Usually around this time of year we are dealing with more Christmas music than we know what to do with and while we certainly got an earful in 2019, it wasn’t quite the usual deluge. More than that, what we did hear might only be described as “polarizing” – splitting the holiday season between songs that are a little unconventional and some so traditional that even the Catholic church probably hasn’t bothered to dust them off this century. Hopefully, it all still puts your in the spirit of the season. Merry Christmas!
Smaller Hearts – Winter EP
Let’s consider this something of a warm-up, because Nova Scotia’s Smaller Heart new EP isn’t decidedly a Christmas release but, as the name suggests, a seasonal one. While we do find the band re-visiting “Christmas At Home,” which was previously released on Oh! Canada’s Ho! Ho Ho! compilation album last year, the EP might be better suited to New Years Eve with the way it tackles fresh starts and abundant snowfall.
Còig – Carols Too
It’s hard to believe that Còig’s Carols Too wasn’t the most traditional release this year – though it is certainly the most trad. The stringed quartet balance creativity with classics to deliver on a lot of traditional favourites.
Jordan Musycsyn – Around The Fire
This was a surprise for us too! Jordan Musycsyn slipped in a whole Christmas album without us noticing this year, but the Cape Breton artist shines as ever in his abilities as both a musician and storyteller. No doubt there’s a couple future classics on his album Around The Fire.
Wordburglar – My Christmas Catalogue Number
Wordburglar – unsurprisingly less conventional but with 100% more belly laughs. His ode to the Sears Wishlist catalogue might someday outlive those of us old enough to remember the joy of thumbing through its pages and highlighting a selection of favourites – which our parents probably never even looked at.
Anne Janelle with James Hill – Lo’ How A Rose E’er Blooming
Nothing says tradition like a 16th century German hymn.
Moira & Claire – No Snow
Moira & Claire’s “No Snow” gives a hilarious reminder that we should all be careful of what we wish for. Having a bit of snow for Christmas seems like an essential, just so long as it stops before we can’t get out the door anymore.
Christina Martin – Coming Back Home For Christmas
Reworking the same classic theme of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” Christina Martin offers up a tune for all those who find themselves working their way back to their family for the holidays.
Nathaniel Cole – Spent It Right
Definitely in the category of unconventional Nathaniel Cole still sticks the landing on the message: the most important gift you can give anyone is the time you spend with them.
John Cabot Trail – Let’s Go Santa
Not new, but new to us, Cape Breton comedian Dave Harley in the role of John Cabot Trail knocked it out of the park with this hilarious tale of getting Santa across the Canso Causeway.
Still looking for some more holiday tunes? We’ve got a whole list of songs from past years for you! Click here for more or let us know if there’s any we missed this year.