I try to stay on top of the music world, at least from my point of view, as thoroughly as possible. But I freely admit, sometimes the music scene gets carried away, and will unleash more stuff than I can keep track of, or have time for. It's not exactly hard work to keep a music blog up, but when one has to maintain a professional/social/family life as well, I must admit, sometimes I can't report everything to thee avid readers.
The snow may be coming down, but can you here the sound? Hark! Are those jingle bells? Is Santa's sleigh coming our way? What is that deafening roar? Why none other than the Voilà! Omnibus, of course. It's decked out with snow chains for adequate speedy travel down these icy streets, as well as so many Christmas lights that it's probably breaking some sort of fire code, all to enliven your glorious Christmas spirit. There are gingerbread cookies and a slew of Christmas songs playing over here; please, couples, there is mistletoe in the back of the bus - we don't want to see all the snogging. Un... deux... trois... ALLEZ!
Astral Inter Planet Space Captain Christmas Infinity Voyage, Volume VIIISufjan's Christmas 2008 Compilation
There are tons of great holiday songs albums out there. Most people think of Nat King Cole, or Otis Redding, or Frank Sinatra. But as for contemporary music, you can't go wrong with the Yuletide folk renditions by Sufjan Stevens. Sufjan's annual tradition is to record a small collection of Christmas tunes (classics and original) strictly for family and friends as a Christmas present. Last year, a huge collection of his Christmas songs were put out. But that doesn't mean he's through! Run right over here to snag Sufjan Steven's 2008 Christmas record....... awkwardly titled Astral Inter Planet Space Captain Christmas Infinity Voyage, Volume VIII... I just report it and listen to the music guys, I swear.
"I Was Very Taken With The Turtle Dove."
Belle & Sebastian's Christmas Party for Peel Sessions
The best part for a music lover like me is to catch wind of all the amazing new Christmas music that filters in from all directions once December is upon us. Now, normally, it's just a band nobody's ever heard of trying to do a neat cover. But what if it's an ensemble like Belle & Sebastian? The indie-pop collective from Glasgow visited the Peel Sessions, and recorded a whole session, filled with old B&S favourites, as well as oodles of Christmas songs. C'mon, how can you pass up covers of James Brown and Elvis Christmas songs? Go check it and download the entire Peel Session here.
Who Wants To Be Picasso These Days, Anyway?
You Ain't No Picasso releases Christmas Mix
Matt Jordan knows how to value Christmas. On his blog, You Ain't No Picasso, it's easy to see this. I mean, between all the Christmas updates, and The Twelve Days of Mixmas, how can you doubt? Of course though, what Christmas would it be without a little free music? Mosey on this way, and you can catch You Ain't No Picasso's 2008 Christmas mix, filled to the brim with The Polyphonics Spree, The Boy Least Likely To, The Kinks, Frightened Rabbit, and many more. Go now!
The Perspective of Listening to Good Music
Rachel Lee Shares her Favourites of 2008
The days of "The Saddest Christmas" and "The Winter Rush," but lately, Rachel Lee of both Some By Sea and Ghosts & Liars has been busying herself with solo music, vacations, and writing away in her lovely little blog. Very recently, she decided to share her thoughts on the best music to grace 2008 with its delightful melodies. Please note you'll see the likes of Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson and Thao with The Get Down Stay Down making her list. Don't miss, check it out right here, right now.
A'Carolin' for Christmas in Texas
Green River Ordinance Releases Christmas Song
I recently took a trip up to Chicago. You can really get into the Christmas spirit with all the salt and snow layering the streets, along with all the crazy cab drivers. And let's not forget the -30 degree windchill. But home for me is in North Texas - Fort Worth, to be exact - not really a place known for snow drifts or ice. But hometown brethren Green River Ordinance are still in the holiday spirit! They are sharing a neat holiday video with their fans, along with their rendition of "O Holy Night." Go check it all out over yonder, y'all. Woops, my apologies - the Texan slang slipped out.
But It's Warm Indoors, At Least
Danger Radio Confides a Christmas Cover
If you're the type that likes to dance while tapping your feet to the beat-bumping rhythm of some indie-pop rock songs, then I'm betting you know who Danger Radio is. The dance rock compadres in Andrew de Torres (of The Scene Aesthetic) side project that has quickly built a reputation all their own loves Christmas time. Last year, they shared their version of Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You," featuring the talents of Gatsbys American Dream. This year, they're going for a cover of Frank Loesser's "Baby, It's Cold Outside," featuring their friend Kathryn Claus (as DR said, 'that's not a joke.'). You can stream their cover on their Myspace now, or snag it from any music digital outlet out there, iTunes included.
