The No Depression Guide to Holiday Music That Doesn’t Suck 2023

Do you hear what we hear? Oh yeah, you do: It’s holiday music, all the time, everywhere, all at once.

But the good news is it’s not all bad! Some new holiday albums in the roots music world are adding to the small but mighty canon we like to call “Holiday Music That Doesn’t Suck,” and what a gift that is. Check out reviews below of five new albums we think deserve a chance to rock around your Christmas tree, plus a playlist of highlights from those albums and others and some singles that will jingle your bells.

Various Artists – Stax Christmas

Stax Records and Craft Recordings just keep giving out soulful gifts this year. The new compilation Stax Christmas is the latest treat from the vaunted label’s archives. A mix of rarities, unreleased tracks, and selections previously issued on the 2007 Christmas in Soulsville compilation, there’s something here for every good boy and girl.

If the classics are what suit you, there’s a gorgeous rendition of “White Christmas,” courtesy of Rance Allan Group. Or maybe you’re looking to cut a little rug this holiday season. Well, there’s Albert King’s raunchy “Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin’,” the irrepressibly funky “Season’s Greetings” by lesser known Stax act Cix Bits, and the Staple Singers’ “Who Took the Merry Out of Christmas.”

But the real highlights on Stax Christmas are a pair of previously unreleased tracks. The alternate mix of Otis Redding’s “Merry Christmas Baby” puts the magnificence of the Big O’s larger-than-life voice front-and-center. And Carla Thomas’ “Blue Christmas” deserves to unseat Elvis’ as the definitive rendition of the song.

Whether you’re feeling naughty or nice, there are plenty of treats to be found on Stax Christmas. — Jim Shahen

 TINSEL TRACKS

 “Blue Christmas”
“Season’s Greetings”
“Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin’”

Darin and Brooke Aldridge – Hometown Holiday

Hometown Holiday, Darin and Brooke Aldridge’s first Christmas album, has such a balance of sacred and secular holiday songs that a vinyl record could dedicate a side to each. Rather than sticking to the standard fare, they include The Carpenters’ “Merry Christmas, Darling” and the Beach Boys’ “Little Saint Nick,” as well as an instrumental version of The Chipmunks’ “The Christmas Song.”

Their selection of songs based on the biblical Christmas story presents the narrative from a variety of perspectives — Mary’s wonder at being chosen, Joseph’s acceptance of his role, and the potential storm of gossip in Nazareth.

Brooke and Darin have fine-tuned even the most familiar songs to highlight their vocal talent, whether singing lead or harmony. The songs have enough of the pair’s signature bluegrass flavor to appeal to longtime fans but also offer something for anyone on the lookout for some fresh Christmas music. The standout, though, is Brooke’s haunting delivery of Joni Mitchell’s classic “River,” which bears just the lightest holiday touch. — Nancy Posey

TINSEL TRACKS

“River”
“Who Do You Think?”
“Light of the Stable”

Mr. Sun – Mr. Sun Plays Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite

When Duke Ellington reimagined Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite in 1960, it became an instant classic, updating a world-renowned, timeless masterpiece for a generation that liked a little swing with their sugar plums. Well over 60 years later, Mr. Sun has taken Ellington’s arrangements and updated Tchaikovsky’s vision once again, this time for an audience that mostly prefers the fiddle to the violin.

On Mr. Sun Plays Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite, fiddler Darol Anger, guitarist Grant Gordy, (both from the David Grisman Quintet), mandolinist Joe K. Walsh, and bassist Aidan O’Donnell reinterpret this holiday favorite with bluegrass flair while leaning at times into progressive and impressive atonal runs reminiscent of adventurous jazz. In the spirit of Sir Duke, the titles are repurposed to reflect the irreverent nature of the proceedings. Whether you’re looking for a back porch alternative to classical holiday fare or to stop conversations mid-sentence to inquire if you’re really listening to Tchaikovsky being played on a mandolin, Mr. Sun Plays Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite will definitely raise eyebrows at your next holiday gathering. — Michael Elliott

Mr. Sun Plays Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite received support from the FreshGrass Foundation, publisher of No Depression.

TINSEL TRACKS

“Sugared Rum Spare Me! (Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy)”
“(don’t) Walk on the Flowers (Waltz of the Flowers)”
“Russian Fox Chase (Trepak)”

Beth // James – Christmas at the Burchills [EP] 

In a five-song EP of classic yuletide sounds, Mikaela and Jordan Burchill exude a warm sense of peaceful festive cheer without forsaking their folk roots. From Austin, the Burchills are songwriting and married duo Mikaela and Jordan, whose perform under their middle names, Beth and James.

There are no snowflakes in “Tiki Christmas Land,” where “It’s been 35 since late July.” Hawaiian steel guitar and Mikaela’s vocals radiate a luxurious holiday feel. “Marfa Christmas Lights” finds Beth // James back in their favorite part of Texas, imagining raising a glass of the local sotol with Santa. The toast is pure Americana. Fired up, they strut their stuff with “Santa Won’t You Deliver (My Baby This Winter),” a worthy addition to any Christmas party playlist. The Burchills’ tender version of “Blue Christmas” does full justice to Elvis.

Sentiment runs high in the reflective ballad “The Christmas We Used to Know.” Harmonies abound throughout this EP but those from Beth // James really pluck the heartstrings on this closing song. The Burchills’ folk infused melodic sound is ideal for this time of year, so anyone invited to Christmas at the Burchills should accept without hesitation. — Lyndon Bolton

TINSEL TRACKS

“Marfa Christmas Lights”
“The Christmas We Used to Know”

Michelle Malone and the Hot Toddies – Toddie Time

Atlanta-based legend Michelle Malone has been making feet shuffle, hearts break, and houses rock since the late 1980s as a vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and bandleader. For her latest, she rounded up guitarist Doug Kees and upright bassist Robby Handley to form The Hot Toddies. Together, they’ve gifted us Toddie Time: a dozen holiday classics rearranged to make any Christmas party a lot cooler.

From late night and laid-back jazz club sass to sultry bossa nova rhythms and joyful roots rave-ups, Toddie Time makes the holiday season fun again. Malone’s voice slyly winks, coos, and slides across each track. Cool yule cheer envelops the Hot Toddies’ update of “Zat You, Santa Claus?” while the Rat Pack-throwback take on “Jingle Bells” dashes through the snow effortlessly, hot toddy in hand. In lesser hands, these holiday warhorses would merely fade into the background. Malone and company, however, make sure Toddie Time is the main focus wherever it’s played this season. — Michael Elliott

TINSEL TRACKS

“Zat You, Santa Claus?”
“Away in a Manger”
“Jingle Bells”

ND’S 2023 HOLIDAY MUSIC THAT DOESN’T SUCK PLAYLIST

And now a very merry playlist of songs from these albums and more, plus some new singles, for your holiday celebration: