3 Heath Brothers "Not So Silent Night"

While their version of this classic was faithful and worthy of multiple listens, I prefer the eponymous "opener," which gives us a glimpse into their collective personality as a group. Then, they decided to take a deeper dive and give us a beautiful song that lists some likely possibilities of "What God Wants for Christmas."

Could it be a trend? After this triplicate of covers, or what many may call a medley, a dark cloud looms and the brothers sing a somber tune. Most wouldn't say the season's temperature rose when we lost a loved one, or they left us, we would say "Christmas Got Colder."

This next medley of "Feliz Navidad/ Come On, It's Christmas/We Wish You a Merry Christmas" was followed by a much warmer and hopeful sentiment with their cover of "I'll Be Home for Christmas." 

Though, if I had to choose my favorite of covers it would have to be their version of "Mary, Did You Know?" I have heard several versions but, with the multi-layered treatment with enough variety of instrumentation, and the right tone, to score the scope of the majesty that is the birth of Jesus Christ, without going overboard and cheapening it, this is my favorite.

 

The album gets even better with "This Year (Happy New Year)" with a joyful tone and a hopeful heart that oft appears at the prospect of the new year.

There is so much I can say about the finale, other than its my favorite, but I'll say this: it not only tells the greatest story ever told with engaging and rousing melodies, instrumentation and harmonies, but it also finds one of brothers attempting to lead someone back to Christ. Is it done? Is it well? 

The record could not have had a finer end.

My Morning Jacket "Happy Holiday!"

Ah, to have These indie darlings wish you a Happy Holiday! Sounds good, right?

Sounds like a challenge approaching. While no one really likes feeling sorry for themselves, except what it may afford them, even though it is counterproductive, this song allures and then stings, not only because of the song itself, but it scores this seasonal paranoia.

I can imagine that one of the most poignant songs a traveling musician can sing around this time of year is "I'll Be Home for Christmas," and they deliver that yearning while keeping you out of the cold, with the internal burning.

One of my favorite selections had to be their cover of The Band's "Christmas Must Be Tonight" referencing the original Christmas story in its lyrics, and not only does that little baby boy, but this song also, brings so much joy (just not as much as the former).

 

So, after realizing that most of the songs I hadn't heard before were also covers, nearly identical to their originals, I was less impressed, but still pleased with the songs. 

Covers are basically regifting older songs, because music is a gift, but not everyone always sees it that way. The boys in the band, this band, go so far as to regift their own songs, both of which were wonderful in sound, one in title as well, with snowy versions. 

I can call this effort a lazy and deceptive one, but that would be the scrooge within. Pragmatic, maybe? They do cover appropriate staples, and the covert tributes to previous bands' originals are all tastefully done.  The new versions of their regifted originals manage to simulate an occasional snowfall from time to time.  In the spirit of the season, I guess I can forgive them, also because their holiday outing is giving a home to some of their songs which had none.

You may not find this funny, but at the outset, James was feelin' sorry for himself, with what could be their own Elvis holiday staple, and throughout this steady coaster of emotions we arrive at "Wonderful (Snowy Version)." The song starts with saying, "It matters to me. Took a long time to get here." The perfect way to end what should be a happy holiday; accurate statement when it comes to where they started on this record, which may set one for how quickly they arose out of the void.

Sabrina Carpenter "fruitcake"

 I will start this critique with a query. Did Carpenter come up with this title because of a clandestine appreciation for this seasonal confection, oft the receiver of rejection, in hopes that fans will praise the album aloud, so she can claim others also have praised what "gives cake a bad name?" Or did I come up with the conspiracy because I did not want to be alone? I don't care, I love fruitcake regardless. 

It's been said that love can make people do crazy things, one of which is not remixing a former hit into a festive and fun entry into the Carpenter canon with "A Nonsense Christmas." The song is the outcome of a blizzard of revision, not a mere flurry, and the snow didn't take long before it got dirty.

"Buy Me Presents" is a not so subtle reminder that her boyfriend is not only on the naughty list, but that he may soon find himself on the "do not reply" list if he does not take initiative by drinking her like a warm glass of milk, or racing to her from the North Pole to LA just to keep her stocking filled, those references (were not missed because of warm milk, not a fan anyways).

