two bands using the Paper Lace name these days. There's these guys. And then there's these guys. In this country, we actually have laws about that sort of thing (thanks to Bowser from Sha Na Na). In England, I'm guessing not so much. Sounds to me like the first bunch of blokes--the original Paper Lace--but I've got no way of knowing for sure.
Country star Lucy Hale's Christmas single released October 21. "Mistletoe" is bright and bouncy and Lucy's star just keeps ascending higher and higher. She's riding the wave of her smash summer album "Road Between" and "Mistletoe" won't do anything to diminish her popularity. You can hear Lucy's Christmas song here and purchase it through Amazon (or wherever fine digital downloads are sold). Lucy's also an actress, of course, but I'm more interested in the music.
Maybe it's just me, but it definitely seems like this year's crop of Christmas singles are more insipid than usual. That's one of the reasons it takes so long to do these singles posts because I only want to steer you to stuff that has at least some redeeming value.
So it was so completely satisfying to come across this little gem from the Chris McDonald Jazz Orchestra tucked in with all the mindless crap and karaoke Christmas tracks populating the digital singles section at Amazon.
McDonald is a solid Jazz arranger and performer who struck gold earlier this year with an album of spirituals done up Big Band Jazz style, "No Pews Required". No doubt Chris has genuine faith to draw upon, but that release was purely seated in the church of JAZZ.
Featuring the East Side Singers, "Snowed In For Christmas" will tug at the nostalgic heartstrings of the most jaded Grinch or Scrooge. It's shrouded in the kind of magic of fifties Christmas tuneage, a sprig of mistletoe, a light jazz touch, and those tight and beautiful harmonies. I know a good part of our readership comes here for the unusual--the rock, the blues, the bluegrass, the general weirdness--that other Christmas music sites frequently eschew. But, dag, son, no matter what your other tastes, finding a beautiful track like this one is like finding a bar of gold just lying in the street. You're not just going to leave it there, are you?
True enough, McDonald cut the tune a decade ago for "This Holiday Season". My ears ain't what they used to be but, though the arrangement is the same, I'd swear under oath this is a new recording of it. The differences are subtle, but, to me, the earlier version sounds a bit sharp. And, for a song like this, you want a more muted approach. Ah, who cares? I missed it in 2004 and its gorgeous. Hurry on over to Amazon (or any of the on-line retailers) and grab "Snowed In For Christmas" for your personal romantic fireside Christmas soundtrack. Guaranteed cuddle worthy.
So it was so completely satisfying to come across this little gem from the Chris McDonald Jazz Orchestra tucked in with all the mindless crap and karaoke Christmas tracks populating the digital singles section at Amazon.
McDonald is a solid Jazz arranger and performer who struck gold earlier this year with an album of spirituals done up Big Band Jazz style, "No Pews Required". No doubt Chris has genuine faith to draw upon, but that release was purely seated in the church of JAZZ.
Featuring the East Side Singers, "Snowed In For Christmas" will tug at the nostalgic heartstrings of the most jaded Grinch or Scrooge. It's shrouded in the kind of magic of fifties Christmas tuneage, a sprig of mistletoe, a light jazz touch, and those tight and beautiful harmonies. I know a good part of our readership comes here for the unusual--the rock, the blues, the bluegrass, the general weirdness--that other Christmas music sites frequently eschew. But, dag, son, no matter what your other tastes, finding a beautiful track like this one is like finding a bar of gold just lying in the street. You're not just going to leave it there, are you?
True enough, McDonald cut the tune a decade ago for "This Holiday Season". My ears ain't what they used to be but, though the arrangement is the same, I'd swear under oath this is a new recording of it. The differences are subtle, but, to me, the earlier version sounds a bit sharp. And, for a song like this, you want a more muted approach. Ah, who cares? I missed it in 2004 and its gorgeous. Hurry on over to Amazon (or any of the on-line retailers) and grab "Snowed In For Christmas" for your personal romantic fireside Christmas soundtrack. Guaranteed cuddle worthy.
What's Christmas without a Super Group charity effort of some sort? It's been 30 years since Bob Geldof and a heavenly choir of big name artists known as Band Aid launched "Do They Know It's Christmas". Discussing that fact not long ago, Kevin Griffin of Better Than Ezra and songwriter/producer Sam Hollander (who has written for everyone from Carole King to All Time Low) decided that the time was right for another holiday Super Group effort--this one to benefit MusiCares, a charity that helps musicians facing medical or financial crises. Thus was born the Band of Merrymakers. The Band of Merrymakers is envisioned as more than a one-off, but with a rotating cast.
