HOLIDAY RELEASES ARE HEATING UP
Sure, it’s 76 degrees and sunny in New York, but you can still get the eggnog warming and celebrate the host of holiday releases emerging as we await what is ostensibly the most wonderful time of the year. Released last Friday, Cher’s Christmas is highlighted by a duet with Darlene Love on a remake of the latter's 1963 classic “Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home),” and also features guest turns from Stevie Wonder (on “What Christmas Means to Me”), Michael Bublé and Tyga.
“I never say this about my own records but I’m really proud of this one,” Cher remarks. “It is one of the most amazing highlights of my career.” Christmas will be out on ruby red vinyl on 11/17.
Highlighted by irreverent tunes such as “Beer for Santa” and “400 Horsepower Sleigh,” country hitmaker Jon Pardi’s A Very Merry Christmas With John Pardi arrives tomorrow (10/27), as do A Joyful Holiday from Verve’s rising star (and 2023 Grammy winner for Best New Artist) Samara Joy, reissues of Linda Ronstadt’s 2000 album A Merry Little Christmas and Bing Crosby’s Christmas Gems, and the vinyl debut of Dave Brubeck’s 1996 yuletide offering, A Dave Brubeck Christmas (Craft Recordings/Concord).
And let's not forget Kane Brown's virtual duet with the late Elvis Presley on "Blue Christmas," which Brown previously recorded for an Amazon Originals collection in 2022.
On 11/3, Chicago and Michael Bolton bring forth Greatest Christmas Hits and Christmas Time, respectively, while Primary Wave brings forth Luther Vandross’ three-track EP Luther Vandross Classic Christmas, featuring two rare tracks from 1976.
Meanwhile, Aimee Mann’s celebrated 2006 holiday release One More Drifter in the Snow will slide down the chimney on vinyl for the first time on 11/10. Mann will also play four holiday shows with Ted Leo at Largo in Los Angeles next month.
What other seasonal treats will be rolling down Santa Claus Lane? Stay tuned, and pass them Christmas cookies.
