Ne-Yo "Another Kind of Christmas"

 Whenever you hear Another Kind of Christmas album, among the countless compendiums that exploit nostalgia and alter the sound slightly, you just want to "Talk About It." That is one of my favorite songs, for its instrumental and anecdotal aspects, and a nice balance to a cover of the 30th most performed holiday song of all time, "This Christmas." 

I would be remiss to fail to mention that there is a lot of familiarity in this record, with covers of classics by Nat King Cole, Stevie Wonder, and Johnny Moore's Three Blazers; you may recognize one of the cover versions before the original (Merry Christmas Baby). "Carol of The Bells" is also covered, but even with the numerous renditions, Ne-Yo finds a way to make it distinctive. At the time, I didn't realize that "I Want To Come Home For Christmas" was a Marvin Gaye masterpiece re-recorded.

If asked about this album I could say "It's For Everybody," especially the song, which does not tie itself to any religion and iterates that "...and what it is is a season for love/ and no reason but love and love alone." It is a classic Ne-Yo tune with tried and true sentiment and sound associated with him. However, "Open Mine Tonight" is a little more x-rated, yet a good song regardless. "Just Ain't Christmas" is for those that are going through a breakup or even missing family members that left this realm; it could also be for those plagued by seasonal depression and the spirit eludes them. The song is alluring in spite of its sentiment.

Sia "Everyday Is Christmas"

Sia's "Everyday is Christmas" album is not only a Christmas gift I did not expect, but also the gift I did not realize I wanted, and I don't want to assume you may feel the same way, but it is worth a listen. Sia manages to not only capture the magic of the holidays but melds the classic sounds of yore with the present and future in an album of original tunes meant to be enjoyed every year. The Chorus and melody of "Candy Cane Lane" may reside in your memory even after the sugar plums have stopped dancing in your head.  If they have stopped already, there is some aural "Sunshine" that might keep that inner flame active during the transition between winter (post-holiday) and spring. 

As she sings in another pleasant tune, "Puppies are Forever, and not just for Christmas; of course their cuteness will remain, tis no question of thine.

Even with the preceding paragraph written in years of Christmas past, the joy and magic of this music can last. When a snow person can only survive in the colder winter months, with the music at its most impactful without self-deluding fronts. The song itself is a confession of love to a "Snowman" which could parallel a seasonal love that one arranges to free themselves from the shackles of loneliness in "the most wonderful time of the year," which for many is not as dazzling as the light displays that appear.

From their love, Sia had vowed to protect their little "Snowflake," a winter lullaby that can bring a tear to freeze as she lets her little darling go amongst its kin within the chilling breeze.

It does not sound as a time for celebration, but maybe that's why the "Ho Ho Ho" is accompanied with a bottle of rum; and recreates that crushing scene where Ralphie was nearly kicked in the face because of his gift request. 

Underneath the boot, and Ralphie trying his best, he nary seemed to have a chance, nor her with romance, whether the mistletoe or Christmas lights, buried in the breast, sorrow, impervious to seasonal distractions hollow. 

As silly as the proclamation that "Everyday is Christmas" can be, used by more than just artists within the scene, it is declared with sincerity and even when the season is over. Even though the statement may cause one's eyes to roll over at the metaphor you may find yourself humming it anyway.

While the first song sets the tone with what sounds like fun, we take emotional detours taking our heart for a run; decorated with sweet things to beckon some more. So, the coal from the sins that you have fulfilled or left undone. "Santa's Coming for Us," each and every one.

Barenaked Ladies' Live Show is a Work of Art (Park)- July 5th, 2022

 I've waited two years to see this concert, and all I got was a set of greatest hits?!