Full-length Christmas discs are usually reserved for the likes of high-wattage stars looking to cash in on, er, celebrate the holiday spirit. This year's crop includes and .
Why, I ask, do they get to have all the holiday fun?
Yes, it's important for a new, local artist to fully showcase their talent via new material. But a Christmas collection is an easy, eclectic way for a new voice to get considerable exposure.
The songs are already written, instantly recognizable and easy to slip into setlists during December.
Even if someone isn't familiar with a local band, they'd likely be open to picking up a Christmas disc as a shopping soudtrack during car trips or for the annual office party.
Listen up, local talent. This means you.
Cheesy? Perhaps. But I love Christmas songs.
All of 'em. I love the Vince Guaraldi Trio's lovely Charlie Brown Score, John Denver's inspired pairing with the Muppets and Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas Is You.
My Christmas wish for next year?
A holiday compilation featuring Houston acts reworking some of the classics.
How about covering Blue Christmas? mixing it up on Sleigh Ride?
gently crooning The Christmas Song? vamping it up on Santa Baby? taking on This Christmas?
And the doing their thing with Baby It's Cold Outside. Hey, it could work. Or even better: A uniquely BME original.
For now, I'll take 's , one of the loveliest originals I've heard yet; and 's rollicking , originally featured on her Tonkabilly disc.
Austin notable Rosie Flores' is another unique find and features a nice balance of old favorites and originals. The disc was first issued last year and has been re-released for the holidays.
So maybe I will find Miss Leslie, Jef With Ohe F and Gregg Stegman caroling at my door next year. A boy can dream, can't he?
News RSS