2015 Christmas Stories, part two.
As promised, here’s the second half of the Christmas Stories recorded exclusively for the 2015 edition of my 25-Hour Holiday Radio Show on 103.3 fm WPRB.
I’ve posted them in the order they originally aired during the program.
Part one can be found here.
Please click on the links provided and support these musicians, artists and talented individuals who were so kind to tape remarkable original pieces for the show. Follow them on Twitter! Like them on Facebook! Buy their records and books! Support their events!
May these works inspire you to record something for this year.
Joshua and Emily Hensley of The Rutabega with Michael Harold Doty of Ceiling Star and Secret Souvenir – “Feliz Navidad”
This is indeed Josh and Emily from The Rutabega with Michael of Secret Souvenir calling Emily’s mom on the phone to sing her a song.
Christopher Williams – “Where Christmas Dreams Come True”
Christopher Williams is half of Glass Bees. The source of the original tape he built his piece around was recorded in a Kmart several decades ago. It can be heard here.
Policymaker – “Honda’s Last Christmas”
Michael T. Fournier is Policymaker. Mike is also the drummer/songwriter of Dead Trend, and the author of Double Nickels on the Dime (33.3/Bloomsbury) and, most recently, Swing State (Three Rooms Press). He lives in Western Massachusetts.
Bret Saunders’ Swingin’ Holiday Synths – “Saunders’ Swingin’ Yuletide Synths”
Saunders’ Swingin’ Yuletide Synths
Mr. Bret Saunders is from Denver, Colorado where he hosts the KBCO Morning Show. He recorded this short version of a holiday classic using a Microbrute synth and a couple of electronic noise gadgets. The melody hangs in there pretty much to the end.
Pat Byrne – “Christmas Story 2015”
Pat Byrne hosts the live variety show “Prove It All Night” once a month at WFMU and helps produce The Best Show every Tuesday evening. He’s a good dude.
Neal Markowski – “Wonderful Christmastime”
Live. One take. No overdubs or anything else – just composer/musician/noise maker Neal Markowski in a room with the instruments. The ending is actually shorter than it should be, but as Markowski recorded this on his cassette 4-track, the tape kept bunching up for some reason towards the end, hence the “jarring” cuts in the solo drums.
Pete & Alex from Star Wars Minute – “What Can You Get a Wookiee for Christmas (When He Already Owns a Comb?)”
My favorite podcast is Star Wars Minute, a show that analyzes, scrutinizes and celebrates each Star Wars film one minute at a time. Hosted by Pete The Retailer and cartoonist Alex Robinson, SWM is currently on it’s fifth season, slogging their way through “Attack of the Clones.” On this “bonus episode,” a song from “Christmas in the Stars” is examined.
John Gentle – “Christmas Alone”
Brett Davis is a comedian, wig-owner and not host of The Special Without Brett Davis, which airs every Wednesday night on the Manhattan Neighborhood Network.
Prowler – “Buyers Beware”
Philadelphia’s Prowler are no strangers to the WPRB studios, having visited the station thrice to play live on Jon Solomon’s weekly show. There are many different strains of their infectious, head-bobbin’ tunes for free download on their Bandcamp page. “Buyers Beware” is also found on their record “Trash Bag.”
Edith Frost – “Coventry Carol (arranged by James Dering)”
Edith Frost can be found on her website and/or Twitter.
James Dering hosts the Better Piano podcast.
This is their third contribution to the marathon in as many years.
These Estates – “Christmas Creep”
Bourbon-driven young Canadian trio These Estates broke from their hiatus to record a holiday song for you. Their two albums “Triumph, Reign” and “The Dignity of Man” are both well worth your time.
The Gotobeds – “FEEL THE WRATH OF MY X-MAS”
Earlier this year Pittsburgh #clowns The Gotobeds released their second album (and first for Sub Pop) “Blood // Sugar // Secs // Traffic.” Boy is it terrific. If you like “smart-dude avant punk,” have I got a band for you!
SAVAK – “Christmas In Park Slope”
SAVAK was formed just last year by members of The Obits, Holy Fuck, Nation of Ulysses, and The Cops. Their acclaimed debut album “Best of Luck in Future Endeavors” is out now!
Joel R.L. Phelps – “Gone Home For Christmas”
Vancouver’s Joel Phelps is a member of The Downer Trio and has also recently played with the group Dama/Libra. Joel is the only artist to record a “Christmas Story” for the show each of the last five years. Many demos and new recordings of his have been posted on Soundcloud, with the lion’s share of his studio output now available through Bandcamp.