SPILL FEATURE: I KNOW IT’S ONLY MISTLETOE (BUT I LIKE IT) – SPILL MAGAZINE DIGS DEEP INTO SOME OF THE BEST/WORST 2024 CHRISTMAS RELEASES (PART ONE)

I KNOW IT’S ONLY MISTLETOE (BUT I LIKE IT)

SPILL MAGAZINE DIGS DEEP INTO SOME OF THE BEST/WORST 2024 CHRISTMAS RELEASES (PART ONE)

Well, it is that time of year again, to gather friends and family and get together for Christmas, the most wonderful time of the year. This year, new Christmas records and some interesting re-releases have reached these ears, and this is a rough guide. It can also serve as some good suggestions for your holiday party playlist. Or maybe, just some new music you want to discover. It is all good, because, as John Prine once said, “Hell man, it’s Christmas!”

2024 CHRISTMAS ALBUMS

Kelly Finnigan
A Joyful Sound
Colemine Records
December 6, 2024

This is a straight re-release of Kelly Finnigan’ 2020 release, A Joyful Sound. This time it is being offered on green vinyl. There are no new songs or remixes, just a straight re-release of a pretty great Christmas album. Don’t expect any classic carols here, or stories about snowmen coming to life, but rather a personal view of Christmas complete with heartache, a little bit of magic and a bit of anger. The music is well played alt-rock. There is a grittiness to the album and the songs. Not an album for the traditional Christmas parties or Christmas dinners, but in some situations, it would be very welcome. An interesting album.

The Carpenters
Christmas Once More
Universal Records
November 4, 2024

For a couple of generations, nothing said Christmas quite like The Carpenters. Their Christmas albums were legendary and extremely popular. For Christmas Once More, Richard Carpenter has remixed and remastered some classic Yuletide favourites by The Carpenters and assembled them on yet another compilation. But this one is the best collection of their Christmas music. The sound is fantastic, and one can hear Richard Carpenter’s stunning arrangements and production. Of course, longtime collaborator Peter Knight helps out, but the end result is beautiful, lush, yet restrained musical arrangements.

Then there is Karen Carpenter’s voice. It has never sounded so clear and sharp. It really does allow one to hear how gifted she was. Karen captures the melancholy and longing in “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” and the utter joy of the season with “Sleigh Ride”. The combination of Karen’s voice and Richard’s production makes it an audio equivalent of sitting by the fire with your favourite Christmas songs.

WHAM!
Last Christmas (EP)
Sony
December 13, 2024

For people of a certain age, it is remarkably hard to believe that WHAM!’s “Last Christmas” is 40 years old and so the year could not pass by without acknowledging that milestone. The song was originally released on 12-inch and 7-inch with the WHAM! classic “Everything She Wants” on the flipside, making it a double A-side that could still be sold post-Christmas. A very smart move on someone’s part. Here on the new EP, the original version is here, along with the first remix of the song (the ‘Pudding Mix’) an instrumental. All these versions have been previously released, but what is of interest to the fans is the new live recording of George Michael performing the song during his concert in Wembley in 2006. His voice is still in fine form and the version is actually good and, in some ways, worth the price of the EP. This is a great re-release to remind us all of another time and of a now Christmas standard. Welcome back “Last Christmas”.

Band Aid
Do They Know It’s Christmas? – 40th Anniversary
Universal Records
December 13, 2024

Do They Know It’s Christmas” is also celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024. Unlike “Last Christmas”, “Do They Know It’s Christmas” has been recorded three different times using different artists (although Bono somehow pops up in all of them). The song was recorded in 1984, 2004, and 2014. And it is a classic! It also raised a great deal of money and awareness to a significant world issue. Whether one likes the song or not, it did a tremendous amount of good, it has a lot of rock and pop stars you would never think would record together (Status Quo and Heaven 17 on the same song?). And most importantly it spawned the Live Aid Concert. I have always loved the song, and this mini album/EP is a nice collection of the original versions and also nice to have them all in one place. The live version from Live Aid still packs an emotional punch and the new mash-up 2024 version is nothing short of brilliant. All the voices from the past to the present are brought together, once again for a good cause, and a great record. I wish they had added the original B-sides of messages and the 12-inch version, but perhaps I am quibbling. It is a wonderful release.