Christmas and A Cab Ride
Black Cab Session's Features Slow Club for Christmas
Sure, maybe it's a little weird. But Death Cab for Cutie did compliment the English oddity of the internet, Black Cab Sessions, saying "It is weird, yet reputable." Indeed it is, as the Black Cab Sessions busies itself around the busy London streets in the back of their cabs with famous musicians from all around. This time, they're featuring Slow Club, with a lovely little Christmas ditty just for your eyes and ears. Go check it out!
There are tons of great holiday songs albums out there. Most people think of Nat King Cole, or Otis Redding, or Frank Sinatra. But as for contemporary music, you can't go wrong with the Yuletide folk renditions by Sufjan Stevens. Sufjan's annual tradition is to record a small collection of Christmas tunes (classics and original) strictly for family and friends as a Christmas present. Last year, a huge collection of his Christmas songs were put out. But that doesn't mean he's through! Run right over here to snag Sufjan Steven's 2008 Christmas record....... awkwardly titled Astral Inter Planet Space Captain Christmas Infinity Voyage, Volume VIII... I just report it and listen to the music guys, I swear.
"I Was Very Taken With The Turtle Dove."
Belle & Sebastian's Christmas Party for Peel Sessions
The best part for a music lover like me is to catch wind of all the amazing new Christmas music that filters in from all directions once December is upon us. Now, normally, it's just a band nobody's ever heard of trying to do a neat cover. But what if it's an ensemble like Belle & Sebastian? The indie-pop collective from Glasgow visited the Peel Sessions, and recorded a whole session, filled with old B&S favourites, as well as oodles of Christmas songs. C'mon, how can you pass up covers of James Brown and Elvis Christmas songs? Go check it and download the entire Peel Session here.
Who Wants To Be Picasso These Days, Anyway?
You Ain't No Picasso releases Christmas Mix
Matt Jordan knows how to value Christmas. On his blog, You Ain't No Picasso, it's easy to see this. I mean, between all the Christmas updates, and The Twelve Days of Mixmas, how can you doubt? Of course though, what Christmas would it be without a little free music? Mosey on this way, and you can catch You Ain't No Picasso's 2008 Christmas mix, filled to the brim with The Polyphonics Spree, The Boy Least Likely To, The Kinks, Frightened Rabbit, and many more. Go now!
The Perspective of Listening to Good Music
Rachel Lee Shares her Favourites of 2008
The days of "The Saddest Christmas" and "The Winter Rush," but lately, Rachel Lee of both Some By Sea and Ghosts & Liars has been busying herself with solo music, vacations, and writing away in her lovely little blog. Very recently, she decided to share her thoughts on the best music to grace 2008 with its delightful melodies. Please note you'll see the likes of Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson and Thao with The Get Down Stay Down making her list. Don't miss, check it out right here, right now.
A'Carolin' for Christmas in TexasGreen River Ordinance Releases Christmas Song
I recently took a trip up to Chicago. You can really get into the Christmas spirit with all the salt and snow layering the streets, along with all the crazy cab drivers. And let's not forget the -30 degree windchill. But home for me is in North Texas - Fort Worth, to be exact - not really a place known for snow drifts or ice. But hometown brethren Green River Ordinance are still in the holiday spirit! They are sharing a neat holiday video with their fans, along with their rendition of "O Holy Night." Go check it all out over yonder, y'all. Woops, my apologies - the Texan slang slipped out.
But It's Warm Indoors, At LeastDanger Radio Confides a Christmas Cover
If you're the type that likes to dance while tapping your feet to the beat-bumping rhythm of some indie-pop rock songs, then I'm betting you know who Danger Radio is. The dance rock compadres in Andrew de Torres (of The Scene Aesthetic) side project that has quickly built a reputation all their own loves Christmas time. Last year, they shared their version of Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You," featuring the talents of Gatsbys American Dream. This year, they're going for a cover of Frank Loesser's "Baby, It's Cold Outside," featuring their friend Kathryn Claus (as DR said, 'that's not a joke.'). You can stream their cover on their Myspace now, or snag it from any music digital outlet out there, iTunes included.
Christmas and A Cab RideBlack Cab Session's Features Slow Club for Christmas
Sure, maybe it's a little weird. But Death Cab for Cutie did compliment the English oddity of the internet, Black Cab Sessions, saying "It is weird, yet reputable." Indeed it is, as the Black Cab Sessions busies itself around the busy London streets in the back of their cabs with famous musicians from all around. This time, they're featuring Slow Club, with a lovely little Christmas ditty just for your eyes and ears. Go check it out!
Well folks, we've seen the Christmas sights and sounds this year, and how can you not love all the Yuletide cheer? Hopefully you're spending your Christmas Eve day filled with family tradition and lots of tasty food! Bake them cookies - pour that milk - Santa's hitchin' up his sleigh, and he's going to be slamming on top of your roof soon, messing up your shingles. Happy holidays, folks.
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