The proclamation that "santa doesn't know you like i do" is not only an incredibly arrogant claim, but can forsake your feelings like the subject of Wham's "Last Christmas" did. It sounds like Carpenter took a similar path, but the video for this song offers a last-minute shift in the narrative.

"cindy lou who" can be said to be an icon of Christmas spirit, or one of giving. The subject of the song still gives, but it's worse than coal...heartbreak.

After hearing the songs that have preceded this one, it is no surprise she is asking "is it new year's yet?" in a disco/dance club, no doubt. One that prohibits the enjoyment of fruitcake, the secret is out (It was just a theory, the majority despise this delectable confection).

The finale of this E.P. finds Carpenter drifting into a modernized version of a "white x-mas" collaboration of influences, while gifting us a surprise twist.

This album is appropriately titled because I could see myself listening to this for years to come; as a guilty pleasure because some of the lyrics are suggestive.  It is a very likeable and listenable album, in a worldly sense, but there are some things. It's not the same but reminds me of "Blue Christmas" by a fellow Sabrina, Claudio. I could listen to the actual fruitcake, and probably eat it years later because of how hearty they are, almost like the cockroach of "cake?" Many would say that is an accurate metaphor for more than one reason.

Mark Tremonti "Christmas Classics Old & New"

 I never expected to hear Mark Tremonti Christmas Classics New and Old, period. Especially performed in this way, if you consider his career prior to this release; still active as a guitarist for Alter Bridge, his own band Tremonti, and Creed with 2024 reunion tour. I should have known though finding out about his album Tremonti Sings Sinatra, with members of Sinatra's own band, no doubt.

While it would have been cool to hear rock renditions of these songs, the music was in good hands. I get it, many may have memories of the timeless albums that put a little swing in one's step, and when a musician has a chance to be a part of it, especially if one is working with a band of one of the best voices in music( I cannot confirm that he recorded with Sinatra's band for this record, but I can speculate) then why not swing for the fences.

Known more for his guitar prowess, this, along with the aforementioned album, gives his voice time to shine. He may not have "The Voice," but has a comparable one, even recreating Sinatra's own version of "Jingle Bells."

 "Christmas Morning" could be heard alongside decades-old timeless canon classics, and I don't think many would disagree that it belongs; it may be the sole new song included, but I will take one expertly crafted, and nominee for "timeless" label, over ten soulless cookie cutter newbies any day.

"O Holy Night," and even "The First Noel" are some of his strongest cases supporting the claim that his voice is comparable, although the delivery in the former reminds me more of Manilow than Sinatra.

If I were to recommend a solo record by a hard rock legend with a stylistic twist recorded a year before "This Christmas," than you know my answer. The latter happens to be the only song that sounds anachronistic. So, all the better it is the final song, as this is the final paragraph, or simply a set of sentenses.

Andrew Bird "HARK!"

 I'm sorry, but I cannot help but associate the title with the words "hockey stick" and that scene in the classic Charlie Brown Christmas special. If you are a fan, you may hear two familiar selections, yet inventive revisions worthy of multiple listens, "Skating" and "Christmas Is Coming." 

"Alabaster" echoes tidings of what could be "Happy X-Mas (War Is Over)," but the glow of the lamp you're directed to keep on is darker, and the tone more ominous, contradictory to the warmth that the lyrics exude.

While "Greenwine (HARK!)" wraps misery in greensleeves, and although few words are shared between the butterfly and his audience, "You know there is only so much wine/that you can drink in one life/but it will never be enough/to save you from the bottom of the glass." Alcohorrific! 

"Christmas in April" is not the same as it is in December, or even July, but the sentiment is evergreen.

"O Holy Night" and "Mille Cherubini in Coro" are pleasant instrumental respites from the emotionally taxing "Souvenirs," in spite of its upbeat sound, at least until the declaration that "Night's Falling." 

And while I'm "Glad" to say that "Christmas is Coming," sometimes it's best to let the music speak for itself.

