The world of Americana and Roots music is vast and encompasses folk to blues, bluegrass to rock. What does Americana even mean? Is it country music? (a question I get a lot) Well sure, kind of, but not really if you listen to “country radio” (which is a very different sound nowadays)…but these are details we can explore at another time on The Tea on Twang. And eventually, we’ll dive into it all. But for now, let’s get to music:
The Shootouts – Look Out the Window (The Winter Song)
A cover of a classic from Gene Autry & Rosemary Clooney you may have never heard in your caroling. The Shootouts’ cover is inspired by the version from Tex Williams. In 2021, I’ll be giving you all the tea on this Akron, Ohio band as they are preparing to release their sophomore album Bullseye.
Maria Muldaur – No Money, No Honey
My favorite track on Stony Plain’s Christmas Blues compilation album. Stony Plain Records is a Canadian based label specializing in all genres of Roots music. For a blues lover, this will quickly become your favorite collection of holiday tunes.
Eric Hutchinson – Christmas on Vacation
An original! Is Eric twang? Pfft who cares – all singer/songwriters will find love here.
It has a breezy reggae vibe and makes me wish I was having Christmas on the beach.
Los Lobos – Feliz Navidad
The only song in Spanish I can sing along with… It’s a classic and this version from the East L.A. band is the one you should have in your mix. They have a whole album of holiday music (with an original as well): LLEGÓ NAVIDAD
Dallas Moore – Honky Tonk Holidaze
The twang is strong with this one and it delivers as promised with a very honky tonk tune for your holidaze. This should be played loud and preferably in a bar (whenever we are allowed back into bars).
Calexico- Green Grows The Holly
An acoustic update to the old English carol, Calexico successfully delivers on their Tex-Mex vibe. You can find this on another record label holiday music compilation: Holidays Rule released from Hear Music/Concord Music Group back in 2012. Some other artists featured: The Civil Wars (please, please get back together), The Shins, Irma Thomas with The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Punch Brothers and lots more.
Charley Pride – Christmas in My Hometown (full album)
An icon in country music who just passed away. If you want one holiday album to just ‘set and forget’ it’s his 1970, Christmas in My Hometown.
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