Hannah Peel – Christmas Underground

Its official. I just received word from Robert over at the Snowflakes Christmas Singles Club (SCSC), and we’ve got 2 new singles for 2014! Hannah Peel and Nancy Wallace (both from the UK) are this year’s lineup, with the same format as last year – one original and one cover. They will be limited to 500 copies, and are pressed on snow-white vinyl. If you did not take advantage of this stellar club last year, you can still pick up three of the four releases directly from the club. Do some digging, and I’d imagine you’ll find that Smoke Fairies 7″ for sale somewhere too (There’s a signed one on Amazon!).

Nancy Wallace 'January' b/w '2000 Miles' — Nancy Wallace ‘January’

I can’t recommend these releases enough. The Snowflakes Christmas Singles Club is working hard to bring us wonderful NEW Christmas songs from interesting artists. SCSC are not website throwaways, but some of the best Christmas songs of the season. That Miserable Rich tune from last year is one of my favorite Christmas songs of the last decade – no joke.

I can’t wait to hear these new ones…

I’m sure you’ll be hearing more about these releases here and everywhere else as the season draws near. Grab your copy today to make sure you don’t miss out.

Mojo, January 2011
Buy: CD

I don’t know how “Alternative” Mary Chapin Carpenter is considered… but there is some real traditional fare on this disc. There’s some great stuff here, which makes it a worthwhile collection to hunt down, but the boring stuff is mind-meltingly boring. Use this more as grist for your Christmas mix, rather than giving it a place in your holiday rotation.

There is a span of four tracks which create the powerhouse of the record, beginning with Superchunk‘s John Cale cover of “Child’s Christmas in Wales.” This track is exclusive to the release, and truly wonderful. The song fits Superchunk perfectly, and had this been the only song I liked on the disc, I would have been pleased with purchasing it.

Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings‘ “Ain’t No Chimneys in the Projects” gets a CD release here – for those who want a physical copy beyond the 7″ that they released earlier in 2009. Great piece of R&B/Soul that can find its place on any interesting Christmas mix.

Hannah Peel & Tunng give us “Hey Santa!,” the second of three exclusive tracks. This is an indie pop gem – truly out of left field with its lyrical content, and a groove you can get in to.

Sea of Bees‘ “Feliz Navidad” is also exclusive to this collection. Most certainly the best surprise on this disc, they take a Christmas classic (which I usually find a bit annoying) and made it something enjoyable! The music creates a warm atmosphere, and the slight variations on the vocal phrasing keeps you interested. Well done.

Bottom Line: The good stuff is certainly enough to pick this up for a few bucks. 3.4/5

Tag: Hannah Peel

UPCOMING: Snowflakes Christmas Singles Club 2014!!

Mojo’s Festive Fifteen (2010)

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