Olivia Newton-John
Angels In The Snow
Green Hill Productions/Sun Records
November 22, 2024

There is no disputing Olivia Newton-John’s vocal ability. Whether one is a fan of her styles of music throughout her lengthy and legendary career, one thing rings true, she had a truly remarkable and beautiful voice. This compilation of Christmas music, remixed and re-produced (or re-imagined) by producer Sam Hollander is an absolute treat. Her duet with Michael McDonald brings out the best in both of them (“All Through The Night”) and “A Mother’s Christmas Wish” is extremely beautiful and heartfelt. There are also duets with Jane Lynch and John Travolta, but it is when she sings by herself, especially traditional songs like “Little Star Of Bethlehem”, her talent shines through. The album sounds fresh and crisp and is a welcome addition to Christmas music and the impressive Oliva Newton-John catalogue.

2024 CHRISTMAS SINGLES

The James Clark Institute
“Orange Christmas”
Room 5
November 15, 2024

The James Clark Institute always entertains. Plain and simple. James Clark writes melodic, rocking pop rock songs that have power, drive, and excitement. “Orange Christmas” is their first Christmas song, and they do not disappoint. Moe Berg is once again producing and there is an awesome video to accompany it. Shoplifting from Dollarama and pleading for that special someone to return all comes together in this wonderful Christmas rocker. Move over “White Christmas” and “Blue Christmas”, there is a new colour in town.

John Waters
“Jingle Bells'” b/w “It’s a Punk Rock Christmas”
Sup Pop Records
November 8, 2024

John Waters, yes the filmmaker, returns to the world of music with this intriguing single. On side one, Waters does his very best impersonation of The Singing Dogs and their 1955 hit “Jingle Bells”. He does an admirable job. The flipside is even more amusing. It is a spoken-word reflection of Christmas punk rock’s place in it. It is a well-written, and often funny rant for five minutes. The mention of John Lydon is mean and funny.

King Hannah
“Blue Christmas”
City Slang
November 20, 2024

Based in Liverpool, King Hannah has a really distinct and cool sound. The duo (Hannah Merrick and Craig Whittle) released their second album this year (Big Swimmer) and have released, just in time for Christmas, this seasonal favourite. Of course, “Blue Christmas” was made famous by Elvis Presley way back in 1957, and since then countless artists have taken their turn with the song. Here King Hannah turns it into a slow, bluesy, folky melancholy song. It works. Merrick’s voice is very laid back, and Whittle accompanies her on guitar. It is a nice version.

Ax and the Hatchetmen
“Mele Kalikimaka”
Arista Records
November 1, 2024

This six-piece band, based in Chicago and fronted by guitarist and lead vocalist Axel Ellis, are making quite a name for themselves. This is a band that takes their craft and music seriously, but not much else. They are having fun with a capital F. This is a light-hearted version of the Andrews Sisters’ classic. Ax and the Hatchetmen sound like they are having fun and the end result is a fresh new version of this Christmas chestnut.

Bartees Strange
“Xmas”
4AD
November 21, 2024

Bartees Strange was born in England, raised in Oklahoma, and he is now based in Washington, D.C. He has released two albums and a number of EPs. This song, “Xmas”, is a great song that celebrates the desire to be with someone special for Christmas. Sadly, the feeling does not seem mutual, and the song has a sad feel to it lyrically. Musically, it is quite a different thing, with a very cool R&B vibe throughout, and Strange’s vocals are fantastic.

