Artist: Charlie Parr
Hometown: Duluth, MN
Song: “Peaceful Valley”
Album: Dog
Release Date: September 8, 2017
Label: Red House Records
In Their Words: “‘Peaceful Valley’ existed as an instrumental junk-rag for a long time before the story came up. It’s a fantasy about those days when I just want to go back into my little room, close the door, have some coffee, and lie around listening to records. I’d make a really good recluse, if I stayed home more.” — Charlie Parr
Photo credit: Nate Ryan
If you're like me, you've already been listening to holiday music for a solid month now, and your annual playlist, to which you gleefully add each year, has already gained another hour or two worth of music since this year's holiday releases began rolling out in October. If you aren't obsessed with all things festive and aren't sure where to begin with this year's holiday releases, breathe easy. We've rounded up six of the best roots-related holiday releases of the year.
Kacey Musgraves, A Very Kacey Christmas
This holiday album from Kacey Musgraves is pure joy — well, mostly, but we'll get to that in a minute. With cameos from Leon Bridges, Willie Nelson, and the Quebe Sisters, there's a little something for everyone in this collection of classics and original songs, and Musgraves' trademark charm shines through in every tune. The album's high point, though, is also its lowest — the tear-jerking "Christmas Makes Me Cry," a beautiful tune Musgraves penned with Shane McAnally and Brandy Clark.
She & Him, Christmas Party
The duo of M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel returns with a second holiday release, the follow-up to 2011's A Very She & Him Christmas. The cuts get a little deeper the second time around the tree, although you'll still find standards like "Let It Snow" and "Winter Wonderland."
Loretta Lynn, White Christmas Blue
Believe it or not, it's been 50 years since Loretta Lynn last released a holiday album. (In 1966, she put out Country Christmas.) This year, she has gifted us with White Christmas Blue, and it includes re-recorded versions of Country Christmas favorites, holiday classics, and a new song, the album's title track.
Various Artists, Christmas on the Lam and Other Songs from the Season
Red House Records ventures into holiday album territory for the first time with this collection of songs, featuring artists like Charlie Parr, the Wailin' Jennys, and Larry Campbell with Teresa Williams. Look for a good mix of new songs and old favorites in this bunch.
David Bazan, Dark Sacred Night
If you didn't collect all of the holiday singles David Bazan began releasing with Suicide Squeeze Records in 2002 (or if you'd enjoy the convenience of having most of them on one disc), you're in luck, as Bazan has compiled 10 of those 14 songs for this remastered collection.
Katie Melua, In Winter
Katie Melua is better known across the pond, but this stirring collection of holiday songs, featuring the Gori Women's Choir from Melua's native Georgia, should earn her some well-deserved recognition here in the States, too.
Shovels & Rope // The Fonda // November 2
Paper Bird // Bootleg Theater // November 3
Jared & the Mill // The Satellite // November 4
Joan Baez // Walt Disney Concert Hall // November 5
Robbie Fulks // McCabe's Guitar Shop // November 6
Jonny Fritz // El Rey // November 10
Sean Hayes // The Satellite // November 10
James McMurtry // Troubadour // November 11
Erykah Badu // Memorial Coliseum Exposition Park // November 13
Sturgill Simpson // The Wiltern // November 15-16
Amanda Shires // Echo // November 17
Kris Kristofferson // The Rose (Pasadena) // November 17
Loretta Lynn // Opry House // November 1
Chicago Farmer // The 5 Spot // November 3
The Steeldrivers // Opry House // November 4
Kelsey Waldon // Station Inn // November 5
O'Connor Band // City Winery // November 7
The Stray Birds // Station Inn // November 9
Madeleine Peyroux // City Winery // November 10
Radney Foster // City Winery // November 12
Darrell Scott // City Winery // November 19
Boo Ray // The 5 Spot // November 19
Will Kimbrough // The Bluebird Café // November 26
Vince Gill // Ryman Auditorium // November 30
Ryley Walker // Villain // November 3
Chatham County Line // Rockwood Music Hall // November 4
Mipso // Rough Trade (Brooklyn) // November 5
Toshi Reagon // Joe's Pub // November 6
Brandy Clark // Mercury Lounge // November 11
The California Honeydrops // Bowery Ballroom // November 13
Charlie Parr // Rockwood Music Hall // November 14
Hiss Golden Messenger // Music Hall of Williamsburg // November 15
Lydia Loveless & Aaron Lee Tasjan // Bowery Ballroom // November 16
Margo Price & Sam Outlaw // Music Hall of Williamsburg // November 16
Infamous Stringdusters // Brooklyn Bowl // November 18
Chely Wright // The Bell House (Brooklyn) // November 29
Ashley Monroe performed "I Buried Your Love Alive," a killer new track from her recently released album The Blade, on Conan. You can watch the kick-ass performance below.
Other Roots Music News:
• Rolling Stone has a stream of an unreleased Andrew Combs track, "Part Time Lovers (Full Time Fools)."
• Grizzly Bear's Ed Droste had to quit Twitter after suffering harassment at the hands of angry Taylor Swift fans.
• Langhorne Slim also stopped by Conan to perform "Strangers."
• NPR's latest list of tunes in heavy rotation include BGS favorites Kasey Chambers and Humming House.
• Folk Alley has a new session with Charlie Parr.
• Jason Isbell performed "Desperadoes Waiting on a Train" on Austin City Limits.
