Self Released
Buy: Bandcamp (NYOP)
What can one say about Wake Up and Smell the Sun, the music project of Philadelphia’s John Murray? That first review I wrote remains one of the longest and easiest I’ve ever crafted; I had never heard a Christmas record quite like it. Electric Snow knocked me on my ass — a lyrical and sonic mix that was unlike anything I’d encountered before. It felt like one of those videos where a blind kid puts on special glasses and sees for the first time.
So as I tackle this latest release, I come to it with the weight of those earlier impressions, as well as the thoughtful, self-deprecating, optimistic, and generous message John sent along with it. He presents the new release, Icicle Miner Key Yuletide Trilogy, in the context of his feelings about the holiday, the journey of these songs, and the creative energy of the Philadelphia music community that helped bring his vision to life. I’m fighting the urge to share his whole note, because it pulls you into the process in a way that only deepens your appreciation for the music. I connect with John’s work and his motivation in a way that cuts straight to the core — I’m always searching for songs I can love year-round, regardless of the season. That doesn’t mean I don’t care about the content; when someone can tap into something genuine, something human and rooted in the spirit of the season, there’s power in that. So when John writes, “First and foremost, Wake Up And Smell the Sun Christmas songs are songs. They are about Christmas, and all are conceived and birthed in the time and spirit of Christmas, whatever they end up sounding like,” I see the same relationship between craft and spirit that I’m constantly seeking.
Let’s dig into the songs. The first thing you’ll notice is that each track has its own distinct feel. John explains the sequence like this:
For this Trilogy, there are obviously three songs about Christmas. I chose the order too. The songs are stylistically very different. I intended for that to be a good thing. I imagine people being wholly perplexed by the ambitious power and synth-and-drum-driven proclamation of the first song, then making a strange turn into a contemplative indie rock feel for the second song, then finishing into a more traditional reel-to-reel torchlighting of the third song. A sonic quest. My quest for Christmas Music immortality.
I love that last bit — “my quest for Christmas Music immortality.” Every time someone hears a Christmas song they love and makes it a part of themselves, their holiday, their memories, they give that song a kind of immortality. Maybe the synths on “We Cannot Be Too Merry” will make you turn your stereo (go buy a stereo!) or headphones up as the ending washes over you: “We could be good / We could be good for you / We cannot be too merry / We cannot be too merry.”
Or maybe the chorus of “Jolly Good Time Indeed” will make you feel grateful for the warmth the season brings to your everyday life: “It’s a jolly good time indeed… for stories we still believe / and even if they don’t exist / it helps a little bit.”
And then there’s “Icicle Symphony,” whose finale might be the one that gets you. The emotion in the expanding orchestration — perfectly timed with the drums landing right as he sings, “Here come the holidays. Pry ’em wide open.”
John would be the first to tell you how much he owes to the people around him for helping make and share these songs. This record was once again recorded at Miner Street Recording in Philadelphia with Brian and Amy, and features Pat Berkery on drums, Robbie Bennett of The War on Drugs on synths, keys, and piano, and Matt Keppler on bass — his first appearance on a Wake Up and Smell the Sun project.
I don’t think John needs to worry about immortality. These songs — like the ones many of us have loved for years — stick with us. I’ll leave you with his wish for the season, which honestly could be a song itself:
Be well and try to be full of the Christmas spirit well after December. Not for votes, not for likes and follows, not for badges or rewards. Maybe do it for a girl, that would be ok. Or for a boy. That’s ok too. Do it for love, as so many songs say. Be full of the good spirits that spring forth from whatever holiday you celebrate. If you’re feeling triumphant, that is great, but be joyful too. And make some love and give it away. Anyone at all can do that.
Bottom Line: Fucking hell, I got emotional again. What kind of music blog is this? Go listen to some Christmas music, and maybe start with this record. Give it some everlasting life.
LISTEN
Christmas Underground 