Rob Thomas "something about christmas time"

 Rob's Right, there's something about christmas time, and we all knew that before that was sung in one of my favorite songs by Bryan Adams.

New Found Glory "December's Here"

 Every year as it comes to a close, holiday cheer resides as the countdown to Christmas continues. When one is a kid who celebrates, the countdown briefly pauses and then resumes. It kicks into high gear by November, and even higher when "December's Here."

I am not the biggest fan of New Found Glory, but they have recorded some albums I have enjoyed throughout the years, and this one passes the test. It doesn't touch my personal favorites, but is good on its own merits. If you're looking for nostalgia, name drops of seminal albums and modern classic films, as well as what is right and wrong with the holiday, we have a smattering of it all; half of it is in the first song. 

To those blessed with a holiday feast, there is the temptation to overindulge, and there is a line that states that, which is one of my least favorite due to its truthfulness. It only comes once a year, so many give in wholeheartedly, but it is a test because there is a balance. 

"Somber Christmas" has an ironic instrumental accompaniment, with all the poor relationships the subject has survived, now having to trudge through another holiday season in a melancholic state of mind, which assists in following the lights back home, aspiring to make new memories. It is an effective attempt at turning the frown upside down and seeing the silver lining (which happens to glow with red and green).

Yes, I have listened to the "Holiday Records" mentioned in the song, but usually only listen to them about once a year; except for the Bruce Springsteen record, which is already worn out, but is to the point where I have made peace with it. It is an overplayed, but a classic rendition (which served as a template for rockers to record their own version). The only question I have is, is there a clandestine Christmas album from "The Boss" most have not heard?

The meaning of "Nothing For Christmas" speaks for itself, especially if you have been blessed with finding your soulmate. While the following track quickly documents the dilemma of finding the perfect "Christmas Card" for that special someone, with a repetitive outro in case you lost yourself in empathy with a similar dilemma and a multitude of slightly altered sentiments wrapped in decorated cards of various designs.

As we are aware, the members of NFG are old enough to no longer believe in Santa, so "Santa Forgive Me" is for a younger generation of NFG fans, or this plea is merely dressed in holiday style, but then that wouldn't explain the crimes Pundik admitted to in the song under the guise of the big guy adorned in red. Were they based on past transgressions?

Y do things change when your first Christmas becomes "Our First Christmas?" 

Well, for one, you are older, and should be wiser, as well as more cognizant of what is going on, and the song addresses some reasons why ( nothing too deep), but when you found your soulmate, it seems to flip a switch urging you to be something more than you are.

 Being blessed with a nice family and spending time with them can make even regular days better, so when a person has truly found their significant other, it can enhance their daily experience, not just their holiday experience. One can have a close relationship with their family, but it usually can be more intimate with a spouse, so the impact, even more so.

The latter is nice enough, but I prefer how the eighth song manages to resemble falling "Snow."

"Don't Fight It's Christmas" is obviously addressing what can be good about this time of year, even if it encourages utilization of patience and seeking peace on a terse time line. The last quarter of the year always brings that battle between the bitter and the better angels to the forefront of an invisible field.

There is a reason to seek peace and patience over war and instant gratification all year round, it's just that the real reason for the season has been buried by commercialism. 

Then, it also gives "For Christmas Sake" a different meaning; the title appearing as an alteration of what sounds like saying the Lord's name in vain, and a subtle replacement for the reason to be your best you can be.

 It did mention a parents' love, sacrifice, and hard work for the sake of their children, but it was to give them what society equates with love around the holidays, a lot of presents. Not there is anything wrong with giving of gifts, but it is to the point of excess where it creates an issue. Expressing love for a family member by giving into the greed and self-indulgence that oft plagues society, especially this time of year can be two sides of the same coin.

I realize that the more Christmas records I listen to, the shorter my list of enduring favorites becomes. Even with new records appearing every year, only one or two make the list, if that, whilst the rest barely pass the taste test (because they are a mere cookie cutter compilation of sorts).

What about "It Never Snows in Florida (Holiday Version)," you have something to say about that? 

Yes, Fake News. 

I know it's merely a song title, but it had on Jan 19th in the same year as the Blizzard of '77.