For their 2014 Christmas single, "Must Be Christmas", the group includes Griffin, Tyler Glenn of Neon Trees, Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum, the Mowgli's, Fitz of Fitz & The Tantrums, Nick Hexum of 311, Sinclair, The Honeymoons, Smallpools, and 3OH!3.
"Must Be Christmas" drops November 17. Stay up to date at http://www.bandofmerrymakers.com/.
For their 2014 Christmas single, "Must Be Christmas", the group includes Griffin, Tyler Glenn of Neon Trees, Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum, the Mowgli's, Fitz of Fitz & The Tantrums, Nick Hexum of 311, Sinclair, The Honeymoons, Smallpools, and 3OH!3.
"Must Be Christmas" drops November 17. Stay up to date at http://www.bandofmerrymakers.com/.
LITTLE ANTHONY Time for the lightning round.
Believe it or not, there are rumors that Bob Geldolf is actively recruiting a roster of music superstars to re-record "Do They Know It's Christmas?" This time, the money raised would go to aid the people in the Ebola infected nations of Africa. This would be at least the fourth version of the song. I think I speak for everyone here when I say, Bob, if you're going to do this, at least write a new song. 'K?
Ariana Grande has a new Christmas single coming this year. No details, yet, but she says, "It's sort of about being fed up with Santa because he doesn't pull through all the time." Ariana, of course, released an EP last holiday, "Christmas Kisses".
More nostalgia as Little Anthony (of Little Anthony and The Imperials) has recorded his first Christmas song ever. "I'll Be Home For Christmas" is currently expected to drop November 10 but, as yet, there's no sample available for preview. A new Little Anthony album is expected in 2015.
Believe it or not, there are rumors that Bob Geldolf is actively recruiting a roster of music superstars to re-record "Do They Know It's Christmas?" This time, the money raised would go to aid the people in the Ebola infected nations of Africa. This would be at least the fourth version of the song. I think I speak for everyone here when I say, Bob, if you're going to do this, at least write a new song. 'K?
Ariana Grande has a new Christmas single coming this year. No details, yet, but she says, "It's sort of about being fed up with Santa because he doesn't pull through all the time." Ariana, of course, released an EP last holiday, "Christmas Kisses".
More nostalgia as Little Anthony (of Little Anthony and The Imperials) has recorded his first Christmas song ever. "I'll Be Home For Christmas" is currently expected to drop November 10 but, as yet, there's no sample available for preview. A new Little Anthony album is expected in 2015.
Bluegrass/Country artist Luanne Hunt has a new Christmas single out. I first became acquainted with Luanne when she released "How Christmas Feels To Me", which included a Christmas song that had been written for Patsy Cline. Patsy's label, however, didn't want her recording Christmas songs, so they had the writers pen a new set of lyrics. Luanne was the first ever to record the song as originally written. Pretty cool stuff. Anyway, Luanne can be counted on to put out more Christmas songs, from time to time, and this year's effort is "The Hosts Of Christmas Past". Give it a spin at Amazon or CD Baby.
There are a couple of Punk Christmas singles out. Lust Control's "Chasing Mrs. Claus Around The North Pole" is on the Punk Pop end of the scale. Meanwhile, the UK outfit, Hard Left, has a more Old School Punk single out, "Skinheads Home For Christmas". The later is going to be out on red vinyl December 8 (backed with a cover of the Bay City Rollers' "Yesterdays Hero"). Order the single and you'll get the instant download or, if vinyl ain't your bag, you can just download the Christmas song now via Bandcamp.
Fans of Pentatonix and Straight No Chaser may enjoy "Fa La La" by Gentleman's Rule. You'll find that one at CD Baby.
We finally got around to putting all the Black Friday holiday vinyl on our List. Among the highlights is the first ever vinyl 45 of Miles Davis & Bob Durrough's "Blue Xmas (To Whom It May Concern)". The 1962 track comes on blue vinyl (natch) and comes with a nice picture sleeve. They're pressing 5000 of them--big number for a Record Store Day release--but lots of folks are going to want this 45 for their collections.
Let's wrap this puppy up and get it posted.
The new Christmas album from Road 23 comes out tomorrow. Road 23 is a CCM band from Kansas and they manage to make things interesting by incorporating lots of different styles. You can get the download version of "If I Was There" via Amazon and the band has hard copy CDs (very reasonably priced) at their web site.
The title track is a pretty song and its also the lead single. Here 'tis.
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