I’ve come to believe that Christmas would be far more enjoyable if not for the music. While the Phil Spector album, and most of Elvis Presley’s seasonal cuts, will never become as grating as, say, Paul McCartney’s “A Wonderful Christmas Time,” the annual additions to the Xmas canon over the decades have piled up to the point where it’s impossible to escape the barrage of bad music for at least the entire month of December.
So with that in mind, here’s my last minute attempt to counteract the treacle with a few choice selections I’ve received over the last few weeks:
Along with Skydiggers‘ reissue of the track “November In Ontario” (see Recent Posts), they’ve also again made available their beloved version of “Good King Wenceslas.” Aside from just its stirring melody, this song has always been my Christmas favourite for its simple message of those who follow the Good King’s example of helping the less fortunate will themselves be blessed.
Skydiggers — “Good King Wenceslas”
After digesting Josh T. Pearson‘s intensely personal Last Of The Country Gentlemen earlier this year, I’m not at all surprised to hear him apply his achingly beautiful style to “O Holy Night,” probably the Christmas standard that best captures the sense of spiritual redemption that Christ’s birth symbolizes. Those not familiar with this Texan’s work might hear strong echoes of Jeff Buckley, but I highly recommend Last Of The Country Gentlemen to get a more complete picture of his talents. But be forewarned that his songs aren’t for the faint of heart.
Josh T. Pearson — “O Holy Night”
Finally, here’s something from another of my faves from 2011, the Barr Brothers. The Montreal-via-Providence siblings released their soulful self-titled debut back in September, and I was immediately hooked. What makes this new track, “Dear Mrs. Claus” even better is that it’s an original composition based on the cheeky idea that Mrs. Claus is always alone on Christmas Eve and might welcome some companionship. I suggest putting on Chuck Berry’s “Merry Christmas Baby” right after.
A good Canadian Christmas would have to include the music of Bob & Doug McKenzie – “The Twelve Days of Christmas” – which best captures “the spiritual redemption” of living in the great white north! Take off, eh, ya hoser.
This guy Josh Pearson is a total self-important dick. I saw him pull a knife on a guy whose dog was making too much noise during one of his shows… which was at a backyard BBQ. He’s totally uncool as a person and at best mediocre as a musician.