Category: Holiday

The Beach Boys’ Christmas Album

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Imagine songs like “Merry Christmas, Baby” or “Christmas Day,” but with new titles and lyrics removed from Christmas, delivered on a record that didn’t bear a kitschy cover of the band putting ornaments on a tree. If this was the case, would the Christmas Album get the respect it deserves?

Christmas Jambree :: A Vintage Jamaican Yuletide Mixtape, Vol. 2

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In 2017 Aquarium Drunkard brought you Christmas Jambree: A Vintage Jamaican Yuletide Mixtape. At 28 tracks it’s an extensive collection of Jamaican reggae and ska Christmas tunes. If you’ve never heard it, do slide over there right now, but if you’re already converted, and looking for a bit more in that vein, the following companion has you covered. Dig in, dig deep, and happy holidays.

George Shearing And The Montgomery Brothers :: Enchanted (1961)

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There’s something raunchy, on-point-kitsch and universal about the cocktail piano holiday soundtracks that dominate the globe. Despite all the irony, the twilight balled “Enchanted” exists as an unearthed gem of elegant ivory work fit for the season and your next cozy get together. Penned by the sultriest of swingers, Sir George Shearing, the blissful track comes halfway through an underrated, self-titled collaborative album, George Shearing and the Montgomery Brothers, recorded in Los Angeles under the direction of Orrin Keepnews for the Jazzland label back in 1961.

The AD Picture Show (Holiday Special)

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Here’s a little something extra in your stocking this season–the inaugural AD Holiday Special. Covered in tinsel and lights, falling down your digital screens like department store fake snow.

Feat: Wizzard | T. Rex | Ahmad Jamal Trio | Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band | Tom Waits | The Pogues & more

Frozen Fingers :: An American Primitive Holiday Meditation

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Fingerpickers can’t seem to resist uncovering (or just plain inventing) the folk-blues roots of these timeworn melodies. Whatever the motivation, it’s always nice to have an alternative to the treacly seasonal music that is inescapable this time of year. Frozen Fingers is playlist of (mostly) acoustic wintry music that’ll put a little wonder into the most wonderful time of the year…

Halloween 2019 :: Costume Suggestions

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As All Hallows’ Eve draws nigh, it’s time to check in with rock ‘n roll boogieman, Jed Maheu of Zig Zags.

The only thing that sucks about Halloween is trying to figure out what to be. So, Jed figured it out for you with a list of musician themed costumes for Halloween 2019! Heads up these will not work in 2020 as it will be too close to the election and no one will be in the mood for fun.

Marc Bolan :: T. Rexmas

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We’re not sure who the mysterious folks behind the Bolan Boogie Bandcamp are, and even less sure how we missed the 4-track T.Rexmas! EP they uploaded last December, but here it is.

T.Rexmas! is mainly built around the stomping woulda-been hit “Christmas Bop,” recorded in 1975 for an aborted single that would have been paired with “Telegram Sam” and “Metal Guru.” . . .

A Christmas Gift For You…From Phil Spector

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With his trademark Wall of Sound, Spector’s curated mix of holiday tunes pushes the limits of Christmas music—whether it’s tweaking the lyrics of “White Christmas” or writing his own in “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”. Spector, a Jew born on Christmas day, did what few were, or are, capable of doing. He made the largesse—both genuine and contrived—of Christmas even bigger.

A Reflection: Vince Guaraldi Trio — A Charlie Brown Christmas

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There’s loneliness and companionship, joy and despair, truth-seeking and blithe celebration, all during what’s marketed to be the most wonderful time of the year. Your interpretation of the season begets your holiday spirit, whatever version it may be — bah humbug and good tidings. It’s little surprise then that Charlie Brown’s soundtrack, as well as our own, is something just as introspective and shifting. Something like jazz.