Jason Owen
“All I Want For Christmas Is You”
Checked Label Services
November 13, 2024

This can be compared to Mariah Carey’s version, with more guitar and a slightly different approach. If you enjoy the song, and Mariah’s version, you will enjoy this.

The Philly Specials with Stevie Nicks and Jason Kelce
“Maybe This Christmas”
Vera Y Records/Virgin Records
November 8, 2024

The Philly Specials is a vocal trio composed of Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive linemen Lane Johnson, Jason Kelce, and Jordan Mailata. And for NFL players, they sound pretty darn good. And the money raised from the single (and their 2022 album) goes to charity. This year, they teamed up with Stevie Nicks for a cover of Ron Sexsmith’s incredible “Maybe This Christmas”. It is a song of hope and wishes for a better future, and let’s face it, that is something we all need right now. It is a great version and with Stevie Nicks in the mix, it is just stunning.

Phil Cook & The Fall Dogs
“Holiday Holiday Holiday”
Independent
December 22, 2024

Phil Cook and The Fall Dogs make incredible music. The songs are full of life, energy and excitement. “Holiday Holiday Holiday” fits that bill. From a forthcoming EP, here Phil Cook is breaking up with his girlfriend and he is making no bones about it. Of course, he picks the holidays to deliver the message with bells and a great melody. This is, maybe, one of the cheeriest breakup songs ever, and he does it in under two minutes. This is a brilliant song. His other Christmas song, from a previous EP, “It’s The Silent Nights” (from Chase Your Tail!) is also well worth adding to your Christmas playlist.

Jane’s Party
“The Little Drum Machine Boy”
Independent
November 26, 2024

I am so old, I could be a grandparent?! Well, according to this song, I am. Actually, it is a really clever song with a great melody and great lyrics. It taps into the 1980s beautifully and answers the age-old question as to what The Human League could have done with “The Little Drummer Boy”. But the song also features some energetic playing (great guitar) and it the kind of song you could listen to over and over. The band is also partnering with the Community Music Schools of Toronto (CMST) through the Community Band Program. the band will offer guest workshops, mentorship opportunities, and a $1,000 annual donation to support CMST’s mission

Voltaire’s Ghost
“Christmas Prayer”
Curtain Call Records
December 12, 2024

Christmas with the goths! Well, if heavy metal stars can put out records, why not a goth band. This is the perfect soundtrack for those moments when Christmas cheer is just not doing its thing. It is a well-written and performed song. It is an interesting song and more than a little depressing. But it sounds good, and the singing is spot on. Not the cheeriest of songs, and I doubt if the entire family will want this as a soundtrack while opening gifts but, sitting in alone in a bedsit on Christmas night, it is perfect.

Metal Hall Of Fame All-Stars
Featuring Chris Poland , “Metal” Mike Chlasciak and Pat Gesualdo
“Carol Of The Bells”
Firerock Music Group
December 2, 2024

Every year there is a new metal version of a Christmas classic, and this year, the fine people at The Metal Hall Of Fame bring us this all-star recording of “Carol Of The Bells”, featuring Chris Poland (Megadeth), “Metal” Mike Chlasciak (Halford), and drummer Pat Gesualdo. The song is exactly as advertised, a very heavy metal version of the song, with not many bells within earshot. The playing is fine, the sentiment is great, and the song/CD supports a worthy cause (sales from the proceeds go to bringing free music programs to help special needs children). So, on all levels it works, and it works well. Your heavy metal fans in your family will appreciate this one.

King Of Cups
“Don’t Get Me Anything”
Moosic Entertainment
November 29, 2024

Welcome to Christmas, circa 1995. King Of Cups brings you “Don’t Get Me Anything”, a cynical Christmas song (“the only time of the year when you have to buy presents for people you hate”). The playing is tight, the singing is fine, and for those who want a sincere anti-Christmas song, this is it. If the Grinch’s heart had not grown three sizes that day, I imagine he would love to have this on his playlist/ipod/downloads, etc. There is no Christmas joy in this one.

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