The Bridges – Do Christmas (2012)

The Bridges Do Christmas

Self Released
Buy: Bandcamp

Hey, we all know that I like the dark stuff. I like a nice downer of a holiday tune, a political rant, even a solid anti-Christmas screed. I also like sunshine, lollipops and rainbows. The Bridges, an (apparently) now-defunct 5-piece folk-pop band from Nashville created this charming 3-song EP as their second (and last) release back in 2012. Each song has its own feel, with the leadoff track “I’m Gonna Lasso Santa Claus” is a cover of a 1956 Brenda Lee track which is a nice skiffle novelty track that you won’t hear too often. The second track is the most radio-ready, and if I’m not mistaken, their only original; “First Christmas” has some infectious hooks, and the folk-pop charmer doesn’t wear out its welcome at only 2:37. “Rock N Roll Santa” is their take on a Little Joey Farr tune from 1961. Not only did they pull up a song from the 45 bin under the counter, but they perform it with genuine affection. Too bad that the band’s Facebook page stopped updating in 2013, as they did appear to have something here…

Bottom Line: My inner grinch has to take a Friday off every so often, and perhaps this little EP will find some room on your digital shelf too.

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Sol Cat & Kansas Bible Company “Father Christmas” (2015)

Sol Cat & Kansas Bible Company - Father Christmas

Self Released
Buy: Stream

I have a title in mind for my blog this season: The year Jim wrote about the same bands he wrote about last year. Don’t fret though… I’m actually pretty pumped about it. Apparently, I’ve stumbled across a bunch of bands that want to put out great Christmas music every year! So my happy hunting this morning ended quickly, with yet another fantastic cover by Sol Cat & Kansas Bible Company, the Kinks’ “Father Christmas.” This is the third time these two bands have gotten together for a seasonal hit, beginning with 2013’s “Wonderful Christmas Time” and 2014’s “This Christmas,” which you may have learned about here! Once again, they have infused a modern Christmas classic with youthful energy and fantastic production. They make small, but wonderful choices, both their phrasing and instrumentation to make this a particularly great version. I also appreciate the fact that they don’t want a machine gun

Bottom Line: Perhaps my favorite version of “Father Christmas” from the past 5 years. Realllllly digging this.

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Sol Cat w/ Kansas Bible Company “This Christmas” (2014)

Sol Cat "This Christmas"

Self Released
Buy: Stream

Nashville’s Sol Cat got together with the Kansas Bible Company, and what came of this unholy union? Why a funky cover of Donny Hathaway’s “This Christmas” of course! Sol Cat plays danceable indie rock, and the Kansas Bible Company looks to be about 15 members… whose critical mass and horn section undoubtably took this song to the next level. So, turn your speakers up, and close your office door. We’re getting funky.

Bottom Line: Shaved a few off because there is no download – but the fighting the funk is tough. 4.6/5

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