2024 Christmas Stories, part two.
A one week countdown until this year’s 37th-annual 25-hour marathon begins with this post! Tick tick tick!
Here’s the second half of the Christmas Stories recorded exclusively for the 2024 edition of my Holiday Radio Show on 103.3 fm WPRB we promised you.
These pieces are again posted in the order they originally aired.
Part one can be enjoyed here!
The deadline for this year’s submissions is December 19th!
penelec – “grizzly 399”
To kick us off I’ll let Nyack’s penelec explain their song in their own words:
As Johnny Lydon might say, this is not a Christmas song; however, as Jim Carroll might say, this is a song about people who died. In this case, people who died in 2024, and to whom I want to express gratitude and pay tribute.
This song includes a sample of Johnny Thunders’s 1968 single “I’m Alive.”
Snow Contagion – “Take Two”
A second original story by a listener / author that completely knocked me out. Perhaps one day they’ll permit me to share more information here.
Relative State – “Christmas Morning”
A charmer inspired by the Velvet Underground from Relative State, a duo out of Ossining, New York.
The Kyle Sowashes – “Coal In Your Stocking”
A new holiday tune by four bearded Columbus, Ohio buddies who like to drive and eat and rock. Their new album is “Start Making Sense.” Hear more from The Kyle Sowashes here.
The ‘Mericans – “Happiness”
The 2024 addition to the always-expanding “A Merry ‘Mericans Christmas” is especially lovely. The ‘Mericans are a Rhode Island band founded in 2001 by singer / guitarist Chris Daltry of Purple Ivy Shadows.
DJ Tenderloin – “Strange Wonderful Christmastime Relationship”
The great DJ Tenderloin combines Prince, Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney, Ringo Starr, Ghostface Killah, Megan Thee Stallion, Ella Jenkins, Run-DMC, and various Rankin Bass Christmas show clips into his latest mash-up.
The New Birds of America – “Postal Strike at Christmastime”
The New Birds of America is Ontario’s Blaise Moritz and sometimes others. This song was inspired by the fall 2024 Canada Post strike and is dedicated with gratitude to all postal workers worldwide.
Mudfroot – “Presentgiver”
2024 saw the first-ever ALL-NEIL YOUNG-INSPIRED SET, which included Mudfroot recreating a Shakey favorite for the holidays. “Presentgiver” is a tragic tale from the perspective of Ralphie from A Christmas Story, to the tune of “Powderfinger.”
Greg McGarvey (with Steve Guarino) – “Neil Young Christmas Medley”
For the same set, New Jersey’s Greg McGarvey concocted a full Neil Young Christmas medley, assisted ably by Steve Guarino.
George Korein and the Spleen – “Santa Untold” + “Flying Raccoon Harvest Moon Tune”
The prolific George Korein shows up again with a pair of Neil Young holiday songs, which are both on his name-your-price download “Santa Dog ’24.”
Mudfroot – “Like a Candycane”
Mudfroot‘s second appearance. “Like a Candycane” is a sad, yearning love song from Santa Claus to Mrs. Claus, based on Neil Young’s “Like a Hurricane.”
Captain Automatic – “Not So Many Christmas”
JJK a/k/a Captain Automatic makes their marathon return
George Korein and the Spleen – “Tidings of Comfort and Joy Division”
The ALL-NEW ORDER / JOY DIVISION-INSPIRED SET was able to expand in 2024 thanks to one George Korein.
Edith Frost – “Gift of the Flu”
Drag City recording artist Edith Frost put out a new album this year called “In Space.” She’s got 11 other pieces recorded for the 25-Hour Holiday Radio Show you can find in a playlist here. The best.
Advance Base & Sun June – “Christmas Is Over”
While it was released on December 26th, the pairing of Advance Base and Sun June permitted me to premiere their song one day early.
Tri-State Santa – “Santa’s Lost Tonight”
Tri-State Santa are Michael & Sohrab from the mighty SAVAK collaborating with Geoff Sanoff of Zwei Null Zwei.
The Greenes – “Igloo Station”
A surprise contribution by my friend Walter and his daughters.
The Rutabega – “I Need a Hug”
Last up are The Rutabega, who close us out with a dense beauty filled with love for all.